The word “super” in the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R, should give you some indication that this motorcycle strives to blow the doors off of everything that came before it. KTM has even gone so far as to coin the phrase “large-capacity extreme adventure” as the bike’s market segment.

There isn’t just a single culprit that makes this bike “extreme,” but if you’re looking for the most likely suspect it has to be the 1,301cc 75-degree LC8 V-twin that powers it. Cranking out a claimed 160 hp and 102 lb.-ft. of torque at the crankshaft, the 1290 Super Adventure R is like an off-road-capable MotoGP bike. So how did KTM get there?

A crankshaft with low reciprocating weight gives it a free-revving nature, while huge, lightweight 108mm forged-aluminum pistons (with 71mm of stroke) were designed to rev. The cylinder heads feature double overhead cams with four valves per jug, and DLC-coated cam followers for max efficacy and reduced friction. To optimize combustion, the heads have twin plugs to ensure maximum burn. Feeding the cylinders is electronic fuel injection with a pair of 52mm throttle bodies, while an exhaust system with a pair of catalyzers not only maximizes flow, but meets the latest emissions limits.

There are few riders out there capable of managing all of that power, especially in off-road situations, which is why the Super Adventure R has a complex suite of rider aids. There are modes for every type of riding, lean-sensitive ABS and Motorcycle Traction Control, and an Offroad ride mode, Off-road traction-control, and Off-road ABS. Or splurge and get the Rally Pack (which also adds Motor Slip Regulation, Quickshifter+, and Hill Hold Control). Cruise control, a tire pressure monitoring system, keyless operation, and a large 7-inch TFT interface are other electronic highlights.

That engine may be what gives the 1290 its get-up-and-go, but the chassis is what makes this bike so capable just about everywhere. The frame is chromoly-steel trellis design mated to a die-cast aluminum swingarm. Wheels are tubeless spoked aluminum rims in 21-inch front and 18-inch rear sizes. The suspension has a serious job to do, but the WP Xplor units are up to the task. A fully adjustable 48mm inverted fork with 8.7 inches of travel is used up front, while a PDS shock with remote preload, high- and low-speed compression damping, and high- and low-speed rebound damping (with the same 8.7 inches of travel) is used at the rear. High-end Brembo brakes front and rear are mated to the advanced ABS and will get the 1290 slowed down from triple-digit speeds without fanfare on any surface.

The 2024 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R starts at $20,999, while there are various tiers of electronic rider-aid upgrades available.