DIRT NEWS

TM ’ s top sports-tourer has received an injection of fresh technology as well as a visual redesign for the 2021 model year . Expected to arrive in the New Zealand market from April 2021 and priced from $ 33,249 , the new Super Adventure S brings KTM ’ s flagship tech fest even more cutting edge technology . Headlining the updates for 2021 is the inclusion of adaptive cruise control for the first time , a new and more intuitive 7-inch TFT dash unit , revised ergonomics , reworked bodywork and a revised take on KTM ’ s 1301cc LC8 V-twin powerhouse . “ The 2021 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S is a sporty bike designed to offer unparalleled riding fun in any terrain ,” says KTM ’ s product manager , Joachim Sauer , “ With this model , KTM enters its third generation of big Travel-Enduro bikes for street and gravel adventurers . We focused on enhancing rider feeling and ergonomics while introducing groundbreaking advancements , such as the Adaptive Cruise Control . To appreciate the magic of our ACC , you need to consider that the ideal roads to experience the thrilling performance of the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S may lie hours away . With highways in between , ACC will let you breeze through the transit keeping you ready to strike whenever possible .” The new electronics include a less intrusive level of traction control in the base rider modes , including the optional Rally mode , and is controlled through a new seven-inch TFT display

and a new set of handlebar switches . Other improvements include a new 23-litre fuel tank with keyless fuel cap and revised bodywork to , in KTM ’ s words “ augment the bike ’ s agile feeling .” The chassis itself has been modified to help give the big 1290 more agility , with the steering head moving back by 15mm to help give sharper cornering while a longer open-lattice swingarm contributes to more stability under acceleration . Suspension remains electronically adjusted semi-active suspension , with the latest version of the WP APEX Semi-Active Technology to ensure the big KTM can hurtle along the bumpiest of trails . The 1301cc heart of the 1290 Super Adventure S has also been revised and is now Euro5 compliant with an ample output of 160hp and 138Nm now beating out of a lighter engine to the tune of -1.6 kg . The engine breathes through an upgraded two-headed exhaust and shifts with a revised PANKL gear mechanism that brings big improvements in the optional Quickshifter +. New pistons have further raised reliability and the whole unit retains better cooling thanks to a new water / oil system . The two new radiators work with the redesigned bodywork to channel warm air away from the rider ’ s legs . 15,000km service intervals and low fuel consumption round-off the powerplant .

18 KIWI RIDER