Sleeker, more powerful, and better equipped than ever before, the 2015 KTM 1290 Super Adventure arrives in Canada to the dismay of its direct competitors. It becomes the new flagship bike in KTM's travel lineup, slotting above the two 1190 Adventure models.

Motivated by a larger engine with more character, the 1290 Adventure clearly intends to steal the top spot in the segment, offering a beautiful mix of ride quality, versatility, and all-around capability that also includes sport-bike performance and high-tech electronics.

Photo: KTM

The power of a sport bike
The heart of the 2015 KTM 1290 Super Adventure comes from the beastly SuperDuke R, namely a liquid-cooled, 1,301cc V-twin. A heavier flywheel along with a revised crankshaft, cylinder head and engine mapping gives it a different, more travel-oriented personality. Actually, the 1290 Super Adventure becomes the world's most powerful production “dirt” bike with 160 hp at 8,750 rpm (10 hp more than the 1190 Adventure). Likewise, the impressive 104 lb-ft of torque far exceed the competition.

Loaded with features
Equipment on the 2015 KTM 1290 Super Adventure is more generous and advanced, as well. The list includes:

• 30-litre fuel tank (versus 23 litres on the 1190);
• More protective fairing;
• Taller windshield that can be adjusted with one hand;
• More powerful headlight;
• LED cornering lights;
• Revised crash bars;
• Cruise control;
• Tire pressure monitoring system;
• Heated seats and grips;
• Rectangular-shaped aluminum saddlebags (optional).

As you can imagine, all these extras add weight to the machine: The 1290 Super Adventure weighs 229kg or 12kg more than the 1190 Adventure.

KTM naturally endowed its top-of-the-line adventurer with various electronic aids including a WP semi-active suspension that continuously adapts the damping rates in real time to optimize the chassis according to the road surface and riding style. Suspension travel is up 10mm both front and rear compared to the smaller 1190. Bosch combined ABS, Hill Hold Control (HHC), four-mode Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC), and Motor Slip Regulation (MSR) are available, too.

Bottom line
With the power and electronics of a technologically advanced sport bike, the features and amenities of a GT motorcycle, as well as the capability and versatility of a true adventure bike, the new 2015 KTM 1290 Super Adventure definitely appears to be the highest-performing, most luxurious, and safest dual-purpose bike on the planet. A summer test ride should provide validation.