off and in Sport mode( the most powerful), you can. Knobbly tyres can also be made to last a few thousand kilometres. Yes, a measured and experienced right wrist is required, but it can definitely be done. Remarkable for a bike with a V-twin engine pumping out almost 160hp( 118kW). Then, of course, there’ s the option to go full‘ safety’ and have the TC on and probably make the rear tyre last 3000 or 4000 clicks. But, why would you? I think you’ ve kinda bought the wrong bike if that’ s your aim … that’ s more DR650 territory. The nuts and bolts of the KTM engine are a liquid cooled, 1301cc, 75-degree V-twin that produces 118kW and 138Nm of torque. Fuelling is controlled by fly-by-wire EFI electronics which make the power modes possible( as well as cruise control). The gearbox has six speeds with a slipper clutch. With Off-Road mode selected, the power and responsiveness is cut considerably and it becomes quite‘ fluffy’ right off the bottom. I don’ t like the hesitant, strangled-feeling response in Off-Road mode, and I’ d be unlikely
to ever use this mode. Even on genuinely difficult terrain I doubt it would be helpful, not for me anyway. The fact is, huge adventure bikes are not well-suited to tough off-road riding and artificially, poorly knee-capping the power by 40 % won’ t help much, other than making this machine a little more approachable for a novice on easy terrain. Easy to medium off-road, the dryer the better is the go for huge adventure bikes. Of course, some difficult terrain is possible if you are good enough, have the skills, but do not try it on your own. You will never lift any of these big machines out of a deep, boggy rut without help. I well remember six or seven of us really struggling with ropes to get an 800 out of a wee bog. I think Street mode is the better option for those wanting a bit less instantaneous grunt, with a more subdued power delivery, but still want clean throttle response.
QUALITY BOUNCY BITS The chassis on the 1290 R is the most dirt capable of all the big adventure bikes out there- I’ m talking about the 1200cc plus club. Big. KTM has fitted WP’ s excellent XPLOR
62 KIWI RIDER