KTM 1290 Super Adventure S: specifications, pros and cons, compatible accessories
The same 160 horsepower as the R, but designed for covering miles
19-inch front wheel, WP semi-active suspension and road-oriented setup: the S is the touring version of the Super Adventure. The luggage is the same as on the R, but the lighting and kickstand plate are not.
- In summaryThe big KTM for covering miles, with semi-active suspension.
- Do this firstHeadlight guard, pannier racks, BHG-107 handguards.
- Shared with the RPannier racks, panniers, top-case plate and handguards.
- S onlyLower auxiliary light bracket LAH0410700 and kickstand plate CJC251.
- BrandsLOBOO, DENALI, Barkbusters, Eazi-Grip.
Who it's recommended for
It's the right bike if
- You cover miles on asphalt, often two-up and with panniers
- You want 160 horsepower with a seat adjustable between 849 and 869 mm, more accessible than the R's
- You're interested in semi-active suspension: with a passenger and luggage, you can change the setup from the dashboard without touching the preload
- For you, dirt roads are compacted gravel roads, not technical off-road terrain
- Check under the headlight before ordering: some auxiliary light brackets cannot be fitted with the radar
Look elsewhere if
- You do serious off-roading: the 19-inch wheel and road-oriented setup stop you sooner than the R
- Fuel consumption concerns you: the 1,301 cc engine makes itself felt at the pump with the throttle open
- You want inexpensive maintenance: semi-active suspension costs more than a conventional fork
- You often have to move the bike by hand: 220 kg dry is still a lot during low-speed manoeuvres
- You order the lighting assuming the R and S are identical: the auxiliary light brackets have different part numbers
In a nutshell: this is the touring KTM, not the off-road KTM. If off-road riding is the real priority, the 1290 Super Adventure R is the same bike with a 21-inch front wheel and longer-travel suspension; if you want the same kind of touring while spending less, a used 1090 Adventure covers the same use with lower running costs.
Specifications
| Engine | 1,301 cc LC8 V-twin |
|---|---|
| Power | 160 hp at 8,750 rpm |
| Torque | 138 Nm at 6,750 rpm |
| Transmission | 6 gears, chain final drive |
| Chassis | Steel trellis frame, WP semi-active suspension |
| Wheels | 19 inches front, 17 rear |
| Weight | 220 kg dry |
| Tank | 23 litres |
| Seat height | 849-869 mm adjustable |
| Production | since 2017, updated in 2021 with optional radar |
Pros and cons
Pros
- Semi-active suspension that adapts to the load
- Adjustable seat, lower than the R's
- Greater comfort and wind protection than the R version
- 23-litre tank and touring range
- Luggage and handguards shared with the R
Cons
- 19-inch wheel: a limitation on demanding dirt roads
- Weight noticeable during low-speed manoeuvres
- High fuel consumption with the throttle open
- Optional radar limits some auxiliary light brackets
- More expensive semi-active suspension maintenance
What to fit, in order of priority
On a bike built for covering miles, what protects the bodywork and what makes loading convenient matters. Pay attention to the codes: the R and S are not interchangeable in every case.
- 1
Stainless steel headlight guardFor the S and R from 2022 onward, hinged opening and no drilling required. The headlight assembly is among the most expensive parts of the bike. - 2
CJC251 side-stand plate, S only from 2022CNC aluminum and 304 stainless steel, 110 grams. This code is dedicated to this version: the generic one from the Adventure range that fits the R does not fit here. - 3
R/S side-case framesSame code as the R version: it is the foundation for long-distance travel, which is what this bike is made for. - 4
Barkbusters BHG-107 handguard kitFor the S and R from 2021 onward: as well as providing protection, they keep the wind off your hands on long legs. The bar and shell are selected separately. - 5
Lower auxiliary light mount, S onlyCode LAH0410700 is specific to this version: it does not fit the R. If you prefer the auxiliary lights mounted high, there is the upper mount, which fits both. - 6
CANsmart control unit, from 2021Controls auxiliary lights and horn from the original buttons. For models from 2021 onward. Must be paired with the SoundBomb horn mount, because the SoundBomb does not fit in place of the stock horn. - 7
DialDim plug-and-play wiring harnessAn alternative to the control unit: plugs into the original connectors without modifying the wiring. It costs less, but controls just one circuit. - 8
Aluminum side casesTo be paired with the frames: with a 23-liter tank, it becomes a mile-eating machine. - 9
R/S top case plateOn the original luggage rack: also useful on its own for those traveling without side cases. - 10
Instrumentation protection, from 2021Rigid film for the TFT: stops scratches and stone impacts on a dashboard that is expensive to replace. Dedicated code for the S.
The catalog is completed by the tank grip pads for models from 2021 onward, with the version for earlier model years shared with the 1090 and 1190 Adventure, the 19 mm handlebar riser, the Wanderer semi-rigid panniers, which mount without a frame, and the tank bags ranging from 2.5 to 10 liters.
See all accessories for 1290 Super Adventure SCompatibility table
It shares the luggage with the R, but not the lighting or the kickstand plate.
| Accessory | Compared with the 1290 R | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Luggage racks and top-case plate | yes | code specified for R/S |
| Side cases | yes | code specified for R/S |
| BHG-107 handguard kit | yes | from 2021 onward |
| Headlight protection | yes | from 2022 onward |
| CJC251 kickstand plate | no | S only from 2022 onward |
| Lower auxiliary-light mount | no | S version only |
| Upper auxiliary-light mount | yes | specified for R and S |
| LOBOO CDZJ251 auxiliary-light bracket | no | R version only |
| CANsmart control unit and DialDim | yes | from 2021 onward |
| Instrument protection | no | code dedicated to the S |
Brands with dedicated accessories
LOBOOProtection and luggageHeadlight protection, CJC251 kickstand plate dedicated to the S, risers, luggage racks, side cases, and top-case plate.
DENALILighting and electricalS-specific lower auxiliary-light mount, upper mount for the R and S, SoundBomb horn mount, CANsmart control unit, and DialDim wiring.
BarkbustersHandguardsBHG-107 kit for the S and R from 2021 onward, to be paired with a bar and shell of your choice.
Eazi-GripGrip and protective filmsInstrument protection dedicated to the S and two tank sticker codes, one from 2021 onward and one for earlier model years.
Frequently asked questions
Do the S accessories fit the R?
The luggage, yes: luggage racks, cases, top-case plate, and handguards have R/S-specific codes. The lower auxiliary-light mount, the CJC251 kickstand plate, and the instrument protection do not fit; these are S-only codes.
Which kickstand plate do I need?
The CJC251 code, dedicated to the Super Adventure S from 2022 onward. The generic plate from the Adventure range, which fits the 790, 890, and R, cannot be installed here: it is one of the easiest ordering mistakes to make on this bike.
I have radar: does anything change?
Yes. The DENALI headlight central mount is specified only for bikes without radar, because the adaptive cruise control module occupies that position. With radar, the lower mount, dedicated to the S, and the upper mount remain available.
CANsmart control unit or DialDim wiring?
CANsmart manages multiple circuits and controls them using the standard buttons: it is the complete solution if you plan to add auxiliary lights and a horn. DialDim costs less, connects to the original connectors, and is sufficient if you only need to power the auxiliary lights.
Is the S also suitable for dirt roads?
Yes, on dirt roads and compact surfaces. The 19-inch wheel and road-oriented suspension put it at a disadvantage in technical off-road riding, where the R is a completely different bike.
Do semi-active suspension systems require special accessories?
No, the mounts remain the same. The practical advantage is that with luggage and a passenger, you only need to change the setting from the dashboard instead of adjusting the preload by hand.