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Adventure Motorcycles

2016KTM 1290 Super Adventure

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The 2016 KTM 1290 Super Adventure is a capable adventure tourer designed for riders seeking genuine off-road performance paired with on-road comfort. Known for its potent 1301cc V-twin engine, semi-active suspension, and impressive ground clearance of 220mm, it excels at tackling challenging terrain while maintaining highway-friendly ergonomics. This bike suits experienced adventurers who demand a versatile machine for both serious trail exploration and long-distance touring.

Capacity: 1301.0 ccm
Engine: V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Dry weight: 229.0 kg
Seat height: 860 mm
Power: 158.2 HP (118.0 kW) @ 8750 RPM

⇄ Compare with another bike All model years ⚠ Recalls listed (3)

What’s new for the 2016 KTM 1290 Super Adventure

vs the 2015

Spec	2015	2016
Torque	140.0 Nm (14.3 kgf-m or 103.3 ft.lbs)	not listed
Rear suspension	WP Semi-active Suspension PDS Monoshock	WP Semi-active suspension monoshock

Other years 2015 2016

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail68%

Cornering85%

City riding60%

Daily riding75%

Touring92%

Two-up85%

Track55%

Best for: Built as a high-performance adventure tourer for fast road riding with genuine long-distance and light off-road capability.
Built for: It has a bold, powerful V-twin character that rewards assertive riding while still offering refined electronic rider aids for control.
Not ideal for: It is not a good fit for beginners or shorter riders seeking a light, low-maintenance commuter bike.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to us

Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 860mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with tip-toe one foot on the 2016 KTM 1290 Super Adventure, with a moderate knee angle of around 95 degrees and a slightly forward riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at 821-900 mm — Long Legs →

Find bikes that fit your height →

Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 1301.0 ccm
Power: 158.2 HP (118.0 kW) @ 8750 RPM
CO2 Emissions: 155 CO2 g/km
EPA Certificate No.: GKTXC1.30ADV-003
EPA Est. Fuel Consumption: 6.61 L/100km (35.6 US mpg)
EPA CO Emissions: 6.2 CO g/km
Engine type: V-Twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.6908 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke: 108.0 x 75.0 mm
Cooling system: Liquid
Fuel system: Injection
Starting: Electric
Ignition: Keihin EMS with RBW and cruise control, double ignition
Aspiration: Naturally aspirated
Valves per cylinder: 4
Lubrication system: Forced oil lubrication with 3 pumps
Torque: Not on record - add it

Transmission

Gearbox: 6-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Chain
Clutch: PASC slipper clutch, hydraulically actuated

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1560 mm
Seat height: 860 mm
Dry weight: 229.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 30.00 litres
Ground clearance: 220 mm

Chassis & suspension

Frame: Chromium-Molybdenum steel trellis frame, powder coated
Front suspension: WP Semi-active suspension USD Ã˜ 48 mm
Rear suspension: WP Semi-active suspension monoshock
Front wheel travel: 200 mm
Rear wheel travel: 200 mm
Rake (fork angle): 26.0°
Trail: 109 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Double disc. ABS. Four-piston calipers. Radially mounted.
Front brakes diameter: 320 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc. ABS. Two-piston calipers.
Rear brakes diameter: 267 mm
ABS: Yes
Front tyre: 90/90-21
Rear tyre: 150/70-18

Other

Color options: Grey/silver
Comments: Small windscreen. Ride-by-wire system. Switchable Bosch ABS.
Fuel Tank Material: Plastic

Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.

What changed, year to year

Differences highlighted

Specification	2015	2016
Capacity	1301 cc	1301 cc
Dry weight	229 kg	229 kg
Seat height	860 mm	860 mm
Fuel capacity	30 L	30 L

Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.

Safety Recalls

⚠ 3 recalls may apply

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTINGFeb 2019 · 19V087000

KTM North America, Inc. (KTM) is recalling certain 2015-2016 1290 Super Adventure motorcycles. Fuel may leak from the fuel tank cover mounting insert area.

Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: KTM has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel tank cover mounting insert, free of charge. The recall began March 1, 2019. Owners may contact KTM customer service 1-888-985-6090. KTM's number for this recall is TB1904.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGSNov 2016 · 16V854000

KTM North America, Inc. (KTM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 1290 Super Adventure motorcycles manufactured December 1, 2014, to March 10, 2016, and 2013-2016 1190 Adventure and Adventure R motorcycles manufactured November 20, 2012, to April 25, 2016. In the affected vehicles, the wiring harness can fray and contact the ABS modulator. If the brake line is electrically conductive, the brake line may overheat and melt.

Risk: If the brake line melts, brake failure may result, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: KTM will notify owners, and dealers will re-position the wiring harness for the electronic control unit, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact KTM customer service at 1-888-985-6090.

SUSPENSION:REAR:SHOCK ABSORBERMay 2016 · 16V279000

KTM North America, Inc. (KTM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 1290 Super Adventure motorcycles manufactured December 1, 2014, to December 11, 2015. These motorcycles have a rear shock absorber that may leak oil from the rebound damping plug, resulting in a loss of shock function.

Risk: Loss of function of the rear shock may affect the handling of the motorcycle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: KTM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rebound damping plug for leaking and replace the shock absorber, as necessary, and install a new version of the suspension control unit software, free of charge. The recall began June 28, 2016. Owners may contact KTM customer service at 1-888-985-6090. KTM's number for this recall is TB1611.

These recalls cover some 2016 bikes of this model. Whether one applies to a specific bike, and whether the repair has already been done, depends on its VIN — check your VIN with NHTSA or ask a dealer.

Source: NHTSA. View all KTM recalls →