KTM has taken the wraps off the new 1290 Super Adventure family of adventure touring motorcycles. To suit the purpose of different enthusiasts, KTM is offering this model in three trims – the Adventure R, Adventure S and Adventure T.
All three bikes get a significant cosmetic makeover thanks to the redesigned fairing and new headlamp. They continue to be based on a trellis chassis with the engine as a stressed member, though the 1301cc V-twin unit has now been upgraded to meet Euro IV norms. Information is fed to the rider through a 6.5-inch full-colour TFT screen. The electronics package includes cornering ABS, traction control and five riding modes.
While all the three models share similar underpinnings, they do differ in character. The 1290 Super Adventure T, where T stands for ‘travel’ is the base variant pegged as the ‘ultimate adventure tourer’. The 1290 Super Adventure S is the replacement for the 1190 Adventure, and is more of a dual-purpose motorcycle. The alloy wheels and the Pirelli Scorpion Trail II tyres indicate that the Super Adventure S is meant to stick to the road more often than wander off it. The suspension travel has also been reduced along with seat height, lowering the centre of gravity and improving its riding dynamics on the tarmac.
The 1290 Super Adventure R on the other hand is a hard core adventure off-roader. It gets a host of utilitarian bits like crash bars, 21-inch front and 18-inch rear spoke wheels and fully-adjustable WP suspension. The 1290 Super Adventure R rides on tubeless tyres Continental Trail Attack tyres, which get tyre pressure monitoring system. Optional extras include keyless ignition, cruise control, hill hold control and a quickshifter.
All three 1290 Super Adventure models can be rigged with optional extras like panniers and bash plates. Expected to go on sale in Europe by early 2017, the 1290 Super Adventure models will sit above the new 1090 Adventure range. We do not expect them to be launched in India any time soon.
