The dust had barely settled on the reveal of the KTM 990 RC R development super sport missile and KTM immediately followed it up with something even juicier: a prototype of the 1390 Super Adventure. The dressed-in-camouflage Super Adventure not only put on a show at the Erzbergrodeo but also revealed a host of dirt-worthy upgrades.
I know, as if the 1290 V-twin LC8 motor, pumping out 160 hp and 138 Nm of torque wasn’t already enough, KTM shoved in the 1390 cam-shift motor found in the Super Duke and then introduced a semi-automatic transmission (AMT) with bar-mounted shifting triggers and a conventional foot shifter to the mix. This sounds typical of KTM, and the Austrians have really got our attention this time.
Since the Erzbergrodeo, all we know from the circulating spy shots is that KTM’s Super Adventure range will feature all-new bodywork with the Austrian manufacturer’s signature angular styling, and their new family-styled headlight arrangement—similar to that found on the 990 and 1390 Duke. The usual S and R models are a given, but we think KTM have a potential Rally version brewing with an MX-style mudguard arrangement.
With all the speculation circulating and no launch dates yet, we were almost in shock when we came across and chased down a “FAST” and rather familiarly camouflaged Super Adventure in Alberton. Sorry to be a buzz kill everyone, but the Fast KTM dealership in Alberton literally pulled a fast one on us and on a bunch of KTM faithful too, with their sneakily wrapped 1290 Super Adventure R.
Why go to these great lengths? Well, it’s simple, although there’s so much excitement growing around the new 1390 range, the 1290 adventure range is here right now and is still an amazing package to get excited about—so why not have a little fun taunting your bunch?
We have spent plenty of time riding both the S on the open road and the R on some local trails and have mentioned countless times how these machines are phenomenal options for two-up sports touring and hard-core adventure riding. With Fast KTM’s current promotion, the Super Adventure R can be bought for R339,999 (20k discount) including the Tech Pack (worth 21k), with Bridgestone AX41 tyres fitted and FAST will throw in upper crash bars. With their current promo, the Super Adventure R offers the ultimate bang for your buck in the European adventure bike segment.
For those who enjoy the tared road, promotions are running on the mile-munching 1290 Super Adventure S for R329,999 (30k discount) and with every Super Adventure purchase FAST will throw in an adventure jacket. So make sure you pull into Fast KTM, have a coffee and swing a leg over a new Super Adventure while they are still available.
If you don’t want to miss out and can’t pull through to the showroom you can also contact FAST KTM on their Whatsapp line (0826878663) or you can contact them via email ([email protected]).
