KTM ’ s more road-focused adventurer gains new looks and new tricks for the 2023 model year . After last year ’ s major overhaul of the 1290 Super Adventure range , you ’ d think KTM would leave the platform alone for a year or two to mature . Well , clearly KTM thinks constant updates are key to their business model , as both the 2023 1290 Super Adventure S and Super Adventure R gain the obligatory new graphics as well as some updates to its impressive electronics suite . Starting with the touring focused S model , the first thing to smack you in the face is the bike now comes in two new shades : the eye-searing glow of KTM ’ s orange-and-black trim or the more neutral and elegant hue of KTM ’ s graded grey aesthetic . While the orange stretches all the way through to the forged aluminium subframe , the classy grey spreads across the bodywork offering a much less in-your-face hue . Those plastics are chiselled to prioritise agile handling , front-end confidence , comfort , and protection and houses the 23-litre three-part tank . Roaming roads everywhere and anywhere with the 2023 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S is now a lot easier thanks to augmented navigation software . Displayed on the bike ’ s large 7-inch TFT display , the 1290 Super Adventure S now offers riders extra options with their navigation plotting . Through connectivity with the KTMConnect App , the 2023 1290 SAS now boasts Turn-by-Turn + guidance and waypoints markers while on the go and without having to stop and adjust any mobile device . The same functionality also extends to audio tracks and listing ‘ Favourites ’ when it comes to phone calls . Interestingly , KTM has not given the 2023 1290 Super Adventure S or R the much-criticised ‘ Demo Mode ” which debuted in 2022 on the 890 Adventure R . This is perhaps because the bikes already boast one of KTM ’ s most advanced electronic management systems . The S , for example , administers the suspension configuration and reaction , ride height , ABS , RIDE MODES , Tyre Pressure Management , Anti-dive and more . Optional extras to boost performance include the obligatory Quickshifter + and WP Suspension Pro amongst other upgrades . As always at the heart of the 1290 is the legendary LC8 V-twin which rumbles to the beat of 160hp and 138Nm of torque . The unit fits inside a light 10kg chromemolybdenum stainless steel frame designed for handling both short blasts and mountain passes as well as the long haul . The rest of the package befits a premium motorcycle for travelling : the LED lights , a reengineered windscreen and adjuster , and multipart saddle . When it comes to rubber , the Super Adventure S continues KTM ’ s move towards Mitas as a key tyre supplier with a set of TERRA FORCE-R tyres standard fitment . The R model , however , ships with Bridgestone AX41 hoops for its 21 / 18-inch aluminium wheels .