KTM 1290 Super Adventure T 2017 — Specifications

Never has the maxi-trail offer been so abundant at KTM; nor across the entire market, for that matter. They come in all flavors, and seek to leverage the maximum potential of technology. Here, we’ll be thinking about long roads, extensive stages, touring with a capital T. With the serious overhaul of the Adventure range at KTM, it's surprising to see so few changes for this T version compared to the S and R editions. The latter benefit from the latest refinements developed in Mattighofen (or by its partners). This is simply explained: the 1290 Super Adventure T differs from the previous version only by its nominative extension. It needed a small appendix to clearly display its more ‘long-distance touring’ capabilities.

This clarifying epilogue in the range, let's move on to the changes made. Succinct, in reality. It’s only on the engine side that we perceive certain modifications. And even then, only on paper and on the emissions test. The 1301 cm3 twin receives the necessary care to adapt to Euro4. Less noise, less emissions, but thanks to the good offices of the engine specialists, it has lost none of its 160 horsepower, nor its 14.2 mkg of torque. A crackling, voracious force, finding its origins in the bestial Super Duke 1290 R. Except here, we're not seeking ferocity. The Super Adventure wants to leverage almost inexhaustible resources, and equipment of the same level, in order to carry crew and luggage much further than the eye can handle.

If the T must do without small luxuries that its S / R sisters have slyly appropriated (headlight unit, compartment with USB port, TFT screen, keyless start), it retains the advantage in terms of road equipment. A true GT on stilts, capable of surprising connections. Its trump card for long-distance riders is its 30-liter tank. The largest in the range. It is also the Super Adv that is heaviest, with almost 250 kilos ready to go. Nothing surprising when you note its imposing, almost intimidating, size, and the profusion of onboard equipment. There’s essential to superfluous, with a touch of the surprising. Shall we begin? Several riding modes, semi-active suspension with four damping modes, four-level traction control and disconnectable, cornering ABS, adaptive headlight, cruise control, imposing adjustable windshield, lateral protection bars, heated seats and grips, tire pressure monitoring, spoked rims, center stand, ergonomic attention to detail (adjustable handlebars, seat height and footrests), handguards... phew!!! Let's not delve any deeper into the details – good dealers will be happy to take over.

We appreciate the integrated luggage rack and suitcase holder, but less than the suitcases are still in the options section. On the other hand, other options have passed into standard equipment, such as the hill hold control and the MSR adjustable engine braking anti-dribble system. A refreshed decoration would also have been a good idea – but no, just a few discreet stickers and the mandatory reflectors accompany this my2017.

No changes on the chassis side either. The essential steel trellis frame encloses the enormous twin, tames its fury while ensuring suspension support from WP. 19 and 17 inch rims, Brembo radial mount brakes, inherent ribbed swingarm and exacerbated potential are the safe companions of the Grand Touring Adventure. Fundamentally, not having changed by becoming a T, does that mean KTM has relaxed its effort?! Yes or no... We can see it as a guarantee of confidence in its model, so mature that it is not prudent to touch it. Or simply that it is not necessary to proceed with multiple changes if the other models in the range come to take precedence over it. Whether it's one or the other, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure T fully justifies its role as an impressive long-distance traveler.

M.BPhotos constructeur