KTM 1290 Super Adventure Motorcycle reviews

I have owned many performance motorcycles in the 40 years I’ve been riding motorcycles and the KTM Super Adventure is near the top of the list. Don’t let its dirt bike exterior fool you, this is an all out performance machine. The electronics are awesome to keep you from getting out of line and can make an average rider better. Handling is superb and more like a giant super moto bike than adventure. If I was a little younger comfort would be more stars but 5 star comfort would be a goldwing. Maintenance is not too bad for the DIY’er and pretty simple and quality is exceptional. KTM is a under rated brand that gets overlooked, take one for a spin if you get a chance and see what they have to offer. Show less

This bike is absolutely awesome. It is great off and, on the road, is a very capable sport tourer. The power and pick up of this bike (specially in Sport Mode) will have you screaming. The stability and handling on twisted roads is nothing less of amazing thanks to the semiactive suspension system. The sophistication and electronics are second to none. ABS depending on lean angle, several level of traction control. Cornering lights depending on lean angle. 4 drive modes, automatic suspension preload: rider, rider and luggage, rider and passenger, rider passenger and luggage. Fantastic bike. My only problem and, that's me more than the bike, is the chain drive. I've been a BMW user for the last 40 years so lubing and cleaning the chain is foreign to me. Show less

Great bike. Does it all and does it better than most. It’s my primary vehicle to go to work, get groceries, go to the hardware store, you name it. It’s my weekend canyon rider and Jeep for when I want to get lost and die of exposure. Show less

This is one heck of a great motorcycle in almost every way, but for me there is one negative: seat height. I'm just shy of 6 feet, 32" inseam and must be on tippy-toes to have both feet on the ground when stopped. I appreciate lengthy shock travel and high ground clearance, the bike is perfect when moving, but I find stop-and-go wearisome. And while the bike is not really heavy, it does have a high center of gravity. I think I've explored every alternative; KTM will not offer any suggestions, apparently and probably with their own good reasons for not modifying the well engineered factory specs. One aftermarket seat is 3/4" lower, can't find any suspension alternatives. I've been told the 1290 model 17" rear and 19" front spoked wheels, brakes etc. are interchangeable, but that yields only about an inch, would definitely affect the speedometer and odometer and probably affect the ABS system as well. So what is the solution? The only other one that comes to mind is platform shoes. Show less

This Bike is hands down the most comfortable, best handling, most powerful, most versatile and most fun bike I have ever ridden. I have a Yamaha FZ1, Harley Wide Glide and now this KTM 1290 Super Adventure. I have owned in the recent past a BMW R1200RT, Harley VROD, Yamaha FJR1300, Honda VTX1800, and a crap load of other bikes going back into the 70's. I've ridden dozens more as well Show less

This is a comfortable sportbike. There can be a problem with fuel injection surging on some bikes. Mine had it very badly and it required a $300 Power Commander to clear it up. After you get past that issue, the bike is very reliable, has quality WP suspension and a strong torquey engine. I've owned almost 30 bikes and this has been one of my favorites. It's replaced my Triumph Daytona as my track bike and I'm quite happy with it (except for lack of wind protection on the high speed straights). I highly recommend, it will keep up with anybody for street sport riding, it's competitive for track days and it's quite comfortable. Show less

The SD is comfortable, stops and turns quickly, sounds amazing and looks striking. They are also relatively uncommon, and when you consider that new ones can be found for $10k and less, they are a ridiculously good value. I have the R model Superduke. There isn't another bike available within $5,000 that I'd consider to replace the SDR. The R seat isn't for everyone, but it lets you move around a lot on the bike. The regular SD seat looks much more forgiving. Show less

I've ridden many styles and makes of motorcycles. By far the Superduke 990 is the funnest, most comfortable (sportbike) I've ever ridden. I love it's style and riding position and the sound of the bike is like nothing else out there. GET ONE, YOU won't REGRET IT!! Show less

Just brought home my new 2009 ktm 950 se erzberg edition the other day. Wow, what a beast. The first thing that gets your attention is the seat height. Getting your leg over is the worst thing about the bike. Very tall seat at 38 inches. After that everything else is good. Ride is better than expected. The enduro tires are pretty smooth on the road. Have not been off road yet. The bike runs very smooth and starts easily. The riding position provides plenty of room, not cramped at all. After riding everything from mx bikes to full dressed harleys, this bike is by far the most exciting bike I have ever owned. Will update when I have logged more miles. Show less

Just turned 12k miles with this bike. Recently returned from a great south to north zig/zag run up the entire state of Wisconsin. Ran mostly county roads but did bomb down gravel, sand and a short stint of tight dirt/mud single track. Still running the stock tires and it handled everything very well for being loaded down with camping gear. Sand and mud will give any larger bike a problem but a steering stabilizer would have helped. I love the performace of this machine. Great off the line go (dropped a tooth on countersproket) and it handles the twisties without a hiccup. Powerful brakes slow the machine effortlessly too. My complaint? Seat is as hard as a clay brick. Recently purchased AirHawk seat and this is no longer a problem. I rode 8+ hours a day with no soarness/numbness. The clutch also chatters due to its dry design and it being a V twin. I do appreciate the hydraulic operation, no adjustments other than the ocassional fluid change and bleed. Being a tall rider the wind screen is way to short causing serious buffeting especially with a visored helmet. Overall a GREAT bike for me allowing me to tear up the twisties and tackle the dirt. Show less