KTM does adventure. Sometimes in twos. In fact, it split its flagship adventure machine into two variants, the off-road-focused and more rugged 1290 Super Adventure R and the tarmac-going 1290 Super Adventure S. Each share the same basic design, but the S model differs in smaller diameter cast aluminum wheels, semi-active WP suspension, and radar-assisted adaptive cruise control.
The Super Adventure S utilizes KTM’s 1,301cc LC8 75-degree V-twin engine, which is identical in tune to the off-road-ready R model. The platform is also a toned-down variation of the wickedly quick 1290 Super Duke R we recently tested. A number of revisions have been made for the 2022 model year that are mostly aimed at achieving the tightening Euro 5 emissions standards, which we covered in the first ride review of the Super Adventure R.
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We ran the 2022 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S on the Cycle World Dynojet 250i dynamometer ahead of an upcoming review, recording horsepower and torque measurements. As expected, it produced numbers almost identical to that of the Super Adventure R—134.08 hp at 9,060 rpm and 87.51 pound-feet of torque at 6,820 rpm. Torque is readily available, as seen by the tabletop-like curve beginning around 3,500 rpm, while the power curve is admirably linear and only tapers as it passes 9,000 rpm.
