KTM has given its big bore adventure touring model, the 1290 Super Adventure, a high tech makeover for 2021, with the base ‘S’ level machine gaining new styling, better electronics and improved suspension.

The third-generation of the Austrian company’s big adventure bike gains a 1301cc Euro 5 compliant engine that’s good for just shy of 160bhp and which is lighter than the motor in the outgoing Super Adventure. Styling and ergonomics have been updated too, with a lower seat, shorter chassis and a new fuel tank, all designed to lower the weight lower in the bike and make it more balanced – which should make the ‘big’ adventure bike accessible to more riders.

But it’s in the electronics where the latest Super Adventure looks to have really moved on. KTM says that the new generation electronics feature less intrusive traction control, but the big news is that there’s also active cruise control fitted as standard. The latest Bosch developed system uses radar to automatically calculate safe distances to traffic and adjust speed accordingly. The system is also available as an option on the 2021 Ducati Multistrada V4 and BMW R1250RT, however KTM is offering the technology as standard equipment on its big tourer.

And, on paper, the KTM appears to deliver plenty of value for money. At a pound less than 15 grand, the 1290 Super Adventure S is not exactly cheap, but compared to the BMW S1000XR (£14,290 before adding any option packages) and Ducati Multistrada V4 (£15,495 in basic trim) the KTM offers a lot of kit for those 15 big ones. Unlike the aforementioned European rivals, the Super Adventure S also packs electronic suspension as standard, and this too has been updated for the 2021 version.

Being KTM, the 1290 Super Adventure S is being pitched very much as the bad boy of the class. The ‘Ready to Race’ brand’s promotional pictures and videos show the 220kg machine doing plenty of skids and wheelies. KTMs have always had something of an edge about them and, although we’ve yet to ride the latest example, and this latest model looks to continue that trend. It is painted in the brand’s traditional bright orange, after all!

Talking about the new model, Joachim Sauer KTM’s Product Manager, said: “The 2021 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S is a sporty bike designed to offer unparalleled riding fun in any terrain. With this model KTM enters its third generation of big travel-enduro bikes for street and gravel adventurers. Collecting feedback from the market, we focused on enhancing rider feeling and ergonomics while introducing ground-breaking advancements, such as the Adaptive Cruise Control, the KTM way. To appreciate the magic of our active cruise control, you need to consider that the ideal roads to experience the thrilling performance of the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S may lie hours away. With highways in between, active cruise control will let you breeze through the transit keeping you ready to strike whenever possible. The new generation model will carry you as far, long and as hard as you want while keeping the original KTM DNA strong with its elevated performance potential.”

The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S is expected to be in showrooms next month (March) priced at £14,999. A whole host of optional extras and accessories are also available, including hard luggage, upgraded suspension and a ‘Rally Pack’ mode which gives additional electronic modes aimed at riders who wish to ride off-road.