2023 1290 Super Adventure R is KTM’s dirtbike on steroids

KTM unveils 2023 1290 Super Adventure R

Just days before 2022 concluded, KTM unleashed the 1290 Super Adventure S which is an adventure bike ready to take on all kinds of roads with some light off-road capability.

Now, KTM unleashes the R, as in the 1290 Super Adventure R – touted to be Austria’s biggest adventure bike capable of some serious off-roading.

Lighter engine

According to KTM, this year’s 1290 Super Adventure R boasts a slimmed 1,301cc LC8 engine that is almost 2kg lighter than the 2022 model. It still produces 162 Ps of power and 136 Nm of torque. The engine also features a twin plug ignition system – meaning there are two differently-sized spark plugs in each cylinder bank – to improve combustion and at the same time lower emissions and fuel consumption.

Best of all, the LC8 for the 2023-onwards 1290 Super Adventure R is designed to have a 15,000-kilometer service interval, assuring its rider more time on the open road than the dealer’s service area.

Lighter frame

KTM also boasts the new 1290 Super Adventure R’s chrome-molybdenum laser-cut trellis frame that now only weighs 10 kilograms. Taken from KTM’s years of experience in enduro racing, the swingarm is extended to 15mm to give the 1290 Super Adventure R excellent rideability on off-road.

Keyless system

The 2023 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R also boasts a new Race On remote key system, illuminated switches, a 7-inch TFT dashboard, an adjustable windshield, LED lights, and simplistic but advanced dashboard interactivity.

KTM has also boosted the navigation potential with the enhanced Turn-by-Turn+ guidance and the ability to set waypoints and diversions are now all possible through the handlebar switch dial and through the 7-inch TFT screen. No need to prop the bike and fish around for the phone that engages the KTMConnect APP; everything – including phone call answering and logging top ten ‘favorites’ - can all be done with a dab of a finger.

Other features include updated riding modes, ABS, 48mm WP Xplor suspension, 3-piece 23-liter inverted U-shaped fuel tank, Alpina tubeless wire wheels and many more. The 2023 1290 Super Adventure R is expected to land on PH shores soon. Philippine SRP is yet to be announced.