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Quick Analysis

ATHER 450 Apex

0.5 pts
Unweighted: 1 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther

KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S

32.5 pts
Unweighted: 20 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
Specification
ATHER 450 Apex
ATHER 450 Apex
Ather
KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S
KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S
KTM

Engine Specifications

Cooling System Liquid cooled
Displacement 1301 cc
Engine Type 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, V 75°
Power 7.0 kW 160 PS @ 8750 rpm
Torque 26 Nm 140 Nm @ 6500 rpm

Performance & Efficiency

Fuel Tank Capacity 23 L
Mileage 17.5 kmpl

Dimensions & Weight

Kerb Weight 111.6 kg 250 kg
Seat Height 780 mm 849/869 mm

Brakes & Suspension

ABS Dual Channel
Front Brake Hydraulically actuated triple-piston calliper disc Disc 320 mm
Front Suspension Telescopic forks WP SAT (semi-active technology) Upside-Down Ø 48 mm
Rear Brake Hydraulically actuated single-piston calliper disc Disc 267 mm
Rear Suspension Symmetrically mounted progressive monoshock WP SAT (semi-active technology) shock absorber

Tyres & Wheels

Front Tyre 90/90 - 12 120/70 - ZR19
Rear Tyre 100/80 - 12 170/60 - ZR17
Tyre Type Tubeless Tubeless
Wheel Type Alloy Alloy

Features & Technology

Headlight LED LED Headlight

Other Specifications

Battery 3.7 kWh Lithium-ion
Cluster Scratch-resistant 7-inch TFT display
Color Options Edium Blue ORANGE
Cons Relatively expensive — might feel like overkill if you only need basic commuting. Suspension and ride comfort may feel a bit firm on rough or potholed roads. Storage and seating/space may feel limited if you need more room or are a taller rider. Real-world range drops noticeably with aggressive riding or heavy load — and reliability depends on having charging access. The premium features and extra cost may not feel “worth it” for riders who don’t use them often. 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.
Detailed Overview From the moment you swing a leg over the Ather 450 Apex, you quickly realize this isn’t just another electric scooter — it’s meant for people who care about performance, control and smart urban commuting. The heart of the ride is a well-tuned 7.0 kW Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM). Thanks to that, the Apex produces up to 26 Nm of torque and delivers brisk acceleration. The numbers are impressive on paper — 0 to 40 km/h in about 2.9 seconds — but on the road that translates to a quick launch off the traffic light, a feeling of immediacy and confidence in start-stop city traffic. What really stands out is the top-end power: the Apex can push beyond the 100 km/h mark, which is rare for an electric scooter in everyday commuter territory. That means the scooter doesn’t just shine in stop-and-go traffic — it’s also capable enough for longer rides, smoother expressway bursts, or overtaking with composure, rather than relying on brute throttle. Under the floorboard lies a 3.7 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. According to the maker, a full charge delivers a certified “IDC” range of up to 157 km — though real-world results will depend heavily on riding style, mode selected, and load (rider + pillion + cargo). In everyday mixed use, you might see somewhere between 110–130 km on a charge if riding moderately, or closer to 75–95 km if you’re leaning on the scooter’s performance edge with aggressive acceleration or using “Warp+” mode. That makes the Apex genuinely practical for daily commuting and occasional long-ish rides. Recharging doesn’t take forever either: with the standard home charger, going from zero to full takes roughly 5¾ hours. For many users, that means a single overnight charge can give you more than a day’s worth of commuting — convenient and low-friction. Of course, power is nothing without control — and on that front, the Apex doesn’t disappoint. Braking is handled by disc brakes at both the front and rear, paired with a combined braking system plus regenerative braking. The regenerative braking is enhanced via a feature called “Magic Twist”: simply releasing the throttle initiates deceleration and regeneration, which smoothens urban rides and helps squeeze out a bit more from the battery. That also means less reliance on brake levers for everyday slowing, making riding more intuitive — especially in stop-heavy traffic. Ride quality strikes a balance between agility and comfort. The suspension setup — telescopic front forks and a monoshock rear — combined with relatively light kerb weight (about 111.6 kg) and compact 12-inch wheels, makes the scooter nimble and easy to manoeuvre through crowded lanes or narrow city roads. For you, that translates into easy overtakes, nippy turns, and less stress when weaving through traffic, while the suspension does enough to absorb most urban bumps and potholes without jarring you. Practicality isn’t ignored either: there’s an under-seat storage of generous 22 litres — handy for a helmet, groceries or a backpack — and seat height is accessible for most riders. In real life, that means you don’t have to worry about where to stash your stuff, and mounting or dismounting remains easy even in everyday use. But what really makes the Apex feel like a “modern scooter of 2025” is how connected and smart it is. A sharp 7-inch touchscreen dashboard offers smartphone connectivity, navigation (via Google Maps), music and call controls, notifications and more. You don’t need to dig out your phone for directions — just glance at the dash. Features such as auto-cancel indicators, “guide-me-home” lights, emergency stop signal, and even “infinite cruise” (cruise-like comfort for longer trips) lend the scooter a layer of convenience and modernity that gets appreciated in day-to-day life. For many riders, having multiple ride modes — ranging from Smart Eco and Eco to Sport and the aggressive Warp+ — is a big plus. It means you can tailor the ride depending on traffic, terrain or mood: ride efficiently during daily commutes, or unlock full power when you want a spirited ride. What this all adds up to — in simple human terms — is an electric scooter that doesn’t force compromises. You get the zippy agility and ease of a scooter tailored for city roads, combined with enough punch, speed, and sophistication to make longer or faster rides genuinely reasonable. Whether you’re weaving through street traffic in tight lanes, commuting to work, or taking a leisurely evening ride out of town, the Ather 450 Apex feels ready for it. 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.
Expert Review MotoAutiv Team MotoAutiv Team
FAQ (Manual Override) Q: What is the top speed of the Ather 450 Apex? A: The top speed is around 100 km/h. Q: How fast does the Ather 450 Apex accelerate from 0–40 km/h? A: It accelerates from 0–40 km/h in about 2.9 seconds. Q: What is the battery capacity of the Ather 450 Apex? A: It comes with a 3.7 kWh lithium-ion battery. Q: What is the real-world range of the Ather 450 Apex? A: You can typically expect around 110–130 km in mixed riding, and about 75–95 km in hard riding. Q: What is the certified range of the Ather 450 Apex? A: The official IDC-certified range is up to 157 km per charge. Q: How long does it take to charge the Ather 450 Apex? A: A full charge through the home charger takes roughly 5.75 hours. Q: What kind of motor does the Ather 450 Apex use? A: It uses a 7.0 kW PMSM motor that produces up to 26 Nm of torque. Q: Does the Ather 450 Apex have fast charging? A: It supports Ather fast charging, letting you top up quickly on compatible chargers. Q: What ride modes are available on the Ather 450 Apex? A: Modes include SmartEco, Eco, Ride, Sport, and Warp+. Q: What type of brakes does the Ather 450 Apex have? A: It has disc brakes at both front and rear, with combined braking and regenerative braking. Q: What is Magic Twist on the Ather 450 Apex? A: Magic Twist is a regenerative braking system that slows the scooter when you release the throttle. Q: How much does the Ather 450 Apex weigh? A: It weighs around 111.6 kg. Q: What is the under-seat storage capacity? A: It offers 22 litres of under-seat storage. Q: Does the Ather 450 Apex have navigation? A: Yes, it has onboard navigation integrated into the touchscreen display. Q: What size is the instrument display? A: It has a 7-inch touchscreen dashboard. Q: What is the engine specification of the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S? A: It uses a 1,301 cc V-twin (LC8) engine with 75° configuration. Q: How much power and torque does it deliver? A: The motor produces 160 PS (118 kW) and 140 Nm of torque. Q: What is the fuel capacity and mileage? A: It has a 23-litre fuel tank. According to Autocar India, the claimed fuel efficiency is 17.5 km/l. Q: What type of brakes and ABS does this bike use? A: 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. Q: What suspension setup is on the 1290 SAS? A: It comes with WP semi-active suspension (SAT)—a 48 mm upside-down fork in the front and a semi-active rear shock absorber. Q: What is the seat height and ground clearance? A: The seat height is 849 mm, adjustable up to 869 mm, and ground clearance is 223 mm. Q: What instrument cluster does it come with? A: It features a 7-inch TFT display, which supports angle adjustment, navigation via KTM Connect, and can show ride data. Q: Is the 1290 Super Adventure S good for touring? A: 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. Q: What is the kerb / dry weight of the bike? A: The kerb weight is approximately 220 kg (per 91Wheels). Q: Are there any common issues reported by owners? A: 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.
Price Variants | 189999 | 2273900
Pros Strong, responsive acceleration — fun and confident around city traffic or during quick overtakes. Good top speed for an electric scooter, making it usable not just for city commutes but occasional longer or faster rides. Smart, modern features and a connected dashboard — adds convenience, navigation, and a premium feel. Adequate real-world battery range for daily commuting and moderate longer rides. Low maintenance compared with petrol scooters — simpler upkeep, no fuel hassles. 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.
Starter Electric starter
Transmission 6 Speed Manual