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2017 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S Overview
The 2017 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 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. 2017 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S delivers 118 kW @ 8750 rpm of peak power and 140 Nm @ 6750rpm of torque. From a practical standpoint, the 2017 1290 Super Adventure S tips the scales at 215 kg, carries a 23-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 860 mm and spans a 1560±15 mm wheelbase. Scroll down for the complete 2017 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S spec sheet covering every technical detail from suspension travel to tyre sizes.
2017 1290 Super Adventure S - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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Strong power output: 2017 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S makes 118 kW @ 8750 rpm with 140 Nm @ 6750rpm of torque - competitive figures for its class.
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Large fuel range: The 23-litre tank is generously sized, translating to extended range between stops - ideal for touring or longer commutes.
Considerations
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Tall seat height: The 860 mm seat height will challenge shorter riders - tiptoeing at low speeds is something to factor into your decision.
Owner Experiences & Common Issues
General ownership notes
The 2017 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S has built a reputation for solid everyday reliability when serviced to schedule. As with any motorcycle of this era, documented service history is the single biggest indicator of long-term reliability when buying used.
1290 Super Adventure S - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
When inspecting a used 2017 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S, 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 S 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 S. 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.
2017 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2017 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S have?
The 2017 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 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 S weigh?
The 2017 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S weighs 215 kg. This is the manufacturer's dry figure.
How much power does the 2017 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S make?
The 2017 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 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 S?
The 2017 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 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 S suitable for shorter riders?
The 2017 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S has a seat height of 860 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 S have?
The 2017 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 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 S use?
The 2017 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S runs 120/70-ZR19 front and 170/60-ZR17 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 S have?
The 2017 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S is fitted with a 6-speed transmission.
KTM 1290 Super Adventure S Spec Evolution
The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 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 |
215 kg / 473.9 lbs |
215 kg / 473.9 lbs |
220 kg / 485 lbs |
220 kg / 485 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 |
860 mm / 33.5 in |
860 mm / 33.5 in |
849 mm / 33.4 in - adjustable 869 mm / 34.2 in |
849 mm / 33.4 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 |
Tubular space frame made from chrome molybdenum steel, powder-coated |
| 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 floating disc, Brembo four-piston brake calipers |
| Wheelbase |
1560±15 mm / 61.4 in |
1560±15 mm / 61.4 in |
1557±15 mm / 61.2 in |
1580 mm / 62.2 in |
| Ground Clearance |
220 mm / 8.7 in |
220 mm / 8.7 in |
223 mm / 8.7 in |
223 mm / 8.7 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
Weight
215 kg / 473.9 lbs
Fuel Capacity
23 Litres / 6 US gal
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Full 2017 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S Specifications
Year
2017 - 18
Make Model
KTM 1290 Super Adventure S
Seat Height
860 mm / 33.5 in
Wheelbase
1560±15 mm / 61.4 in
Ground Clearance
220 mm / 8.7 in
Dry Weight
215 kg / 473.9 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, 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
WP Semi-active Suspension USD ø 48 mm
Suspension - Rear
Shock absorber WP Semi-active Suspension PDS Monoshock
Steering Head Angle
64°
Wheel Travel - Front
200 mm / 7.9 in
Wheel Travel - Rear
200 mm / 7.9 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
120/70-ZR19
Tyres - Rear
170/60-ZR17
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