Ktm 1290 Super Adventure S Review

Used Buyer Review

The 1290 Super Adventure S is the kind of bike that makes you feel like a hero on day one and humbles you on day two. That 1301cc V-twin is genuinely savage — 160hp on an adventure bike still feels borderline irresponsible, and the WP semi-active suspension means it actually handles that power with surprising composure on rough roads. The cornering ABS and lean-sensitive traction control aren't gimmicks here; they've saved more than a few riders from embarrassing moments. Buying used, you need to do your homework. Check the throttle bodies for the early sticky throttle issue on pre-2018 bikes, and budget for a valve check around 15,000 miles — KTM's service intervals are shorter than you'd expect for a flagship machine. Electronics packages on 2017+ models are substantially better, so stick to those if possible. Also inspect the bash plate and crash bungs; these bikes get used hard, and owners aren't always honest about drops. Bottom line: it's genuinely one of the most capable big adventure bikes ever built, but it demands respect, money, and attention.