2023 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S Super Adventure

The 2023 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S is one of those bikes that makes you want to lock the office door early and just head for the horizon.

As a run out special, it is a seriously good opportunity to step into a premium adventure machine without paying full freight.

Powered by the 1301 cc LC8 V twin, it delivers around 160 horsepower and 138 Nm of torque. That means effortless overtakes, relaxed highway cruising and more than enough punch when the road turns fun.

It is quick when you want it to be, but smooth and manageable when you are just covering distance.

The semi active WP suspension is a standout. It constantly adjusts to the road conditions and your riding style, giving you comfort on rough country highways and control when you pick up the pace.

Add in Brembo brakes, cornering ABS, traction control and rider modes, and you have a bike that feels planted and confidence inspiring in just about any situation.

One of the big talking points in the Australian press when this model landed was just how complete it felt. Reviewers praised the balance between performance and comfort, the refinement of the electronics package and the genuinely useful radar based adaptive cruise control.

The big TFT dash and intuitive switchgear also earned positive comments for being easy to use rather than overly complicated.

What really makes the 1290 Super Adventure S shine is how well it handles real world riding.

It is comfortable enough for long days in the saddle, sharp enough to enjoy a proper set of twisties and more than capable of handling light gravel and backroad exploring. It does not pretend to be a dirt bike, but it is far more versatile than most people expect from a bike of this size.

As a run out 2023 model, this is flagship KTM performance, proven and widely praised in Australia, now at sharp value.

If you have been thinking about a serious adventure bike that blends power, technology and comfort in one very capable package, this is a hard one to overlook.