2023 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S | First Look Review

2023 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S in KTM orange-and-black trim

In addition to the recent announcement of the 2023 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R, KTM has released details on the 2023 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S, which will be available this month at authorized KTM dealers. 

Related: 2023 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R | First Look Review 

For 2023, KTM has taken the base of the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S, which the company says is “engineered to conquer mile after mile on all types of terrain,” and added a fresh sheen as well as several refinements for the benefit of practical adventuring. 

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The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S is still powered by the 1,301cc LC8 V-Twin making a claimed 160 hp and 102 lb-ft of torque and mated to a 6-speed Pankl transmission and a PASC slip/assist clutch. 

2023 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S in graded gray
2023 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S in Graded Gray

A few years ago, we took the 2018 model on roads ranging from those found in Joshua Tree National Park to clogged Southern California freeways.  

“Regardless of the condition of the pavement or the radius of the curve, the KTM is unflappable,” our reviewer wrote. 

Related: 2018 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S | Road Test Review 

2023 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S in KTM orange-and-black trim

The 2023 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S has a 22-lb chromoly stainless-steel frame, vertically stacked LEDs with low beam, high beam, and cornering lights that illuminate sequentially as lean angle increases, a reengineered windscreen and adjuster, a height-adjustable seat (33.4 or 34.2 inches), and a new lightweight aluminum sidestand. 

2023 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S in KTM orange-and-black trim

The heart of the bike is regulated by a Bosch 6D IMU administering the ride height, ABS, ride modes (Sport, Street, Offroad, Rain, and optional Rally), tire-pressure monitoring, and the WP semi-active suspension damping and anti-dive (WP Suspension Pro is an optional upgrade, as is Quickshifter+). 

For 2023, KTM says that roaming roads everywhere and anywhere is now a lot easier thanks to augmented navigation software. The 7-inch TFT display already gave the rider full control over the ride modes, suspension, ABS settings, and adaptive cruise control, but for 2023, KTM aimed for more utility. The KTMConnect App now boasts Turn-by-Turn+ guidance and waypoint markers while on the go and without having to stop and adjust any mobile device. The same functionality also extends to audio tracks and listing ‘Favorites’ when it comes to phone calls. 

2023 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S in KTM orange-and-black trim

The KTM PowerParts collection includes additional gear and protection for the 2023 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R, such as extra protective parts, aesthetic touches through detailing, or travel items like luggage, racks, and bags. 

2023 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S in KTM orange-and-black trim

The 2023 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S will come in two new color schemes: the iconic KTM orange-and-black trim or the more neutral hue of KTM’s Graded Gray aesthetic. Pricing starts at $20,299. 

For more information, visit the KTM website.

9 COMMENTS

  1. There are two kinds of KTM riders….those with reliable KTM’s and those with lemons. You pay your money and take your chances.

  2. In the time I have owned my 2017 1290. I have only had one issue. Fuel pump crapped out. That crappy fuel pump is in many different brands of motorcycles. I have 2 other friends with the same KTM. They have no major issues. I have rode mine all over the country pavement and off road. To me it’s the Swiss Army knife of motorcycles. I do have a FJR , road glide and a xr650. So the other brands have there little issues, however I do maintain all my motorcycles Meticulously. That might be the key to less issues.

  3. Brad you’re a silly duc. My 890 adv r 15k miles zero issues. I wish I could say the same for my other non ktm bikes. Don’t mistake old news about ktm’s and don’t include raced bikes that have been beaten to death. Wake up silly man.

  4. 2013 690duke= 36k+miles of trouble free smiles, 2015 1290sdr= 49k+ miles of trouble free really big smiles and now on a 2020 790adventure= 32k (so far) miles of trouble free smiles!
    Looking forward to a 1290sas this spring;-)

  5. My 2015 1190 was bullet proof until the 1st major service. It was downhill after that. Fortunately, after months of back and forth to the dealer (220 miles one way) it appears 100% ready for my trips in 2023.

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