KTM 1290 Super Adventure R: specifications and compatible accessories
One hundred and sixty horsepower and a 21-inch wheel: the most extreme big-bore enduro
The LC8 twin-cylinder engine in its most powerful form, on a chassis built for real off-road riding. It is the bike that demands more protection than any other we deal with: when it falls, it falls with 220 kilos and expensive components.
- In summarySuperbike power and enduro chassis: protection comes first.
- Do this firstHeadlight protection, CDZJ251 auxiliary-light bracket, BHG-107 handguards.
- Shared with the SLuggage racks, top-case plate, headlight protection, handguards.
- R onlyThe LOBOO CDZJ251 auxiliary-light bracket.
- BrandsLOBOO, DENALI, Barkbusters, Eazi-Grip.
Who it's recommended for
It's the right bike if
- You are over 1.85 meters tall and already experienced: an 880 mm seat height and 221 kg dry weight do not forgive uncertainty
- You ride on real dirt even with the big bike, not just well-maintained unpaved roads
- You want range: 23 liters eliminate the refueling problem on long stages
- Factor in protection before luggage, because a fall here costs a lot
- Check the model year and whether the front radar is present before ordering electronics and auxiliary-light mounts
Look elsewhere if
- You ride almost exclusively on asphalt: the 21-inch wheel works against you, and the S is the right version
- Running costs weigh on you: tires and chain wear quickly if the power is used
- You are looking for a bike that is easy to maneuver in traffic or load onto a van by yourself
- You do not want to keep up with WP XPLOR maintenance, which is not negligible on this bike
- You have a 2017-2020 model and are counting on the accessory control unit: that part number is not in the catalog; the CANsmart we carry starts from 2021
In short: it is a 160-hp enduro, not a tourer with big wheels. If real-world use is on the road with long stages, the 1290 Super Adventure S makes more sense and shares the luggage and handguards; if off-road is the priority but 221 kg is too much, the 890 Adventure R does the same job with twenty-five kilos less.
Specifications
| Engine | 1,301 cc LC8 V-twin |
|---|---|
| Power | 160 hp at 8,750 rpm |
| Torque | 138 Nm at 6,750 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed, chain final drive |
| Chassis | Steel trellis frame, long-travel WP XPLOR suspension |
| Wheels | 21 inches front, 18 rear, spoked |
| Weight | 221 kg dry |
| Fuel tank | 23 liters |
| Seat height | 880 mm |
| Production | Since 2017, renewed in 2021 |
Pros and cons
Pros
- Unrivaled power and torque in its category
- 21-inch wheel and long-travel WP suspension
- 23-liter range with an engine that uses less fuel than expected
- Comprehensive electronics and cornering ABS
- Luggage racks and handguards shared with the S version
Cons
- Seat height of 880 mm and 221 kg: demanding when maneuvering at a standstill
- Expensive repairs in the event of a crash
- High tire and chain consumption when using the power
- WP suspension maintenance is not negligible
- For model years through 2020, no aftermarket electronics are available in the catalog
What to install, in order of priority
On a motorcycle weighing 221 kg dry and fitted with expensive components, preventing damage comes before adding capacity.
- 1
Headlight protector with hinged openingMade of 304 stainless steel, with no drilling. Suitable for R and S models from 2022 onward: the headlight is the most expensive part to replace. - 2
CDZJ251 auxiliary light bracket, R version onlySUS304 stainless steel, 515 grams. It is specific to the R: it does not fit the S. The DENALI alternatives are the upper mount, suitable for both R and S, and the central mount, only for motorcycles without a front radar. - 3
Barkbusters BHG-107 handguard kitFor R and S models from 2021 onward: with 160 horsepower and off-road use, lever protection is not optional. The bar and shell are selected separately. - 4
Enlarged kickstand plateCNC aluminum with a non-slip surface, suitable for the entire Adventure range. With 221 kg dry, plus a full tank and luggage, the stock stand sinks into soft ground. - 5
Side pannier framesDesigned for the R and S: the base for mounting aluminum panniers. - 6
Aluminum side panniersFor use with the dedicated frames, for long trips with 23-liter capacity. - 7
Top case plateOn the original luggage rack: also useful on its own, without side panniers. - 8
CANsmart control unit, from 2021 onwardControl auxiliary lights and the horn from the original buttons, without cutting wires. Suitable for models from 2021 onward: it does not fit earlier models. - 9
SoundBomb horn mountThe SoundBomb does not fit in place of the original horn: this bracket gives it a mounting point without drilling, and it is controlled via CANsmart. - 10
Tank grip padsWhen standing on the footpegs, your knees need to find grip. This is the part number for models from 2021 onward; for earlier model years, use the one shared with the 1090 and 1190 Adventure.
The collection also includes the 19 mm handlebar riser, suitable for the entire Adventure range, the Wanderer semi-rigid panniers, which mount without a frame, and the 2.5- to 10-liter tank bags.
See all accessories for the 1290 Super Adventure RCompatibility table
It shares luggage and handguards with the S; anything depending on the windscreen and chassis is different.
| Accessory | 1290 Super Adventure S | 890 Adventure |
|---|---|---|
| Pannier racks and top-case plate | yes | no |
| Headlight guard from 2022 onward | yes | no |
| BHG-107 handguard kit | yes, from 2021 onward | no |
| LOBOO CDZJ251 auxiliary light bracket | no, R only | no |
| DENALI upper auxiliary light mount | yes | no |
| SoundBomb horn mount | yes | no |
| CANsmart controller from 2021 onward | yes | yes |
| Kickstand plate and risers | yes | yes |
| Tank grips | yes, same code for each model year | no |
| Crash bars and lower protection | not in the catalog | no |
Brands with dedicated accessories
LOBOOProtection and luggageHinged headlight guard, CDZJ251 auxiliary light bracket for the R, kickstand plate, risers, pannier racks, panniers, and top-case plate.
DENALILighting and electricsThree separate auxiliary light mounts — upper, lower, and central for motorcycles without radar — plus the SoundBomb horn mount and CANsmart controller from 2021 onward.
BarkbustersHandguardsBHG-107 kit for the R and S from 2021 onward, to be paired with your choice of bar and shell.
Eazi-GripTank gripTwo tank grip codes: one from 2021 onward, and one for earlier model years shared with the 1090 and 1190 Adventure.
Frequently asked questions
Which accessories are exclusive to the R and not available for the S?
The LOBOO CDZJ251 auxiliary light bracket is listed only for the R. Pannier racks, top-case plate, headlight guard, handguards, horn mount, and DENALI upper auxiliary light mount fit both models.
Which auxiliary light mount should I choose?
Three options. The LOBOO CDZJ251 bracket is the dedicated solution for the R. The DENALI upper mount fits both the R and S and attaches to the upper part of the windscreen. The DENALI central mount, on the other hand, fits only motorcycles without a front radar: with the radar, the dimensions change and there is no room.
Which CANsmart controller do I need?
The one we carry is code 890-1290 for model years from 2021 onward. If yours is from 2017-2020, you need a different code, which is not currently in the catalog: write to us and we will see how to connect auxiliary lights and the horn.
Which tank grips should I get?
It depends on the year. From 2021 onward, there is a code dedicated to the Super Adventure; for earlier model years, use the one shared with the 1090 and 1190 Adventure, which covers the 1290 through 2020.
Does the headlight guard fit all model years?
It is listed for the R and S from 2022 onward. It opens with a hinge for cleaning and requires no drilling.
R or S: which one should you choose?
The R if you ride serious off-road: a 21-inch wheel and long-travel suspension. The S if you cover miles on asphalt, with a 19-inch wheel and semi-active suspension. Most luggage and protection accessories are shared anyway.