Here we are at the finish line of the first service for the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S. Nothing to report for a bike that seems born for long-distance touring, but in an instant it transforms into a powerful beast. First tire change to fit Metzeler sportsmen
We set off for Long Test number nine, riding the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S. The first stage is a tour of the Alps going to touch the border with Switzerland (the yoke of Santa Maria, just below the Stelvio Pass) then towards Dobbiaco and San Candido. A great feast of passes, curves and climbs. Maybe a route already covered by other Long Tests, but roads plowed in different seasons, even more so with “different” bikes, have a different flavor and give new emotions.
The marathon date 50,000 km tackled by our “stone asses” (first by Alfredo Rota and then Fabio Manenti) began in 2017, and we got to put our butts on nine protagonists (including today’s 1290). Our Kappa, decidedly powerful with its declared 160 HP, is an exception among the Mattighofen models, bikes that definitely focus on the Ready to Race (ready to compete).
In the world of Big Enduros, the Super Adventure S represents a clear challenge to KTM’s very sporty DNA. Transforming from a motorcycle entirely dedicated to aggression (the same advertising brochure does not skimp on wheelies) to a model devoted to long-distance touring is certainly not easy. The previous versions of the “Kappona” weren’t exactly easy bikes: the twin-cylinder was nice and lively, but it was expressed from the medium range up, and the suspension was harsh. This 1290, in its latest version, is a step forward in the direction of tourism: it’s easy to drive, has manageable power delivery and “electronic” suspension that responds best in terms of comfort without losing rigor when you want to walk fast. In short, a real tourer, no sorry: it’s a real wolf capable of disguising itself as a lamb in an instantand viceversa.
With her we reached quickly 15,000 km, without the slightest inconveniencewithout having to top up with water, oil or coolant. After moving to KTM, our 1290, “fresh” from the workshop, was once again ready to face a long journey in Scotland, as you can see in the photos on the following pages.
