KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2017-2020 Buying Advice

[TiminYorkshire]

2017-2020 KTM Super Adventure R (SAR) - what to look for and consider?

I m just about to start looking at a few 1290 SARs at dealerships, looking to purchase a second hand one and looking for feedback on the following:

• Any major changes through this generation of model?
• Any recalls to be aware of or glitches?
• At 18k miles a major service (valve clearances is required, are there any other major break points in the mileage with regards servicing or expected part replacement?
• Are there any major weaknesses or model specific items to look for?
• What kind of mileage does/can this model last until? As I m likely to keep it a while with a view long term to add to the stable rather than replace.
• If not fitted with the tech pack how much roughly is this to get unlocked by the dealer? And can you get them unlocked by anyone else (e.g specialist)?

Secondly I m pretty sure I want an SAR over an SAS I ve a previous history with sports bikes and a lot of track riding (500+bike laps of the Nurburgring, many track days), along with some touring (3500kms+in a week round the Vosges, Alps and Black Forest on a GSXR750) and want to transition to a completely different end of the biking spectrum when returning to biking, avoiding track day temptation etc. Expected bike use is 70:20:10 Road: Light Offroad: Road with pillion. The Off-Road will be mainly local Yorkshire wider trails as I live on the edge of the North York Moors, plus gravel roads when touring abroad. Road use will be 50% local fun rides and 50% touring, with some minor pillion road use, may be more in the future if my wife enjoys it.

Given my preferred tilt away from road bikes towards the adventure end of the spectrum does the SAR still make better sense than the SAS? E.g. is the SAR more compromised on the road than the SAS is off the road for my requirements? I prefer the look of the SAR over the SAS!

Thanks for any advice, I appreciate I've already had some KTM feedback on a previous more generic thread on Biker Banter, if you replied to that previously thanks, feel free to feedback on the specifics above all the same though.

Edited by TiminYorkshire on Wednesday 14th January 12:43

[TT1138]

I’ve written up about my SA-R a few times on here.

2020 model, on a 21 plate. Owned since October 2021, bought it used with 800 miles on it, now 9k(ish). I have other bikes. Mostly touring use.

Pros. It’s fast. Not just adventure bike fast, but genuinely quick. A little down on power compared to the most powerful stuff today, but have never once felt like it is lacking. Wall of torque. Pillion provision is excellent. Reliability on mine (touch wood etc) has been good, leaking alternator cover only major work needed. SA-R more reliable generally than the SAS, due to the lack of electronic suspension. Electronics good, but have full tech pack. Handling is exceptional, 21 inch front wheel barely makes a difference. Suspension exceptional for OEM. Great tourer. Servicing easy. The best bike I’ve owned for all round riding, e.g 50 miles to Wales on motorway, then straight onto A roads then farm tracks. Fit and finish is good, better than most, albeit mine is looked after.

Cons. Eats through key batteries. Coolant changes are a faff. Got to do mine this year and it’s a full day job. Parts aren’t cheap, but then neither is anything else. Motorway wind protection isn’t great, but doesn’t bother me. Fuel gauge is a weakness, but the sensor is easy to replace.

Observations. Go for the newest you can. Get one with tech pack. It is a very, very tall bike. I’m 5’9 and it’s fine, am comfortable with a high seat height, if you’re not I would look elsewhere. It is a big, heavy bike to use off road, I would think carefully about doing proper trails on it unless very experienced.

[Krikkit]

TT1138 said:

Coolant changes are a faff. Got to do mine this year and it s a full day job.

That's impressive levels of faff.

[TiminYorkshire]

TT1138 said:

I ve written up about my SA-R a few times on here.

2020 model, on a 21 plate. Owned since October 2021, bought it used with 800 miles on it, now 9k(ish). I have other bikes. Mostly touring use.

Pros. It s fast. +loads more

Cons. A few minror ones..... Motorway wind protection isn t great, but doesn t bother me. ........

Observations. Go for the newest you can. Get one with tech pack. It is a very, very tall bike. I m 5 9 and it s fine, am comfortable with a high seat height, if you re not I would look elsewhere. It is a big, heavy bike to use off road, I would think carefully about doing proper trails on it unless very experienced.

Thanks for all the above, great input. I'm 6 foot, so hoping the height won't be too much of an issue, but I will check this on a test ride before buying.

As for the wind protection do you still have the small "R" screen fitted? - I've believe it's easy enough to fit an S or aftermarket one that provides further wind protection.

[Biker9090]

I was warned off by some due to consistent issues with the keyless stuff and screen failing. Apparently the previous T version was better?

[TT1138]

TiminYorkshire said:

Thanks for all the above, great input. I'm 6 foot, so hoping the height won't be too much of an issue, but I will check this on a test ride before buying.

As for the wind protection do you still have the small "R" screen fitted? - I've believe it's easy enough to fit an S or aftermarket one that provides further wind protection.

Yes, standard R screen. I don’t like big screens, find they often make buffeting worse. Probably worth mentioning I wear an MX helmet and goggles usually, with a normal helmet wind protection may well be better.

At 6ft you’ll be fine, I just have to do the cheek/leg shuffle and plan where to put my foot down!

Definitely worth test riding one if you can. Most riders would definitely be better served by the S, but the R is sublime if it fits what you’re looking for.

[TT1138]

Krikkit said:

That's impressive levels of faff.

Painful. You have to elevate the front axle 50cm.