2024 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S and Super Adventure R Review | First Look
KTM has announced the return of the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S and Super Adventure R for 2024, high-performance ADV bikes tailored to the street (S) and off-road (R). Both bikes return with the features riders have grown to appreciate over the years, as well as new color and graphic schemes.
According to KTM, “While the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S will pound the roads and cope with the dust, gravel and light, loose ground, the ‘R’ is orientated for hardcore offroad adventurers who want and need premium kit to level any landscape or terrain.”
The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S and Super Adventure R are both powered by a 1,301cc LC8 V-Twin mated to a 6-speed Pankl transmission and a PASC slip/assist clutch. The heart of the bikes is regulated by a Bosch 6D IMU that provides inputs for the ride modes (Sport, Street, Offroad, Rain, and optional Rally, which includes 9-levels of adjustable MTC intervention), Motorcycle Traction Control, cornering ABS, cornering lights, and (on the S) electronic suspension. When we put the 2022 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R on Jett Tuning’s dyno in Sport mode, the bike produced 126 hp at 9,100 rpm and 88 lb-ft of torque at 8,000 rpm at the rear wheel. In Off-road mode, it made 81 hp at 6,600 rpm and 62 lb-ft of torque at 6,900 rpm.
Rider EIC Greg Drevenstedt has reviewed both the 2022 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R and 2018 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S. While we’re not sure about no trail being of reach, he said of the Super Adventure R that it can “take you to places well off the beaten path,” and when it came to the S, he said that “regardless of the condition of the pavement or the radius of the curve, the KTM is unflappable.”
See all of Rider‘s KTM coverage here.
Both bikes have a 22-lb chromoly stainless-steel frame and vertically stacked LEDs with low beam, high beam, and cornering lights that illuminate sequentially as lean angle increases. The seat on the R is fixed at 34.6 inches, while the S has a height-adjustable seat (33.4 or 34.2 inches). Ground clearance also differs, with 9.5 inches on the R compared with 8.7 inches on the S. Additionally, the R offers adjustable handlebar positions, engine guards, and a skid plate.
The Super Adventure S has WP semi-active suspension damping and anti-dive (WP Suspension Pro is an optional upgrade, as is Quickshifter+) offering 7.9 inches of travel front and back. The R features WP XPLOR fully adjustable suspension, with a 48mm split- cartridge fork, a Progressive Damping System rear shock, and 8.7 inches of travel at both ends. The S rides on 19-inch front and 17-inch rear tires, compared with 21/18 on the R.
Stopping power is the same on both bikes, with a 320mm disc up front and 267mm in the back. Offroad ABS mode allows for dirt-specific ABS application on the front wheel while disengaging the rear ABS.
Both bikes also have a 7-inch TFT display for full control over the ride modes, suspension, ABS settings, and adaptive cruise control. Additionally, the KTMConnect App boasts Turn-by-Turn+ guidance and waypoint markers while on the go and without having to stop and adjust any mobile device. The same functionality also extends to audio tracks and listing ‘Favorites’ when it comes to phone calls.
The KTM PowerParts collection includes additional gear and protection for the 2023 KTM 1290 Super Adventure bikes, such as extra protective parts, aesthetic touches through detailing, or travel items like luggage, racks, and bags.
The 2024 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S comes in a new gray color scheme with prominent black and hints of orange. The R has a new sporting white color and graphic scheme. Pricing has not yet been announced.
For more information, visit the KTM website.
Check out more new/updated bikes in Rider’s 2024 Motorcycle Buyers Guide
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