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2021 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R Overview
For 2021, KTM offers the 1290 Super Adventure R as an enduro / off-road motorcycle with 1301 cc on tap. The 2021 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 @ 9000 rpm of peak power and 138 Nm @ 6500 rpm of torque. In everyday use, the 2021 1290 Super Adventure R tips the scales at 221 kg, carries a 23-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 880 mm and spans a 1557±15 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 22.2 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 2021 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R spec sheet below.
2021 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 @ 9000 rpm and 138 Nm @ 6500 rpm 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 880 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 disc Brembo four-piston, radially mounted caliper 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 XPLOR USD, compression, rebound, preload up front and WP XPLOR shock absorber with PDS, compression 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 Chromium-Molybdenum-Steel trellis frame, powder coated, aluminium powder coated sub-frame 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.
Handling the weight at a standstill
The 1290 Super Adventure R's 221 kg kerb weight is worth factoring into how you handle it at a standstill - parking-lot manoeuvres need a bit more deliberate technique than on a lighter machine.
1290 Super Adventure R - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
A pre-purchase check on the 2021 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.
2021 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2021 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R have?
The 2021 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 2021 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R weigh?
The 2021 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R weighs 221 kg. This is the manufacturer's dry figure.
How much power does the 2021 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R make?
The 2021 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R produces 118 kW @ 9000 rpm of power and 138 Nm @ 6500 rpm of torque. These are peak figures.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2021 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R?
The 2021 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 2021 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R suitable for shorter riders?
The 2021 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R has a seat height of 880 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 2021 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R have?
The 2021 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R uses 2 x 320 mm disc Brembo four-piston, radially mounted caliper at the front and Single 267 mm disc, Brembo two-piston, fixed caliper at the rear.
What tyre sizes does the 2021 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R use?
The 2021 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R runs 90/90 21 front and 150/70 ZR 18 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.
What gearbox does the 2021 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R have?
The 2021 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 @ 9000 rpm
Torque
138 Nm / 101.7 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm
Top Speed
Not published by manufacturer
Fuel Capacity
23 Litres / 6 US gal
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Full 2021 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R Specifications
Year
2021 - 22
Make Model
KTM 1290 Super Adventure R
Seat Height
880 mm / 34.6 in
Wheelbase
1557±15 mm / 61.2 in
Ground Clearance
242 mm / 9.5 in
Dry Weight
221 kg / 487 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
Emissions
EURO5
Engine Management
Keihin EMS with RBW and cruise control
Exhaust
Stainless steel silencer
Fuel Induction
2x Keihin EFI, 52mm throttle bodies
Ignition
System contactless, controlled, fully electronic ignition system with digital ignition timing adjustment
Lubrication
Pressure lubrication with 3 Eaton pumps
Starter
Electric
Clutch
PASC anti-hopping clutch, hydraulically operated
Final Drive
Chain 525 X-Ring
Final Drive Ratio
17:42
Primary Drive Ratios
40:76
Transmission / Drive
6-speed
Frame Type
Chromium-Molybdenum-Steel trellis frame, powder coated, aluminium powder coated sub-frame
Suspension - Front
48 mm WP XPLOR USD, compression, rebound, preload
Suspension - Rear
WP XPLOR shock absorber with PDS, compression (high and low speed), rebound, hydraulic preload
Steering Head Angle
64.7°
Trail
112 mm / 4.4 in
Wheel Travel - Front
220 mm / 8.6 in
Wheel Travel - Rear
220 mm / 8.6 in
Electronics Package
Keihin EMS with RBW and ACC (adaptive cruise control), double ignition, MTC (lean-angle sensitive, 4 modes, disengageable)
Traction control
MTC (lean-angle sensitive, 4 modes, disengageable), double ignition
Brakes - Front
2 x 320 mm disc Brembo four-piston, radially mounted caliper
Brakes - Rear
Single 267 mm disc, Brembo two-piston, fixed caliper
ABS
Bosch 10.3ME Combined-ABS - incl. Cornering-ABS and offroad mode, disenengageable
Rims - Front
2.5 x 21
Rims - Rear
4.25 x 18
Tyres - Front
90/90 21 (OT Version: 90/90 - 21)
Tyres - Rear
150/70 ZR 18 (OT Version: 150/70 - 18)
Wheels
Forged aluminium rims with spokes
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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