New KTMs break cover – and they’re clearly using radar

Spy shots suggest high-tech sensors will finally make their debut

KTM are testing a 1290 Super Adventure with all-new styling and cutting-edge tech as these spyshots reveal. We had expected to see the new models last year, but the fact KTM are still testing the bike now suggests they had some kinks to iron out.

The most obvious change comes in the styling, which has been updated to be closer to the 790 Adventure. The conventional tank has gone in favour of the split style tanks on the 790, which are themselves styled after KTM’s Dakar bikes. Doing this not only frees up space but also distributes the weight lower, making the bike easier to handle off-road. Paired with this is an all-new aluminium subframe, as well as a wider headlight unit which houses the new electronics.

The biggest electronic update is visible between the headlights – a radar unit for cruise control. Made by Bosch, the unit allows the bike to smoothly accelerate and decelerate with traffic while the cruise control is active. Both Ducati and BMW have said they’re working on this technology and given that neither have presented a bike using it so far, suggests the rollout may have been delayed by Bosch. This new tech will all be controlled through the huge full colour TFT dash, which is likely shared with the one on the latest 1290 Super Duke R.

Also shared with the Super Duke

‘Radar helps the bike match traffic under cruise control’

R, is the 1301cc motor in the Super Adventure – although the engine in the Duke is tuned for top end power. It’s likely that displacement will remain the same, however KTM will likely have done some work to offset the power loss expected from the Euro 5 friendly silencer.

Given that Euro 5 is now in place, KTM have until December to sell non-compliant bikes, meaning we should see this new machine next spring. However, if manufacturers get their way and extract a delay due to coronavirus, we might not see it in dealers until 2022.

1 2 3 4 5 Stiff and light Wheely good The bike has a new swingarm, which appears to be significantly larger than the old model’s to increase stiffness The R has 21/18in wheels and conventional suspension. The S, also spied, gets electronic suspension and 17/19in rims Power on Sitting comfortably We don’t expect a huge change in the engine, so it’s likely to stick around 160bhp – more than enough to make progress New aluminium subframe will help offset the increased weight of new electronics Pricey endeavour New tech comes at a cost – We’d expect the new R to cost £14,000 while the S will be nearer £16,000