KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022: Is It Worth It?
Hey guys, let's dive into the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022 and see what all the fuss is about. This bike is a beast, a true adventure touring machine that's built for serious mileage and serious fun. In this KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022 review, we'll cover everything from its powerful engine and cutting-edge tech to its comfortable ride and overall value. Is this the right bike for you? Let's find out!
Unveiling the Beast: Engine and Performance
Alright, first things first: the engine. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022 is powered by a 1,301cc V-twin engine that churns out some serious horsepower. We're talking about around 160 horsepower and a mountain of torque. This thing is not for the faint of heart, guys. When you twist the throttle, the acceleration is simply mind-blowing. It's like a rocket ship on two wheels. The engine is incredibly responsive, providing instant power whenever you need it. Whether you're cruising on the highway or tackling challenging off-road terrain, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022 has got you covered. The engine's character is truly something special. It's got that raw, visceral feel that KTM is known for, yet it's refined enough for long-distance touring. You can ride it aggressively or just take it easy, and the bike will reward you either way. The engine also features a sophisticated ride-by-wire system, which allows for various riding modes. These modes, which include Rain, Street, Sport, and Offroad, adjust the throttle response, traction control, and ABS settings to suit different riding conditions. This is a game-changer, folks. It's like having multiple bikes in one. You can switch between modes on the fly, making the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022 incredibly versatile. Furthermore, the bike's exhaust note is pure music to the ears, adding to the overall experience. The sound is throaty and aggressive, letting everyone know that you mean business. This engine is a masterpiece, and it's one of the main reasons why the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022 is such an amazing machine.
Power Delivery and Riding Modes
As mentioned, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022 offers multiple riding modes. Let's delve a bit deeper. The Rain mode softens the throttle response and increases traction control intervention, making the bike safer to ride in wet or slippery conditions. Street mode provides a balanced approach, suitable for everyday riding. Sport mode unleashes the full potential of the engine, offering the most aggressive throttle response and allowing for more wheelie action. Finally, the Offroad mode reduces power, allows for more wheel spin, and disables ABS on the rear wheel, allowing you to slide the bike around on loose surfaces. The ability to switch between these modes is a huge advantage. It allows you to tailor the bike's performance to your current needs. Whether you're commuting to work, carving up mountain roads, or exploring off-road trails, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022 has a mode for it. The power delivery is incredibly smooth and predictable in all modes, making the bike easy to control. Even in Sport mode, the power is manageable, thanks to the sophisticated traction control system. This makes the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022 a confidence-inspiring bike, even for less experienced riders.
Tech Savvy: Features and Gadgets
Now, let's talk tech. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022 is loaded with cutting-edge technology designed to enhance the riding experience. First up, we have the impressive TFT display. This is a large, color screen that provides all the information you need, including speed, revs, gear position, riding mode, and navigation. The display is bright, clear, and easy to read, even in direct sunlight. You can customize the information displayed to suit your preferences. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022 also features a comprehensive suite of electronic rider aids. This includes cornering ABS, which allows you to brake safely while leaned over in corners, and Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC), which prevents the rear wheel from spinning. These systems are incredibly sophisticated and work seamlessly in the background to keep you safe. Cruise control is another welcome feature, making long highway rides much more comfortable. The bike also comes with a quickshifter+ system, which allows you to shift gears up and down without using the clutch. This is a real game-changer, especially when riding aggressively. The quickshifter+ is smooth and precise, adding to the overall enjoyment of the ride. Furthermore, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022 is equipped with a sophisticated suspension system. The WP semi-active suspension automatically adjusts to road conditions, providing a smooth and comfortable ride. You can also adjust the suspension settings manually to suit your preferences. Other tech features include LED lighting, which provides excellent visibility, and a USB charging port, which is handy for charging your phone or other devices. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022 is a tech-laden machine, and all the features work together seamlessly to create an outstanding riding experience.
Advanced Rider Aids and Connectivity
Beyond the features mentioned, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022 boasts even more advanced technology. The bike has an optional radar-guided cruise control system. This system uses radar sensors to detect vehicles in front of you and automatically adjusts your speed to maintain a safe distance. This is a fantastic feature for highway riding, making long journeys less tiring. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022 also offers smartphone connectivity via the KTM MY RIDE app. This allows you to connect your phone to the bike's TFT display and access features like music, calls, and navigation. The navigation system is particularly useful, providing turn-by-turn directions directly on the TFT display. The app is easy to use and adds another layer of convenience to the riding experience. Furthermore, the bike's keyless ignition system is a nice touch, allowing you to start the bike without fumbling for a key. The keyless system also includes a fuel cap and steering lock. Finally, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022 has an integrated tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). This system monitors the tire pressure and alerts you if the pressure is too low. This is a safety feature that can help prevent tire-related accidents. The level of technology packed into this bike is truly impressive, and it all works together to make the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022 one of the most advanced adventure bikes on the market.
Comfort and Ergonomics: Long-Haul Ready
Let's talk about comfort. After all, this is an adventure touring bike, and you'll want to spend hours in the saddle. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022 excels in this area. The seat is well-padded and supportive, providing all-day comfort. You can adjust the seat height to suit your preferences. The riding position is upright and relaxed, putting minimal strain on your wrists and back. The handlebars are wide and easily accessible. The footpegs are positioned in a way that allows you to stand up while riding off-road. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022 also features a large windscreen, which provides excellent wind protection. You can adjust the windscreen's height with a simple one-handed mechanism. This is a great feature, as it allows you to customize the wind protection to suit your riding style and the weather conditions. The bike's ergonomics are designed for long-distance comfort, and you'll find that you can ride for hours without feeling fatigued. Furthermore, the bike has a generous fuel tank capacity, which allows for a long range. You can easily cover hundreds of miles between fuel stops. This is a huge advantage when you're touring, as it reduces the number of stops you need to make. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022 is built for comfort, and it's a joy to ride on long journeys.
Practicality and Features for Touring
Beyond the basic comfort features, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022 offers several other features that enhance its touring capabilities. The bike comes standard with handguards, which protect your hands from wind and debris. These are particularly useful when riding in cold weather or on rough terrain. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022 also has integrated pannier mounts. This allows you to easily attach luggage for long trips. KTM offers a range of optional panniers and top cases, which are designed specifically for the bike. The bike's suspension system is also a key factor in its comfort. The WP semi-active suspension does an excellent job of soaking up bumps and imperfections in the road, providing a smooth and controlled ride. You can adjust the suspension settings to suit different road conditions and riding styles. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022 also has a comfortable pillion seat, so you can bring a passenger along for the ride. The passenger seat is well-padded and provides good support. The bike's overall design is also very practical. The bike is easy to maneuver, even at low speeds. The controls are intuitive and easy to use. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022 is a well-rounded touring machine that's ready for any adventure.
Ride and Handling: On and Off the Road
The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022 is a blast to ride, both on and off the road. On the pavement, it handles like a dream. The bike is agile and responsive, with precise steering and excellent cornering stability. The powerful engine provides effortless acceleration, and the brakes are strong and reliable. The WP semi-active suspension provides a smooth and controlled ride, even on rough roads. The bike's electronic rider aids work seamlessly to keep you safe and in control. Off-road, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022 is surprisingly capable. The bike's long-travel suspension, high ground clearance, and off-road riding mode allow you to tackle challenging terrain. The bike's powerful engine and responsive throttle make it easy to control the bike's attitude, even in loose conditions. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022 is not a dedicated off-road bike, but it's more than capable of handling gravel roads, trails, and other off-road adventures. The bike's versatility is one of its main selling points. You can ride it to work during the week and then head out on an off-road adventure on the weekend. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022 truly is a do-it-all machine.
Suspension and Brakes: Control and Confidence
Let's go deeper into the ride and handling characteristics, focusing on the suspension and brakes. The WP semi-active suspension is a standout feature. It constantly adjusts to road conditions, providing a smooth and controlled ride. The suspension settings can be adjusted on the fly, allowing you to tailor the ride to your preferences. The suspension offers a wide range of adjustment, from comfortable touring to sporty handling. The brakes are another highlight. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022 is equipped with high-performance Brembo brakes, which provide excellent stopping power and feel. The brakes have a progressive feel, allowing you to modulate the braking force precisely. The cornering ABS system is a welcome feature, providing added safety when braking in corners. The combination of excellent suspension and brakes gives you complete control and confidence, no matter the road conditions. Whether you're carving up mountain roads or navigating challenging off-road terrain, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022 gives you the tools you need to enjoy the ride.
The Verdict: Is the 2022 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S Worth It?
So, is the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022 worth the price tag? The answer is a resounding yes, if you're looking for a top-of-the-line adventure touring bike. This bike excels in almost every area, from its powerful engine and advanced technology to its comfortable ergonomics and versatile handling. It's a premium machine, and the price reflects that. But if you're looking for the best, you'll find it here. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022 offers an unparalleled riding experience. It's a bike that can take you anywhere, from your daily commute to a cross-country adventure. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022 is an investment, but it's an investment in quality, performance, and enjoyment. If you're serious about adventure touring and have the budget, then the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022 should be at the top of your list. It's a bike that will put a smile on your face every time you ride it. Overall, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022 is a fantastic motorcycle, offering a blend of performance, technology, and comfort that's hard to beat. It's a true flagship adventure bike. Definitely give it a look, guys!
Pros and Cons
To give you a clearer picture, let's break down the pros and cons:
Pros:
- Incredible engine performance
- Cutting-edge technology and rider aids
- Comfortable ergonomics for long rides
- Excellent handling on and off the road
- Versatile riding modes
Cons:
- Pricey
- Can be intimidating for new riders
- Some might find the styling polarizing
Ultimately, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022 is a top-tier adventure bike. If the price isn't a barrier, you're in for a treat. This bike is all about adventure, and it delivers on that promise.