2017 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R Review | First Ride

KTM’s ADV behemoth gets even bigger.

As far as big, multi-cylinder ADV machines go, BMW and KTM have been battling tooth and nail to be the top of the top, and it looks like the orange brand is flexing its muscles. That would be 1,301ccs of muscle to be exact. That is a mind-boggling amount of motor in any motorcycle, let alone one designed, at least in part, for the dirt. KTM has played around with its big-bike displacement over the years. There was a 950, a 990, and an 1190. Now, for 2017, they have settled on two versions; an 1090 and 1290, the latter of which our sister publication, Motorcyclist, got to ride down in Peru. For the full story you can click here.

While we haven't got our hands on one yet, we most likely will be reaching out to KTM to try the 1090 instead, just because it is, hopefully, a little lighter and more dirt-bike like than its bigger brother. In the past we have had a chance to spend a fair amount of time on the 1190 Adventure, which was surprisingly apt in the terra firma. For proof, check out this video of extreme enduro rider Chris Birch flogging the 1190 like his 300 two-stroke.

1,301cc is a border-line ridiculous for an “off-road” bike. Although we say that now, once we get to ride one, we'll probably be giggling with delight in our helmets.Courtesy Of KTM
Here is proof you can get some air between the ground and the 1290 (over 500 pounds of motorcycle!).Courtesy Of KTM
Extreme Enduro star Chris Birch was on hand to help the riders channel their inner Erzberg racer.Courtesy Of KTM
With every new model of ADV bike, they get more and more dirt worthy.Courtesy Of KTM
When in doubt, gas it out! Sure adventure bikes can be heavy and big but tons of power is always helpful.Courtesy Of KTM
Whether it’s the 1290 or 1090, we sure wouldn’t mind putting a KTM ADV through its paces.Courtesy Of KTM