Ktm 1290 Super Adventure S, how the Austrian globetrotter goes

At Ktm, when people talk about long journeys, they are not only referring to endless motorway stretches with the cruise control set to 130 km/h, but also when they want to get their wheels dirty in the mud or sand. How, then, can the volume and tonnage of the 1290 Super Adventure S (over 250 kg with a 23-litre fuel tank) be reconciled with this vision of motorcycling? Simple: by adopting a perfectly tuned chassis together with electronics that takes the rider by the hand and accompanies him (almost) where he wants to go. Yes, because you can lose your head behind the infinite possible adjustments of this model, which costs just over 22,000 euro at the dealer. Don't worry, though: those who don't want any headaches can set it to "all automatic" and rely on the analyses of the six-axis control unit to manage engine, throttle and suspension.

The beating heart is the well-known 1,301 cc Lc8 V-Twin engine, which delivers a good 160 hp at 9,000 rpm and 138 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm, values that place this Ktm among the most powerful in the adventure road segment. Despite the superbike values, throttle management is extremely smooth, thanks to the ride-by-wire and refined supporting electronics. The engine has a full-bodied delivery right from the low rev range, and explodes decisively in the mid and high range. It's a bike that can cruise smoothly at 3,000 rpm in sixth gear, but is ready to unleash at the first pull of the throttle. In this the electronics play a fundamental role: through the 7 inch tft display (well readable in all light conditions) you can set the bike as you prefer via the buttons on the left block (excellent ergonomics). The variables available are offered by the Bosch Cornering Abs and traction control (both adjustable and disengageable), the four riding modes (Rain, Street, Sport, Offroad and, optionally, Rally), and the suspension: the semi-active Apex WPs are completely managed by the electronics, which adapt their behaviour in real time according to the terrain, riding style and the selected mode (Auto, Comfort, Street and Sport). Manual adjustments thus become - if desired - superfluous: the bike does it all. Other standard features include the two-way Quickshifter+ gearbox for clutchless shifting, front radar adaptive cruise control and Hill Hold Control for hill starts.

The 1290 Super Adventure S rides on a chromium-molybdenum steel trellis frame redesigned to be more compact and centralise mass. The trellis swingarm embraces the 17-inch rear wheel, while the fork rests on a 19-inch rim that allows off-road riding to be tackled, provided it is fairly simple (Wp steering damper is also standard), although it is surprising to see what experienced riders are able to do with this bike. The brake set bears the Brembo signature: at the front there are two 320 mm diameter discs and fixed 4-piston callipers with radial mounts; at the rear, a 267 mm disc.

The seat-handlebar-pedestal triangle of the 1290 Super Adventure S is designed for long-distance touring, but also for active riders. The saddle, adjustable to two heights (849 or 869 mm), is well profiled, not saggy and allows good movement by the rider; there is also plenty of room for the pillion passenger. The handlebars are wide and adjustable, as are the footpegs, to suit every stature. The bike is also equipped with keyless start (also includes tank cap and seat release), Ktm My Ride connectivity, turn-by-turn navigation, Usb socket, 12V port, call and media management, Bluetooth updates and a ventilated smartphone compartment (as long as the display is small enough: it won't fit an iPhone 13, though). Aerodynamic protection is excellent thanks to the windscreen that can be adjusted by turning the wheels on the base, even on the move: at motorway speeds you can travel comfortably and protected from the wind, with the engine running at 4,500 rpm. Here the adaptive cruise control is appreciated, which automatically maintains the distance to the vehicle in front, accelerating or braking autonomously. In curves taken at speed, the Ktm's stability is surprising, as it doesn't blink an eyelid at asphalt joints or any hollows.

In the city, provided you give up at least one of the panniers you see it photographed with (otherwise you're obviously left in the queue), our Ktm demonstrated remarkable agility, with a fairly compact turning radius: the almost 250 kg are not particularly noticeable. And then the engine really is a giant: always ready, lively, it picks up revs at an astonishing speed and, in no time at all, you end up touching speeds that will antagonise the police. In the mixed you can have fun without tiring too much, even if the Super Adventure S requires a bit of decisive riding: when the bike enters a bend, it keeps the trajectory with rigour and allows very fast speeds even on winding roads. The brakes are well tuned: braking is powerful, it hardly ever challenges the bike's stability (there is also pitch control), but it is well controlled.