RIDE REVIEW I 2022 KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R
P94
This is still a monster of a
motorcycle, but perhaps one
that isn't quite as intimidating
as before.
The weight saving factor
continues with the motor, which
has seen a further 3.5 pounds
lopped off thanks to thinner
crankcases, a new oil circuit,
and various nips and tucks from
the twin-cylinder's construction.
New split-style radiators
have been fitted to the Super
Adventure and help not only
to keep everything cool but to
narrow the front of the bike.
The radiator design is part of
the redesigned aesthetics that
help direct hot air away from the
rider's legs and gives an added
benefit of more efficient cool-
ing for each cylinder that in turn
gives more consistent mapping.
Sitting behind the new radia-
tors is the new fuel cell, split in
kinda-sorta the same style as
the 890 Adventure.
I say kinda-sorta because the
1290's fuel tank doesn't go right
down the sides of the engine
like it does on the little bike but
maintains a portion of gas up
high like a traditional tank with
the sides holding the bulk of it.
The tank itself is a three-piece
unit and developed in conjunc-
tion with the new airbox.
Previously, you needed to
remove the fuel tank to get to
the airbox to change your air
filter. Now, you simply remove
the two torx pieces that house
the box for your phone, take
the box out and you've got
direct access to the air filter,
making changes in the middle
of nowhere a far easier option
than before.
Those 6.1 gallons are pro-
tected by rock-solid crash bars
mounted either side and atop
the factory-fitted engine guard.
You can take these bars off if
you choose but you'd be mad to
All new plastics
are slimmer and
lighter than the
2020 edition.
That massive seven-inch dash
is a beautiful thing.
