Sometimes, a motorcycle brand may have too many similar models in its lineup, like KTM motorcycles with its 1290 Super Aventure, in its S version, and the one we will discuss today, the R.
And while there aren’t many apparent differences between the two versions of the 1290 Aventure, they are substantial. Unlike the Super Adventure S, which is more street-oriented and focused on comfort, the R is a bike with an off-road slant with wire wheels and is more rugged.
According to KTM, the 1290 Super Adventure R is built to tackle the wildest, most challenging terrain with unrivaled capability and class-leading performance. Its liquid-cooled, V2 four-stroke 1301 cc engine delivers 158 horsepower and 103 lb.-ft. of torque, mated to a six-speed transmission.
This Austrian bike features an electronic throttle system, 4 driving modes, and a 6.5″ TFT screen for the instrument panel. Other highlights include the standard cruise control, ABS, MTC (Motorcycle Traction Control), and TPMS (Tire Pressure Control).
The Super Adventure R comes with WP XPLOR high-performance suspensions. The front suspension comes with an inverted fork with 48 mm reinforced springs, and the rear is a PDS WP adjustable monoshock absorber.
KTM equipped the 1290 Super Adventure R with Brembo front and rear brakes, a Bosch 9ME dual-channel C-ABS system, and an ABS system for cornering. In addition, this new KTM trail bike mounts tubeless aluminum wheels made by AKRONT.
The 2022 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R starts at $19,499 USD / $21,499 CAD.
On this page:we’ve curated specs, features, news, photos/videos, etc. so you can read up on the new 2022 KTM RC 390 in one place.
Model Overview
General Info
Price: $19,499 USD / $21,499 CAD
Key Features:
2-cylinder, 4-stroke, V 75° 1301 cc engine with 160 hp
Bosch 9ME dual-channel C-ABS system, and an ABS system for cornering
Keihin EMS with RBW and cruise control, double ignition
Power in KW
118 kW
Starter
Electric starter
Lubrication
Forced oil lubrication with 3 oil pumps
DRIVETRAIN
Clutch
PASC (TM) slipper clutch, hydraulically actuated
Transmission
6-speed
Chain
525 X-Ring
CHASSIS
Suspension Front
WP XPLOR-USD, Ø 48 mm
Suspension Rear
WP Xplor PDS shock absorber
Brakes Front
320 mm
Brakes Rear
267 mm
Tank capacity (approx.)
Color
ELECTRICAL
Ignition
Spark Plugs
Headlight
LED
Tail Light
LED
WARRANTY
Warranty
Extension
2022 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R Features
Engine
Helping the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R shift – in more ways than one – is a 6-speed PANKL transmission with a new, lighter aluminum shifting drum with optimized tracks for faster, smoother gear changes. Shifting forks have also been coated in copper to reduce wear and tear. This also helps the Quickshifter+ engage quicker for ultra-fast, slick gear changes.
Transmission
Helping the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R shift – in more ways than one – is a 6-speed PANKL transmission with a new, lighter aluminum shifting drum with optimized tracks for faster, smoother gear changes. Shifting forks have also been coated in copper to reduce wear and tear. This also helps the Quickshifter+ engage quicker for ultra-fast, slick gear changes.
PASC Clutch
Not only does the slipper clutch open when the engine back-torque becomes too high, it also assists when you open up the throttle. The former prevents destabilizing rear wheel chatter when braking sharply or decelerating; the latter reduces the lever force required for changing gears, allowing the clutch to be controlled with one trigger happy finger – saving you energy while riding.
Frame
A new, reworked, and lightweight, chrome-molybdenum stainless steel trellis frame featuring laser-cut tubes, combines with forged elements for an ultra-strong component on the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R. The steering head has been moved 15 mm rearwards, to shorten the overall frame for improved cornering behavior, while the front engine mount has been rotated forward by 2 degrees to aid in hard acceleration, keeping the front end firmly planted on the ground.
Wheels
Serious offroad exploration demands hardcore equipment. The spoked wheels of the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R feature new and robust aluminum rims made for KTM by AKRONT, with an improved sealing system to make them 100% tubeless. What’s more, is that instead of the typical rubber band sealing the rim to prevent air from leaking through the nipples, the wheels have an O-ring seal on each nipple.
Suspension
The KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R is fitted with high-performance WP XPLOR suspension which was co-developed with test rider Quinn Cody at the helm. A WP XPLOR fork with 48 mm inner tubes takes care of business at the front and has been derived from the successful KTM off-road models, and features split fork technology and all-new settings for even better offroad performance. At the rear, is a high-end PDS monoshock, which is fully adjustable in spring preload with an external handwheel, rebound, and compression including high and low-speed compression damping.
Swingarm
Extended by 15 mm to optimize tracking stability in conjunction with the shorter frame, the die-cast, open-lattice swingarm retained it’s lightweight and pin-point manufacturing to provide stiffness and uncompromised control when hitting the dirt.
Handlebar
Wide, adjustable, and ready for long hours in the saddle, the high-strength tapered aluminum handlebars are designed to provide riders with greater control, and uncompromised comfort. Newly developed and robust handguards have also been designed for optimal aerodynamic behavior when it comes to high-speed stability.
LED headlight
Turning night into day, the LED headlight on the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R has been designed to light the way on any adventure. Flanked by cornering and day time running lights. This results in a clean, KTM-distinctive look which provides impeccable illumination with a wide beam pattern to light up the road ahead.
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