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.

[HairyMaclary]

Krikkit said:

That's impressive levels of faff.

Or get it done when you have the £1100 valve service/18k service I've not done it but I understand the 1290 engine has 6 thermostats!

I've put 29k on mine in 4 years, 35k total..

Regarding reliability. In those 29k miles mine has had a rear shock service (£180), ambient temperature sensor (£21), tyre pressure sensor battery (£122) and main battery (£65). The only time it's let me down was when the battery went without warning, but fortunately I was right outside a Halfords when it did.

The 1290 Facebook page is obsessed with failing fuel pumps which make me nervous but you get a warning before they are on the way out. Given the amount of electronics on it they are very battery sensitive. Mine lives in the garage on a trickle charger but I wouldn't want to keep one outside.

I've also replaced the chain and chain slider twice (c£200). Oil service is every 9k and easy to do (c£100).

Depending on how you ride you can get 240 miles to a 24l tank so it's got a decent touring range. Low to mid 50s mpg and higher on a run. I've done three 1000 mile days on mine.

I'd have another one. It's mental. I don't utilise all the power all the time but it's naughty when you get the opportunity. It munches the miles like no other bike I've owned, can carry loads of stuff including the wife and fun when you get to your destination.

[TiminYorkshire]

Awesome feedback.

[trickywoo]

TT1138 said:

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

Can't you do it via the vacuum method? A compressor and the vacuum kit shouldn't be a lot more than £100.

[TiminYorkshire]

Thanks for all the advice. Deposit down on a 2018 SAR.

[HairyMaclary]

Congratulations. You'll have fun!

I spoke too soon. Add a £45 front brake switch to the list above! Had to replace it this week which is easy but a tank off job. It still worked but I was getting a error on the dash which was getting annoying. Still I got 36,101 miles out of the original part.

I did a 350 mile day last Sunday. Kent to Norfolk for a cream tea. Enjoyed every mile!

[Steve Bass]

HairyMaclary said:

The 1290 Facebook page is obsessed with failing fuel pumps which make me nervous but you get a warning before they are on the way out.

My 1190S had this exact problem. However, despite the wailing and moaning, replacement pump kits are available in the aftermarket for not too much money and it’s not a difficult fix to do on your own.
I would schedule a bi-annual fuel pump filter change as they seem to get blocked by kak in the fuel which then hurts the pump.
Otherwise, based on the engine in my 1190,I’d say they’re a great bike
Enjoy

[TiminYorkshire]

Pros, it has a bigger screen fitted and KTM sump guard, cons it has a standard end can on. I'll look to get something fruitier sounding but not obnoxious, any decent mid price options for recommendation?

[scorcher]

Got to be a Wings for an exhaust. All the looks and sounds of an Akrapovic (before their designs got fat and ugly) , removable baffles and I think they send a different length baffle too for so you have three noise options.

[HairyMaclary]

I've got a black Akra one on mine.

It's slightly louder than the stock one but I can't say it's worth the money. You can't remove the baffle unless you drill it out!

[Steve Bass]

scorcher said:

Got to be a Wings for an exhaust. All the looks and sounds of an Akrapovic (before their designs got fat and ugly) , removable baffles and I think they send a different length baffle too for so you have three noise options.

+1 on the Wings.
My 1190 in South Africa had one, very good piece of kit.
My current Canadian 1190S has the factory Akra but as it came with it when I bought it, not bothered about changing it.

One other thing to note, watch out for excessive heat from the rear cylinder on the right hamstring area.
Not sure if KTM resolved this issue on the 1290’s but it’s a real thing for the 1190’s.
There’s some aftermarket heat deflector panels that help or resolve the problem so it’s not a big concern.

[Chicken Chaser]

The Wings exhaust is the one to get, but the Arrow is probably the next best thing if funds are stretched.

I think that Gen of 1290 is the best looking one. I viewed a SAS last week on a 2019 but it sold before I made a decision on it.