[KTM 1290 Adventure R Test Ride Review] Huge Off-road Machine Evolves Further with Electric System that Wisely Supports Unusual Riding

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Photo by: Masahiko Watanabe

Upgraded to off-road specs with a focus on the suspension

Continuing with the media test rides of KTM's 2021 Adventure Series, I would like to report on the 1290 Super Adventure R.

The 1290 Super Adventure R is KTM's flagship model and the first full change in four years. While it shares the same engine and bodywork as the S model, the 1290 Super Adventure R features off-road-oriented specifications, particularly in the suspension.

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The WP front and rear suspension are electronically controlled on the S model, while the R model uses a fully adjustable manual suspension with a longer stroke length of 220mm front and rear (200mm on the S). The minimum ground clearance has been increased by 20mm to improve driving performance. The seat height has also been increased to 880mm. The wheels are larger, 90/90-21-inch front and rear, 150/70-18 (S: 120/70-19, 170/60-17), and BS A41 adventure tires are fitted as standard. These are designed for serious off-road riding.

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For those who dream of the ultimate adventure world

Due to time constraints, this test was limited to off-road riding, but the rain throughout the day made the track surface very slippery and difficult, and it was tempting to hesitate even just to drive, but what I had in front of me was a 1300cc monster machine.

I gradually opened up the throttle to get a feel for the road surface, but the motorcycle's movement was more stable than I had imagined, and I could feel the ground contact from the front and rear tires. I drove it in off-road mode, and the power characteristics were gentle, and the suspension had a relatively soft touch. I was expecting a wild ride, but I was relieved to find a much more comfortable ride.

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The first thing I examined was the tires. The AX41 tires on the test motorcycle are a step up in off-road performance from the STD A41s, and the larger blocks feel like they have a firm grip on the road. The front and rear suspensions are also specially designed WP XPLORs, with plenty of strokes and supple movement to keep up with the road.

The initial movement handles minor bumps, while the damping rises at the back to absorb the impact of large gaps. The bodywork has also been improved. Thanks to the three-part fuel tank structure, the center of gravity have been lowered and the motorcycle's movement has been stabilized. The shortened wheelbase and longer swingarm also improved the motorcycle's performance.

This was explained at the introduction of the 790/890 Adventure, but it is easy to imagine that the design philosophy is derived from rally machines.

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The electronic control has also evolved further. Riding in 'off-road mode', with less power and more gentle throttle response, the traditional KTM V-twin 'LC8' engine is not as aggressive as it sounds, but is smoother and easier to handle.

The off-road ABS is also excellent, slowing the motorcycle down even when the front brake is squeezed as hard as possible before a corner on a slippery surface, and controlling the amount of slide with a perfect degree of slippage without locking the rear brake.

The same goes for the Traction Control system: even if you open the accelerator pedal while the motorcycle is leaning slightly, such as when coming out of a corner, the rear wheel does not suddenly start to flow, and the Traction Control system intervenes appropriately to keep the motorcycle in check. After a few tries, you can be sure that the machine will take you as far as it can go. The machine will do the rest.

I think the control technology linked to the latest 6-axis cornering sensor is amazing. And the worse the conditions are, the more you will feel the benefit. Of course, it's worth mentioning that you shouldn't overdo it, because it's a lot of work.

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It's not for everyone. But its incredible potential is the ideal adventure motorycle that KTM is aiming for. For those who know this, and dream of the ultimate adventure world, this is the machine for you.

See KTM Moto Index Page
See Accessories for KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R
See Accessories for KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S

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