KTM is taking out the big guns -- namely the 1290 Super Adventure -- to please fans looking for a great mix of ride quality, versatility, and capability on any terrain, infused with sport-bike performance and capped by the latest in electronics.

Indeed, this new model from the Austrian manufacturer gets the same engine as the beastly Super Duke R -- a 1,301cc V-twin that raises output by 10 hp and torque by 11 lb-ft to unprecedented levels of 160 hp and 104 lb-ft, respectively.


Also derived from the big naked bike is this impressive list of technological and technical solutions:

• Ride-by-wire throttle
• Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC)
• Wheelie Control
• Combined ABS with lean angle sensor and Motorcycle Stability Control (MSC)
• WP semi-active suspension
• LED cornering lights
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• Cruise control
• Full set of riding modes
• Hill Hold Control (HHC)
• Motor Slip Regulation (MSR) a.k.a. engine brake

Adjustable ergonomics
Heavy to lift from its stand and especially hard to straddle with an 860mm seat height, the 2015 KTM 1290 Super Adventure is best handled by riders 5’8” and taller. Once settled in, however, you’ll find that all the controls, handlebars, fuel tank, and rider’s seat are ergonomically designed and laid out. You can even adjust the handlebars (10mm horizontally), footrests (10mm diagonally), seat height (15mm vertically), as well as the brake and clutch levers (five positions) to fine-tune your riding position.

The state-of-the-art, easy-to-read instrument cluster from automotive supplier VDO has a central permanent LCD for displaying all riding conditions (plus speedometer, cruise control, and rev counter with adjustable gearshift light), and another LCD on the left for displaying the adjustable features. You can easily find all the info you need and set the parameters you want without searching the owner’s manual for hours. The only exception might be adjusting the heated grips and seats.

Effortless high-speed riding
Despite its sizable dimensions, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure is not handicapped by any means. Clever weight distribution and a favourable steering-head angle make for good low-speed manoeuvrability, although heat generated by the engine can take its toll on the rider at idle (blame the rear cylinder exhaust manifold, even though it’s thermally coated).

Pick up the pace, and the 1290 Super Adventure proves quite sporty, with an impressively vigorous engine and a sharp chassis that strikes a good balance between agility and stability for more confident high-speed riding, particularly in corners. The ride-by-wire throttle system works beautifully to offer progressive response at any engine speed. Similarly, the transmission is equal parts precise and rider-friendly.

A bit rough around the edges, and not as generous in terms of low-end torque as BMW’s boxer engine, the V-twin powering the 2015 KTM 1290 Super Adventure prefers not to be rushed below 3,250 rpm. On the other hand, it explodes past 4,500 rpm and never relents all the way to 10,000+ rpm.

Luckily, the adjustable MTC system watches over you for any loss of grip. Rain mode limits power and fully deploys the electronic nannies, while Street mode allows more power, offers super-progressive throttle response, and makes said nannies less intrusive. As you can guess, Sport mode unleashes all 160 hp and lets the rider have fun with sideway movements. The electronic aids can be fully turned off, obviously, but unless you happen to be multi-time Dakar champion Marc Coma, it would be wise to leave them on.

Despite its sizable dimensions, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure is not handicapped by any means. (Photo: France Ouellet)

A fearsome chassis
The all-terrain 2015 KTM 1290 Super Adventure’s suspension appears to be its sharpest and most effective attribute. Once you select the desired riding mode, adjust preload for solo/two-up riding (with or without luggage), and find the proper suspension settings (four modes available), you can fully exploit the WP components. No matter how rough the riding conditions get, it’s easy to make adjustments and enjoy comfortable, effortless action.

The suspension may be pretty compliant, but there’s nothing to worry about in corners and switchbacks. Straight lines become a thing of the past in record time for a travel-oriented enduro bike. In fact, you could lose your rider’s licence just as easily as if you were riding a superbike, so be careful.
In the end, the benchmark-setting KTM 1290 Super Adventure is a very nimble, capable, and versatile machine with lots of power and impressive standard equipment -- arguably the safest, most luxurious, and most competent do-it-all bike on the market.

Pros

• Impressive standard equipment
• Ultra-powerful, sweet-sounding V-twin
• Effective rider assist systems
• WP semi-active suspension

Cons

• Engine could be smoother, especially at lower revs
• Tough-to-handle size and weight