2018 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S

2018 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S

Covering ground quickly and effortlessly is what the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S is made for. An Adventure-specced 1,301 cc V-Twin means that entire cross-country journeys are dispatched easily, while Adaptive Cruise Control and Semi-active Suspension together with reworked rider-focussed ergonomics and technology bring agility and long distance comfort to an entirely new level. It's a bold claim, but we'll make it - the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S is the new benchmark.

Features may include:

• ENGINE

With a sledgehammer hit of power and earth-twisting torque, the proven V-twin LC8 engine once again takes the accolades as the most compact, lightest, and best performing engine in the segment. Its greener too, and will deliver 15,000 km service intervals and low fuel consumption, trip after trip, mile after mile.

• TRANSMISSION

Helping the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S 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 S. 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. A newly designed, lightweight, and high-strength aluminum side stand completes the package.

• SWINGARM

Extended by 15 mm to optimize tracking stability in conjunction with the shorter frame, the die-cast, open-lattice swingarm retained it lightweight and pin-point manufacturing to provide stiffness and uncompromised control when out on the road.

• 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.

• Illuminated Menu Switch

Illuminated switches don't only look good, but make sense when you're out in low light conditions and need to locate the important buttons in the blink of an eye.

• LED HEADLIGHT

Turning night into day, the new cornering integrated LED headlight has been designed to integrate the front Radar Sensor on the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S, 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.