2021 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R
After recently revealing a thoroughly reimagined 1290 Super Adventure S, KTM have overnight lifted the lid on the changes to the more hard-core Super Adventure R.
As on the S, the 1301 cc 75-degree twin gains Euro5 certification without drastic performance changes, featuring new pistons, an improved twin-radiator cooling system and improvements in economy as well as shedding 1.6 kg in weight. An impressive 160 horsepower at 9000 rpm and 138 Nm at 6500 remain the headlines for the powerplant.
Other updates include the use of two radiators instead of the single unit found its predecessor, while air ducts also direct hot air away from the rider helping with comfort in hot conditions. The airbox was also reworked and is now more easily accessed via four screws.
KTM are also boasting a reworked shifting mechanism designed with the help of Pankl, offering ‘faster, lighter and more responsive actions’. A Quickshifter+ system is optional.
New bodywork is claimed to facilitate easier riding on rough terrain, with the 23-litre three-sectioned fuel tank keeping weight as low as possible.
Handling has also been an area of focus with the steering head moved back 15 mm. A new longer die-cast open-lattice swingarm debuts. Due to its increased ground clearance suspension travel, compared to the more road-going S model, the R saddle is a fairly tall 880 mm (compared to 849 or 869 mm on the S). It does however include a storage compartment underneath, something so often missing on modern motorcycles.
The frame itself was redesigned for more stability, a tactile feel for the rider, and lower centre of gravity and weighs just 10 kg, while the new sub-frame is also lighter and designed to meet the revised ergonomics.
WP Suspension XPLOR front and rear suspension systems have been upgrded, with 48 mm forks offering 220 mm travel along with compression and rebound damping in separate forks, pre-load is also adjustable.
The XPLOR Progressive Damping System (PDS) shock runs an external gas reservoir and offers high and low speed compression adjustability, as well as rebound and pre-load adjustability via a convenient hand-wheel. Also provided by WP is the steering damper with direct attachment, removing the need for a bracket.
When it comes to electronics the 1290 Super Adventure R features a new six-axis lean-angle sensitive IMU, tied into the traction control, slip regulation, stability control systems and off-road ABS.
Joining the standard Rain, Street, Sport and Off-Road modes is also an optional Rally mode with the ability to adjust throttle response and between nine levels of wheel spin.
A new 7″ TFT display also aims to offer a more user friendly experience, and is hooked up to a new connectivity unit, as well as syncing to the KTM MY RIDE app. KTM are promising quicker and more practical menus as part of the update.
You can opt for the Tech Pack which includes the Quickshifter+, Motor Slip Regulation, Hill Hold Control, adaptive brake light, as well as features included in the Rally Pack – throttle response and nine-level wheel spin control.
Wheels on the 1290 Super Adventure R are Alpina aluminium spoked wheels, running o-ring sealant in the spoke nipples, meaning they can be run tubeless, with Bridgestone adventure tyres to be fitted. The Super Adventure R also features a larger rally ready 21″ front and 18″ wheel compared to the Super Adventure S.
Keyless ride and a tyre pressure monitoring system are also standard on the 2021 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R, while there’s a new LED headlight and DRL.
The keyless system incorporates a transponder based system with new ARA mode. ARA provides extra security by needing to be activated before starting the ignition of the bike, although this feature can be turned off via the dash.
The new generation KTM 1290 Super Adventure R will be available at authorised KTM dealers in Australia and New Zealand from May 2021. Pricing is yet to be announced.
Joachim Sauer – KTM Product Manager
“For KTM, ‘R’ stands for ‘Rally’ and ‘Racing’ so with the new KTM 1290 Super Adventure R we really feel in our element. Adopting all the great benefits of the recently launched S model, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R is here to set new standards of all-terrain performance. With this new offroad powerhouse we wanted even more rideability and to achieve it, we looked into rider-focused ergonomics and improved suspension performance. The new bike also offers a big step forward in terms of weight distribution and riding agility. Making gains with the overall performance of our LC8, we were also able to give the 2021 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R innovative technical features. If some of the best moments of adventuring come about by discovering the unknown, with this bike riders could not have a better tool for the job.”
For the run down on the 2021 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S see:
2021 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S | A new generation
2021 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R Specifications
| 2021 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R Specifications | |
| Engine | 1,301 cc, two-cylinder, four-stroke, V 75°, four valves per cylinder / DOHC |
| Bore x Stroke | 108 x 71 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 13.1:1 |
| Claimed Power | 118 kW (160 hp) @ 9,000 rpm |
| Claimed Torque | 138 Nm @ 6,500 rpm |
| Induction | Keihin EFI (throttle body Ø 52 mm) |
| Gears | Six gears |
| Clutch | PASC slipper clutch, hydraulically operated |
| Frame | Chromium-Molybdenum-Steel trellis frame, powder coated, Aluminium, powder coated sub-frame |
| Forks | WP XPLOR Upside-Down Ø 48 mm, Compression, rebound, preload adjustment, 220 mm travel |
| Shock | WP XPLOR shock absorber with PDS, Compression (high and low speed), rebound, hydraulic preload adjustment, 220 mm travel |
| Wheels & Tyres | Forged aluminium rims with spokes 2,5 × 21″ ; 4,25 × 18″, 90/90 21; 150/70 ZR 18 (OT Version: 90/90 × 21; 150/70 × 18) |
| Front Brakes | Dual Brembo four-piston, radially mounted caliper, brake discs Ø 320 mm |
| Rear Brake | Brembo two-piston, fixed caliper, brake disc Ø 267 mm |
| Electronics | Bosch 10.3ME Combined-ABS (incl. Cornering-ABS and offroad mode, disenengageable), Keihin EMS with RBW and ACC (adaptive cruise control), double ignition, MTC (lean-angle sensitive, 4 modes, disengageable), Rally Mode |
| Instrumentation | 7″ TFT |
| Dry Weight | 221 kg |
| Ground Clearance | 242 mm |
| Seat Height | 880 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,577±15 mm |
| Rake / Trail | 64.7° / 112.8 mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 23 litres / 5 l reserve |
| Service Intervals | 15,000 km |
| Warranty | 24-month |
| Available | May, 2021 (Australia) |
| Price | TBA |
