Three KTM 1290 Super Adventure Models Announced for 2017  KTM now has a 1290 Super Adventure model for different types of riders.

KTM appears to be doubling down on its superbike-powered adventure bike with three new variants of the 1290 Super Adventure for 2017. Now the 1,301cc V-Twin Super Adventure platform will get segmented into three different bikes for three separate riding styles — street, off-road and long-distance touring.

1290 Super Adventure T

Last year’s 1290 Super Adventure returns with little more than a name change. KTM’s flagship long-distance adventure touring model will now be called the 1290 Super Adventure T. The bike fits the bill as a long-distance luxury adventure tourer, packed with comfort and convenience features, an oversized fuel tank and the versatility to travel over many different types of terrain.

The 2016 1290 Super Adventure returns mostly unchanged as the 1290 Super Adventure T (T=Touring) for 2017.

Beyond the name change, the 1290 Super Adventure has been updated to comply with Euro4 emissions standards. However, the cleaner burning engine hasn’t lost any of its edge and still delivers 160 horsepower and 103 ft-lb of torque. Its also said to have improved refinement and smoother power delivery, especially in the low to mid range.

1290 Super Adventure R

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The off-road variant of the platform, named the Super Adventure R is a completely new model. Like the KTM 1190 Adventure R, which it replaces for 2017, the Super Adventure R receives fully-adjustable WP suspension with 8.7 inches (220mm) of travel, a set of 21″ front/18″ rear wheels and crash protection for more aggressive off-road terrain. The R model also gets completely new styling with a split headlight design and distinctive LED lighting. The lower headlight area also incorporates small LED cornering lights that help improve safety during nighttime rides.

The new KTM 1290 Super Adventure R (R=Off-Road) is the more dirt-focused derivative with bigger wheels, more suspension travel, shorter windscreen and additional crash protection.

Like the Super Adventure T, the Super Adventure R gets many of the same electronic rider aids like adjustable fuel maps, traction control and lean-sensitive ABS that can be tuned to different types of terrain. The R model incorporates many of the luxury features as well, like keyless ignition, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and cruise control, and most things can be monitored or controlled through a new 6.5 inch full-color TFT display. Also new is a waterproof mobile phone compartment with integrated USB charger.

1290 Super Adventure S

The new 1290 Super Adventure S is the replacement for the standard 1190 Adventure, but with even more of a street focus. The S model rides on cast aluminum 19″ front and 17″ rear wheels with street-biased Pirelli Scorpion Trail II tires and reduced suspension travel. The Super Adventure S is intended to be used as more of a sport touring or as a city bike, with the option to go off-road on occasion. It’s also less intimidating with a seat height than can get down to 33.9 inches (860mm).

The 1290 Super Adventure S (S=Steet) is the weapon of choice for the sport touring crowd, with cast aluminum wheels and a lower suspension.

Super Adventure S gets a smaller tank for shorter distance trips but utilizes the same electronically adjustable suspension as the T model, allowing riders to set damping rates and preload from a thumb-controlled dash menu. Additionally, it comes with the pre-set fuel maps, traction control and ABS that can be adjusted for different types of terrain.

The new R and S models get a new split headlight design with distinctive LED lighting. An aluminium strip down the center helps draw heat away from the LED lights.

With three new Super Adventure models for 2017, KTM appears to have all their bases covered in the big-bore street, off-road and long-distance adventure touring segments. The new system of using a character at the end of the model name (S=Street, R=Off-Road, T=Touring) should help make the choice clearer for potential customers considering which bike to choose.

All three 1290 Super Adventure Models will be on display this week at the INTERMOT show held in Cologne, Germany from October 4th to the 9th, 2016.

KTM 1290 Super Adventure Specs: