Editing Openai/69132c14-3348-800a-ba77-9b1f10d65e85 (section)

=== Assistant: If you’re thinking about buying a used KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2020 model, it’s a fantastic bike — but there are sev… ===
If you’re thinking about buying a used KTM 1290 Super Adventure S (2020 model), it’s a fantastic bike — but there are several specific issues and checks you should bear in mind to make sure you’re getting a good one. Below is a detailed checklist (with key known concerns) to help you evaluate the bike properly.

==== ✅ What to check and look out for ====

Here are the things you should inspect / ask about:

===== 1. Service history & maintenance =====
* Ensure the bike has been serviced on schedule and by a reputable dealer. The 1290 is a high-end machine and proper maintenance is more important.
* Ask for records of major services: valve clearance checks, suspension servicing, cooling system inspection, battery replacement history.
* Check if the bike has been used mostly for long rides or short hops (long rides tend to be kinder on some components).
* Look for any outstanding recalls or service bulletins for that year/model.

===== 2. Electrical systems & battery =====
* Many owners report issues with keyless start/fob, dashboard warnings, errors. ktmforums.com<ref>{{cite web|title=ktmforums.com|url=https://www.ktmforums.com/threads/super-adventure-s.135174/|publisher=ktmforums.com|access-date=2025-11-12}}</ref> > “The keyless start not working, 3-4 times.”  > ktmforums.com
* Make sure the battery is in good health. Some complaints of sudden battery failure or electrical gremlins. Motorcycle News<ref>{{cite web|title=Motorcycle News|url=https://www.motorcyclenews.com/bike-reviews/ktm/1290-super-adventure-s/2017/|publisher=Motorcycle News|access-date=2025-11-12}}</ref>
* Test all electronics: ABS/TC modes, suspension modes, TFT display, lighting, cruise control, etc.
* Check for any “General Fault” messages or weird behaviour of modes (some owners report sensor faults). Reddit<ref>{{cite web|title=Reddit|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/KTM/comments/1fdb152|publisher=reddit.com|access-date=2025-11-12}}</ref>

===== 3. Suspension, tyres and handling =====
* The bike has a lot of electronics and semi-active suspension. Make sure the modes work properly. Motormeiden<ref>{{cite web|title=Motormeiden|url=https://www.motormeiden.tv/motortest-ktm-super-adventure-s-1290-showpony-voor-supernerds-en-businessbabes/|publisher=motormeiden.tv|access-date=2025-11-12}}</ref>
* Tyres: check condition, wear, age, type. Some owners report high-speed instability/wobble. ktmforums.com<ref>{{cite web|title=ktmforums.com|url=https://www.ktmforums.com/threads/1290-super-adventure-s-2020-2021-high-speed-wobble.135175/|publisher=ktmforums.com|access-date=2025-11-12}}</ref>
* Alignment, wheel bearings, head bearings: any play or slack can become serious given the bike’s power and weight.
* On the 2020 series, especially with luggage on and at high speeds, stability can be an issue. ktmforum.co.uk<ref>{{cite web|title=ktmforum.co.uk|url=https://www.ktmforum.co.uk/threads/super-adventure-1290-s-2020-speed-with-cases.1371984/|publisher=ktmforum.co.uk|access-date=2025-11-12}}</ref>

===== 4. High speed stability / “wobble” issue =====
* There are several reports of high-speed wobble (especially with luggage or heavier loads) on the 2020/2021 SAS version. ktmforums.com<ref>{{cite web|title=ktmforums.com|url=https://www.ktmforums.com/threads/1290-super-adventure-s-2020-2021-high-speed-wobble.135175/|publisher=ktmforums.com|access-date=2025-11-12}}</ref> > “Under hard acceleration … the wobble mostly starts (it is wind condition dependent) …”  > ktmforums.com
* While this may be due to tyres, load, suspension settings or head-bearings, it’s a red flag you should test for.
* On your test ride: try it with and without luggage, vary load (solo vs two-up) and listen/watch for any instability.

===== 5. Engine & performance =====
* The engine on the 1290 is widely praised for its performance. krizzietravels.be<ref>{{cite web|title=krizzietravels.be|url=https://www.krizzietravels.be/ktm-1290-super-adventure-s-2020/|publisher=krizzietravels.be|access-date=2025-11-12}}</ref>
* However, check for signs of oil leaks, coolant leaks, unusual noises, misfires.
* Ask about how many km the bike has done: used adventure touring bikes might have high mileage, and if many off-road miles then extra wear.
* Make sure the throttle response is correct, no surging, no hesitation, especially in different modes.

===== 6. Body, accessories and usage history =====
* Check the bike’s physical condition: crash damage, pannier mounts if used often for touring, wear of parts.
* If heavily used off-road — while the 1290 SAS is capable — note the extra strain that places on suspension, wheels, bearings.
* Check that luggage, top box, panniers (if fitted) are properly mounted and that the handling remains good.

===== 7. Check the ergonomics & suitability =====
* The 2020 SAS is quite tall and heavy. If you’re shorter in stature you should test it and make sure you are comfortable. Motorcycle News<ref>{{cite web|title=Motorcycle News|url=https://www.motorcyclenews.com/bike-reviews/ktm/1290-super-adventure-s/2017/|publisher=Motorcycle News|access-date=2025-11-12}}</ref>
* Sitting comfort, especially if you plan long tours, check seat height, wind protection, luggage fitment.

==== 🤔 Pros & Cons summary (for context) ====

Pros:
* Excellent power and torque; one of the more thrilling adventure bikes. krizzietravels.be<ref>{{cite web|title=krizzietravels.be|url=https://www.krizzietravels.be/ktm-1290-super-adventure-s-2020/|publisher=krizzietravels.be|access-date=2025-11-12}}</ref>
* Great touring capability: large tank (23 L in some versions), good comfort for long rides. krizzietravels.be<ref>{{cite web|title=krizzietravels.be|url=https://www.krizzietravels.be/ktm-1290-super-adventure-s-2020/|publisher=krizzietravels.be|access-date=2025-11-12}}</ref>
* Advanced electronics, semi-active suspension, lots of features. Motormeiden<ref>{{cite web|title=Motormeiden|url=https://www.motormeiden.tv/motortest-ktm-super-adventure-s-1290-showpony-voor-supernerds-en-businessbabes/|publisher=motormeiden.tv|access-date=2025-11-12}}</ref>

Cons / things to watch:
* Handling at high speed under certain conditions (weight, tyres, load) can be unstable.
* Some reliability/quality issues especially with electrics, battery, keyless system.
* Tall and heavy — may not suit shorter riders or those who mostly stop-and-go.
* Maintenance costs of a premium machine may be higher than average.

==== 🎯 My recommendation for your inspection ====

When you go see the bike, here are specific steps to take:
# Bring a cable (trickle charger) or test battery health. Ask if the battery has been replaced recently.
# Sit on it: check seat height, comfort, can you reach ground, are controls all comfortable.
# Check service book: valve clearances, suspension service records, battery replacements.
# Start the bike cold: check for odd noises, misfires, warning lights.
# Take it for a ride: - Ride with no luggage, then with luggage if fitted. - On a smooth road do a range of speeds including higher speeds (if safe/legal) and listen/feel for wobble, vibration, steering looseness. - Switch through the ride modes (Street, Sport, Enduro etc) and check whether the suspension/electronics respond.
# Visually inspect tyres: age (look for date code), wear pattern, free of damage.
# Physical inspection: check head bearings for play, check for oil/coolant leaks, check swing-arm, check chain/sprockets, look at bodywork (scratches, crash damage).
# Ask for any faults: has the keyless start failed, has any electronic fault occurred, has the bike spent time in shop for faults?
# If the bike has been used off-road ask for those details: how much off-road, any major knocks/drops, have suspension parts been replaced?

If you like, I can look up common service costs and what parts (brakes, tyres, suspension) cost on a 2020 SAS in the Netherlands (so you know your ongoing cost). Would that be helpful?