KTM is now famous for its 1,301cc v-twin, but it was still shocking how strong this motor was in 2018.
That big v-twin is back in a new model that debuted in the U.S. market for 2022 (it had been available a year earlier in Europe). The redesigned Super Adventure S you see here features extensive changes and refinements.
The engine has some changes related to the latest Euro5 emission standards, but continues with the same stonking power and torque levels found in the earlier model. The gear box has been substantially improved with new internals, and the Quickshifter+ system works with it for what KTM promises to deliver fast, smooth and quick gear changes.
Power delivery from the giant v-twin is smoother and more refined, but still delivers a claimed 160 horsepower and 101 foot/pounds of torque.
All of the modern electronics are present. A six-axis IMU works to assist lean-sensitive ABS, traction control and off-road ABS systems. The rider can select from four standard settings, including Rain, Street, Sport and Offroad. An optional Rally mode is available.
Entirely new is Adaptive Cruise Control that KTM developed with Bosch. The rider can select from five different options for the following distance of the vehicle ahead.
The latest generation WP-APEX Semi-Active suspension is integrated into the new 1290 Super Adventure S. We thought earlier versions of this Semi-Active technology were implemented well by KTM, and this latest version promises to be the best, yet. Several settings allow the rider to dial in soft-and-cushy to stiff-and-sporty response from the suspension. There is even an optional anti-dive setting for the fork. With the available Suspension Pro package, the rider can also select various preload and stiffness settings for the fork and shock independent of the standard settings.
This new generation Super Adventure S has a new frame with new, more aggressive steering geometry, new body work and a low-slung gas tank reminiscent of the 790/890 Adventure models.
In essence, the bike is almost entirely new save for the wheels and some other minor components shared with the prior model. The 7″ TFT display now has new graphics and a user interface that we found quit intuitive. In addition to the optional Rally mode, KTM offers an optional Supension Pro package that includes individual damping control for the fork and shock, an automatic preload setting, as well as the aforementioned anti-dive feature for the fork.
Taking the bike up off its side stand, it feels lighter than its predecessor. Not unexpected, because the fuel tank keeps the weight of the fuel much lower.
This is a tall bike when you swing your leg over it, even with the seat in the lower position. For reference, the test rider is 5’11” tall with a 31″ inseam.
Once moving, the bike disguises its weight quite well. The seating position is comfortable with the tank narrow between the rider’s legs and a reasonable distance between the seat and the foot pegs. The headstock is 15mm closer to the rider than the prior model, and the reach to the bars is easy – keeping the rider very upright.
With the bike set to the Street mode, throttle response seems much smoother than it was on the prior model. Perhaps deceptively, this makes the bike seem a bit slower even though all of the power is available in Street.
Switching to the Sport mode wakes the bike up considerably, and is a reminder of just how much power is available from the big v-twin. Fuel injection tuning is excellent in both modes, and picking up a closed throttle on corner exits does not disturb the chassis.
This bike can carve corners, and run with sportbikes quite well. KTM’s efforts to centralize the mass seems to have been successful. Carrying the fuel weight low is only part of the reason. In any event, the new Super Adventure S changes directions confidently and with less effort than the prior model … without losing any stability.
The new bike also has a longer swingarm, which, together with the closer steering head, places more weight over the front wheel. This is one reason the bike provides good feedback from the front contact patch while cornering and gives the rider more confidence.
The new generation semi-active suspension is impressive. Damping seems to be adjusted properly, giving the bike a good balanced feel. This is true whether you are running a softer setting for street cruising or highway use, or a stiffer setting for sport riding. We thought KTM was ahead of some of its rivals with the prior generation of semi-active suspension technology, and we continue to feel the same way with this new generation.
Being a bit old school, perhaps, we aren’t the biggest fans of Adaptive Cruise Control on a motorcycle … preferring to control the throttle and brake manually when necessary to change following distance on the highway. Nevertheless, in testing, the ACC seemed to work about as well as you could expect. The radar on the bike seemed to do a good job of maintaining the selected distance from the car ahead, and it changed acceleration and deceleration smoothly rather than abruptly.
The completely redesigned transmission shifts beautifully. Shifts are easy and positive, and the quickshifter works well even in the lower rpm ranges. We hope this level of transmission sophistication works it way down to the lower displacement KTMs, including the 890s.
Leaving behind our discussion of all the electronic sophistication, this bike proves to be a comfortable, fast and fun motorcycle in the real world. The brakes are excellent. The suspension controls the chassis well when the appropriate settings are selected for the circumstances, and it can tour and rip twisty roads better than many tourers and sport bikes.
This is the original, big-engined adventure tourer. Its focus is the street, not the dirt (even though it is capable of light off-roading). It was difficult for us to find fault in the bike, although we must say that the stock tires from Mitas (a brand we do not recall using previously) were competent without being as confidence inspiring as other 19/17 combinations we have tried. we would certainly swap to something else once they are worn.
With a 6.1 gallon fuel tank and a claimed wet weight of 540 pounds, the big Super Adventure S can serve as a tourer and a commuter. The tall, commanding riding position is an advantage on the street, and available luggage options just increase its practicality.
If you are looking for a powerful sport tourer or street-focused adventure bike, we think you have to take a close look at the KTM Super Adventure S. The bike is available at a U.S. MSRP of $19,499. Take a look at KTM’s website for additional details and specifications.
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