Overview
The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S is the thrilling apex of KTM’s travel bike lineup, blending raw power with modern electronics and long-distance capability to deliver a truly versatile adventure machine. At the core of the bike lies its mighty 1,301 cc LC8 V-twin engine, which churns out around 160 PS of power and 140 Nm of torque. This translates into effortless rapid acceleration, strong highway performance, and the brute force needed to carry luggage or cruise with a pillion. Whether you’re blasting down twisty mountain roads or towing through open terrain, the 1290 SAS feels like a bike that can do it all.
One of the standout features of the Super Adventure S is its adaptive cruise control (ACC) — a rare find in this segment. With its radar-based system, riders can maintain a set distance from the vehicle in front, reducing fatigue during long rides. This, combined with a rich electronics suite that includes Motorcycle Stability Control (MSC), cornering ABS, traction control (MTC), quickshifter+, and multiple riding modes (Rain, Street, Off-road, Rally), gives you confidence and control no matter where you’re headed. The 7-inch TFT display serves as the cockpit brain, presenting ride data, navigation details, and vital alerts with clarity.
In terms of handling and comfort, the 1290 SAS strikes a remarkable balance. Equipped with semi-active WP suspension, the bike dynamically adjusts damping based on ride conditions, ensuring a smooth ride over broken tarmac while maintaining tight control when pushing hard. The trellis frame is rigid yet light enough to make the weight (over 250 kg) feel manageable. The ergonomics are well thought out — the adjustable windshield, comfortable seat, and raised handlebars make for a relaxed riding posture that’s ideal for long touring.
Fuel capacity is another strong point. With its 23-litre tank, the Super Adventure S offers excellent range, making it ideal for epic road trips. For riders planning multi-day journeys or even cross-country routes, fuel stops are less of a chore, and the engine’s broad torque curve ensures manageable fuel consumption even under load.
However, it’s not all smooth sailing. The Super Adventure S’s powerful V-twin can generate noticeable heat, especially in heavy traffic or warm climates. The price tag is also quite premium, reflecting its status as a high-spec adventure bike with semi-active suspension and advanced electronics. As with any complex, electronics-loaded machine, maintenance and service costs are higher than simpler bikes.
Despite these trade-offs, the 1290 Super Adventure S excels at its intended purpose: it’s a performance-focused travel machine that doesn’t compromise on comfort or high-speed capability. For riders who crave an adventure bike that feels equally at home on high-speed highways, winding backroads, or loose terrain, the 1290 SAS is one of the most compelling choices. It combines KTM’s racing pedigree with real-world usability, making long-distance touring not just practical but exhilarating.
In summary, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S is a high-performance, high-comfort adventure bike that brings together advanced technology, raw power, and touring durability. If you’re looking for an adventure motorcycle that doesn’t feel like you’re making too many compromises — power-wise or comfort-wise — the 1290 SAS delivers a premium, capable, and thrilling ride.
KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S Variants & Price
| Variant Name | Ex-Showroom Price | Action |
|---|---|---|
|
KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S
|
₹2,273,900 |
Get On-Road Price |
Technical Specifications
| Engine Type | 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, V 75° |
| Displacement | 1301 cc |
| Max Power | 160 PS @ 8750 rpm |
| Max Torque | 140 Nm @ 6500 rpm |
| Cooling System | Liquid cooled |
| Transmission | 6 Speed Manual |
| Front Suspension | WP SAT (semi-active technology) Upside-Down Ø 48 mm |
| Rear Suspension | WP SAT (semi-active technology) shock absorber |
| Front Brake | Disc 320 mm |
| Rear Brake | Disc 267 mm |
| ABS | Dual Channel |
| Front Tyre | 120/70 - ZR19 |
| Rear Tyre | 170/60 - ZR17 |
| Kerb Weight | 250 kg kg |
| Seat Height (Standard) | 849/869 mm mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 23 L |
| Wheel Type | Alloy |
| Tyre Type | Tubeless |
| Headlight | LED Headlight |
| Instrument Cluster | Scratch-resistant 7-inch TFT display |
| Starter | Electric starter |
| ABS | Dual Channel |
KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S Pros & Cons
- Massive Power & Torque: Powered by a 1,301cc LC8 V-twin engine, the 1290 SAS delivers 160 PS and 140 Nm of torque — great for both highway cruising and spirited rides.
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): Comes with radar-based ACC, which allows you to lock on to a vehicle ahead and maintain a safe distance automatically — a big plus for long touring.
- Advanced Rider Electronics: Features such as Motorcycle Stability Control (MSC), cornering ABS, traction control (MTC), quickshifter+, and multiple riding modes add a high level of safety and versatility.
- Semi-Active WP Suspension: The WP semi-active suspension adjusts damping dynamically, offering comfort, sporty control, or off-road capability depending on the mode.
- Long Range Fuel Tank: With a 23-liter fuel tank, it gives a very decent range for touring or long rides.
- Premium Build & Components: The build quality is high, with a strong trellis frame, durable engine internals (like DLC coatings), and overall excellent material quality.
- Comfort & Ergonomics: Adjustable windshield, adjustable seat height, and rider-focused ergonomics make it comfortable for long-distance journeys.
- High Price & Running Cost: As a premium big adventure bike, the 1290 SAS is expensive to buy and maintain.
- Complex Electronics: The rich electronics package may be overwhelming for some riders and can lead to occasional software glitches.
- Reliability Concerns: Some owners report electrical issues (e.g., MTC error, key fob issues) and other rare faults.
- Seat Comfort: The stock seat is criticized by several users for being hard, especially on long rides.
- Weight: With a kerb weight of around 250 kg, it’s a heavy machine, which can make it less agile in certain situations, particularly off-road.
- Heat & Engine Complexity: The powerful V-twin can generate noticeable heat, and servicing its complex components (like twin plugs, semi-active suspension, etc.) can be demanding.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the engine specification of the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S?
It uses a 1,301 cc V-twin (LC8) engine with 75° configuration.
How much power and torque does it deliver?
The motor produces 160 PS (118 kW) and 140 Nm of torque.
What is the fuel capacity and mileage?
It has a 23-litre fuel tank. According to Autocar India, the claimed fuel efficiency is 17.5 km/l.
What type of brakes and ABS does this bike use?
The 1290 Super Adventure S features 320 mm front discs and 267 mm rear discs, backed by Bosch combined ABS with cornering ABS and an off-road ABS mode.
What suspension setup is on the 1290 SAS?
It comes with WP semi-active suspension (SAT)—a 48 mm upside-down fork in the front and a semi-active rear shock absorber.
What is the seat height and ground clearance?
The seat height is 849 mm, adjustable up to 869 mm, and ground clearance is 223 mm.
What instrument cluster does it come with?
It features a 7-inch TFT display, which supports angle adjustment, navigation via KTM Connect, and can show ride data.
Is the 1290 Super Adventure S good for touring?
Yes — with its large fuel tank, long travel suspension, and comfort-oriented electronics (like ACC and adjustable windscreen), it's well-suited for long-distance touring.
What is the kerb / dry weight of the bike?
The kerb weight is approximately 220 kg (per 91Wheels).
Are there any common issues reported by owners?
Some users mention electronic gremlins (e.g. MTC error) early on. > “I had 1 mtc error when the bike was new but nothing since.” Also, a few riders ask about suspension tuning, especially at high speed.