KTM 1290 Super Adventure S Revisited - 2022 model review 

Just did a trip across Peru - Bolivia - Argentina - Chile and back to Peru. What a beautiful bike it is. Riding with my wife, it is comfortable for both riders for long rides. I was worried that she might complain about the seat, but she absolutely found it comfortable. We rode up to 4800 Meter Elevation and the power was constant even at high altitudes. The roads were a mix of really nice roads to dirt roads and even larger sectors of sand. Never dropped her and she just behaved so well. A beast when you want it and a well behaved on touring. I had the 1190 before, but this is sooooo much nicer to ride.

Had mine a year now with 9500 miles on it. Had no issues at all thankfully. Having ridden all kinds of bikes for 40 years I am still blown away every day by this machine. Every ride is sublime rain or shine. It’s a keeper for sure.

Appreciate the shout out! You're correct, 19k miles in and all good, so I'd like to think I'm safe. Worth selecting the Tech Pack for just over £1k in my opinion, as most of the options come in that. No heated grips though as you say! Those stock tyres are shocking haha! Great review as usual 👍🏼

Good review. I knew that I wanted one of these when they were announced and then the reviews hyped it up, as always. I was prepared to be disappointed as it didn't live up to expectations, but it did and does. I've never ridden a better, more complete bike for the road. It has everything I need and does all that I want. Stick it into sport throttle, high preload and ride it like a big supermoto and it loves it. With the riding position and extra travel, I can ride the roads around the Yorkshire Dales quicker than I could on any sports bike. Love it. Can honestly say that there's nothing that I'd change it for.

I've got the 790 R and the 1290 S. Something has to go and it won't be the 1290. It's a big bike that feels small. A powerhouse, super smooth especially after a Hiltop 'map'. Two up touring....the best bike I've owned. Over the years I've had the previous 1290S, a 1200 RT, K1600 GTL, 1200 GSA, Multistrada 1200, 2020 Goldwing. Ok, the Goldwing was a bike, but I returned it because the engine paint was peeling off and because the exhaust killed my ears with the boom. The 1290 just makes me smile every time I ride it. The low fuel tanks keep the weight low and feet warm. Power Parts seats essential. The suspension is otherworldly. Next level comfortable. Anti dive is amazing. Controls are a bit odd but you get used to them. Wind protection is the best I've had save the Goldwing. Two gripes: If you start it in gear, then expect the abs or other lights to come on occasionally - There's clutch drag and like all KTM's the starter motor is rubbish. Second - like the last one, you get head shake at slow speeds when two up and loaded. Not sure why this happens but it's annoying...only takes one finger on the bars to stop it though. Can't think there's another Swiss army knife bike like the 1290. 🙂

I have had my SAS for about 7 months now and have had zero issues in over 7000 miles, just wonderful riding experiences. Been to Europe and around the UK and can totally agree that this is a wonderful touring bike and a great sports bike if that's your thing. Thanks for the great review.

Quite possibly the best video I’ve seen about this bike. I’m a gsa 1250 rider and I’m sure this is the next bike. Thank you . Carl uk

Great review mate, as usual always stands out above the rest. I brought mine 3 moths ago, now has 4K miles on her. An absolute belter of a bike..GS! You are dead to me.❤️

Might be the best review I've seen on that bike. Thanks for sharing 👍

I collected my brand new 2023 2 months ago and it's absolutely amazing. The more I ride it the more I love. It. Also I had 2k off and a 4 year warranty!! Absolute bargain.

I ride a 790 Adv ,and this 1290 SAS like you would be my next bike . Always look forward to the vlogs 👍

Spot on review and agree with pretty much everything you say. Done 3600 miles on mine now, they were all in the first 6 weeks of ownership though! Planning on doing a lot more on it still too… I got on fine with the stock Mitas tyres in the dry, even furring up the edges pretty quickly. They seemed fine in the wet as long as it wasn’t cold, but once the temperature starts dropping then all confidence in them goes if the surface isn’t 100%. Wore them out and replaced with Metzeler Tourance Next 2’s which are a definite step up in performance all round. Only thing I will really disagree with is the stock seat comfort, which I found shocking! The 100 mile ride home from purchasing the bike, I was in bits! Quickly got the powerparts heated seat on there to replace the stock seat, and that is loads better…

Great review and I’m sure a great bike I’ll stick to my GS at the mo but will test ride to get my own opinion, keep up the great vids 👍

as always great review, love it!

I've had mine for almost two years now. I agree about the torque. In fact after a while I came to the conclusion that it has enough torque to easily pull a taller gear so I put a 40t rear sprocket on mine at the same time I installed a pair of Anakee Adventures. I feel that it was a noticeable improvement, especially when cruising on the freeway/autovia/autopisa. The Anakees are prone to spinning under power so with the taller gear the bike is a little less inclined to lifting the front end. I finally decided that while the bike has plenty of power and good handling it's really just what a good general purpose motorcycle should be.

Ohh boy... Wish I have a KTM store in Brazil... It would be my everlasting bike for sure!

Really nice balanced review with some great detail. No offence to Sam V but it was nice to see a vlog where the front wheel remained largely on terra firma for a change 😉

Great honest review! I agree with you, Best Adventure Bike for the money!

I have had the 2019, 1290SAR from new and love it. I have added a few accessories (Denali lights/Dial Dim, crash bars, EZCAN, Scott steering Stabilizer, Barkbusters, GPS, Panniers, Evotech rad/oil guards). I have ridden the KTM rally Canada, many long trips on and off road. To sum it up, I love this bike and for tires Dakar E07.

Accurate assessment,thks.(I own 1290R-2022)

I have 4 bikes, a Superduke R, a Ducati Streetfighter, a Tuono 1100 factory and one of these, you can drop the first 3 in the bin, the sas I by far my favourite, it’s a spectacular bike.

Hi have one superadventure s from may 2022 ,all my life i drive Race bikes i Change for this Monster Im really but really happy ,i just put out the decibel Killers from the akrapovic,and the Sound ,the power its just i super bike ,i dont have nothing to say bad abaut this bike ,since i Start the engine untill i stop hi have a smile on my face

Fantastic review of a great bike! 🙂 I own the previous version and love it. That engine and its power is just so addictive. For me the biggest drawback of the SAS is its looks, not a particularly pretty thing but nonetheless it's fantastic. When time comes for a change I will either go for this latest version of 1290 SAS, or GSA or S1000XR for a different feel.🙂

13k miles on mine and all trouble free - love this bike. Even better with an Arrow can and new tyres.

You mention the lack of heated grips as standard but as far as I recall with the exception of Triumph (Pro models?), none of its competitors do either at this level. When I was looking for mine, there were several dealers that were openly including the Tech Pack FOC, and every one that I inquired with were happy to fit heated grips without charge if bought with the bike.

I've ridden mine 7000km this year. The Mitas tyres are rubbish. With the Conti Trail Attack 3 it is a different bike altogether. Gone is the nervous backend and the weird delayed turn-in. It is a 90:10 bike. For rough, rocky offroad in the mountains the suspension is a little stiff (the springs actually), but it handles it well provided you don't rush it. It can be nicely controlled standing, slightly leaned forward, with the knee against the tank. I went on an extended bike&hike holiday in the Western Alps and it was so much fun to go wherever I wanted to. Due to its weight, the very slow, tight roads are not where it likes to be for long. It swallows bumpy tarmac with ease and with the adjustable damping there is always a good setup available. Don't buy the cheapest fuel. The engine runs smoother on higher octane. The only two things that annoy me are the high beam switch, which I always flip unintentionally, and the wobbly indicator knob.

Great review as every, thanks. What is the jacket that you're wearing?

Good test! I ride a 1290 SA-T (2017) PLUS I run Terra Force R tyres. But I wont trade up even though my T model has it's 30lt tank up high (& why I bought it eg. in AUS). Agree big difference between ADV 21/18 and ADV Tour 19/17. Thus I kept my Kato 950ADV for that reason. I am a Kato fan (plus I do own others) , so my comments are more about MITAS. I run the brand's E07/8/9 range as I have never had a flat since changing 20+ years ago. On the 1290 I swapped out Conti's Terra Force. Why? mileage & no flats (I hope). Terra Force are great on tar / gravel etc but no good on sand or bulldust or mud or wet grass! They just last longer. Oh sorry KTM? Once you own an LC8 you will understand. PS I also prefer A KEY!

I took one out for a test ride and found it was as rough as bag of spanners. Lots of vibration through the handlebars. I tried various suspension settings but it made no difference. Even with the seat on the highest setting, it seemed very small. I didn't like the indicator cancellation. It is meant to be auto cancel but stayed flashing for too long.

Great review as always. Thank you. I’m also not a fan or the colour orange. I wonder what it would cost to get it professionally painted and protected to the colour(s) of your choice. When I raced in the 90’s one of my main sponsors was a smash repair company who performed all painting and repair works to both of my teams race bikes. The racing fairings looked better than the top of the line factory bikes. 👍😎🇦🇺

Took a test ride on the 1290 Super Adventure S earlier this year and was very impressed indeed, seriously considering trading in my 2017 1200 Multistrada for one in the spring although would like to test ride the Super Adventure R before making my final decision.

Great review..ride a Harley lowrider s’21..I’ve been eyeing the gsa and this sas..like many others, reliability is the only thing from swaying me to KTM..more and more reviews I watch w most not having any major isssues..I need to test ride one. FYI , all you orange haters, looks like the uk ‘23 has a white/grey option w hardly any orange..haha

After having a brilliant run 40,000k with my KTM 640 Adventure bought new in 2003 and covered a lot of Australian outback dirt roads . I have stepped back onto the KTM 1290 SAR late last year. They certainly are an exciting bike to ride. I am gearing up to ride Sydney to Melburne through the Snowy mountains to the Moto GP at Phillip Island and then on to Tasmania. I confirm KTM'S are reliable.I can't wait to fire up and go. Cheers.

The 1190 was no slouch but head ruled heart in 2013 and I bought a GS LC later px’d for a very low mile GSA. The GSA gave way to an ATAS DC ES and will (as I bored you before) be replaced with an 890 Adventure for it’s lightness, small physical size and sheer ease of riding. I avoided a test ride on the 1290. So far…… 890 for a while and maybe a run to Slovenia next spring to test it’s legs (and my bum comfort). Cheers, Ian

Awesome bike for sure, but am I the only one that thinks it sounds like a submerged sewing machine? Thanks for the video, enjoyed your stuff since the Street Twin days👍🏻👍🏻

I appreciate your review! I was eyeballing the 2023 (still am) but your review gave me ample confidence to perhaps go a generation older and save some cash.

The longer I ride this bike, the more I like it. And the good news is that there are now power options for exhaust and dyno.

Considered one of these and like them for carving their own style. Impressive long warranty options too. Just a little to tall for me but that’s my problem!

Hola, sabéis decir que diferencias reales hay con el modelo 2021. Salu2 de vuestro mas fiel infiel Pako

Had mine 5 Months, toured Europe down to Lake Garda in Italy. Just couldn't get on with all the niggles. Traded in for a Tiger Rally Explorer.

is it easy to take your hands of the handleebars like that on a motorbike? Just bought my first proper motorbike and will give it a try - don't want to break my neck though!

Couldn’t see the cost of the “giggles” in the options list !

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S😍🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩

I owned a 2017 Super Adventure and just traded it in for a new GS Adventure...... Today I have put the GS up for sale and have put a deposit on a Super Adventure. The engine is better in every respect over the 1250 on the GS, apart from smoothness.

Love from India

Problem is the snatch throttle response mid corner sure if you keep the revs down but who does that with this bike ? Oh and what do you do (screen) if you are red green imparement?

What's the difference between 2022 and 2023

I love the idea of all of these settings, but the interface of hardware and software give me massive pause about reliability. How many times within 20k miles will these things break!? I agree, most of the noise in forums is negative and that skews the public perception somewhat.

Never mind the bike what was the jacket you had on? Good Review i am 19k in love mine....

All you guys that own one of these machines are making it difficult for me to stick to my original plan of riding my '14 1190 Adv into it's even older age... I have 39k miles on it now, and still absolutely love the motorcycle. At around 150, but probably less, hp, it is really no slouch, and all the other features it has, I have few reasons to upgrade, but .... but!! With the lovely glowing orange tank - I have dubbed it the Austrian Comet. I took it out on some horrific trails on the Vermont BDR route last year, and despite dropping it several times, the bike performed wonderfully over everything that got in its way - even with semi worn TKC 70's. I commute daily - barring snowfall riding, and after work, my 7 minute ride home is never less than an hour... What would I really gain with a bit more hp and that brilliant dash?? All the mods I have on the 1190 were expensive and did augment the whole riding experience, but to do it all again is nuts right? Right?? Shit... spring is not too far off, and I get some good tax returns this year... my bike could probably sell for around 9k , especially since it goes in for a major service next week, so perhaps it wouldn't be completely stupid to move up. Really, if I didn't subject myself to temptation by watching such excellent reviews of this machine, over and over, I could save some money, but I do fear it's got to me. Perhaps soon, I'll be joining in on the chorus of your gloating, deeply satisfied, torque addicted, and gleeful tributes! God help us... Ride safe!

It’s a good looking bike. It runs good and sound great with a slip-on. I think the seat is too narrow and hard. The buttons barely give any feedback with gloves on while riding. The interface looks good, but a hazzle to navigate. From somone who owns a GSA, this bike feels too small, feel like a grown man on a 600. Ive also experienced tricky customer support from KTM, while BMW has always had my back. Its a blast to ride tho, but I’ll stick to BMW for now☀️🏍️

what gloves are they?

How do you compare to the Tiger?

How is its at high speeds? I've read it can get a little un-settled.

Great review as always. Pity you've got to spend another grand to get properly kitted out on what is already an expensive bike. Looks are a bit marmite too...

My 2019 KTM 1290 adventure S has 24000 miles, no problems.

Is it me? I've looked and sat on these but I honestly cant imagine wanting such a lump. When I got on it there was this huge fairing and tank in front of me, not to mention being tall. I can imagine it being fast and comfortable but never flickable and fun. Without riding either i suspect that id take the 890 everyday over this.

may i ask,…my high is 1,74m. am i too short for that ktm1290 ?

AWESOME BIKE ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

My problem is the age old one of too many great bikes and not enough money. I can't afford to have a bike for just one type of riding stashed in the garage for those moments. I also use it to commute daily but i do like green lanes! I have a 790 Adv R currently but cannot decide if i should upgrade to an 890 R or the 1290. i do more road than anything but i really want to do the UK TET sections and go for more off-road. Its a tough decision!

Hello you préfère the S ou the R ?

L'ho posseduta anche io. A guidarla dove la guidi te è troppo facile me la sarei tenuta. Ma prova nel traffico di Roma- Italia, poi mi saprai dire. Sono passato alla 1290 super duke gt. piu' bassa e con 15 cv in piu'

Hard to believe you can't do all year round touring on the ktm 790 🤔

The Super "Juke" has a massive amount of "toke." hahaha

If I had the money, I would buy it in a heartbeat. In socialist Romania, we earn around 40 euros per day, IF we are lucky,

Tf no heated grips??? Thats like the most important thing for an adventure bike, i use it every day and i live in San diego California, anyways thats a deal breaker.

I’d swap my gs for one. 1290 is a corker.

great review.. now I need to get a third bike to hide from the wife lol

Monologizing at 150kmh freehand. Kudos.

I find it rather ugly. I am a big fan of torque. The 890R would be the KTM I'd go for if I wanted an adventure bike. What do manufacturers mean by 'dry'? It can't mean minus all fluids because the difference between 'dry' and 'wet' is never big enough. Petrol weighs too much. I used to really rate my 950 Adventure. Very reliable, too. As is my 390 Duke.

138nm sir

If I bought any one of these huge high tech ADV machines, I would not bother to own any other vehicle.

The Suzuki V -strom was way ahead of its time. Copy cats are still rolling being made.

Main thing that puts me off ktm is the resale value and on newer models the 1 month of all features to just turn them off and expect £1000 for them to be turned back on just do a 3 or 2 model range like everyone else they seem to make minor updates every year which drives the prices down also would make sense to let someone else take the hit and get one second hand

Very informative review, but: esthetically pleasing? Really? Looks would be a reason for me not to want it.

Ktm's are fantastic bike, extremely capable. But reliability is an issue.

Certainly one of the less ugly KTMs, lol.

Dont Ride and talk, I understand nothing

I own this bike. In the past I’ve owned several Ktm “R” models (790, 890, 1090) but I’ve come to realize I really don’t need that much off-road capability. The “S“ model is a very good compromise for on-road and light off-road riding. By light off-road I mean dirt and gravel roads, nothing technical. The stock Mitas tires are no good for light off-road riding. I replaced them with a Dunlop Trailmax Mission on the front and a Continental TKC 70 Rocks on the rear. This combo is pretty good on-road and in gravel/dirt.

Nice review thanks for sharing. Looks like lots of tech but I agree for the money there should be heated grips. Oh and that exhaust, no sorry its just butt ugly IMO 🫣