KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 vs. KTM 1090 Adventure R 2017

The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 and the KTM 1090 Adventure R 2017 are both powerful adventure motorcycles designed for off-road and on-road riding. However, there are several differences between the two models.

In terms of engine and drivetrain, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 features a V2 engine with a bore of 108 mm and a stroke of 71 mm, delivering a powerful 160 HP and 138 Nm of torque. On the other hand, the KTM 1090 Adventure R 2017 has a V2 engine with a smaller bore of 103 mm and stroke of 63 mm, producing 125 HP and 109 Nm of torque. The 1290 Super Adventure S has a larger displacement of 1301 ccm compared to the 1050 ccm of the 1090 Adventure R.

Both motorcycles have similar front suspension setups with WP telescopic upside-down forks, but the 1090 Adventure R has a slightly larger travel of 220 mm compared to the 200 mm of the 1290 Super Adventure S. The rear suspension on both models is a swingarm with a monoshock, also from WP, with a travel of 200 mm for the 1290 Super Adventure S and 220 mm for the 1090 Adventure R.

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

In terms of chassis, both motorcycles have a chromium-molybdenum frame, but the 1290 Super Adventure S has a slightly steeper rake angle of 65.3 degrees compared to the 64 degrees of the 1090 Adventure R. This gives the 1290 Super Adventure S slightly better handling in corners. Both models feature Brembo dual-disc front brakes for reliable stopping power.

In terms of advanced rider assistance systems, the 1290 Super Adventure S offers electronically adjustable suspension, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride-by-wire throttle, cruise control, and traction control. The 1090 Adventure R, on the other hand, features ABS, riding modes, and traction control.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the 1290 Super Adventure S has a 19-inch front tire and a 17-inch rear tire, while the 1090 Adventure R has a larger 21-inch front tire and an 18-inch rear tire. The 1290 Super Adventure S has a slightly shorter wheelbase of 1560 mm compared to the 1580 mm of the 1090 Adventure R. The seat height of the 1290 Super Adventure S is 849 mm, while the 1090 Adventure R has a taller seat height of 890 mm. The dry weight of the 1290 Super Adventure S is 220 kg with ABS, while the 1090 Adventure R weighs 207 kg with ABS.

KTM 1090 Adventure R 2017

In terms of equipment, the 1290 Super Adventure S comes with additional features such as cornering lights, LED headlights, a TFT display, and an adjustable windscreen. The 1090 Adventure R, on the other hand, only has an adjustable windscreen.

In terms of strengths, the 1290 Super Adventure S offers a very sporty yet refined V2 powertrain, accessible handling despite its weight, comfortable riding position, good brakes including cornering ABS, a comprehensive electronic package, and a clear and well-structured instrumentation with a large 7-inch display. The 1090 Adventure R, on the other hand, boasts a powerful sporty engine, practical road and off-road modes that perfectly regulate traction control and maximum power, a robust off-road compatible chassis, and a wide choice of KTM accessories and equipment.

In terms of weaknesses, the 1290 Super Adventure S has somewhat slow turning behavior in corners, opaque packaging design and pricing policy, and instrument panels and switches that do not seem to be of high quality. The 1090 Adventure R, on the other hand, has a huge seat height, making it less suitable for riders with a minimum body height of 180 cm, a sporty engine response that may not be ideal for long trips, and slow maneuverability at low speeds.