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2015 KTM 1290 Super Adventure Overview
The 2015 KTM 1290 Super Adventure is an all-round motorcycle. Under the tank sits a V2, four-stroke engine. The bore and stroke measures 108 x 75 mm. From a practical standpoint, the 2015 1290 Super Adventure tips the scales at 229 kg, carries a 30-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 860 mm and spans a 1,560 mm wheelbase. Scroll down for the complete 2015 KTM 1290 Super Adventure spec sheet covering every technical detail from suspension travel to tyre sizes.
2015 1290 Super Adventure - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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🔧
Fuel injection: The fuel injection injection system delivers crisp throttle response and reliable cold starts regardless of altitude or temperature.
Considerations
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Tall seat height: The 860 mm seat height will challenge shorter riders - tiptoeing at low speeds is something to factor into your decision.
Owner Experiences & Common Issues
Throttle response and fuelling
The fuel injection on the 2015 KTM 1290 Super Adventure is generally well-regarded. Some owners note a slight hesitation at small throttle openings when cold, which clears once the engine reaches operating temperature. A quick visual check of the injector connectors during routine servicing is good practice on higher-mileage examples.
Low-speed confidence
At 229 kg, the 1290 Super Adventure is a substantial machine. New owners occasionally mention that slow-speed manoeuvring in car parks takes a little getting used to. Once moving, the weight disappears - but practising slow-speed exercises builds confidence quickly.
1290 Super Adventure - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
When inspecting a used 2015 KTM 1290 Super Adventure, start with the basics: check the service book for oil change frequency, inspect the chain and sprockets for wear, and look for oil seepage around the engine casings and rocker covers. A cold start test is invaluable - a well-maintained 1290 Super Adventure should fire up cleanly and settle to a smooth idle within a few seconds.
Oil and filter changes
Regular oil changes are the single most important maintenance task on any 1290 Super Adventure. Stick to the manufacturer's interval - typically every 6,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. Always use the correct viscosity grade as specified in the owner's manual.
Fuel system care
The 1290 Super Adventure's fuel injection system is durable but benefits from quality fuel and the occasional use of a fuel-system cleaner additive. If the bike has been stored for more than three months, drain and replace the fuel to prevent varnish deposits in the injectors.
2015 KTM 1290 Super Adventure - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2015 KTM 1290 Super Adventure have?
The 2015 KTM 1290 Super Adventure is powered by a V2, four-stroke engine.
How much does the 2015 KTM 1290 Super Adventure weigh?
The 2015 KTM 1290 Super Adventure weighs 229 kg. This is the manufacturer's dry figure.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2015 KTM 1290 Super Adventure?
The 2015 KTM 1290 Super Adventure has a 30-litre fuel tank.
Is the 2015 KTM 1290 Super Adventure suitable for shorter riders?
The 2015 KTM 1290 Super Adventure has a seat height of 860 mm. This is towards the tall end of the spectrum and will require most riders under 175 cm to tiptoe at stops.
What brakes does the 2015 KTM 1290 Super Adventure have?
The 2015 KTM 1290 Super Adventure uses Double disc. ABS. Four-piston calipers. Radially mounted. at the front and Single disc. ABS. Two-piston calipers. at the rear.
What fuel system does the 2015 KTM 1290 Super Adventure use?
The 2015 KTM 1290 Super Adventure uses Injection, providing precise fuelling across the rev range and reliable cold-start behaviour.
What suspension does the 2015 KTM 1290 Super Adventure have?
The 2015 KTM 1290 Super Adventure uses WP Semi-active Suspension USD ? 48 mm up front and WP Semi-active Suspension PDS Monoshock at the rear.
KTM 1290 Super Adventure Spec Evolution
The KTM 1290 Super Adventure was produced across 2 model years (2015-2016). The table below highlights the key specifications that changed across the production run - useful whether you are comparing years or tracking down a specific variant.
| Specification |
2015 |
2016 |
| Comments |
Small windscreen. Ride-by-wire system. |
Small windscreen. Ride-by-wire system. Switchable Bosch ABS. |
| Frame Type |
Tubular space frame made from chrome molybdenum steel, powder-coated |
Chromium-Molybdenum steel trellis frame, powder coated |
| Suspension - Rear |
WP Semi-active Suspension PDS Monoshock |
WP Semi-active suspension monoshock |
| Colours |
White |
Grey/silver |
| Clutch |
PASC anti-hopping clutch/ hydraulically operated |
PASC slipper clutch, hydraulically actuated |
| Engine Lubrication |
Forced oil lubrication with 3 rotor pumps |
Forced oil lubrication with 3 pumps |
| Primary Drive |
5/8 x 5/16 X Ring. Primary drive: 40:76. |
5/8 x 5/16 X Ring. Primary drive: 40:76. |
| Ignition |
Contactless, controlled, fully electronic ignition system with digital ignition timing adjustment |
Keihin EMS with RBW and cruise control, double ignition |
Key Specifications
Weight
229 kg / 504.9 lbs
Fuel Capacity
30.00 litres / 7.93 gallons
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Full 2015 KTM 1290 Super Adventure Specifications
Comments
Small windscreen. Ride-by-wire system.
Colours
White
Ground Clearance (in.)
8.7 inches
Ground Clearance (mm)
220 mm
Seat Heigth -Alternate (in.)
34.4 inches
Seat Heigth -Alternate (mm)
875 mm
Seat Height
860 mm / 33.9 in.
Wheelbase
1,560 mm / 61.4 in.
Dry Weight
229 kg / 504.9 lbs
Fuel Capacity
30.00 litres / 7.93 gallons
Bore x Stroke (in,)
4.3 x 3.0 inches
Bore x Stroke (mm)
108.0 x 75.0 mm
Engine Type
V2, four-stroke
Engine Detail
75° V arrangement
Fuel System
Injection
Engine Lubrication
Forced oil lubrication with 3 rotor pumps
Ignition
Contactless, controlled, fully electronic ignition system with digital ignition timing adjustment
Starter
Electric
Clutch
PASC anti-hopping clutch/ hydraulically operated
Final Drive
Chain
Gearbox
6-speed
Primary Drive
5/8 x 5/16 X Ring. Primary drive: 40:76.
Frame Type
Tubular space frame made from chrome molybdenum steel, powder-coated
Suspension - Front
WP Semi-active Suspension USD ? 48 mm
Suspension - Rear
WP Semi-active Suspension PDS Monoshock
Rake
26.0°
Wheel Travel - Front
200 mm / 7.9 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear
200 mm / 7.9 in.
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)
12.6 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)
320 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)
10.5 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)
267 mm
Brakes - Front
Double disc. ABS. Four-piston calipers. Radially mounted.
Brakes - Rear
Single disc. ABS. Two-piston calipers.
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