KTM 1290 Super Adventure S (2021) Maintenance Schedule and Service Intervals
This is the maintenance schedule and service intervals for KTM’s premium sports adventure tourer, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S, as of 2021.
The KTM 1290 Super Adventure range was first announced in 2014 for the 2015 model year, and the first KTM 1290 Super Adventure S was released in 2017, with the two S and R models (and a short-lived T model) being split off into “sport touring”, “Off-road”, and “touring”, i.e. distance.
The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S is a large sport touring motorcycle based around the 1301cc liquid-cooled V-twin from the 1290 Super Duke R, but with different cam tuning and a heavier crankshaft.
In 2021 tune, the adventure-tuned LC8 engine makes 118 kW (160 bhp) at 9000 rpm, with 80% of its peak 138 Nm (102 ft-lb) of torque available at just 2,500 rpm.
There are two models in the KTM 1290 Super Adventure range as of 2021:
| Part | KTM 1290 Super Adventure S | KTM 1290 Super Adventure R |
|---|---|---|
| Intended use | Sport touring | Adventure touring/off-road |
| Fuel tank | 23L | 23L |
| Suspension | WP SAT (semi-active tech) USD | WP XPLOR USD |
| Wheels | 19/17-inch cast | 21/18-inch spoked |
| Cruise control | Adaptive (radar based) | Standard (non-adaptive) |
| Min seat height | 849mm (33.4 in) | 880mm (34.6 in) |
| Weight (without fuel/full fuel) | 220 kg / 485 lb | 221 kg / 487 lb |
| External features | Windscreen, plastic engine guard | Crash bars, hand guards, metal engine guard |
Since the beginning the Super Adventure range has come with many features, including cornering ABS and cruise control.
In 2021 KTM updated the 2017-2020 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S, with a host of changes
- Radar-based adaptive cruise control (adjustable from “very short” to “very long”) — not available on the Adventure R
- Tank changes to hold the fuel lower (to lower the center of gravity)
- Updated semi-active suspension with a “Suspension Control Unit”
- Shorter trail and steeper rake, for sharper handling
- Slightly (~10mm) shorter seat height
- Revised bodywork for better aerodynamic flow, with a higher adjustable screen
- Steering head moved back 15mm
- New 7 inch TFT dash
- Two separate radiators
- Easy-access air filter
- Many engine changes — lighter cases, new pistons, improved shifting, and new two-header exhaust unit
The maintenance intervals stayed the same at 9000 miles (15000 km), but the maintenance table is slightly different.
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Maintenance schedule for the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S
Below is the maintenance schedule for the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S.
Maintenance schedule intervals for the 1290 Super Adventure S are 15,000 km (9300 mi), with a major service (valve service) every two intervals.
After the end of the service schedule, keep repeating it in this order.
The maintenance schedule in the manual is broken up into two sections — required maintenance and recommended maintenance (but you should do both).
Required maintenance
| miles x 1000 | 0.62 | 9.3 | 18.6 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| km x 1000 | 1 | 15 | 30 | Every |
| [Dealer] Read out the fault memory using the KTM diagnostics tool. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| [Dealer] Program the shift shaft sensor. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| Check the alignment of the front radar sensor | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| Check that the electrical system is functioning properly. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| Change the engine oil and the oil filter, clean the oil screens. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| Check the front brake linings. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| Check the rear brake linings. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| Check the brake discs. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| Check the brake lines for damage and tightness | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| Change the front brake fluid. | 2 years | |||
| Change the rear brake fluid. | 2 years | |||
| Change the hydraulic clutch fluid. | 2 years | |||
| Check the front brake fluid level. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| Check the rear brake fluid level. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| Check/correct the fluid level of the hydraulic clutch. | ✓ | ✓ | Year | |
| Check the shock absorber and fork for leaks. Perform service as needed and depending on how the vehicle is used. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| Clean the dust boots of the fork legs | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Check the steering head bearing for play. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| Check the tire condition | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| Check tire pressure | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| Check the chain, rear sprocket, and engine sprocket. | ✓ | ✓ | Year | |
| Check the chain tension. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| Change the spark plugs (air filter removed) | ✓ | |||
| Check the valve clearance (air filter and spark plugs removed) | ✓ | |||
| Change the SAS diaphragm valves | ✓ | |||
| Check the cables for damage and routing without kinks (fuel tank removed) | ✓ | ✓ | Year | |
| Check the coolant level in the compensating tank. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| Change the air filter, clean the air filter box. | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Check the fuel pressure. | ✓ | ✓ | Year | |
| Check the headlight setting | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Check that the radiator fan is functioning properly. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| Final check: Check the vehicle for safe operation and take a test ride. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| [Dealer] Set the service interval display. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| [Dealer] Read out the error memory after the test ride using the KTM diagnostics tool. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| Make a service entry in KTMDealer.net | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
Recommended maintenance
| miles x 1000 | 0.62 | 9.3 | 18.6 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| km x 1000 | 1 | 15 | 30 | Every |
| Check the frame | ✓ | |||
| Check the link fork | ✓ | |||
| Check/clean the oil nozzle for clutch lubrication | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Check the swingarm bearing for play | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Check the wheel bearing for play | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Grease all moving parts (e.g. side stand, hand lever, chain) and check for smooth operation. – Use lithium soap-based grease for major moving parts – Use Motul chain paste for the chain | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| Empty the drainage hoses | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| Check all hoses (fuel, coolant, bleeder, drainage etc.) and sleeves for cracking, leaks, and incorrect routing | ✓ | ✓ | Year | |
| Check the tightness of the safety-relevant screws and nuts which are easily accessible. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| Check the antifreeze | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| Change the coolant | 4 years |
Wheels and Tyres for the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S (2021+)
The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S ships with 19/17-inch cast iron rims and tubeless tyres.
Here are the tyre sizes and recommended pressures for longevity (not optimised for your ride style or desired handling/grip level).
| Wheel | Tyre size | Tyre pressure (cold) |
|---|---|---|
| Front | 120/70 ZR 19 M/C 60W TL | 35 psi (2.4 bar) |
| Back | 170/60 ZR 17 M/C 72W TL | 42 psi (2.9 bar) |
About the 2021 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S
The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S is KTM’s biggest sport touring motorcycle, the road-oriented stablemate to the 1290 Super Adventure R.
KTM has been building incredible sport touring motorcycles for a long time.
They have a reputation for building big touring motorcycles that aren’t just capable of munching down the miles — they’re also exciting to ride.
Even though KTM has a moniker of “Ready to Race” that’s more applicable to most of its line-up, the 1290 Super Adventure S isn’t a motorcycle that most would race. But you’ll certainly feel like you can with the huge power on tap and the deceptively not heavy weight.
That’s right — even though this is a large adventure tourer, the KTM 1290 Adventure S is actually quite a lightweight bike.
Without fuel, the S weighs 227 kg (500 lb), which is in the ballpark of naked bikes from other brands — impressive considering the amount of standard gear that the Super Adventure S comes with.
The KTM 1290 Super Adventure motorcycles are based around the now long-standing LC8 engine. Its a huge 1301cc liquid-cooled 8-valve 75-degree V-twin that makes 118 kW (160 hp) of peak power at 9,000 rpm in the 2021 incarnation, and 138Nm of torque — with most of that available at 2,500 rpm.
Revised frame/chassis for the 2021 1290 Super Adventure -
New TFT display for the 2021 1290 Super Adventure
In previous years between 2017 and 2020, the 1290 Adventure S wasn’t updated significantly. But 2021 saw a “redesign” of the 1290 Adventure line from the ground up. The engine’s core displacement and power specs haven’t changed since the first KTM 1290 Adventure motorcycle was released, though the engine has been updated internally.
The most significant updates are:
- Adaptive cruise control — the 2021 1290 Super Adventure S gets radar-assisted cruise control out the gate — KTM says they were first to market with this feature. (Notably, adaptive cruise control not a feature on the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R in the US and a few other markets, so stop thinking of the S as just a pared-down R!)
- A revised engine with many updated internals. This is to help the 1290 Adventure R remain compliant with emissions regulations but also keep power up at 118 kW / 160 hp peak, just where people expect it — though the peak is a little higher (9000 rpm vs 8750 rpm)
- Redesigned chassis and frame with a lower center of gravity, longer swing-arm, and adjusted steerign head
- A revised oil/liquid-cooling system, with two radiators rather than one. This helps with cooling as well as to keep warm air away from the rider’s legs.
- A new 7 inch TFT display with a new layout, along with new handlebar controls
KTM also released a little sport-touring sibling to the Super Adventure S in the form of the KTM 890 Adventure (non-R).
Manual for the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S (2021+)
The above maintenance schedule comes from the user’s manual for the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S for 2021.
You can get the user manual directly from KTM’s website.
