KTM 1290 Super Adventure R
If you’re looking for an express way to traverse mountains, mud and dustiness KTM’S new Super Adventure R has it covered. But sadly no radar cruise control…
If roads are in short supply, your Learjet is in for a service and your off-road skills are up to it this new KTM 1290 Super Adventure R has to be the fastest way to cross continents. The R has the same new frame and 158bhp V-twin as the latest S (see Bike, April), but instead of the fancy radar-controlled cruise control and semi-active suspension, it gets WP’S most sophisticated off-road forks and shock, plus forged aluminium spoked rims that allow tubeless tyres.
The new WP Xplor suspension (fully adjustable, obvs) takes the wheel travel up to 220mm at both ends and pumps the seat height to 880mm. The new wheels are made by Italian spoke wheel specialists Alpina, with a 21in at the front and 18in rear – the S uses more road-friendly 19in and 17in.
Changes to the chassis from last year’s bike should make any off-road excursions easier, thanks to the steering head moving back by 15mm to speed up the steering and the engine rotated forward to get more weight over the front. The new R has a lower centre of gravity too, mostly thanks to sharing its tank design with the 790 and 890s – fuel is held low either side of the engine. Thinner engine cases reduce weight by 1.6kg.
Electronics are the same as the S, which in Rally mode means you get nine levels of offroad traction control. Crash bars are standard, though you can’t spec the radar cruise control for the R, which is a shame as it would have been handy to lock it on to a camel for those tedious desert crossings.
Compared with its rivals (including the new Harley Pan America, see p32) the new Super Adventure R looks the most off-road capable – it’s got a 21in front wheel, is the lightest (but that’s relative, 251kg is still a lot to pick up), and has the most suspension travel.