The upcoming 2024 KTM 1290 Adventure S and R variants have been spotted testing abroad and the new bikes get some visual changes compared to the current-gen model.
The major change that is visible is the two vertically-stacked LED projector headlamps with DRLs surrounding them. This is a departure from the split-headlight design seen in the 2023 1290 Adventure and across various other models in the KTM range. Alongwith the headlight, the windshield has also been revamped. It looks a bit bulkier compared to the one on the 2023 model. Also, one of the bikes can be seen sporting a setup with two windshields stacked together. The smaller one might come as standard and the bigger one stacked on top of it might come as an optional and it might be removable too. All in all, the fascia looks more robotic than before, and the radar sensor really sticks out like a sore thumb in the test mules.
The fairing and the tank has gotten more sculpted and aggressive design lines on the 2024 model. Other than these three changes, it looks like the rest of the bike has remained unchanged. The upcoming model is poised to be a facelifted one as the current-gen 1290 Adventure was only launched last year.
In that case, the motorcycle will be powered by the same 1,301cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC, V-twin engine producing 160PS. The brake setup should include the same dual 320mm front disc brakes and a 267mm rear disc brake with dual-channel ABS. It will also get a fully-adjustable WP SAT (Semi-Active Technology) USD and monoshock suspension setup. Noteable features will include a 7-inch TFT screen, adjustable handlebars, cruise control and rider aids like cornering ABS, traction control, off-road ride mode, off-road traction control and off-road ABS.
While the S variant is the road-going version with alloy wheels and road-biased tyres, the R version is the off-road-centric one with spoke wheels, tubeless block pattern tyres, among other changes.
The 2024 KTM 1290 Adventure S and R might be launched abroad by the end of 2023. Sadly, it does not look like it is coming to India, just like the current-gen model. But KTM is all set to launch the next-gen KTM 390 Duke in India soon. Check out the analysis of the latest spy shot here.