The KTM 1290 Super Adventure is a superbike marketed by KTM in the marque of high performing adventure cruiser. It was titled as the Cycle World best adventure bike in its first year of production itself, i.e. 2015. They engineered it to be more powerful than its predecessor, the older KTM 1190 Adventure. Since 2015, this beast of a motorcycle has been through a lot of major and minor re-designs. In fact, this darling here can get you through anywhere be it a knobbly mountain road or a leveled highway.
The 2021 edition of 1290 Super Adventure has once again become the hot topic for discussion amongst the speed-freaks and trail-fanatics all the same. Let's dive into what the upcoming off-road capable Superbike from the house of KTM has to offer.
Talk of the Town
Lately, the rumor of the day has been revolving around the fresh 2021 KTM 1290 Super Adventure prototype. According to sources, KTM has recently applied to patent the design of the wheeler. The illustrations filed along with the applications have revealed a bit too much of what the newly conceptualized 1290 Super ADV will look like. The internet has gone bonkers over the blueprints and already started comparing to its pals like the KTM Duke and rivals. Besides all this, the web is full of a few digital renders of the model based on the leaked illustrations.
Starting from the saddle-shaped fuel-tank design, heavy modifications in the motorcycle are very evident. For the European market, they have put the motor through major alterations to conform to emission regulations. Apart from that, the blueprint shows a few changes which have improved upon the aesthetics and the performance of the wheeler.
First Impressions
This time KTM has put emphasis on utility than looks. Every modification to the body-frame of the wheeler has been made considering the benefit that the rider could derive from the same. The model, like always, will be available in two variants. One being the off-road capable R flavor and the other being the S flavor.
The fuel tank design calls for a rally-style gas tank design, which allows for a better weight balance by lowering the center of gravity. Besides this, you don’t need to compromise on its capacity. The design may seem to be afresh to some, but that won’t change the fact that they have borrowed it from the KTM 790 Adventure R.
Further, the spy photos have revealed a newly designed windshield for the S variant, which allows for better wind protection as compared to the shorter one of the off-road R variant. This also means improved aerodynamics, which can help the wheeler cut through the wind and glide like an eagle soaring up high in the sky.
What Level Of Performance Are We Talking About?
KTM is adamant to transform one of its big guns to lure in the hardcore long-distance dare-devils. The 1301 cc V-Twin engine makes this machine a beast that is ready-to-conquer any terrain. It is the same engine that will feature in the 2021 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT The motor can generate and deliver a power of 160 HP and a torque force of 103 lb.-ft. It will be a hell of a bike to pop-wheelies in. In case you don't know how to, let us show you how to pop a wheelie. The engine is power-packed with reliable components to take you on a lot of adventures. In fact, we have discovered no major modifications as of now regarding the engine as compared to the past models. This powerful engine comes with a 6-speed transmission box.
Talking more about one more factor that has played an important role in radically altering the design of the exhaust, the new split radiator design of the engine means an increase in the cooling capacity which is essential for engines if they want to comply with the Euro 5 emission standards. Apart from the emission rules, the newly designed exhaust has suppressed the loud nose and also boosted the horsepower a little.
Just thinking about all these makes us feel very excited for the day when the company will announce the actual launch date. Keep reading to know when will you be able to own this sweet little ride.
Next-Gen 2021 KTM 1290 Super Adventure: How Long Do We Have To Wait?
As of yet, there has been no official announcement, from the end of the company as to the launch time and the price range for the model. KTM has a track record of showcasing its new launches in the International Motorcycle and Accessories Exhibition (EICMA) usually held in Milan every year in November, but because of the ongoing COVID-19 situation, it won’t be held this year. Still, there is hope, and we expect that KTM will find a way to bring that brute on the road. Speaking of hope, we think that there is a possibility for the Super Adventure to be rolled out in the first half of 2021.
Coming to the most important question: How much will it cost? Again the company has not yet spilled any beans about the price range of both R or S models. KTM’s 1290 Super Adventure R, from the year 2020, costs around $18,599, we expect the upcoming model to be priced similarly if not higher than the current model year.