The driving force At the heart of the new 1290 Super Adventure is the 1301cc V-twin which debuted in the firm’s Super Duke R last year. A derivative of the original RC8’s 1190 LC8 motor, this bored and stroked 1301cc unit weighs in at around 62kg, and at peak can develop 180bhp, and 106lbft of torque, while a slipper clutch looks after the back torque when you shut the throttle.
MTC (motorcycle traction control) KTM’s four-mode (Sport, Street, Rain, Off-road) traction control package also allows sporty and aggressive riding, and different levels of permissible rear-wheel slip. It can also be turned off.
Tyres Continental Trail Attack IIs are fitted as standard in sizes 90/90 ZR (260) 21 and 150/70 ZR (260) 18 - extremely versatile and incidentally also incredibly suitable for off-road use.
Tyre pressure monitoring system Already fitted as standard, the TPMS monitors tyre pressure, and relays the real-time information to the dash, warning the rider in the event of pressure loss. Brakes The 1290 appears to keep the 1190’s 320mm brake discs, radially mounted, four-piston brake calipers and radial master cylinder up front, with a 268mm disc at the rear, all linked to the Bosch 9ME C-ABS system.
C-ABS (combined ABS) and off-road mode KTM has confirmed the 1290 will use the Bosch MSC braking package already in use on the 1190, and which delivers the world’s first lean-sensitive cornering ABS (also now being used by BMW). The system can be switched off, and also has off-road optimised settings. Swingarm KTM’s trademark die-cast, open-lattice swingarm design results in a light and stable unit, and is carried straight over from the 1190.
Semi-active suspension It would appear that KTM is storming ahead with semi-active suspension for the new 1290.
While the firm refuses to comment, there appears to be an electronic plug routed to the top of the fork stanchion, hinting at an ?hlins-like system, as seen on Ducati’s 1199 Panigale S. KTM’s boast of “further absolutely unique electronically supported riding assistance equipment” also adds weight to the speculation.
Power-to-weight ratio The 1190R weighs 235kg fully wet, and there’s nothing to suggest the 1290 will be different. The claimed 1290 motor’s peak output is 180bhp, so there’ll be no lack of drive on offer.
Chassis The wrap-around front crash bars appear different to the 1190’s, but the main tubular space frame structure appears to be close to identical.
And there’s more
Also visible on the new 1290 are: ? Daytime running light ? LED indicators ? Adjustable ergonomics ? New rider and pillion seats ? New larger adjustable screen ? Luggage rack and panniers ? Handguards |