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Adventure Motorcycles

2020KTM 1290 Super Adventure R

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The 2020 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R is built for experienced adventure riders who want serious off-road capability without giving up big-mile touring comfort. Its 1301 cc V-twin pumps out 158.2 hp and 140 Nm, while long-travel WP suspension and a tall 890 mm seat keep things composed on rough terrain. It is best known as one of the most aggressive, rally-inspired big adventure bikes available.

Capacity: 1301.0 ccm
Engine: V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Dry weight: 217.0 kg
Seat height: 890 mm
Power: 158.2 HP (118.0 kW) @ 8800 RPM

⇄ Compare with another bike ＋ Add to garage All model years ⚠ Recalls listed (1)

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

vs the 2019

Spec	2019	2020
Rear suspension	WP-PDS Monoshock	WP Xplor PDS shock absorber

Other years 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail20%

Cornering90%

City riding55%

Daily riding60%

Touring75%

Two-up65%

Track75%

Best for: Built as a high-speed sport-tourer that blends naked-bike aggression with long-distance comfort features like cruise control and a windscreen.
Built for: A fierce, muscular V-twin character with sharp throttle response, premium semi-active suspension, and a planted, road-focused chassis.
Not ideal for: This is not the bike for riders seeking genuine off-road capability, tall adventure-bike stance, or a relaxed beginner-friendly ride.

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

Will it fit you?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 890mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will not reach the ground comfortably on the 2020 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R, with a moderate knee angle of around 100 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 →

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: 158.2 HP (118.0 kW) @ 8800 RPM
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: 0.7290 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke: 108.0 x 71.0 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

Transmission

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

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1580 mm
Seat height: 890 mm
Dry weight: 217.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 23.00 litres
Ground clearance: 250 mm

Chassis & suspension

Frame: Chromium-Molybdenum steel trellis frame, powder coated
Front suspension: WP USD Ø 48 mm
Rear suspension: WP Xplor PDS shock absorber
Front wheel travel: 220 mm
Rear wheel travel: 220 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: White/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	217 kg	217 kg	217 kg	217 kg	217 kg	217 kg
Seat height	890 mm	890 mm	890 mm	880 mm	890 mm	890 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.

Safety Recalls

⚠ 1 recall may apply

TIRES:TREAD/BELTAug 2022 · 22V588000

KTM North America, Inc. (KTM) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Husqvarna and KTM motorcycles with equipped with TKC80 tires. Please refer to KTM's recall report for specific model details. Cracks longer than 3/16 inch may develop in the tread grooves. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 119, "New Pneumatic Tires-Other Than Passenger Cars."

Risk: Cracks in the tread can lead to tread separation, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the affected tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 2022. Owners may contact KTM's customer service at 1-888-985-6090. KTM's numbers for this recall are KTB2208 and HTB2207.

These recalls cover some 2020 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 →

Rider Reviews

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MotorcycleDB

The 2020 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R is an impressive motorcycle that delivers thrilling performance and top-notch features. With a powerful 1301cc engine, this bike offers impressive acceleration and a smooth ride on various terrains. Its advanced electronic aids, including traction control and cornering ABS, provide confidence-inspiring control, while the adjustable suspension and comfortable seat make long rides a breeze. The bike's rugged design and high-quality components make it a top choice for adventure riders who want a reliable and capable machine.

Overall, the 2020 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R is a top-tier motorcycle that offers an exhilarating riding experience and exceptional handling. With its powerful engine, advanced electronics, and rugged design, it's an ideal choice for adventure riders who demand top performance and reliability from their bikes. Whether you're tackling off-road trails or conquering long-distance highways, this KTM model is sure to impress with its impressive capabilities and cutting-edge features.

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