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Adventure Motorcycles

2020KTM 1290 Super Adventure S

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The 2020 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S is a premium adventure tourer designed for experienced riders seeking long-distance capability with sporty handling. Its lightweight aluminum frame, powerful engine, and advanced 6.5-inch TFT display combine to deliver confident performance on both paved roads and challenging terrain. Known for its aggressive styling, impressive braking systems, and generous 23-liter fuel capacity, it excels as an adventure bike for serious explorers.

Capacity: 1301.0 ccm
Engine: V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Dry weight: 215.0 kg
Seat height: 860 mm
Power: 160.0 HP (116.8 kW)

⇄ Compare with another bike ＋ Add to garage All model years

What’s new for the 2020 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S

vs the 2019

Spec	2019	2020
Front brakes	Double disc. ABS. Four-piston calipers. Radially mounted.	Double disc. 2 x Brembo four-piston radial fixed calliper, brake discs, floating
Rear brakes	Single disc. ABS. Two-piston calipers.	Single disc. Brembo twin-piston fixed calliper, brake disc

Other years 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail65%

Cornering85%

City riding65%

Daily riding78%

Touring90%

Two-up80%

Track60%

Best for: It's built as a do-it-all adventure-touring machine that excels on fast sweeping roads and long-distance rides while retaining light off-road capability.
Built for: It has a sporty, muscular V-twin character with strong midrange torque, semi-active suspension refinement, and a premium, tech-laden feel.
Not ideal for: It's not ideal for short or novice riders seeking a light, low-seat commuter bike or dedicated hardcore off-road use.

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 2020 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S, 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 →

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Range and running costs

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Units

Currency

Fuel per litre

Riding a year

Based on the maker's published fuel consumption and tank size. Real-world figures depend on how and where you ride, and the last litres of a tank are reserve. Prices shown greyed are examples - type your own.

Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 1301.0 ccm
Power: 160.0 HP (116.8 kW)
CO2 Emissions: 149 CO2 g/km
EPA Certificate No.: LKTXC1.30SAR-002
EPA Est. Fuel Consumption: 6.35 L/100km (37.0 US mpg)
EPA CO Emissions: 8.1 CO g/km
Torque: 140.0 Nm (14.3 kgf-m)
Engine type: V-Twin, four-stroke
Fuel consumption: 5.50 litres/100 km (18.2 km/l)
Power/weight ratio: 0.7442 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke: 108.0 x 71.0 mm
Compression: 13.1:1
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

Transmission

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

Performance

0-60 mph: 3.10 seconds
0-100 km/h (0-62 mph): 3.30 seconds

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1580 mm
Seat height: 860 mm
Dry weight: 215.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 23.00 litres
Ground clearance: 220 mm

Chassis & suspension

Frame: Chromium-Molybdenum steel trellis frame, powder coated
Front suspension: WP Semi-active suspension USD Ø 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. 2 x Brembo four-piston radial fixed calliper, brake discs, floating
Front brakes diameter: 320 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc. Brembo twin-piston fixed calliper, brake disc
Rear brakes diameter: 267 mm
Front tyre: 120/70-ZR19
Rear tyre: 170/60-ZR17

Other

Color options: Orange, black
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	2017	2019	2020	2021	2022	2024
Capacity	1301 cc	1301 cc	1301 cc	1301 cc	1301 cc	1301 cc
Dry weight	215 kg	215 kg	215 kg	220 kg	220 kg	220 kg
Seat height	860 mm	860 mm	860 mm	849 mm	860 mm	849 mm
Fuel capacity	23 L	23 L	23 L	23 L	23 L	23 L

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

Rider Reviews

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MotorcycleDB

The 2020 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S is a powerful and versatile adventure touring motorcycle that is sure to impress riders with its performance and capabilities. With a 1301cc V-twin engine producing 160 horsepower and 103 lb-ft of torque, this bike has the power to tackle any terrain with ease. The advanced electronics and rider aids, such as lean-angle sensitive traction control and cornering ABS, make for a confident and exhilarating ride.

The Super Adventure S also offers a comfortable and ergonomic riding position, making long distance rides a breeze. With a 7-inch TFT display, Bluetooth connectivity, and adaptive cruise control, this bike is packed with modern features that enhance the riding experience. Whether you're exploring off-road trails or cruising on the highway, the 2020 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S is a top-notch motorcycle that delivers both performance and comfort for any adventure.

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