KTM's go-anywhere Super Adventure S has received an injection of fresh technology as well as a visual redesign for the 2021 model year.
Headlining the updates for 2021 is the inclusion of adaptive cruise control for the first time, a new and more intuitive 7-inch TFT dash unit, revised ergonomics, reworked bodywork and a revised take on KTM's 1301cc LC8 V-twin powerhouse.
"The 2021 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S is a sporty bike designed to offer unparalleled riding fun in any terrain," says KTM's product manager, Joachim Sauer.
"With this model, KTM enters its third generation of big Travel-Enduro bikes for street and gravel adventurers. Collecting feedback from the market, we focused on enhancing rider feeling and ergonomics while introducing groundbreaking advancements, such as the Adaptive Cruise Control, the KTM way. To appreciate the magic of our ACC, you need to consider that the ideal roads to experience the thrilling performance of the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S may lie hours away. With highways in between, ACC will let you breeze through the transit keeping you ready to strike whenever possible. The new generation model will carry you as far, long and as hard as you want while keeping the original KTM DNA strong with its elevated performance potential.”
The new electronics include a less intrusive level of traction control in the base rider modes including the optional Rally mode and is controlled through a new 7-inch TFT display and a new set of handlebar switches.
Other improvements include a new 23-litre fuel tank with a keyless fuel cap and revised bodywork too, which in KTM’s words “augment the bike’s agile feeling.”
The chassis itself has been modified to help give the big 1290 more agility, with the steering head moving back by 15mm to help give sharper cornering while a longer open-lattice swingarm contributes to more stability under acceleration. Suspension remains electronically adjusted Semi-active suspension, with the latest version of the WP APEX Semi-Active Technology to ensure the big KTM can hurtle along the bumpiest of trails.
The 1301cc heart of the 1290 Super Adventure S has also been revised and is now Euro5 compliant with an ample output of 160hp and 138Nm now beating out of a lighter engine to the tune of -1.6 kg. The engine breathes through an upgraded two-headed exhaust and shifts with a revised PANKL gear mechanism that brings big improvements in the optional Quickshifter+.
New pistons have further raised reliability and the whole unit retains better cooling thanks to a new water/oil system. The two new radiators work with the redesigned bodywork to channel warm air away from the rider’s legs. 15,000 km service intervals and low fuel consumption round-off the powerplant.
The new version of KTM's high-tech spaceship on wheels is expected to arrive in the New Zealand market from April 2021 and priced from $33,249.