Every time KTM announces a new ADV product, it's a time for many rally fans to plant grass again and again. Today, KTM released the heaviest EVER ADVENTURE: 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S and R versions in the Chinese market, priced at 208,800 yuan and 229,800 yuan, respectively.
Compared with the previous generation, the engine displacement has been increased to 1301cc, making it the largest pull car in China. Not only is the displacement upgrade, but the industry's latest technology system is standard on the S version, and the R version with the strongest adventure attributes has redesigned the frame and set ergonomics. Of course, as the strongest in the ADVENTURE industry, their upgrades do not stop there.
1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S
The KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S is the most sporty and technologically advanced adventure vehicle ever launched on matighofen's production line. It is leading the way in many areas, focusing on the multifunctional sports station wagon market. With its rider-centric ergonomics, it maintains high performance and comfort on any terrain, and in short, it is the most perfect high-performance expedition vehicle.
The frame is made of chrome-molybdenum stainless steel, and thanks to the sophisticated process of laser cutting and welding robots, the frame weighs only 10kg. The LC8 engine is held in place by a new aluminium bracket with a finely adjusted suspension position that rotates two degrees forward around the swingarm shaft hole. Thanks to the 15 mm rear adjustment of the steering column, the new frame is shorter and more compact than the old version, providing better corner handling, stability and acceleration.
The new subframe is made of hybrid forged aluminium and is 15 mm longer to match the ergonomic requirements of the latest designs, while reducing the height of the rear seat, making it lightweight and sturdy, making it easy to carry occupants or luggage. And provide enough storage space at the lower end of the frame.
Split saddles: Optimal ergonomic saddles should meet the needs of the driver while also taking into account the comfort requirements of the rear seat occupants. The seat height can be adjusted between 849 mm and 869 mm and can be easily opened at the push of a button. 11 seat versions are also available: versions of different shapes, sizes, thicknesses, and heated versions.
New 23 L fuel tank with three-chamber combination design (two low-side fuel tanks) and electronically controlled open tank cover. There is storage space in front of the fuel tank lid, which is easy to open anytime, anywhere.
The new version of the front windshield is increased by 55 mm, and the larger area will provide better wind retention and protection. The "adjustment wheels" on both sides of the windshield make it easy for the driver to adjust the front windshield height with one hand.
KTM and WP Suspension have joined forces to create the latest generation of WP 'SAT', thanks to the latest suspension control module (SCU) that adjusts the solenoid valve damping rate in real time, providing feedback on ground conditions and driver input for greater comfort and improved overall riding experience.
The suspension stroke sensor is the basis for this state-of-the-art kit, which makes all adjustments in the TFT instrument panel via a handlebar switch and offers three different damping modes: "Comfort", "Street", "Sport" (optional "Off-Road" and "Auto" modes), and the driver can independently adjust the front and rear suspension units (optional). Tuning is based on massive data obtained by the 6-axis inclination sensor in the corresponding riding style.
The KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S uses a 48 mm (200 mm stroke) WP APEX SAT fork with a meshable (optional) anti-dive function that prevents the fork from sinking sharply during heavy braking. The optional auto damping mode is an innovative highlight of SAT technology, which automatically adjusts the damping based on your riding style and road conditions.
The rear suspension uses the WP APEX SAT shock absorber (200 mm stroke) and the new hydraulic preload regulator, which can be set directly via the TFT instrument panel. Sensors pass information to the SCU and the regulator automatically adjusts the spring preload to achieve the ideal balancing of the vehicle (sinking volume). The preload adjustable capacity on the 2021 KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S is 20 mm, an increase of 10 mm over the previous generation. In addition, the springs of the rear suspension are preloaded with ten-segment settings that can be adjusted as needed via the TFT gauge screen.
Another of KTM's initiatives – the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S, the unique "ACC" system – is unique in long-distance travel and will significantly reduce the driver's workload. KTM and Bosch collaborated to develop the "ACC" with the intention of allowing drivers to switch to the wind and speed as quickly as they can relax like a crane in the clouds. It uses radar technology to adjust the distance from the vehicle in front of it; this function can be used after the vehicle is hooked into 2nd gear, and the speed is between 30 km/h and 150 km/h.
The cruise system is set with five distances to choose from: short, sub-short, medium, sub-long, long range, each of which can be selected as comfortable or sporty. Intelligent software helps provide delay-free and effective power, such as "overtaking assist" (which facilitates lane changes and brief acceleration of overtaking) and turning, as well as seamless shifts (using a quick shifter or using a clutch). When the driver actively brakes, adaptive cruise automatically ends and exits.
The cruise control has been changed from the old operation to the newly designed handlebar "handle" operation, which can be used independently. When going downhill, the ACC system is able to use the brakes to effectively control the speed.
The original factory offers four basic modes: Street, Rain, Sport, Off Road, and optional Tension Mode:
Street (this is the default setting, medium traction control, standard throttle response, full power, mild engine braking);
Rainy days (maximum traction control, gentle throttle response, limited 100 hp power);
Movement (less intervention in traction control, sensitive throttle response, full power, allows the rear wheels to slide slightly, providing maximum acceleration);
Off-road (similar to rainy mode, but allows the rear wheels to slide more to accommodate gravel, smooth surfaces, etc.).
Optional tension mode: Allows riders to set nine different traction levels to select rear wheel sliding, improving throttle response while limiting control parameters.
Another breakthrough in the new car is the use of ARA (Anti Relay Attack) technology, there is a 10-minute window between start and ignition, temporary stop during the ride, 5 minutes of "pause mode" will start to play, allowing time for refueling or traffic problems, and then need to press the sensor (you can carry it with you) button to unlock the ARA again. The ARA system can also be completely shut down in the car system.
The LC8 V twin engine delivers 160 hp and 138 Nm of torque. The thinner and lighter engine walls reduce weight by almost 1 kg. Twin-cylinder ignition with a new coil design ignition device and centralized spark plug for fuller combustion. Oil circuit upgrades minimize power loss due to frictional damage. The new built-in aluminium tube replaces the oil circuit on the original engine block for further weight reduction. The clutch uses a new friction plate set that makes it easier to shift gears at low speeds.
The new air filter box is located in the compact and sturdy steel frame above the engine, and the stamping inlet sends air to the air filter. The filter is easier to replace after adjusting the layout – remove the 4 small screws and remove the small storage compartment in front of the tank to remove the filter element – a new change to the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S. The new cooling system uses two radiators to help the LC8 engine dissipate heat better and reduce interference to the rider. In the past, especially when driving at low speeds or when waiting, drivers often felt that there was not enough heat dissipation around the legs and saddle. The upgraded refrigeration system also reduces the amount of hot air blowing towards the engine.
The upgraded PINKL gearbox makes shifting faster and shift times shorter. The new lightweight shift drum uses aluminum, and the higher machining accuracy will lead to more silky shift performance. Compared to the chrome-plated components used in the previous generation, the gear shift fork has a new copper coating, the wear rate is reduced, and the shift drum track is another guarantee of high-quality QuickShift+ (optional).
KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S parameter table
1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R
The all-new KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R was designed from scratch, redesigned the frame and set ergonomics, retuned the WP XPLOR suspension system, and has 90% updated parts compared to the previous generation. Improvements to the rocker arm provide better stability and shock absorption, inspiring confidence to get away from the hustle and bustle at a faster pace.
The new technology configuration is somewhat different from the S version, and the S version of the ACC adaptive cruise function is not seen in the official data. Perhaps considering that the R version often goes to more wild environments, it is necessary to reduce the cost of repair when repairing the front of the car.
Compared to the S version released this time, the seat height has been increased to 880 mm. The minimum ground clearance has also been increased from 223mm to 242mm in the S version. The dry weight of 228 kg is 1 kg heavier than the 227 kg of the S version.
The front suspension size is 48 mm, the front and rear suspension stroke is set to 220 mm, although the specifications are the same as the S version, but with the EXC series of the same shock absorption, the damping is also adjusted separately, the left fork is compressed, and the right side is rebound.
In terms of rear damping, the rear suspension with Progressive Damping System (PDS) is air/oil separated, with an external air receiver, and low- and high-speed damping compression, springback, and hydraulic preload can all be manually adjusted.
The WP damping system also provides a steering damper for the new Samsung plate, with a redesigned top for greater stability on the front of the car when driving.
The engine uses the same LC8 V-Twin as the S version, with a maximum horsepower of 160 hp and a maximum torque of 138 Nm. Building on the S version, KTM has improved traction control (MTC) to make it more intuitive and predictable, with four riding modes as standard:
STREET
Default settings are full power output / moderate traction control / standard throttle response / mild engine braking;
SPORT
Full power output / direct throttle response / softer traction control / allows more idling / maximum acceleration;
RAIN
Maximum traction control / gentle throttle response / limited power output to 100 hp;
OFF-ROAD
Ideal for tricky off-road conditions/allows some degree of wheel slippage/allows rear wheel slippage to accommodate smooth terrain/power output is limited to 100 horsepower.
In addition, an optional RALLY mode is available. RALLY mode provides the rider with 9 different levels to set the degree of wheel idling, can start the throttle response from smooth to aggressive, and lift the anti-cock control.
Based on a keyless system, the R version introduces a new ARA mode that provides additional security and requires activation before starting the vehicle's ignition.
Here's the official interpretation: "There's a 10-minute time between opening the door and igniting it so that there's plenty of time to make final preparations before riding." If the vehicle does not ignite during this time, the ARA disables the vehicle's keyless start function. In addition, when the vehicle is turned off, the five-minute "pause mode" comes into play, allowing time to refuel before the ARA needs to be lifted again by pressing a button on the transponder. Riders can simply dismiss the ARA function through the menu".
Regarding the actual role and use of this system, we will introduce it more bluntly to you after we get the test drive.
Compared with the front and rear 17-inch wheels of the S version, the R version adopts a combination of front 21 inches and rear 18 inches, and is equipped with Bridgestone A41 tires, which have a fuller grip performance for off-road environments.
KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R parameter table
The 1290 SUPER ADV has finally arrived in the domestic market, and as a half-rally fan, I am excited, we have seen more avant-garde technology, more people-friendly configuration, more powerful performance, for hardcore rally fans who like to spread joy on dirt roads, it is definitely a great weapon for you to become an adventure hero.
Regarding how fearless this car will be in the off-road environment, I believe that in the near future, we will be able to share the test driving experience with you, please continue to pay attention.