Conquering Sani Pass with the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R
Ever heard the saying “Never meet your hero, you might be disappointed”? Or in the dating scene, the phrase sounds something like “Never meet your crush because you might be disappointed”? Whoever came up with this phrase must have based it on the observation that when people finally meet their idols, their imaginations of them often don’t often match reality.
The KTM 1290 Super Adventure R is a motorcycle that most offroad enthusiasts would bet their life savings on as being one of the best and most capable machines for tackling the most challenging offroad terrains. It’s become one of the most revered adventure bikes in the motorcycle industry because of its offroad capabilities. It was because of these corridor conversations that the I found myself patiently waiting to see if the hype around the 1290 would live up to my expectations. A month ago, and 1500km later around Lesotho, the I discovered that the big orange (well..with a bit of blue) machine managed to easily debunk the phrase mentioned earlier and upheld its reputation superbly well. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure R embodies a remarkable piece of engineering.
The Bikers of Africa Adventure Bike group embarked on a scheduled Sani Pass ride during the last quarter of the year, providing a perfect opportunity for the me to put the 1290 motorcycle to the test. The route up Sani Pass starts at 1,544 meters (5,066 ft) and climbs 1,332 meters (4,370 ft) to an altitude of 2,876 meters (9,436 ft). The steep gravel road has gradients of up to 1:3, making it difficult to navigate in bad weather and you may often it covered in snow and ice in winter. The technical aspects of the route can be demanding, featuring loose and huge rocks, river crossings, and 45-degree hill climbs, which promise to put any adventure biker’s riding abilities to the test.
Our journey was broken down into three different phases: Johannesburg to Himeville (590km), Himeville to Sani Pass (50km), and Sani Pass to Maseru via Thaba-Tseka (350km). The Sani Pass Experience presents a unique challenge for any Adventure biker looking to put their offroad riding ability to the limits.
On our journey to Himeville, the day began early at 6:30am with a 260km ride from Johannesburg to Harrismith, where a stop was made for breakfast. The route between the two locations was relatively straight, providing an opportunity to experiment with the on-the-fly electronic options on the 1290 Adventure R. Eventually, I opted to navigate into cruise control and decided to leave the more advanced options for later.
The KTM 1290 Adventure R’s electronic package is on par with those offered by industry leaders. However, KTM decided to take it one step further by offering the “Rally and Tech Pack” as optional extras. The specific model I rode was equipped with the Tech Pack, providing access to all the features offered in the Rally Pack such as Rally mode, MTC Slip adjuster, Adjustable Throttle Response, Motor Slip Regulation, Hill hold Control, Quickshifter+, Adaptive Brake Lights and many more.
After our breakfast, we decided to refuel and prepare our bikes for the remainder of the trip, which would take us through some long sweeps between Harrismith and Underberg. The fuel cap is keyless and opens seamlessly, with an ultra-slim 23lt fuel tank which I managed to fill to the brim. Off we went toward Drakensburg, I now felt ready to test all the road features that the 1290 had to offer, including the astounding 160hp.
During a ride from Johannesburg to Harrismith, I had the opportunity to test the 1290 motorcycle on various terrains and conditions. One of the first impressions was that the motorcycle is agile for its weight and height, as it was able to navigate through the bends of Harrismith-Underberg with great efficiency, even while carrying over 20 liters of fuel in the tank.
However, a minor issue that I noticed was that the seat seemed to be more off-road biased as it leans towards the slim side and could benefit from slightly more padding. The same observation was made about the screen, which the I thought it could have been made taller by at least 3cm for more comfort during longer rides.
KTM offers a versatile motorcycle variety with its 1290 Super Adventure line, catering to the needs of different types of riders. The 1290 Super Adventure S is designed specifically for street riding, making it an ideal choice for those who want a motorcycle that offers a combination of power, comfort, and stability when navigating through city streets and taking long-distance trips.
On the other hand, for those who crave to explore rugged and challenging terrains, the 1290 Super Adventure R is tailored for off-road adventures. It features a lower seat height, 21-inch front wheel, and other off-road-specific features that provide maximum control, comfort, and durability in rough and demanding conditions. It’s a perfect fit for riders who are looking for a motorcycle that can take them on an off-road journey, whether it’s through the mountains or on a desert trail.
Both models of the 1290 Super Adventure line deliver a powerful and versatile riding experience, making it a perfect fit for any adventure motorcycle enthusiast looking to test their skills and limits.
Regardless of the model chosen, the 1290 Super Adventure varients offer a powerful and versatile riding experience that is sure to thrill any adventure motorcycle enthusiast.
KTM has recently updated its 1290 Super Adventure models with several new features to enhance the performance and durability of the motorcycle. As standard, the models come equipped with handguards, tubular-steel crash bars, and a skid plate, providing added protection in case of an accident.
In addition, the new models feature thinner crank-case walls and other internal changes that have resulted in a weight reduction of 1.5 kg. The oil routing system has also been revised to reduce friction losses, improving overall performance. The ignition system has been updated with new coils and a centralized spark plug for improved combustion. The cooling system now features a dual radiator setup, which works to better dissipate engine heat, especially in high-performance conditions.
The Quickshifter+ system has also been updated, offering short shift times, more stability thanks to the clutchless actions, less load reversal impact on the rear wheel, better traction, and improved physical control. These new features make the 1290 Super Adventure a versatile and durable motorcycle that is built to withstand even the toughest riding conditions.
KTM has made significant updates to the 2022 1290 Super Adventure R model, revising over 90% of the components. The motorcycle is powered by the LC8 V-Twin engine, modified to meet Euro 5 emissions standards while also producing 160 horsepower and 138 Nm of torque. The engine is now 1.6 kg lighter than its predecessor and is known for its high performance and reliability. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure R also features a redesigned airbox located above the engine in the steel trellis frame.
The latest motorcycle model from the company boasts several key updates to its design and performance. Among the changes is the relocation of the ram air intakes, which have been optimized for improved functionality in their new position. In addition, the airbox is now more accessible thanks to the removal of the storage compartment in front of the fuel tank, which can be achieved by simply removing four small screws.
Riders will also appreciate the improved cooling system, which uses two radiators to better dissipate heat, particularly in the areas around the legs and saddle at low speeds. The transmission has also received a significant update, with the PANKL gearbox being refined for quicker and smoother shifting. The shift forks now feature a new bronze coating that reduces wear and tear compared to the hard-chromed parts used on previous models. An optional Quickshifter+ system is also available, which utilizes high-quality components for optimal performance.
Under the hood, the engine has been updated with several changes aimed at reducing friction and increasing power. Revisions to the oil routing, thinner engine case walls, and the use of an aluminum tube for the oil channel all contribute to a reduction in weight by almost 1 kg. The exhaust system has also been upgraded to meet Euro 5 regulations, featuring a new generation exhaust system with dual catalytic converters, and three sensors. The ignition system has also been updated with new coils and a centralized spark plug, while the clutch discs have new friction and rotated pads for improved disengagement at low speeds.
The KTM 1290 Adventure R electronic package is equipped with MTC and Motor Slip Regulation (MSR) which proved to be quite helpful in these conditions, saving the rear wheel from drifting out on downshifts and maintaining a good traction. Overall, the ride was a good test of both the rider’s skills and the capabilities of the motorcycle in different weather and road conditions
The KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R is a motorcycle that is ready to take on any terrain straight out of the crate, thanks to a series of its class-leading and innovative features. For those who are looking to push the limits of adventure riding and explore new horizons, KTM offers a range of optional KTM PowerParts software packages, carefully designed by KTM engineers to enhance the motorcycle’s capabilities.
To take a closer look at the complete list of standard and optional features available, riders can visit their nearest authorized KTM dealer. From there, they can explore the range of options and upgrades available, and find the perfect solution to suit their specific needs and preferences. Whether you’re looking for off-road-specific features, or need to customize your motorcycle for long-distance touring, the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R and its range of optional PowerParts can take you to places you never thought possible.
