KTM 1290 Super Adventure S "SMT" Build Ep 1 | Walk around

Summary

In this video, the presenter walks through various modifications made to a KTM 1290 Super Adventure S, transforming it into a custom 1290 SMT. Key changes include swapping the front wheel and brake calipers with Super Duke components, improving airflow with bar-end mirrors, and enhancing protection with crash bars and an Evotech radiator guard. The video also highlights cosmetic upgrades, such as custom graphics, frame protections, and a gold chain. Practical improvements like fog lights and a Leovince exhaust are discussed, offering insights into optimizing both performance and aesthetics of the bike.

Takeaways

• 🔧 The user made modifications to their KTM 1290 Super Adventure S with a Super Duke front wheel and brake caliper conversion to create a 1290 SMT-like setup.
• 🚫 Removed mirrors and installed bar-end mirrors to improve wind flow and visibility, especially with wider shoulders.
• 📱 Installed a budget-friendly phone and satnav mount using a quadlock setup, without a vibration dampener as the bike has minimal vibrations in that area.
• 💡 Installed aftermarket fog lights that are always on due to no switch, but are a cheaper alternative to the official Power Parts.
• 🛡️ Added an Evotech radiator guard for protection against stone chips, a cost-effective solution compared to replacing the radiator.
• 🛠️ Fitted 1290 Super Duke R front wheel, brake calipers, discs, and other parts, including probolt titanium bolts for corrosion prevention and weight saving.
• 🎨 Added custom graphics and frame protection to enhance the aesthetics and functionality of the bike, improving airflow and cleaning up the design.
• 🚲 Removed rear luggage racks and replaced them with OEM-looking fur tree clips to tidy up the bike's rear area.
• 🔊 Installed a Leovince titanium exhaust, preferring the baffle-out setup for a louder sound.
• ⚙️ Replaced the slave cylinder with an Oberon part to prevent clutch issues, as the stock 1290 range slave cylinders are prone to failure.

Q & A

What is the main goal of the modifications made to the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S?

The main goal was to create a 1290 SMT-like bike, as the speaker loved the KTM 990 SMT and 990 SMCR and wanted to replicate a similar experience with the 1290.

Why did the speaker remove the mirrors and replace them with bar end mirrors?

The speaker removed the mirrors to improve wind flow and visibility, as the original mirrors caused issues due to their wide shoulders. The bar end mirrors provide better visibility and are more affordable than the Rot wireless system.

What function does the crash bar pad serve in the modification?

The crash bar pad, taken from KTM’s Enduro and Super Moto range, serves no functional purpose other than improving the appearance of the bike.

Why does the speaker not use the vibration dampener with their phone and satnav mount?

The speaker doesn't use the vibration dampener because that part of the bike doesn’t experience a lot of vibrations, and they have never encountered any issues without it.

What improvements did the 1290 Super Adventure R front screen bring to the bike?

The 1290 Super Adventure R front screen improved wind flow and visibility while riding, providing a cleaner airflow.

What are the speaker’s thoughts on the aftermarket fog lights?

The aftermarket fog lights are a cheaper alternative to KTM’s Power Parts lights, but their downside is that they don’t have a handlebar switch, meaning they are always on and very bright.

Why was the 1290 Super Duke R front wheel and brake caliper conversion done?

The conversion was done to change the front wheel from a 19-inch to a 17-inch, which also required a new front fender. The speaker also upgraded to Brembo M50 brake calipers and used Probolt titanium bolts to prevent corrosion and save weight.

What is the reason behind adding the Evotech radiator guard?

The Evotech radiator guard was added as a preventive measure to protect the radiator from stone chips, which could be costly to replace.

What issue does the Oberon slave cylinder address?

The Oberon slave cylinder addresses a common issue with the KTM 1290 range, where the slave cylinder can let air into the system, causing the clutch to slip and eventually fail. The Oberon replacement is a necessary upgrade to avoid this problem.

Why did the speaker choose a titanium rear hanger bolt and a gold chain?

The titanium rear hanger bolt was chosen for its aesthetic appeal and to complete the look of the bike, while the gold chain was chosen for durability and to replace the rust-prone original KTM chain, adding a bit of visual 'bling' to the bike.