2017 · Adventure · Buyer's Guide
1290 Super Adventure T (MY2017)
Continent Eater With Bite
The Machine's Character
KTM built the T around a 1301 cc 75-degree V-twin making 160 hp and 103 lb-ft, then hung the touring half of the Super Adventure platform off it. A steel trellis frame, a 19-inch front wheel, and 7.9 inches (200 mm) of travel at both ends place it firmly in the big-bore adventure class. What separates the T is the equipment: cruise control, heated grips, a center stand, luggage, an adjustable screen, and a standard rider-aid package with cornering ABS, ride modes, and KTM Motorcycle Traction Control. Both ends of the suspension adjust, and that range is the bike's single best feature.
On the road it stays a big twin that nobody bothered to tame. The low-end pull arrives early, the acceleration stays serious as the revs climb, and the chassis has more sporting intent than the size suggests. It ages the way a chain-drive KTM ages: fine if you stay on top of it, annoying if you do not. Fork seals want watching after rough miles, and a few electrical gremlins turn up on the dash. This one is for the rider who wants long days and big distances without the edge sanded off. If your idea of touring is soft and quiet, this is the wrong orange bike.
Hard Numbers
Spec sheets don't ride bikes, but they set the baseline.
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| Power | 160 hp (118 kW) @ 8,750 rpm |
|---|---|
| Torque | 103 lb-ft (140 Nm) @ 6,750 rpm |
| Displacement | 1301 cc |
| Engine | 75° V-twin |
| Cooling | Liquid-cooled |
| Gearbox | 6-speed |
| Final drive | Chain |
| Fork | Upside-down (USD) |
| Front brake | 320 mm |
| Front tire | 120/70-19 |
| Rear tire | 170/60-17 |
| Ground clearance | 8.7 in (220 mm) |
| Front travel | 7.9 in (200 mm) |
| Rear travel | 7.9 in (200 mm) |
| Seat height | 33.9 in (860 mm) |
| Fuel capacity | 7.9 gal (30 L) |
Equipment check
Chassis
- Electronic Suspension Standard
- Cruise Control Standard
Comfort
- Heated Grips Standard
- Adjustable Windscreen Standard
- Luggage System Standard
Connectivity
- USB Charging Port Standard
- Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) Standard
Drivetrain
- Slipper Clutch Standard
Lighting
- LED Headlight Standard
- Cornering Lights Standard
Safety
- ABS Standard
- Cornering ABS Standard
- Traction Control KTM Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC) Lean sensitive tractionSelectable ride modes Standard
- Ride Modes Standard
Known issues
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Fuel pump filter recall
A faulty fuel pump filter may lead to power loss or stalling. A technical improvement (TI) was issued for 2017 models to replace the filter.
-
Fork seal leaks
Front fork seals are prone to leaking after off-road use or aggressive riding, sometimes as early as 3,100 mi (5,000 km).
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TPMS sensor failure
The rear wheel TPMS sensor can fail prematurely, causing false warnings or loss of tyre pressure monitoring function. Replaced under warranty in some cases.
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Fuel cap opening failure
The locking fuel cap can refuse to open, which means several attempts with the key or lubricating the locking mechanism. The latch and lock cylinder can stick, and this happens on and off.
-
Premature exhaust end cap corrosion
The chrome end cap on the exhaust silencer can begin to rust within the first year.
The Numbers Compared
Compare the technical specifications of the KTM 1290 Super Adventure T with other bikes in its class.
Head-to-head: KTM 1290 Super Adventure T vs. its rivals
Power
Torque
Displacement
Seat height
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