MotoLibrary MotoLibrary
← KTM
Allround · 2016

1290 Super Adventure

User Rating: /5 · No user ratings yet ✓ Your rating was saved
MotoLibrary Score
64 /100 Sporty
Power/Weight
0.7 hp/kg
Engine
1301 ccm

2016 KTM 1290 Super Adventure Technical Analysis & Specification Breakdown

Positioned in KTM's allround motorcycle lineup, the 2016 KTM 1290 Super Adventure pairs a 1301 cc (79.4 cu in) liquid-cooled v2, four-stroke architecture with road-focused gearing. In factory specification, peak output is rated at 160 HP (116.8 kW), transferring power to the rear wheel through a 6-speed gearbox and chain final drive. With a specific output of 123 HP per liter, the engine character is reflecting a performance-oriented street tune that balances strong mid-range pull with an energetic top-end rush.

On the scales, the 1290 Super Adventure measures 229 kg (505 lbs) dry, translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.7 HP/kg (1.43 kg per horsepower). Rider ergonomics and chassis geometry center around a 860 mm (33.9 in) seat height — reflecting a long-travel chassis stance that favors ground clearance and off-pavement control, combined with a 1,560 mm (61.4 in) wheelbase engineered for planted straight-line stability. The 30-liter (7.9 US gal) fuel tank supports practical everyday commuting and weekend road stints.

Within MotoLibrary's KTM archive, this model family spans 2 indexed model years from 2015 to 2016, allowing buyers to track year-over-year changes in emissions tuning, weight and equipment.

Specific Output
123 HP/L
Power-to-Weight
0.7 HP/kg (1.43 kg/HP)
Standover Height
860 mm (33.9 in)
Engine
Displacement 1301.0 ccm (79.39 cubic inches)
Engine Type V2, four-stroke
Engine Details 75° V arrangement
Power 160.0 HP (116.8 kW))
Bore x Stroke 108.0 x 75.0 mm (4.3 x 3.0 inches)
Fuel System Injection
Ignition Keihin EMS with RBW and cruise control, double ignition
Lubrication Forced oil lubrication with 3 pumps
Cooling Liquid
Transmission
Gearbox 6-speed
Final Drive Chain (final drive)
Clutch PASC slipper clutch, hydraulically actuated
Driveline 5/8  x  5/16 X Ring. Primary drive: 40:76.
Chassis
Frame Type Chromium-Molybdenum steel trellis frame, powder coated
Rake 26.0°
Front Suspension WP Semi-active suspension USD Ø 48 mm
Front Travel 200 mm (7.9 inches)
Rear Suspension WP Semi-active suspension monoshock
Rear Travel 200 mm (7.9 inches)
Wheelbase 1560 mm (61.4 inches)
Ground Clearance 220 mm (8.7 inches)
Wheels & Brakes
Front Brakes Double disc. ABS. Four-piston calipers. Radially mounted.
Front Brake Ø 320 mm (12.6 inches)
Rear Brakes Single disc. ABS. Two-piston calipers.
Rear Brake Ø 267 mm (10.5 inches)
Dimensions & Weight
Dry Weight 229.0 kg (504.9 pounds)
Power/Weight 0.6987 HP/kg
Seat Height 860 mm (33.9 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting.
Alt. Seat Height 875 mm (34.4 inches) If adjustable, highest setting.
Fuel Capacity 30.00 litres (7.93 US gallons)
Other
Starter Electric
Color Options Grey/silver
Notes

Small windscreen. Ride-by-wire system. Switchable Bosch ABS.

More from KTM
Buying Checklist

Before You Compare This Bike

Use this page to compare this motorcycle by its real specifications, not only by model name. Focus on the details that affect fit, comfort, handling, range and ownership.

Power
Compare engine output with similar motorcycles if acceleration, highway use or two-up riding matters.
Seat Height
Check the seat height against your inseam and riding posture before choosing a motorcycle.
Weight
Compare weight carefully because it affects low-speed handling, parking and confidence.
Fuel Capacity
Fuel capacity helps estimate touring range and how often you may need to stop.
Brakes
Brake setup is worth comparing if you ride in traffic, mountains or with a passenger.
Suspension
Suspension details can matter for comfort, road feel and long-distance riding.
Transmission
Transmission and final drive affect maintenance, smoothness and everyday usability.
Rider Profile

Who Is This Bike For?

🔴
Advanced
High performance — experienced riders only.
🌍
Best For
All-Round & Adventure
📏
Seat Height
86 cm / 33.9 in
⚖️
Handling
Heavy bike — requires confident handling
Estimate

Ownership Cost Calculator

⛽ Fuel
per year
🔧 Maintenance
per year
🛡️ Insurance
per year
TOTAL

* Estimates only. Actual costs vary by country, riding habits, insurance provider and maintenance schedule.

MotoLibrary
🏠 Home 🔍 All Bikes 📂 Categories ⚖️ Compare 🎛️ Advanced Filter 🎯 Bike Finder 🎬 Videos 📰 Blog 📖 Glossary ℹ️ About

🍪 We use cookies for analytics & ads. Cookie Policy