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2021 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S Overview
The 2021 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. 2021 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S delivers 118 kW @ 9000 rpm of peak power and 138 Nm @ 6500 rpm of torque. From a practical standpoint, the 2021 1290 Super Adventure S tips the scales at 220 kg, carries a 23-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 849 mm and spans a 1557±15 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 21.2 kg heavier than the average enduro / off-road motorcycle in our database. Scroll down for the complete 2021 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S spec sheet covering every technical detail from suspension travel to tyre sizes.
2021 1290 Super Adventure S - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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⚡
Strong power output: 2021 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S makes 118 kW @ 9000 rpm with 138 Nm @ 6500 rpm 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 849 mm seat height will challenge shorter riders - tiptoeing at low speeds is something to factor into your decision.
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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 S 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 disc Brembo four-piston, radially mounted caliper 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 S runs 48 mm WP APEX Semi-Active Technology USD forks - Pro package optional and WP SAT 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 Chromium-Molybdenum-Steel trellis frame, powder coated, aluminium, powder coated sub-frame - 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.
Handling the weight at a standstill
At 220 kg, the 1290 Super Adventure S is a substantial machine - low-speed manoeuvring in car parks takes more physical effort than on a lighter bike, though the weight disappears once rolling.
1290 Super Adventure S - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
When inspecting a used 2021 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.
Carburetor upkeep
Keep the carburetors clean and free of deposits. If the 1290 Super Adventure S 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.
2021 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2021 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S have?
The 2021 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 2021 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S weigh?
The 2021 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S weighs 220 kg. This is the manufacturer's dry figure.
How much power does the 2021 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S make?
The 2021 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 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 S?
The 2021 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 2021 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S suitable for shorter riders?
The 2021 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S has a seat height of 849 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 S have?
The 2021 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 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 S use?
The 2021 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 2021 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S have?
The 2021 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 @ 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 S Specifications
Year
2021-22
Make Model
KTM 1290 Super Adventure S
Seat Height
849 mm / 33.4 in - adjustable 869 mm / 34.2 in
Wheelbase
1557±15 mm / 61.2 in
Ground Clearance
223 mm / 8.7 in
Dry Weight
220 kg / 485 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
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
Clutch
PASC anti-hopping clutch, hydraulically operated
Final Drive
Chain 525 X-Ring
Transmission / Drive
6-speed
Frame Type
Chromium-Molybdenum-Steel trellis frame, powder coated, aluminium, powder coated sub-frame
Suspension - Front
48 mm WP APEX Semi-Active Technology USD forks - Pro package optional
Suspension - Rear
WP SAT (semi-active technology) shock absorber, electronically regulated preload
Steering Head Angle
65.3°
Wheel Travel - Front
200 mm / 7.9 in
Wheel Travel - Rear
200 mm / 7.9 in
Electronics Package
Keihin EMS with RBW and ACC (adaptive cruise control), double ignition, MTC (lean-angle sensitive, 4 modes, disengageable)
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
3.50 x 19
Rims - Rear
5.00 x 17
Tyres - Front
120/70-ZR19
Tyres - Rear
170/60-ZR17
Wheels
Cast aluminium
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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