Riding through the South of France is a dream for any motorcyclist, and when you have a machine as capable as the 2020 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S, the journey becomes even more remarkable. My 15 year old son and I set off from London on this long haul adventure, fully loaded with panniers, extra luggage, and a sense of excitement. The Super Adventure S didn’t just handle the journey it excelled in every aspect, proving itself to be an outstanding touring machine.
Effortless Mile Munching: The Super Adventure’s Touring Credentials
Covering large distances is where the 1290 Super Adventure S shines. The combination of a 1,301cc V-twin engine and advanced electronics made cruising through the French countryside an absolute pleasure. The engine’s sheer torque and power meant that even with my son as a passenger and fully loaded luggage, there was never a moment where the bike felt strained. Whether accelerating past slow moving traffic or climbing steep mountain roads in the Pyrenees, the power delivery was seamless and confidence inspiring.
Long distance comfort was enhanced by the bike’s cruise control, which allowed me to rest my throttle hand on long motorway stretches. Adjustable handlebars and footpegs meant I could tweak the ergonomics as needed, making even the longest riding days feel manageable. The one handed adjustable screen, the 12 volt power socket charging my phone and GPS, the fully electronically adjustable suspension and of course aforementioned motor all made the trip almost effortless. I was unsure at times if this 1300cc monster was simply overkill but honestly it turned out to be just the ticket, I found a deeper appreciation for my orange beast on this trip.
Managing Heat
The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S has been known for its heat management issues, especially around the rider’s right leg. However, throughout the journey, this was never a major problem. A simple adjustment shifting my right foot slightly outward on the peg and sometimes parking my heel on the tip of the foot peg allowed airflow to dissipate any heat buildup. Even in the warmer stretches of our trip, comfort remained high, and I never found myself overly bothered by engine heat.
How to Handle Cold Mornings in the Pyrenees
Once we hit the mountains, the temperatures dropped, but KTM’s luxury touring features proved their worth. The heated seats were a lifesaver during chilly early morning starts, keeping both me and my son warm before the sun had a chance to take the edge off the cold.
The optional heated grips, combined with the standard handguards, were impeccable in keeping my hands comfortable. While my son was bundled up in warm layers, I appreciated being able to keep my hands warm while maintaining full control of the bike.
Surprising Off Road Capability
While the Super Adventure S leans more toward road riding than its R spec sibling, it proved its mettle on several tricky off road sections. Navigating unpaved backroads and mountain trails with a full set of panniers and a passenger was a challenge, but the KTM handled it with impressive confidence.
One of the limitations the bike does demonstrate is that it has a slightly high center of gravity, which makes some maneuvers cumbersome, and when fully loaded, this becomes even more noticeable. KTM has addressed this in later iterations, but on my bike, it was something I had to adapt to. Its not something I have had to consider before but when weight is placed higher on the bike the dynamics can be compromised. Its not something I really lost any sleep over.
Of course, there were some hilarious and heart pounding moments—dropping the bike a few times in the softer terrain became part of the adventure. Thankfully, my 15 year old co pilot proved to be an invaluable asset, using clever counterbalancing techniques and a well timed leg extension to help me ease the bike down for some gentle landings. I am guess I am lucky that my son is a fairly decent off road rider on his own, and so his motorcycling instincts saved the day a number of times. The experience was equal parts thrilling and comical, reinforcing the bond between father, son, and machine.
Grip is Everything
The bike was fitted with Continental Trail Attack 3 tires, which performed admirably across every surface we encountered. I have honestly been so surprised by these tyres. From sun soaked twisty mountain roads to sudden rain drenched valleys, they offered exceptional grip and stability. Their ability to handle both spirited road riding and light off road conditions made them a perfect match for this trip. I found at the end of the trip I have no strips of unused rubber on the tyres. They offered so much grip and feedback they allowed us to explore lean angles that would make a sport bike rider nod in appreciation.
Ultimate Touring Partner
From London to the Pyrenees and back, the 2020 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S proved itself to be an outstanding companion for long distance touring. It delivered exceptional performance, comfort, and versatility, whether tackling fast motorways, technical mountain passes, or rugged trails. The combination of power, adjustability, and smart touring features made every mile an absolute pleasure.
But beyond the technical performance, what truly made this journey special was sharing it with my son. The moments of awe at breathtaking landscapes, the shared laughter over clumsy off road mishaps, and the pure joy of experiencing the open road together made this an unforgettable adventure one that we’ll be talking about for years to come.
