Ktm Adventure 1290 R vs Ktm Super Adventure 1290 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 Adventure 1290 R
Ktm Super Adventure 1290 S
Horsepower (hp)
160 hp
160 hp
Torque (Nm)
138 Nm
138 Nm
Top Speed (km/h)
220 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 @ 9,000 rpm
Torque
138 Nm @ 6,500 rpm
138 Nm @ 6,500 rpm
Top Speed
220 km/h (estimated; note: electronically influenced)
240 km/h (estimated, electronically influenced)
Weight
228 kg (wet/curb weight)
228 kg (curb/wet weight, with full fluids)
Fuel
6.5 L/100km (approximately 15.4 km/L, real-world average)
6.5–8.5 L/100km (approx. 12–15 km/L, real-world average)
Fairing
Yes
Yes
Individual Reviews
Ktm Adventure 1290 R
8.5/10
"Brilliant but unforgiving — buy a well-serviced example or walk away."
Pros
+Savage, characterful V-twin engine
+Genuinely capable off-road suspension
+Best-in-class electronics suite
Cons
−Expensive maintenance when neglected
−Known early throttle-by-wire issues
−Plastic repair costs are brutal
Ktm Super Adventure 1290 S
8.2/10
"Brilliant, characterful adventure bike — but buy with verified service history only."
Pros
+Phenomenal V-twin engine character
+Best-in-class semi-active suspension
+Cornering ABS genuinely confidence-inspiring
Cons
−Patchy reliability reputation
−Expensive dealer servicing costs
−Known early fuel pump issues