As I sit here in a shop, I look out to the sky to see what is winter in full swing and that means rain and cold temperatures with heavy winds. Definitely not the motorcycling weather we like to ride in! Until times get better, let’s talk about bikes as we normally do!
Right… boring stuff first. 160hp. Semi-Active suspension. V-Twin. Brembo Brakes. The normal stuff on making a bike a bike. Well… you may think that this is boring but it’s not, not even for a small bit. The 1290 Super Adventure S is brutal, fun, exciting and classy.
Let’s kick off with the motor. It is the trusty LC8 motor that has a character of a very introverted person, it may seem quiet and calm but give that person a few shots and they will be on the dance floor! Yes, that’s the LC8 in a night shell. Elegant, smooth and gentle but give the horns and she will want to rip your shoulders out of their sockets!
The WP suspension on this bike is the Apex. A road derived, fun and forgiving suspension. The optional suspension pro gives you an almost unlimited amount of setup for the bike, suspension and so much more. Soft suspension with a harder spring rate or more preload and softer spring rate. The options are endless and that is what makes things truly that much more fun! Brembo brakes grip these huge 320mm discs in the front while a disc of 260mm at the rear is there to balance the bike and make sure you’re honest!
Now… let’s get to the fun stuff. I have a very fond memory of this motorcycle. First breakfast ride back at KTM and I have got the 1290S. Oh.. this should be fun or so I thought. This is the only bike, to date, that I have got a speeding fine with (sorry Dave). It’s quite surreal because the 1290 doesn’t encourage you to send it , or go crazy or worse, ride crazy. The only time this motorcycle encourages you to send it a little bit is if you are passed by a RC390. Then the race is in! Oh yes, the race is on! Wait, whoops. No it is not! I don’t encourage reckless and crazy riding. Maybe on the odd occasion.
Maybe the KTM 1290 Super Adventure is a bit crazy because it really doesn’t hold back when the throttle is rolled on and when I mean rolled on, I mean even the smallest amounts and it is like a million horses are pulling you and now you must hold on! The most important thing about a motorcycle that is designed to do long distance is the comfort, suspension and speed. We have covered the 2 out of 3 things but let’s go for the last one.
You ready? If you are ever a pillion, a passenger princess or riding on the bike, you are in luck! It is truly comfortable, and capable. The pillion never complains and it is easy to forget that you are lifting anyone as the suspension soaks up all the bumps with them on the back. On the fly adjustable suspension means that if the bike is squirming around a bit too much with a pillion, you can set the preload to make it near perfect for both you and the pillion.
This bike needed no introduction nor description. The name “1290” and everyone knows what you mean. Pillion, no pillion. Twisty roads or long straight roads. Traffic or free city riding. The 1290 is beautiful in every single scenario. This bike makes you feel alive, it is a perfect description as to why anyone should ride a motorcycle. I think it’s time for me to save up and start to invest in an adventure bike because it is so much fun. Anyone who ever gets the opportunity to ride a 1290, just do it! You will never regret it but just hold on.
KTM, you’ve done it again.