2020 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R Specifications

Name: 2020 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R
Brand: KTM

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

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2020 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R Overview

The 2020 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R is an enduro / off-road motorcycle built around 1301 cc of displacement. Under the tank sits a Four stroke, 75°V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder engine, a compression ratio of 13.1:1. 2020 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R delivers 118 kW @ 8750 rpm of peak power and 140 Nm @ 6750rpm of torque. From a practical standpoint, the 2020 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. Scroll down for the complete 2020 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R spec sheet covering every technical detail from suspension travel to tyre sizes.

2020 1290 Super Adventure R - Pros & Cons

Strengths

Strong power output: 2020 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R makes 118 kW @ 8750 rpm with 140 Nm @ 6750rpm of torque - competitive figures for its class.
Large fuel range: The 23-litre tank is generously sized, translating to extended range between stops - ideal for touring or longer commutes.

Considerations

Tall seat height: The 890 mm seat height will challenge shorter riders - tiptoeing at low speeds is something to factor into your decision.
Chain final drive upkeep: Chain final drive needs regular cleaning, lubrication and tension checks to get full life out of the sprockets.

Wear Points & Servicing Notes

Cooling system servicing

The Liquid cooling system, continuous circulation of cooling liquid with water pump system on the 1290 Super Adventure R needs a coolant change roughly every two years (or per the service schedule) - skipping it lets the coolant turn acidic and corrode the aluminium water passages over time.

Brake disc and pad wear

The 2 x 320 mm floating disc, Brembo four-piston brake calipers front brake gives strong, progressive stopping power. Disc thickness and pad depth are worth checking at every tyre change, since worn pads can score the disc surface.

Suspension condition on used examples

Up front, the 1290 Super Adventure R runs 48 mm WP fully adjustable USD forks and WP-PDS Monoshock fully adjustable at the rear. On a used example, check fork seals for weeping oil and test the rear linkage for play - seals are a relatively cheap fix but useful when negotiating price.

Final drive maintenance

Final drive is by chain - expect to clean and lube it every few hundred kilometres and check tension regularly; a neglected chain wears the sprockets faster than the chain itself.

Frame & chassis check

The frame is Tubular space frame made from chrome molybdenum steel, powder-coated - worth a visual check for corrosion or impact damage around the head-stock and swingarm pivot on any used example, since frame damage is far costlier to fix than any service item.

1290 Super Adventure R - Buying & Maintenance Guide

What to check before buying

When inspecting a used 2020 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R, start with the basics: check the service book for oil change frequency, inspect the chain and sprockets for wear, and look for oil seepage around the engine casings and rocker covers. A cold start test is invaluable - a well-maintained 1290 Super Adventure R should fire up cleanly and settle to a smooth idle within a few seconds.

Oil and filter changes

Regular oil changes are the single most important maintenance task on any 1290 Super Adventure R. Stick to the manufacturer's interval - typically every 6,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. Always use the correct viscosity grade as specified in the owner's manual.

Carburetor upkeep

Keep the carburetors clean and free of deposits. If the 1290 Super Adventure R has been stored, strip and clean the carb float bowls before attempting to start it. Pilot jets are the first to block and the last to be checked - always include them in any carb rebuild.

2020 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R - Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 2020 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R have?

The 2020 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 2020 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R weigh?

The 2020 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R weighs 217 kg. This is the manufacturer's dry figure.

How much power does the 2020 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R make?

The 2020 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 2020 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R?

The 2020 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 2020 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R suitable for shorter riders?

The 2020 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 2020 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R have?

The 2020 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 2020 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R use?

The 2020 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 2020 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R have?

The 2020 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 2020 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R Specifications

Year 2019 - 20

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.