Let it be known right here…The 2022 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S maybe the most complete motorcycle I have ever had the pleasure of riding. It is full of KTM character and an absolute beast on the road. When KTM Premium Kuala Lumpur and KTM Malaysia asked if I would like to take the 1290 while we were waiting for parts for my 990 to come in, I jumped at the chance. Of course! Mad not to!

KTM make this bike in two flavours, this one is the “S” version for on-road riding, and the “R” version which is for dual sport adventure riding, on-road and off-road basically. First impressions of the bike are that this thing is big man! Really big. Maybe newbie’s will be intimidated by the 1290 S at first. Throw your leg over and you are sitting in the bike, rather than on it like my 990. Push start…there it is that lovely v-twin rumble. Pulling away from KTM and straight into the hectic Kuala Lumpur traffic it’s immediately clear. This bike is so easy to ride. In the city it felt so well balanced and smooth. Things can get really tight in KL but I felt good on the big 1290. Forget what I said about new riders being perhaps intimidated by it, once you are rolling it feels effortless. That lovely KTM v-twin character is everywhere as soon as you open the throttle. Ooooh…this thing is going to be a total riot on the fast twisty stuff!

I went all over the place on the 1290. Did well over 1000km while I had it. Rode it everyday. Became my daily ride in place of my 990. City, highway’s, fast twisty stuff, and up and down Frasers Hill and Cameron Highland’s. This bike ate it all up. Final thoughts at the end…

This thing has every imaginable piece of electronic wizardry that KTM could come up with thrown at it…Street, Sport, Off-Road, and Rain ride modes, six-axis lean angle sensor ABS, multiple adjustable traction control systems…and even radar assisted adaptive cruise control. You can also add KTM’s Rally ride mode, hill hold control, motor slip regulation, and a quick shifter as options. Phew!

Top of the line Brembo brakes and electronically adjustable WP semi-active suspension are standard equipment.

I’ve loved my time with this bike and I’m feeling sad to have to give it back. I especially love the motor, with it’s lovely v-twin character and spread of power and torque. Keep it chill all day, or wind it out! Hit 6.500rpm and it goes ballistic. I will miss the modern brakes, and I will really miss the quick shifter. Never thought about them before now…really nice bit of kit to have. Love the TFT screen. Not sure about all the engine modes though…I kept the bike in sport mode the whole time. Liked the electrically adjustable suspension. That was fun to play around with. Need more time with the bike to really explore everything I think…

Things I won’t miss…that seat. Come on man! It’s agony after an hour or so. For a long range bike that’s not acceptable. Speaking of range. What is up with the fuel consumption? I was not getting much more out of a full tank than I would with my 990. I would expect better fuel range for a 2022 bike. All that horse power has to come at a price I suppose.

I’m mad keen to try out the “R” version of this bike now. Coming from a KTM 990 Adventure it would be more up my alley and down my trail.

Thanks to KTM Premium Kuala Lumpur and KTM Malaysia for the loan of the 1290 Super Adventure S while my bike was waiting for those parts.

Special thanks to Mrs H for bike test riding duties during the photoshoot.

Full details and specs for this bike HERE