Last Updated on: July 9, 2026

Got the second KTM 1290 Super Adventure S April 2026. Some BMW GS ex-owners might not understand why. But I knew what i was getting into!

The 2021 KTM 1290 SAS in Hardanger, Norway.

If you’ve read (some of) my posts, then you might have read or seen I’ve owned a 2019 model. Did 55.000 kilometers with that bike. Even after multiple BMWs I seriously think it’s one of the best motorcycles I’ve had, to date.

The second 1290 Super Adventure S is a 2021 model, the first of the last generation of the 1290 street version. It all happened like it usually does, pretty much on a whim. The 1250 GS was sold, with some instant regrets. But those regrets didn’t last long. First and foremost, a motorcycle is a tool for me. Aesthetics do matter, but those are as we all can agree, very personal.

If you want to skip my rant and look at comparisons, go to the bottom of this page.

I like changes. And those aren’t few when you go from a 1250GS to a 1290 Super Adventure S. Some people like to compare motorcycles. Even if they’re so vastly different that it becomes your classical apples and oranges exercise. I make comparisons with a supplement of individual parameters.

KTM 2021 1290 Super adventure has the mantis look of the former model.

Motorcycles are like cultures

Changing motorcycle brands is almost like moving to a different country. And adapt into your new homelands culture, way of life, climate, food and language. Some might make a transition, but without adapting or immersing themselves in the culture. Some might do it only partially, whereas some might actually not adapt or let themselves be immersed at all.

Different people, different aspirations.

Motorcycle brands, their products and approaches should be understood based on their ideology, aspirations, goals, heritage and, if you like philosophy. Thus a KTM 1290 Super Adventure S represents something entirely different from a boxer motorcycle or GS. Both have strong suits, both have weaknesses or downsides.

BMW 1200, 1250 and 1300GS are the comfort kings in the adventure motorcycle category. Nothing can be said, claimed or done to change or alter that fact. Just look at sales figures, and it becomes rather obvious. But that doesn’t mean the KTM isn’t comfortable. It’s just that it’s more… motorcycle.

More motorcycle means more vibrations, more aggressive (if ridden aggressive). More raw and untamed. But not in a bad way.

Riding out of pissing rain in Telemark, Norway.

It also makes you feel much more in contact with the road. Which after all, is a thing about riding motorcycles in the first place.

The 2021 model, the first year of the last 1290 generation, had everything I remembered from my former 1290. And some extras. Is it better than the 2019 version? Well yes, in some respects it is. Lower centre of gravity, better electronics, display, and suspension. Quicker to steer on pavement.

That does not mean to say everyone automatically or necessarily get more bang for their bucks. Quite the contrary actually, but that then becomes a monetization or budgetary question as well.

1290 Super Adventure S likes & dislikes

The latest 1290 generations has many improvements. I am not going to list all those here. Mentioned earlier, a comparison chart can be found at the bottom. To what extent the improvements matters to prospective buyers is an open question.

I still think the 1st 1290 Super Adventure generation is excellent. But nothing is ever perfect. So after ca 4000 kilometers on the bike here are some points.

1290 Super Adventure S rideability

It would be a disaster for KTM if they did not improve the motorcycle. Of course they have.  It’s a fantastic tourer. However, one thing that at least for me became rather obvious, being a chap of 6″3, is that the sitting position vs the handlebars was as stressful to my back as it was on the older model.

So that configuration has not changed as much I’d hoped. But you sit closer to the bars.

The 2021 KTM 1290SAS is a fantastic tourer. Here in Telemark, Norway.

Because of that I’ve mounted risers. But this time not offset ones. Was it possible, like it is on other models, to choose to mount the risers closer I probably would have done it. On the former I had offset risers. Those worked perfectly for me. On this one I chose standard KTM risers.

I might make a change there at one point. But at the same time the handlebars are definitely closer to the ideal sitting position on this model whilst compared to the older. So offset risers might not be the solution, as they alter standing position when or if riding offroad.

Apart from that, then we have the seat situation. Fortunately this second hand 2021 1290 came with heated Ergo seat. So the standard “KTM plank” situation was already sorted. No need to do anything there. If you get one of these with stock seat, buy the Powerparts Ergo seat!

The saddle tank means sitting position is good. Might do some changes to pegs and gear shift position. The 2021-2025 KTM 1290 Super Adventure is I think is one of the best crossover motorcycles when it comes to handling. Doesn’t really matter what you do, or where you do it.

Why aren’t more riders choosing it?

I don’t know. Because of brand reputation maybe. That people think the quality is poor. All brands have their issues. So also KTM. The 1290 generations per my experiences are neither worse or better than any of the competitors. Well honestly I’ve had less issues with those than with beemers.

Plus, you get more for your money, precisely because of depreciation and market value.

The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S packed and ready for a new adventure.

I think more riders should consider one. Why it isn’t a popular alternative on the used market is a bit of a mystery to me. The LC8 engine is rock solid in all respects. And probably one of the best engines out there.

And it is of course, if you’re riding like you’re “Ready to Race” it’s a volcanic motorcycle. With capabilities needed to handle the response. My advice? If you don’t need the newest or latest, if you like a change, adopt to something new and haven’t tried one, do it. Most people won’t need anything more.

I am sure the 1390 is better in all respects. But improvements comes with a cost. Same situation with regards to BMW 1250GS vs 1300GS.

July 2026: at 6000 kilometers

Summer vacation didn’t go to plan, again. So stayed in Norway, which wasn’t a huge success weather wise. But better than ending up in a heatwave and get both fried and cooked. Done a couple of mini-vacations, and the weather wasn’t all bad.

Now looking at an euro-adventure in September instead.

The 1290 SAS hasn’t been sitting idle though. Early July I passed 6000 kilometers on it. And there’s been a few pretty long rides. Thanks to the risers and a reasonably comfy seat no fatigue. I can do big miles on the bike and likely I will, come fall.

The 2021 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S on gravel in Norway.

Since I have a KTM 390 Adventure R that’s the preferred choice for more offroad oriented riding. But the 1290 works well on gravel, dirt and fire roads. Even single tracks. But it is a relief not to have to struggle with 245-250 odd kilos when the going gets “interesting”.

In short, happy with the motorcycle. It does exactly what it’s supposed to do, in a way that suits me,

1290 Super Adventure S comparison chart

See also