KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE (2015 - on) Review

1 minor problem covered under warranty

Doesn't matter if it's cruising at 69.99 mph on the motorway, or hacking it down a country lane - it handles it all. 300+ mile tank range, and with the air seat I can do lots more miles than that.

It's a 1300 V-twin. What's not to like?? As long as you don't expect it to pull from sub 2,000 rpm, or from post 10,000 rpm, it's great. Shift up early and ride the wave of torque. And enjoy the sounds....

Only issue in 3 years of ownership is one of the OE pannier locks has broken - in the locked position - which is causing a bit of an issue. Needed a new battery when I bought it, but the KTM dealer sorted that. Now it starts, stops, and goes round corners all when it's told to. What's not to like?

It's not as economical as some, but it's a leisure machine so, apart from the currently imposed guilt trip I'm not too bothered. Currently serviced by my local back street garage.

Favourite feature? the whole things works very well together with very few niggles. The computer takes a bit of getting used to, and I still find the heated grips a pain to find/adjust. They need a separate switch. I'm not technical enough to be able to tell really good tyres from mediocre ones, but all the popular ones give reasonably performance. Currently on Metzlers, and they work well and look the part.

Long journeys are so easy, for a bike of this size it handles surprisingly well and 150 easily in one go.

The 1290 RC8 is incredibly, the performance and power is second to none.

Spoked wheels take a bit of looking after. Main dealer service costs are extortionate so mine goes to a good local bike mechanic. Easily get 50 to the gallon.

Been the T model it has almost everything as standard, my first bike with cruise control and I love it, only down side is to switch it on, its with the right thumb, not easy. For colder days the heated grips and seats are really good, great space for my pillion even with all the boxes on

Only have ridden it for 2K km, but pillion says that Blackbird was a torture compared to SA. Due to width may not be too good for lane splitting, might be as well that I am still not used to it.

Absolutely love the V-twin, pulls like a train. Would like a bit more torque at low rpms though.

I would say build quality is pretty solid, all assistant systems are working, maintenance showed that there is no need for valve adjustment. Found it struggles to start up at temperatures below 10C, but I think a refresh of battery during winter months will fix that.

Regular maintenance with valve check and spark plug replacement was a bit expensive. But I guess it is still cheaper than servicing a GS

So far my favourite feature is heated seat and grips at temperature +5C. Read some reviews on OEM luggage build quality and decided not to purchase with the bike. Fitted GIVI Trekker Outback 58l instead.

Nuts. I can't get enough of it.

100% reliable so far. There's a bit of paint coming off the under-side of clutch cover, but finish is generally excellent.

Got a great deal on this (£14k new) compared to £19k for similarly-equipped GS.

Has everything, but would like a TFT screen of the newer models from KTM and BMW.

The engine is super strong and torque-rich, I have an Akropvic can with the baffles removed and it creates a glorious sound!!

I have no complaints at all.

The bike has lean-sensitive ABS, engine modes, heated grips, heated seats and cornering lights.

I can't fault

Stonking motor which pulses and loves to gallop!

The only problem I had was when on tour in Morocco, in October 2017, all the air in the back tyre started to leak out of the spoke holes owing to the unsettled inner tyre band on the inside of the rim (half baked system if ever I have heard of one) Apart from that the machine has been amazing; I've completed over 20'000 miles in 22 months and haven't considered any other bike to change to.

I don't count the pennies; it seems very reasonable, but I have my machine fettled by a local independent fitter who is top rate and who I trust, so, the costs are probably far lower than using the proprietary servicing.

Fantastic; a proper sized tank (6 gallons), heated, seat and grips, cruise control .. the lot. Why-oh-why spoil the thing by putting on a pathetic plank of a saddle, KTM? Why would you do that? You'd be advised to buy a Powerparts one piece saddle to replace the original equipment

Excellent handling, but problems with the brakes.

Powerful but unreliable

Not reliable at all.

the bike at its best is when you are going fast on the open road. The suspension and engine settings are amazing!! if it rains no problem , if you have to go off road you will enjoy and if you are on the street its up to you if you want to travel relax or race with your friends.

lots of torque and speed! with the help of the computer you are able to ride this machine like if it had an engine of 200cc

The bike has a lot of technology therefore reliability can be an issue. So far no problems at all!

ktm is a brand that knows how to keep costs low

the bike comes full. heated grips and seats! cruise control electronic suspension etc

speed wobble on front bars at an anything approaching 110 mph with the lightest of luggage at any suspension setting

engine is amazing

only had its first 600 mile service

equipment is excellent

The CPU control unit went on the bike at the first service , KTM Maidstone kept the bike for 10 days to get it fixed . Automatic indicator release is not working . ( This is after 9200 miles in two moth)

I have had problems with panniers not locking correctly , got a new set from KTM but still not 100%