2018 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R Specifications

Name: 2018 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R
Brand: KTM

Enduro / Off-Road • Specs last verified 13 July 2026

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2018 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R Overview

For 2018, KTM offers the 1290 Super Adventure R as an enduro / off-road motorcycle with 1301 cc on tap. The 2018 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 2018 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 2018 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R spec sheet below.

2018 1290 Super Adventure R - Pros & Cons

Strengths

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.
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

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.
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 2018 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.

2018 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R - Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 2018 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R have?

The 2018 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 2018 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R weigh?

The 2018 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R weighs 217 kg. This is the manufacturer's dry figure.

How much power does the 2018 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R make?

The 2018 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 2018 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R?

The 2018 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 2018 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R suitable for shorter riders?

The 2018 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 2018 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R have?

The 2018 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 2018 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R use?

The 2018 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 2018 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R have?

The 2018 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

Full 2018 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

Max Power 118 kW / 160 hp @ 8750 rpm

Max Torque 140 Nm / 103.7 lb-ft @ 6750rpm

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.