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2017 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R Overview
For 2017, KTM offers the 1290 Super Adventure R as an enduro / off-road motorcycle with 1301 cc on tap. The 2017 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R is built around a Four stroke, 75°V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder engine, a compression ratio of 13.1:1. Out on the road, the 1290 Super Adventure R delivers 118 kW @ 8750 rpm of peak power and 140 Nm @ 6750rpm of torque. In everyday use, the 2017 1290 Super Adventure R tips the scales at 217 kg, carries a 23-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 890 mm and spans a 1580±15 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 18.2 kg heavier than the average enduro / off-road motorcycle in our database. Every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes, is covered in the full 2017 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R spec sheet below.
2017 1290 Super Adventure R - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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⚡
Strong power output: Peak output on the 1290 Super Adventure R is 118 kW @ 8750 rpm and 140 Nm @ 6750rpm of torque - strong numbers for what it is.
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Large fuel range: With a 23-litre tank, this isn't a bike you'll be stopping for fuel every hour - a real asset on longer trips.
Considerations
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Tall seat height: A 890 mm seat puts flat-footing out of reach for a lot of riders - sit on it in person before committing.
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Chain final drive upkeep: A chain drivetrain is the most common setup in its class, but it's also the one that demands the most regular hands-on maintenance.
Wear Points & Servicing Notes
Cooling system servicing
With Liquid cooling system, continuous circulation of cooling liquid with water pump, thermal management is largely automatic, but the coolant has a service life of its own - replace it on the manufacturer's interval to protect the water passages and thermostat.
Brake disc and pad wear
2 x 320 mm floating disc, Brembo four-piston brake calipers up front provides the primary stopping power; inspect disc thickness and pad wear at each tyre change to catch scoring before it becomes a rotor replacement.
Suspension condition on used examples
Suspension duties are handled by 48 mm WP fully adjustable USD forks up front and WP-PDS Monoshock fully adjustable at the rear. Weeping fork seals aren't a dealbreaker on a used bike, but they're a fair basis for negotiating price.
Final drive maintenance
Chain final drive on the 1290 Super Adventure R means routine lubing and tension checks are part of ownership - skip them and sprocket wear accelerates noticeably.
Frame & chassis check
The Tubular space frame made from chrome molybdenum steel, powder-coated chassis holds up well with normal use; on a used bike it's still worth checking the head-stock and swingarm pivot area for impact damage or corrosion.
1290 Super Adventure R - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
A pre-purchase check on the 2017 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R should cover the same ground every time: service history, chain and sprocket condition, and any oil seepage around the casings. Start it from cold if you can - a well-kept 1290 Super Adventure R settles to a smooth idle within seconds.
Oil and filter changes
Oil changes are the cheapest insurance you can buy for a 1290 Super Adventure R's engine - keep to the manufacturer's interval rather than stretching it. Use the viscosity grade the manual specifies, not whatever's on sale.
Carburetor upkeep
A 1290 Super Adventure R that's sat unused is almost always a carb-cleaning job before it runs right again - float bowls and pilot jets first, since they clog before anything else.
2017 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2017 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R have?
The 2017 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R uses a Four stroke, 75°V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder engine with 1301 cc of displacement. It is liquid cooling system, continuous circulation of cooling liquid with water pump.
How much does the 2017 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R weigh?
The 2017 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R weighs 217 kg. This is the manufacturer's dry figure.
How much power does the 2017 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R make?
The 2017 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R produces 118 kW @ 8750 rpm of power and 140 Nm @ 6750rpm of torque. These are peak figures.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2017 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R?
The 2017 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R has a 23-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 383-460 km between stops.
Is the 2017 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R suitable for shorter riders?
The 2017 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R has a seat height of 890 mm. This is towards the tall end of the spectrum and will require most riders under 175 cm to tiptoe at stops.
What brakes does the 2017 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R have?
The 2017 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R uses 2 x 320 mm floating disc, Brembo four-piston brake calipers at the front and Single 267 mm disc, Brembo two-piston brake caliper at the rear.
What tyre sizes does the 2017 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R use?
The 2017 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R runs 90/90-21 front and 150/70-ZR18 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.
What gearbox does the 2017 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R have?
The 2017 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R is fitted with a 6-speed transmission.
KTM 1290 Super Adventure R Spec Evolution
The KTM 1290 Super Adventure R was produced across 4 model years (2018-2023). The table below highlights the key specifications that changed across the production run - useful whether you are comparing years or tracking down a specific variant.
| Specification |
2018 |
2020 |
2022 |
2023 |
| Max Power |
118 kW / 160 hp @ 8750 rpm |
118 kW / 160 hp @ 8750 rpm |
118 kW / 160 hp @ 9000 rpm |
118 kW / 160 hp @ 9000 rpm |
| Dry Weight |
217 kg / 478.4 lbs |
217 kg / 478.4 lbs |
221 kg / 487 lbs |
221 kg / 487 lbs |
| Engine Detail |
Four stroke, 75°V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder |
Four stroke, 75°V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder |
Four stroke, 75° V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder |
Four stroke, 75° V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder |
| Seat Height |
890 mm / 35 in |
890 mm / 35 in |
880 mm / 34.6 in |
880 mm / 34.6 in |
| Frame Type |
Tubular space frame made from chrome molybdenum steel, powder-coated |
Tubular space frame made from chrome molybdenum steel, powder-coated |
Chromium-Molybdenum-Steel trellis frame, powder coated, aluminium powder coated sub-frame |
Chromium-Molybdenum-Steel trellis frame, powder coated, aluminium powder coated sub-frame |
| Brakes - Front |
2 x 320 mm floating disc, Brembo four-piston brake calipers |
2 x 320 mm floating disc, Brembo four-piston brake calipers |
2 x 320 mm disc Brembo four-piston, radially mounted caliper |
2 x 320 mm disc Brembo four-piston, radially mounted caliper |
| Wheelbase |
1580±15 mm / 62.2 in |
1580±15 mm / 62.2 in |
1557±15 mm / 61.2 in |
1557±15 mm / 61.2 in |
| Ground Clearance |
250 mm / 9.8 in |
250 mm / 9.8 in |
242 mm / 9.5 in |
242 mm / 9.5 in |
Key Specifications
Engine
Four stroke, 75°V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Power
118 kW / 160 hp @ 8750 rpm
Torque
140 Nm / 103.7 lb-ft @ 6750rpm
Top Speed
Not published by manufacturer
Weight
217 kg / 478.4 lbs
Fuel Capacity
23 Litres / 6 US gal
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Full 2017 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R Specifications
Year
2017 - 18
Make Model
KTM 1290 Super Adventure R
Seat Height
890 mm / 35 in
Wheelbase
1580±15 mm / 62.2 in
Ground Clearance
250 mm / 9.8 in
Dry Weight
217 kg / 478.4 lbs
Fuel Capacity
23 Litres / 6 US gal
Displacement
1301 cc / 79.3 cu-in
Engine Detail
Four stroke, 75°V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Bore x Stroke
108 x 71 mm
Compression Ratio
13.1:1
Cooling System
Liquid cooling system, continuous circulation of cooling liquid with water pump
Engine Management
Keihin EMS with RBW and cruise control, double ignition
Fuel Induction
2x Keihin EFI w/ 52mm throttle bodies
Ignition
System contactless, controlled, fully electronic ignition system with digital ignition timing adjustment
Lubrication
Forced oil lubrication with 3 oil pumps
Starter
Eletric
Valve Inspection Interval
18,600 miles
Battery Capacity
Battery: 12V 11.2AH
Clutch
PASC anti-hopping clutch/ hydraulically operated
Final Drive
Chain 5/8 x 5/16" X Ring
Primary Drive Ratios
40:76
Transmission / Drive
6-speed
Frame Type
Tubular space frame made from chrome molybdenum steel, powder-coated
Suspension - Front
48 mm WP fully adjustable USD forks
Suspension - Rear
WP-PDS Monoshock fully adjustable
Steering Head Angle
64°
Wheel Travel - Front
220 mm / 8.6 in
Wheel Travel - Rear
220 mm / 8.6 in
Charging System
450 watts max.
Brakes - Front
2 x 320 mm floating disc, Brembo four-piston brake calipers
Brakes - Rear
Single 267 mm disc, Brembo two-piston brake caliper
ABS
Bosch 9ME combined ABS, incl. cornering ABS and offroad mode, disengageable
Tyres - Front
90/90-21
Tyres - Rear
150/70-ZR18
Wheels - Front
Spoked aluminum
Wheels - Rear
Spoked aluminum
Specifications are compiled from manufacturer documentation and cross-referenced
technical sources, and corrected on an ongoing basis.
Spot an error? Let us know.
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