We’re pretty excited about the new KTM 1290 Super Adventure and we think you should be too. Following on from our road test in ABR issue 27 (March/April), we’ve picked out the five things we are looking forward to most. Be advised, this is one mean piece of machinery.
1. It looks so impressive we want it in the office just for decoration
The 1290 is a formidable looking bike that avoids the company’s in-your-face orangeness to deliver a classier appearance of white, black and grey. Having said that, it does retain KTM’s identity through several tasteful splashes of orange, but we don’t mind that. Once you get your leg over it you’ll definitely feel like king of the road and that’s a great feeling to have.
2. It protects you from the elements like no other
As much as we dream of hitting the road for weeks at a time, the reality is that we’ll spend much of our time on the 1290 in the UK, and we all know the sort of conditions we’ll be facing. That’s why it’s great to see that the 1290 offers great protection from the elements. The screen is one of the best around at keeping the wind and elements at bay while the width of the tank protects the lower body. The result is a great riding experience in a range of conditions.
3. It makes your life easier with its clever hill start feature
This is something which is going to be handy no matter where you are driving. The 1290 possesses a hill start feature which means the brakes will stay engaged for five seconds once the rider releases the lever on an incline. The result is increased stability for the rider and the elimination of roll backs on steep inclines when operating the throttle and clutch. We believe this feature will really come into its own when you’ve got the extra weight of a pillion and luggage on board.
4. Intuitive ABS lean sensors give you the confidence to hit the corners at speed
With the incorporation of lean sensors, the ABS system makes braking in corners much less likely to leave you lying in a crumpled mess on the ground with your bike making a suicidal getaway into oncoming traffic. It doesn’t necessarily stop you from going at corners travelling hell for leather, but it does mean if you get it wrong the system is onside allowing you to brake assuredly while staying upright.
5. Adrenaline-boosting performance
With a 1.3-litre version of the 1190, the LC8 V-Twin engine really delivers. You can go from gentle cruising speeds into warp drive in an instant with no fall off in momentum until you get slapped on the wrist by the rev limiter cutting in. With 160bhp the 1290 is a blisteringly fast, powerful machine that will leave you feeling exhilarated and desperate for more.
