WORLD FIRST FOR ALL-NEW KTM 1290

Super Adventure set to deploy radar cruise control tech

KTM’s new 1290 Super Adventure will be a tech marvel and it’s on course to be the first bike in the world with radar-controlled cruise control. Spyshots of the new range-topping machine have emerged, which suggest not only is it set to take the sporty adventure touring top spot but that it will likely do so imminently.

As the name suggests, KTM’s new 1290 Adventure range (it’s the S model pictured here) will likely stick at its current 1301cc capacity. With Euro5 on the horizon, they will have had to retune it – hence the

whopping exhaust as well as new split radiator system. We imagine KTM will want to keep their place in the horsepower race, so don’t be surprised if it creeps up by the odd bhp. Matched to this we expect the bike will come with the latest and greatest electronics, such as cornering ABS, lean sensitive traction control and various modes. It’s not clear from these pictures but we imagine it will get the brand new full-colour TFT dash we’ve spied on the 1290 Super Duke GT. Sticking all that torque and power into the old chassis hasn’t always given KTM the greatest results, so it appears they’re tackling that issue with this new model. The main frame has changed slightly, while the subframe is now an aluminium trellis and there’s a gargantuan new swingarm. The outcome of all these changes is likely an increase in stiffness to the whole

‘It will slow the bike to match the traffic ahead’

platform, as well as a reduction in weight. The bodywork too has changed, with the fuel tank replaced by two low-slung fuel pods as on the 790 Adventure. The real headline grabber is the big hole in the headlight that holds the radar for the cruise control. KTM have already admitted to working on the system, which slows the bike down to match traffic in front, although this is the first time we’ve seen it on a production machine. Assuming Ducati don’t sneak something out, this will be a world first. We expect it to be unveiled at the Milan show in November.