The 2021 KTM Super Adventure model page went live inadvertently on the company’s website briefly. It was taken down shortly afterwards, but it did reveal some fresh details of the updated Super Adventure.
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The S variant features adaptive cruise control
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For 2021, the bike uses a twin-radiator setup
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It will feature a slightly larger display
2021 KTM 1290 Adventure engine
According to the details on the now-hidden web pages, the updated KTM 1290 Super Adventure R and S models feature a number of updates for 2021. To meet Euro 5 (BS6) standards, the 2021 1290 Super Adventure models use a completely reworked exhaust system. This includes a new header pipe set up that connects to two catalytic converters. While the power figure is said to be the same at 160hp, peak torque has gone down from 140Nm to 138Nm.
For 2021, the bike also uses two radiators instead of a single unit. In addition to this, the company has redesigned the airbox, making it easier to access the air filter.
2021 KTM 1290 Adventure chassis
The Super Adventure also uses a chrome-molybdenum steel trellis frame combining laser-cut tubes and forged elements. The engine has been moved forward within the frame and the steering head has been moved backwards. KTM has also lengthened the swingarm slightly. The Super Adventure also has a redesigned seat that sits lower than before. On the R, it's lower by 0.4 inches, while on the S, it is now adjustable from 33.4 to 34.2 inches (previously 33.8 to 34.4 inches).
While the R variant uses tubeless wire-spoke wheels, the R gets alloy wheels with MITAS Terra Force-R tires. The brakes and suspension are said to remain the same as before. The electronics, meanwhile, get no major changes either, aside from the addition of a radar-based adaptive cruise control system on the S variant. The size of the display has also increased slightly, from 6.5 inches to 7 inches.
A patent from November also suggests the Super Adventure will get underslung fuel tanks. We expect to get a confirmation on this and more details on the updated adventure motorcycle quite soon.
Azaman Chothia
Vishal Venugopal
