Ktm 1290 Super Adventure vs Ktm 1290 Super Adventure S
Side-by-side comparison for used motorcycle buyers
Performance at a Glance
Green = winner per metric · Bars are relative to the higher value
Ktm 1290 Super Adventure
Ktm 1290 Super Adventure S
Horsepower (hp)
160 hp
160 hp
Torque (Nm)
138 Nm
138 Nm
Top Speed (km/h)
270 km/h
240 km/h
Weight (kg) — lower is better
228 kg
228 kg
Type
Adventure
Adventure
Horsepower
160 hp @ 8,500 rpm
160 hp @ 8,000 rpm
Torque
138 Nm @ 6,500 rpm
138 Nm @ 6,500 rpm
Top Speed
270 km/h (electronically limited; estimated)
240 km/h (estimated, electronically limited)
Weight
228 kg (curb/wet weight, model year dependent — note: varies slightly between S and R variants)
228 kg (wet/curb weight)
Fuel
6.5–8.0 L/100km (real-world average, varies with riding style)
6.5 L/100km (approximately 15.4 km/L typical real-world average)
Fairing
Yes
Yes
Individual Reviews
Ktm 1290 Super Adventure
8.5/10
"The fastest way to feel inadequate while grinning uncontrollably."
Pros
+Ridiculous V-twin grunt
+Best-in-class electronics suite
+Surprisingly capable off-road
Cons
−Expensive dealer servicing
−Water pump known weakness
−Heavy at low speeds
Ktm 1290 Super Adventure S
8.5/10
"The best big adventure bike money can buy, if maintained properly."
Pros
+Ferocious V-twin performance
+Semi-active suspension is excellent
+Lean-sensitive electronics work brilliantly
Cons
−Higher maintenance costs than rivals
−Pre-2018 throttle body issues
−Punishing if neglected by previous owner
Top 10 Accessories
Picks that work on either bike.
