KTM 1290 Super Adventure S — First Look

KTM’s maxi-ADV touring machine, the 1290 Super Adventure S, will be getting minor tweaks for the 2023 model year — so long as you live in Europe.

The 160hp LC8 V-twin will remain unchanged, as will the main chassis, however, the subframe has been reworked to offer a lower seat between 33.43 inches and 34.21 inches (the 2022 Super Adventure S’ seat height is 33.4 inches and 34.7 inches). That’s effectively it for the running gear updates, with WP’s Semi-Active Suspension hardware and software taking care of suspension duties, and Mitas TERRA FORCE-R tires developed especially for the Super Adventure S, as they were in 2022.

KTM has instead put more effort into making the Super Adventure S the daddy of max-ADV machines by developing a greater focus on its navigational ability. Housed in that massive seven-inch TFT screen are turn-by-turn navigation guidance and waypoint markers, so you won’t have to stop and adjust the points on your phone when marking or following a route.

On top of this is the usual plethora of electronics goodies — LED lights, cornering ABS, lean-angle sensitive traction control, and adaptive cruise control. However, the Quickshifter+ is an optional extra, as is the WP Suspension Pro feature.

Now, for the confusing bit at the start of this article. Unfortunately, the 2023 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S will be bought to the U.S. as a 2024 model. This is not a new phenomenon, as we saw this with the 1290 Super Duke R EVO and also bikes like Yamaha’s Tenere 700 and Honda’s CBR1000RR in the past.

As such, no MSRP has been given for the new Super Duke. But, given that there’s really not much difference between the U.S. designated 2024 model and the current generation Super Adventure S, you may as well just pick up the ones that are in the dealership right now and save the 12 month wait.

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