RIDE REVIEW I 2022 KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R
P98
sure monitoring sensors and you can hook
your phone up to the glorious seven-inch TFT
dash and use the KTM My Ride system that
allows Bluetooth for calls, music, and lets you
use your maps. The dash lets you choose
four "favorites" for the home screen, so you
can see your presets at a glance.
The dash doesn't have a touch screen.
Everything is controlled by the new switches
fitted for the 2022 model. These are the
same as used on the 1290 Super Duke R and
give the Super Adventure a touch of modern-
ism over the pretty ancient switch blocks from
the first gen model.
It has been several years since I last rode
a Super Adventure R, but I remember it being
about the largest machine I would ever be
comfortable taking off-road. This new 2022
model feels slimmer in every area, from the
width at the front, to the seat and the tank,
the off shoot making for a bike that's more
nimble and maneuverable between the trees
without losing any of the renowned stability
on the freeway.
Given the sheer size, it's unlikely you'll take
a 1290 Super Adventure R right into the snotty
trails you would on a CRF450X with a big tank,
but the KTM does a very good job of flatter-
ing its rider when you try and ride a little out of
your comfort zone. Quinn Cody and the crew
have done a marvelous job with the suspen-
sion when the road gets dirty, as the big KTM
soaks up rocks and jumps far better than a
motorcycle of this size has any right to.
On the street you certainly notice the big
dirt bike ergos. It's not the most comfortable
as your arms are set a little higher, which
makes you a bit of a sail at high speed. You
also need to remember you're riding on off-
road-specific tires as well, so road holding on
tarmac isn't anywhere near as nice as if you
had more street-focused rubber.
When you do take it off-road, you're going
to switch it to Rally mode (you did buy the
Rally Pack, didn't you?), and leave it there.
Off-road manners
are superb on the
Super Adventure, with
rider room for days
in the cockpit.
