For this vintage, KTM has revisited its 1290 Super Adventure S which has a lot to do in a segment where a BMW GS which speaks the same language reigns. The Austrian trail is not the only one to want to seek the German throne and, in 2021, it is giving itself a little more assets to achieve its goals. With this delicious harmony between the scent of uncompromising adventure and on-board technology that does not interfere with civilization and its feeling of security...
KTM presented the new Super Adventure S which, for 2021, modifies several of its components. The chassis, driving position and electronics have been revised and are now enriched with the new adaptive cruise control. Not bad for a model created to explore distant, wild and unknown lands.
It is indeed this introduction of adaptive cruise control which is the highlight of the show, thus placing theAdventure S at the same level as the new Multistrada V4 and BMW the most recents. However, there are other refinements that come to light and deserve attention. Thus, the 8 cc LC1 twin-cylinder meets Euro301 standards and has been updated in several of its components. He weighs 1,6 kg less than the previous unit thanks to the adoption of thinner crankcases and a new oil circuit. The new pistons and the new cooling system consisting of two laterally positioned radiators divert heat away from the rider's legs and facilitate the extraction of air around the engine.
Power is, as always, a reference: 160 hp with 138 Nm of torque. Another new feature is the gearbox, refined to offer even faster engagement. The new aluminum drum is lighter than steel, and the greater precision of the machining contributes to smoother shifting.
As mentioned, the main novelty is the arrival of the all-new ACC, adaptive cruise control, capable of calibrating the cruising speed according to the speed of the vehicles in front of the motorcycle, thus maintaining the correct safety distance. There is also a new 6-axis inertial platform that better handles electronic controls. Traction control has been made even less invasive, while the engine mapping package which includes Rain, Street, Sport and Offroad modes is enhanced by the optional Rally which allows the rider to choose the amount of slip of the rear wheel on a scale of nine, as well as adjusting the throttle response in three levels, from gentle to aggressive, and limiting the intervention of the anti-wheelie.
KTM pulled out all the stops
The Adventure S for 2021 will be equipped with the latest generation of suspensions Semi-active WPs capable of offering more sensitivity, better feedback, greater adjustment possibilities even in real time. The control unit SCU (Suspension Control Unit), which adjusts the damping rate in real time, has also been updated, and a different system of electromagnetic valves has been installed to allow you to react with maximum speed and precision to the changes in road surface and driving style.
Compared to the previous version, the engine has been repositioned inside the frame. The swingarm has been lengthened, all for the benefit of stability and traction. Another new feature is the rear subframe which, thanks to revised measures, has made it possible to reduce the height of the saddle, while maintaining great strength when traveling in pairs with a full load. The tank has been redesigned and now holds 23 liters of fuel, while the new saddle, made in two parts, is adjustable from 20 mm in height and offers greater comfort on long journeys. The position of the handlebars and levers is also customizable. Aerodynamic protection has been revised thanks to the new adjustable fairing and new tank superstructures which divert air and water away from the rider's legs.
The keyless ignition system is even more refined: based on a transponder called "KTM RACE ON», and which adopts ARA (Anti Relay Attack) technology. This system must be activated before starting the motorcycle. There is a 10-minute window between activation and start-up, allowing time to complete dressing and preparation before getting into the saddle. If the motorcycle is not started within this time, the keyless system is deactivated.
La KTM Super Adventure S is already practically complete out of the box, but if you want to enhance the machine with additional accessories, you can purchase the Tech Pack, which includes the Rally Pack with RALLY driving mode (which allows you to adjust the intervention on nine traction control), the PRO Suspension Pack, the Quickshifter +, the engine torque adjustment (Motor Slip Regulation), the Hill Hold Control to facilitate starts in coast and the adaptive brake light in the event of a braking emergency. The Rally Pack and Suspension PRO can be purchased separately.
