Quick Analysis
KTM 65 SX
9.0 pts
Unweighted: 3 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S
30.0 pts
Unweighted: 20 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Cooling System | — | Liquid cooled |
| Displacement | 64.9 cc | 1301 cc |
| Engine Type | 1-cylinder, 2-stroke engine | 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, V 75° |
| Power | 11.2 bhp @ 11500 rpm | 160 PS @ 8750 rpm |
| Torque | 10.8 Nm @ 7500 rpm | 140 Nm @ 6500 rpm |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 4.5 L | 23 L |
| Mileage | 30 kmpl | 17.5 kmpl |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | 62 kg | 250 kg |
| Seat Height | 730 mm | 849/869 mm |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | — | Dual Channel |
| Front Brake | Disc 198 mm | Disc 320 mm |
| Front Suspension | XACT 35 WP Upside-Down fork, Ø 35 mm | WP SAT (semi-active technology) Upside-Down Ø 48 mm |
| Rear Brake | Disc 180 mm | Disc 267 mm |
| Rear Suspension | XACT WP mono shock | WP SAT (semi-active technology) shock absorber |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | 60/100 - 14 | 120/70 - ZR19 |
| Rear Tyre | 80/100 - 12 | 170/60 - ZR17 |
| Tyre Type | Tubed | Tubeless |
| Wheel Type | Spoke | Alloy |
Features & Technology |
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| Headlight | — | LED Headlight |
Other Specifications |
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| Cluster | — | Scratch-resistant 7-inch TFT display |
| Color Options | Orange | ORANGE |
| Cons | High maintenance: being a 2-stroke race bike, it needs frequent servicing and top-end rebuilds. Costly parts: replacement parts (especially race-specific ones) can be expensive. Kick-start only — no electric starter, which may be difficult for smaller/younger riders. Limited fuel capacity: small fuel tank means more frequent refuels. Size limitations: while great for its class, more advanced or heavier riders may outgrow it soon. Not road legal — strictly made for off-road/motocross use. | 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 | The KTM 65 SX is one of the most iconic and trusted youth motocross bikes in the world, built for young riders who are ready to step into competitive racing. Designed as a bridge between mini dirt bikes and full-size motocross machines, the 65 SX gives young racers the taste of real racing performance with features inspired directly from KTM’s bigger SX lineup. For many aspiring riders, this bike marks the beginning of a serious motocross journey. At the core of the KTM 65 SX is its 64.9 cc 2-stroke, liquid-cooled engine, designed to deliver smooth yet powerful performance. The engine is known for its sharp throttle response and punchy powerband, which helps riders tackle jumps, corners, and straights with ease. With its race-tuned powervalve system, the bike offers strong torque and acceleration across the rev range, making it highly competitive on the track. The 6-speed gearbox paired with a hydraulic clutch further enhances control, allowing young riders to shift smoothly and confidently during intense racing situations. One of the major highlights of the 65 SX is its lightweight chassis, which gives the bike excellent agility. Weighing just around 53 kg, it allows young riders to maneuver easily, even in technical sections. The frame is built using high-strength chromoly steel, offering a perfect balance of rigidity and flexibility. This helps maintain stability during high-speed riding while still giving enough flex to absorb rough terrain. Suspension plays a huge role in motocross, and KTM has equipped the 65 SX with premium WP XACT suspension. At the front, it features a 35 mm AER air fork, which allows easy adjustment based on the rider’s weight and riding conditions. At the rear, a fully adjustable WP monoshock ensures consistent damping performance. This suspension setup works beautifully on jumps, whoops, and rutted tracks, making the bike feel planted and confidence-inspiring. Braking is equally impressive, with hydraulic disc brakes on both ends providing sharp stopping power. This is especially important for young racers learning advanced braking techniques such as trail braking and hard corner entries. The wave-style discs also help manage heat buildup during longer motos. The ergonomics of the KTM 65 SX are carefully designed to suit growing riders. The seat height, footpegs, and handlebar position give young riders a natural and balanced stance, allowing them to ride longer with less fatigue. The slim bodywork also makes it easier for riders to shift their weight when cornering or navigating obstacles. Another advantage is its “grow-with-the-rider” setup. Many components, including the handlebar and suspension, can be adjusted, making the bike suitable for a range of ages and sizes. This is one of the reasons why parents and young racers prefer the 65 SX — it adapts as the rider’s skills and physical size improve. Overall, the KTM 65 SX is a race-ready machine built to deliver high performance, reliability, and confidence to young riders entering the world of competitive motocross. With its strong engine, agile handling, premium suspension, and race-focused design, it remains one of the best choices for aspiring motocross champions. | 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 mileage? A: The mileage of the KTM 65 SX is around 20–25 kmpl, depending on riding style. Q: What is the engine capacity? A: It comes with a 64.9 cc 2-stroke engine. Q: What is the top speed? A: The top speed is approximately 95–100 km/h. Q: Does the KTM 65 SX have electric start? A: No, it features a kick-start mechanism. Q: What is the seat height? A: The seat height is roughly 750 mm, suitable for young riders. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity? A: It has a 3.5-liter fuel tank. Q: Is the KTM 65 SX road legal? A: No, it is not road legal, as it is built specifically for motocross. Q: What type of brakes does it have? A: The bike uses hydraulic disc brakes on both front and rear. Q: What is the weight of the bike? A: The KTM 65 SX weighs around 53 kg (dry weight). Q: Is the KTM 65 SX good for beginners? A: Yes, it’s ideal for young riders with some basic experience entering competitive motocross. | 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 | | 546500 | | 2273900 |
| Pros | Very lightweight chassis (~53 kg) makes it super agile for young riders. Powerful 64.9 cc 2-stroke engine tuned for competitive performance. High-quality WP XACT suspension (air front fork + mono-shock) gives great control over jumps and bumps. Hydraulic clutch & 6-speed gearbox for smooth gear shifts. Adjustable ergonomics: seat height, handlebar, and bodywork can be tuned to grow with the rider. Strong braking with disc brakes front and rear for reliable stopping power. Built with true “race ready” pedigree — shares tech with bigger KTM SX bikes. | 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 | Kickstarter | Electric starter |
| Transmission | 6 Speed Manual | 6 Speed Manual |
