This beast is powered by the legendary LC8 V-Twin engine — 1301cc, 160 hp, 138 Nm of torque, paired with a 6-speed gearbox featuring overdrive. Maintenance intervals are every 15,000 km. KTM promises better ergonomics, more comfort, lower fuel consumption, and a dry weight of 220 kg — just 3 kg more than the previous version.
It still keeps the emblematic steel trellis frame, shortening the front just a tad, but the swingarm is now 15mm longer than before, improving overall stability, while reinforcing its incredible agility, for of bike of its size.
Suspension is top-notch, cutting-edge semi-active White Power (WP) units, with 200mm of travel, fully adjustable via the TFT dashboard. Oh — and a steering damper comes standard.
Range got a serious upgrade too, thanks to a clever 3-part fuel tank design. Fuel is filled through a central tank and gravity-fed into two side pods that extend down low, helping drop the center of gravity and improve weight distribution, even with a solid 23L.
You get a crisp 7” TFT display with backlit handlebar controls, and a super handy phone compartment with a USB port (although no mobile will actually fit in there… 🤭) — ready to hook into KTM’s MY RIDE system (optional), so you can take calls or control your tunes on the go.
The split seat is adjustable too — the rider’s position can be fine-tuned by 20mm, between 849 mm and 869 mm.
or a sports tourer?!
bikes ever built!!
Other key features include:
- Ride-by-wire throttle
- Adaptive Cruise Control (standard!)
- 7” TFT Display
- Windshield adjustable by 55mm
- Self-cancelling indicators
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
- Mitas Terra Force-R tires (stock)
- Dual radiators
- Hydraulic clutch
- Bosch 9M+ two-channel ABS
- Cornering ABS
- Dual 320mm front disc brakes with 4-piston calipers
- Rear 267mm disc brake
Rally Pack includes:
- Quick Shifter+
- Suspension Pro
- MSR (Motor Slip Regulation)
- HHC (Hill Hold Control)
- Adaptive brake light
All in all, the 1290 SAS is one of the most amazing and versatile bikes ever built!
Covering the roles of both an adventure bike and a sports tourer, this bike could suit a wide range of experienced riders. Almost the perfect balance between comfort and performance, with surprising off road capabilities!!
But don’t just take our word for it, and check out this amazing review! 👇
