2021 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S First Look

Peon Maface · January 26, 2021

UPDATE: KTM says the 1290 Super Adventure S will NOT be coming to North America for 2021.

KTM officially announced the new 2021 1290 Super Adventure S, featuring a new frame, a low-slung fuel tank, Euro5 compliance and adaptive cruise control. The announcement confirms details we were first to report in December after the official pages for the 1290 Super Adventure were mistakenly published on KTM’s website. Not announced yet, but expected to come shortly, is the more off-road capable 1290 Super Adventure R which will receive similar updates.

2021 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R and S Details Leak

The new chassis was designed to improve weight distribution for better handling. KTM moved the steering head back by 0.6 inches and the engine was rotated forward slightly, compared to the 2020 Super Adventure, changes KTM claims will result in sharper cornering. Meanwhile, the swingarm was lengthened for more stability under acceleration.

The fuel tank has the same 6.1-gallon capacity as the 2020 model, but the low-slung saddle-shaped design helps to lower the 1290 Super Adventure S’ center of gravity. The tank has an electronically-opened cap and is integrated with a small storage compartment with a USB charging socket.

A new subframe helps to lower the seat height of the 2021 model by half an inch to 33.4 inches, but if you need more room, it can be raised up to 34.2 inches. The handlebars are also adjustable, as is the new windshield which was optimized through wind tunnel testing.

KTM redesigned the split headlight design to integrate the Bosch radar sensor. The adaptive cruise control system uses data from the radar to automatically adjust cruising speed to keep a safe distance from traffic.

The adaptive cruise control joins a host of electronic rider aids returning for 2021. These include selectable ride modes, lean-sensitive traction control, off-road traction control, cornering and off-road ABS, stability control and self-cancelling turn signals as standard equipment. Motor slip regulation, hill hold control, and a quickshifter are available in an optional upgrade.

To help control the electronics, the 2021 SA receives new illuminated handlebar switches and a seven-inch TFT display (formerly 6.5 inches on the 2020 model).

The 1301cc V-Twin engine claims the same 160 hp output as the 2020 model while the claimed 101.8 lb-ft. of torque is down slightly from the previous model’s 103.2 lb-ft. The engine cases are thinner than on the previous engine, with KTM claiming a 3.5-pound weight reduction. A new dual-radiator and the revised bodywork combine to direct hot air away from the rider’s legs.

The 2021 Super Adventure S receives the latest generation of WP’s Apex semi-active suspension with revised valves to augment damping using data from the 6D IMU. KTM also offers an upgraded suspension package with individual damping for the fork and shock, automatic preload adjustment and an anti-dive setting.

The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S is not slated to come to North America, but we hope the R model will. Check back here on Motorcycle.com when the 1290 Super Adventure R is announced.

2021 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S Specifications
Engine Type	Liquid-cooled 4-stroke, 75° V-Twin, 4 valves per cylinder / DOHC
Displacement	1301 cc
Bore x Stroke	108 mm x 71 mm
Power	160 hp @ 9,000 rpm (claimed)
Torque	101.8 lb-ft. @ 6,500 rpm (claimed)
Compression Ratio	13.1:1
Starter / Battery	Electric starter / 12V 11.2Ah
Transmission	6 gears
Fuel System	Keihin EFI (throttle body Ø 52 mm)
Lubrication	Pressure lubrication with 3 Eaton pumps
Engine Oil	Motorex, SAE 10W-50
Drive	525 X-ring chain
Primary Drive	41:16:00
Final Drive	17:42
Clutch	PASC slipper clutch, hydraulically operated
Engine Management	Keihin EMS with RBW and ACC (adaptive cruise control), double ignition
Traction Control	MTC (lean-angle sensitive, 4 modes, disengageable)
Frame	Chromium-Molybdenum-Steel trellis frame, powder coated
Subframe	Aluminum, powder coated
Handlebar	Aluminum, tapered, Ø 28 / 22 mm
Front Suspension	WP SAT (semi-active technology) Upside-Down Ø 48 mm, 7.9 inches of travel
Rear Suspension	WP SAT (semi-active technology) shock absorber, semi-active, electronically regulated preload, 7.9 inches of travel
Front Brake	2 × Brembo 4-piston, radially mounted caliper, brake disc Ø 320 mm
Rear Brake	Brembo 2-piston, fixed caliper, brake disc Ø 267 mm
Abs	Bosch 10.3ME Combined-ABS (incl. Cornering-ABS and offroad mode, disenengageable)
Front Wheel	Cast aluminum 3.50 x 19″
Rear Wheel	Cast aluminum 5.00 x 17″
Front Tire	120/70 ZR 19
Rear Tire	170/60 ZR 17
Silencer	Stainless steel silencer
Steering Head Angle	24.7°/4.3 inches
Wheel Base	61.3 inches ± 0.6 inches
Ground Clearance	8.8 inches
Seat Height	33.4-34.2 inches (adjustable)
Tank Capacity	6.1 gallons/1.3 gallons reserve
Dry Weight	approx. 485 pounds (claimed)