KTM 1290 Super Adventure S in the 1000PS Off-Road Test 2024

With the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S, we visited the largest enduro park in Europe, the Red Stag terrain, in Rohr im Gebirge. The expansive area, about an hour southwest of the Vienna city limits, offered a perfect testing environment with 15 kilometers of forest roads and 28 different off-road trails. There are ample opportunities for every riding level to let loose for an entire day. With our large adventure bikes, we were mostly on the wider forest paths. However, we also integrated some green trails (easy difficulty level) into the test procedure to thoroughly put the large and noble bikes to the test.

The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S is truly a powerful machine! First and foremost, because of its beastly engine. The V-twin with 160 hp and 138 Nm of torque delivers impressive thrust and craves a sporty riding style. The power delivery is phenomenal in every rpm range. You can particularly enjoy the performance in Rally mode, where the traction control can be individually adjusted on the fly. This allows the rider to decide anew in every corner whether action-packed gravel drifts or just efficient progress are on the agenda. It's fun and definitely useful—at least if you plan to take the KTM off the beaten path more often. With 200 mm of suspension travel front and rear, as well as the outstanding semi-active suspension, the bike offers an enormously wide range of use that is hard to match. The wide handlebars and ergonomically positioned pegs allow for a stable and very controlled riding stance—even for tall riders. Despite its weight, the KTM, probably also thanks to the tank that extends far down, is very nimble. Overall, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S offers an impressive combination of power, handling, and versatility, making it an excellent choice both on the road and off-road.

Who, like me, initially categorizes the 1290 Super Adventure as a street enduro due to its mighty key data, does it an injustice. Sure, 160 HP makes no sense off-road and is “way too much,” but the engine can be dosed so finely that you can handle loose terrain well with it. Big kudos to the WP technicians - the chassis can be optimally adjusted to the desired riding performance. Comfortable, gentle carriage ride over bumpy terrain? - No problem. Just like switching to a rock-hard setup with excellent feedback. The suspension of the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S truly satisfies every rider. The menu navigation of the KTM also greatly impressed. Logical operation supported by easily understandable graphics makes adjusting the SAS to your own needs a breeze. Overall, KTM has made a big hit with the 1290 Super Adventure S, setting new standards in this displacement class on loose terrain.

Even KTM's street-oriented adventure flagship performs impressively on unpaved terrain. This vividly demonstrates the impact of good ergonomics, a stable chassis, and a well-tuned engine and electronics setup. As an amateur, one often feels apprehensive about taking such large machines off-road, but the hesitation quickly disappears on the Super Adventure S because, despite its mature dimensions and substantial engine power, it remains pleasantly nimble. You feel that it's not out of place in the dirt, and thanks to the excellently tuned, not overly restrictive electronics, you get the sensation of heroically and skillfully navigating through gravel corners, something that would likely be much harder without the electronics. For a big adventure bike with a 19-inch front wheel, it feels extremely confident on loose terrain. Trust in the vehicle ultimately means fun in the saddle!

The intense off-road testing conditions were perfect for putting our equipment to the test. When it comes to helmets, the 1000PS crew unanimously relied on the new Tour-X5 from Arai. The helmet sits perfectly balanced on the head and behaves very neutrally in the wind, regardless of speed. The fit of the helmet is generally comfortable. Throughout the head area, there is a snug contact feeling. As typical for Arai, the padding also pleasantly encloses the jawbone and does not create any uncomfortable pressure in the cheek area. The inner lining used in the Tour-X5 feels cozy and high-quality on the skin even after a long, intense, and sweaty day. With various ventilation openings in the forehead, chin, and top of the head areas, you can get enough fresh air when needed. The craftsmanship is top-notch - the helmets not only look classy and beautiful when new, but they also remain in excellent condition even after a few tough days off-road. Ventilation openings and visor locking mechanisms can be operated perfectly even when dirty. A great, versatile helmet for all kinds of motorcycle adventures. We give it our highest recommendation!

During our adventure bike test, we uniformly wore gear from the renowned manufacturer Leatt. Our editors were equipped with either the Flow Tour Combo or the Multi Tour Combo. LEATT, well-known for high-quality motocross and hard-enduro apparel, has recently started offering robust and versatile protective clothing for adventure bike riders in their new ADV Collection. The Flow Tour jacket particularly impressed us with its outstanding ventilation, providing pleasant cooling even in hot conditions up to 35 degrees. Thanks to the integrated hydration bladder system, our testers stayed well-hydrated even on dusty trails. The generous, waterproof pockets offered ample storage for personal items and allowed for comfortable access while riding. The Multi Tour Combo, on the other hand, scored with its versatility and three-layer construction, offering optimal protection and adaptability to varying weather conditions. Both models are equipped with CE-certified protectors at critical points, providing maximum protection without restricting freedom of movement. Even a LEATT Neck-Brace is compatible with the jackets. We particularly liked the split chest protector on both models, which not only ensures safety but also offers high wearing comfort when the zipper is open. LEATT's gear proved to be ideal for our intensive tests. Robust, safe, and providing the necessary comfort for long riding days under extreme conditions.