2021 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S First Look

[Hugh Janus]

The 1290 Super Adventure S gets tighter steering geometry, updated suspension, adaptive cruise control and more for 2021. (KTM/)

The 1290 Super Adventure S, KTM’s beastly street-oriented ADV-tourer, has been updated for 2021 with tighter steering geometry, updated semi-active WP suspension, radar-based adaptive cruise control, a new 7-inch TFT display, and more.

Well, for the European market, anyway. But in light of KTM’s penchant for giving Europe a head start, we’re betting the 1290 Super Adventure S ends up on the North American new-for-2021 or -2022 list.

If crushing mile after twisty mile without visiting your chiropractor afterward is your idea of a good time, the 2021 Super Adventure S would really like to be your friend. Updates include a shorter frame and longer swingarm, with the 1,301cc LC8 V-twin rotated forward 2 degrees and the rake/trail tightened from 26 degrees/4.7 inches to 24.7 degrees/4.3 inches for sharper handling without sacrificing stability.

A new, taller windscreen is adjustable with either hand, and the LED headlight has a wider throw than before. (KTM/)

While power output remains unchanged (KTM claims 160 hp at 8,750 rpm and 103.3 pound-feet of torque at 6,750 rpm), the high-strung twin is now even lighter thanks to thinner engine cases and a redesigned oil system. A revised Pankl gear mechanism improves feel and performance from the optional Quickshifter+, and new radiators shed heat away from the rider.

The current Super Adventure S already boasts numerous rider aids, but the 2021 model throws down with adaptive cruise control, a first for KTM. This radar-based system, developed with Bosch, automatically maintains spacing from vehicles ahead and can be adjusted in five levels from Very Short to Very Long.

With 160 hp (claimed) on tap and an optional Rally riding mode that unleashes all the beast’s potential, the 1290 Super Adventure S is ready to get as frisky as you dare. (KTM/)

The semi-active WP suspension also gets an updated Suspension Control Unit that magnetically adjusts damping in real time and offers more rear preload adjustability than before. A new six-axis Bosch IMU is the brains behind the MSC (stability control), cornering ABS, and MTC (traction control). There are four standard ride modes: Rain, Street, Sport, and Offroad, with a Rally mode offered as an option. The rider controls the Austrian wizardry via redesigned switch gear with programmable favorites, all viewable on a new 7-inch color TFT display that is Bluetooth compatible and ready for KTM’s My Ride app.

New 7-inch TFT display is larger and more intuitive, with KTM My Ride functionality. (KTM/)

Lightly redesigned bodywork wraps up all these goodies in a black-and-orange package. The windscreen adjusts over a 2.2-inch range with either hand. The new shorter seat height is adjustable from 33.4 to 34.2 inches.

It remains to be seen whether we will get similar options, but Europe’s 2021 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S will be available as a base model with three factory packages available. The Rally Pack features the Rally riding mode with associated MTC setting and adjustable throttle response. The Suspension Pro features individual damping for the fork and shock, automatic preload adjustment with three settings, and an On/Off Anti-Dive. The Tech Pack gives you all that and a bag of chips: all of the above plus Motor Slip Regulation, Hill Hold Control, Quickshifter+, and an adaptive brake light.

The 2021 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S puts the “sport” in adventure sport. (KTM/)

US pricing is, of course, not yet available. But we’ll be on the lookout for news regarding if and when the updated Super Adventure S will be on its way to our shores.

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