2022 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S: Specs & Features

What's up, adventure riders! If you're anything like me, you've probably spent countless hours daydreaming about your next epic journey. And when it comes to tackling the open road, the dirt trails, and everything in between, the 2022 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S is a machine that demands attention. It's not just a motorcycle; it's a portal to a world of boundless exploration. Today, guys, we're diving deep into what makes this beast tick, breaking down its impressive specs and highlighting the features that solidify its reputation as a true adventure king. We're going to cover everything from its powerhouse engine to its cutting-edge electronics, ensuring you get a comprehensive understanding of why the 1290 Super Adventure S is a top contender for your next two-wheeled obsession. So buckle up, grab your favorite riding gear, and let's get into the nitty-gritty of this incredible machine. We'll be looking at how its performance translates to real-world riding, its comfort and ergonomics for those long hauls, and the technology that keeps you safe and connected. Get ready to be impressed, because KTM has really outdone themselves with this one.

Engine Powerhouse: Heart of the Beast

Let's kick things off with the beating heart of the 2022 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S: its engine. This isn't just any engine; it's a beastly 1301cc V-twin, known affectionately by KTM fans as the "LC8." Now, when we talk about specs, this engine is a symphony of engineering prowess. It boasts a staggering 160 horsepower and an earth-shattering 101 lb-ft of torque. Yeah, you read that right, guys – 160 horses ready to propel you forward, whether you're climbing an insane mountain pass or blasting down an open highway. The torque delivery is particularly noteworthy. It's incredibly broad and accessible, meaning you've got grunt whenever and wherever you need it. No more frantic gear searching; just twist the throttle and feel the surge. This translates to effortless overtakes, exhilarating acceleration, and the confidence to tackle any terrain. The engine also features two spark plugs per cylinder, which KTM engineers use to optimize combustion for better fuel efficiency and smoother power delivery. This attention to detail is what sets KTM apart. Furthermore, the ride-by-wire system ensures precise throttle response, making the power manageable and predictable, even when you're leaning into a corner or navigating tricky off-road sections. The engine's liquid cooling system is robust, designed to keep temperatures in check even under the most demanding conditions, so you can push it hard without worrying about overheating. The clutch is a PASC (Power Assist Slipper Clutch), which not only makes clutch pull lighter for reduced fatigue on long rides but also prevents rear-wheel lock-up during aggressive downshifts. This is a crucial safety feature, especially when you're riding on varied surfaces. The engine management system is incredibly sophisticated, allowing for multiple riding modes that tailor the power delivery and electronic rider aids to suit different conditions and rider preferences. We'll delve more into those later, but suffice it to say, this LC8 engine is not just powerful; it's intelligently powerful, making the 2022 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S a true performance machine that doesn't compromise on usability or thrill. The sheer displacement combined with the high-revving nature means you have a massive power band at your disposal, ensuring that no matter the gear, no matter the RPM, you're always in the sweet spot for acceleration. It's this blend of raw power and refined control that makes the engine a standout feature, truly embodying the "Ready to Race" ethos of KTM, but adapted for the demands of adventure touring. The sound it produces, a deep, throaty growl, is also something to write home about – it's the kind of sound that makes you want to keep the engine running just to listen to it.

Chassis and Suspension: Built for Any Terrain

Now, let's talk about how all that power is put to the ground. The chassis and suspension on the 2022 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S are designed to handle anything you throw at it. At its core is a robust Chromium-Molybdenum steel trellis frame, known for its strength and light weight. This provides an excellent balance of stiffness and flex, crucial for both on-road handling and off-road compliance. When we discuss the specs, the frame is engineered to offer supreme stability at high speeds while remaining agile enough for technical maneuvering. It's the foundation upon which this adventure machine is built, providing confidence-inspiring feedback to the rider. But what really sets this bike apart is its WP APEX semi-active suspension. This isn't your dad's old suspension system, guys. This is cutting-edge technology that dynamically adjusts damping in real-time based on road conditions, riding style, and load. The specs here include fully adjustable front forks (48mm diameter) and a rear shock absorber, both featuring electronic control. You can select from different suspension modes – like Comfort, Street, Sport, Offroad, and a user-defined Auto mode – directly from the handlebar controls. This means you can dial in the perfect ride for your specific needs, whether you're cruising on a smooth highway, navigating a rocky trail, or carrying a passenger and luggage. The semi-active system constantly monitors inputs from sensors and makes micro-adjustments to provide optimal damping, ensuring a plush ride when you need it and firm, responsive control when you're pushing the limits. Comfort is paramount for adventure riding, and the suspension plays a massive role in this. It soaks up bumps and undulations with remarkable efficiency, reducing rider fatigue over long distances. Handling is another area where this bike shines. Despite its size and the capability of its suspension, the 1290 Super Adventure S feels surprisingly nimble. The geometry of the chassis, combined with the sophisticated suspension, allows for confident cornering on twisty roads and easy maneuverability in tight spots. The wheel travel is generous, offering ample capability for off-road excursions. You get 200mm of travel at both the front and rear, which is more than enough to handle most off-road challenges you're likely to encounter on an adventure tour. The brakes are equally impressive, featuring Brembo Monobloc calipers gripping dual 320mm discs at the front and a 265mm disc at the rear, all managed by an advanced ABS system. This provides immense stopping power with excellent feel and modulation, and the cornering ABS feature adds another layer of safety, preventing wheel lock-up even when braking leaned over. The combination of the strong trellis frame, the intelligent WP suspension, and the powerful Brembo brakes creates a package that is both exhilarating and confidence-inspiring, ready to take on any adventure you dare to embark upon.

Technology and Electronics: Your Smart Riding Companion

In today's world, a motorcycle isn't just about mechanical prowess; it's also about technology and electronics. The 2022 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S is a prime example of this, packed with a suite of rider aids that enhance safety, comfort, and overall riding experience. Let's dive into the specs of its electronic wizardry. First up, we have the Rider Assistance Systems (RAS), which includes a comprehensive Cornering ABS and Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC) system. These systems are lean-angle sensitive, meaning they work even when you're cornering. The MTC offers several modes, including a