bikwale

KTM

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S specifications and features

Every figure from the manufacturer's sheet, plus what each feature actually does for you.

By , founder and editor

Updated

Prices checked

Specs source: KTM

Engine and performance

The 1301cc liquid-cooled engine makes 158 bhp and 140 Nm through a 6 Speed. With a kerb weight of 250 kg that is 632 bhp per tonne, the best power-to-weight ratio of the 14 bikes in this class we have reviewed.

The torque and power figures are well balanced, so it neither needs to be revved hard nor feels lazy when you do.

Full specification sheet

Engine

Engine
1301 cc
Engine type
2 Cylinder, Liquid Cooled, 4 Valves
Power
158 bhp
Torque
140 Nm
Claimed mileage
17.5 kmpl
Cooling
Liquid-cooled
Transmission
6 Speed

Electric

Top speed
230 km/h

Dimensions

Kerb weight
250 kg
Fuel tank
23 L
Seat height
869 mm
Ground clearance
223 mm
Wheelbase
1557 mm

Brakes & suspension

Front brake
Disc, 320 mm, 4 piston caliper
Rear brake
Disc, 267 mm, 2 piston caliper
ABS / CBS
Dual Channel ABS
Front suspension
WP SAT (semi-active technology) Upside-Down Ø 48 mm
Rear suspension
WP SAT (semi-active technology) shock absorber

Tyres

Front tyre
120/70-ZR19
Rear tyre
170/60-ZR17

Source: KTM official specifications. Figures can differ between variants; the table shows the range offered.

Dimensions in practice

The 1290 Super Adventure S weighs 250 kg with fluids, has an 869 mm seat, 223 mm of ground clearance, and rides on a 1557 mm wheelbase. That clearance is generous: speed breakers and broken roads will not trouble the underbody.

The fuel tank holds 23 litres.

Tyres are 120/70-ZR19 front and 170/60-ZR17 rear, tubeless.

Features, and why each matters

Grouped by what they do for you. Underlined items link to a plain-English explainer.

Safety and braking

  • Dual-channel ABS

    Stops both wheels from locking under panic braking. The single biggest safety upgrade on a two-wheeler.

  • Front disc brake

    Sheds heat and works when wet. Worth the small premium over a drum on any commuter.

  • Rear disc brake

    Adds feel and fade resistance at the back; matters more on heavier or faster bikes.

  • Tubeless tyres

    A puncture deflates slowly instead of instantly, and roadside repair takes ten minutes.

  • Traction control

    Cuts power if the rear spins on wet paint or gravel. Rare under ₹2 lakh.

  • Side-stand engine cut-off

    Engine will not run with the stand down, which prevents a common low-speed crash.

  • Hazard lamps

    All four indicators flash; useful in fog and when stopped on a highway shoulder.

Chassis

  • Alloy wheels

    Lighter than spoked wheels and they allow tubeless tyres.

  • USD front forks

    Stiffer than conventional forks, so the front feels planted under hard braking.

  • Slipper clutch

    Stops the rear wheel hopping on aggressive downshifts. Also makes the lever lighter.

Lighting

  • LED headlamp

    Brighter, whiter and lasts the life of the bike. Halogens on rivals look yellow by comparison.

  • Projector headlamp

    Sharper cut-off and a longer throw than a reflector unit.

  • LED daytime running lamp

    Makes you visible to cars in daylight, when most two-wheeler collisions happen.

  • LED tail lamp

    Lights up instantly, which gives the vehicle behind a fraction more warning.

Console and connectivity

  • Colour TFT console

    Readable in direct sun and can show turn-by-turn navigation.

  • Digital console

    Trip meters, real-time mileage and a gear indicator. The analogue dial is disappearing.

  • Bluetooth connectivity

    Call and message alerts on the console so the phone stays in your pocket.

  • Turn-by-turn navigation

    Directions on the console via the phone app. Saves mounting a phone on the bars.

  • Ride modes

    An Eco map for mileage and a Power map for overtakes, switched from the bars.

Convenience

  • USB charging port

    Charges the phone on a long commute. Check whether it is Type-A or Type-C.

  • Engine kill switch

    Switch the engine off from the right bar without reaching for the key.

Equipment against 1390 Super Duke R

Equipment is closely matched with 1390 Super Duke R; the differences are in the riding, not the spec sheet.

It is offered in 1 colours: Orange. Colour availability varies by variant and dealer stock.

Only the 1290 Super Adventure S has

  • Nothing its rivals lack

Rivals have, it lacks

  • Nothing significant

Colours

  • Orange

1290 Super Adventure S specs: questions people ask

What is the engine capacity and power of the 1290 Super Adventure S?
It uses a 1301cc engine producing 158 bhp and 140 Nm, with a 6 speed.
Is the 1290 Super Adventure S suitable for short riders?
It is on the tall side at 869 mm. Riders under 5'6" may be on tiptoe at stops and should try it before buying.
Does the 1290 Super Adventure S have ABS?
Yes, dual-channel ABS.
What features does the 1290 Super Adventure S have?
21 items across 5 groups, including dual-channel abs, front disc brake, rear disc brake, tubeless tyres and alloy wheels. Some are variant-specific.

1290 Super Adventure S from

₹22.74 Lakh