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KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2.0 2017 to 2020 - FLAWLESS ECU Performance Flash
KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2.0 Tuning 2017 to 2020 – what the performance flash achieves
The FLAWLESS ECU Performance Flash replaces the stock software in the original KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2.0 ECU for model years 2017 to 2020. Injection, ignition, lambda control, and throttle characteristics are adjusted – resulting in approximately 6 to 9 hp more power, 5 to 8 Nm more torque, and the elimination of the torque dip, without any additional hardware on the motorcycle.
Unlike piggyback modules or auxiliary control units, we intervene directly in the stock software. The optimization remains invisible from the outside, the ECU software number does not change, and KTM diagnostic testers can continue to be used without restriction.
We tune each software individually to your motorcycle and the hardware actually installed. It can be combined with the removed gear limiter, Linear Throttle, map switching via the riding modes, an adjusted engine brake, optimized quickshifter tuning, and an individually configured fuel cut-off for pops & bangs.
KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2.0: Stock vs. optimized software compared
| Feature | Stock | with FLAWLESS ECU Performance Flash |
|---|---|---|
| Peak power | 118 kW (160 hp) at 8,750 rpm | approx. +6 to +9 hp |
| Torque | 138 Nm at 6,750 rpm | approx. +5 to +8 Nm |
| Torque dip at approx. 4,500 rpm | present | eliminated |
| Power delivery | Stock maps | significantly more homogeneous and smoother |
| Constant throttle jerk | present | eliminated |
| AFR values | Stock maps | optimized for the respective setup |
| Exhaust gas temperature | Stock level | lower, thermal relief for exhaust valves and cylinder heads |
| Power restriction in gears 1 to 4 and 6 | present | removed |
| Throttle curve | progressive stock curve | Linear Throttle, 1:1 to throttle valve |
| Mappings | fixed stock map | Map-switch via riding mode menu, 2 mappings |
| Engine brake | Stock tuning | adjusted to your preferences |
| Quickshifter | Stock tuning | adjusted shift times, faster and more precise |
| Fuel cut-off | Stock curve | individually configurable, assignable per riding mode |
| Additional hardware on the bike | – | not required |
Performance increase for the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2.0
We write the tuning software individually for your KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2.0 and adapt the maps to the hardware installed on your motorcycle.
Depending on the setup, this allows us to achieve an increase in power of approx. +6 to +9 hp as well as about +5 to +8 Nm of torque.
The well-known torque dip of your KTM at approx. 4,500 rpm disappears thanks to our ECU optimization.
In addition to the pure power increase, we primarily improve power delivery. The 1290 Super Adventure R accelerates significantly more homogeneously and smoothly.
The annoying constant throttle jerk of your KTM also completely disappears after the ECU optimization – giving you a significant boost in rideability.
Remove gear limiter: more pulling power in gears 1 to 4 and 6
KTM limits the power of your 1290 Super Adventure R in certain gears from the factory. We remove this power restriction in gears 1 to 4 as well as in 6th gear.
This gives you full power in these gears and makes the 1290 Super Adventure R pull noticeably harder.
Optimized injection and AFR values for the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2.0
As part of the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2.0 ECU tuning, we also adapt the injection maps. This brings the air-fuel ratio (AFR) values of your 1290 Super Adventure R into an optimal range for your specific setup.
At the same time, this achieves thermal relief for the exhaust valves and cylinder heads, as exhaust gas temperatures decrease due to the adjusted mixture preparation.
Linear Throttle for the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2.0
Not satisfied with the factory throttle response? Upon request, we program your throttle grip curve 1:1 to the throttle body position. This means 50% throttle grip position corresponds exactly to 50% throttle body position.
This provides your KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2.0 with a much more direct and easier-to-modulate throttle response.
Map-switch via the riding modes of the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2.0
Full attack at the push of a button? With the map-switch, you toggle between two mappings in the riding mode menu of your 1290 Super Adventure R:
- Rain Map / Street Map – the stock mapping
- Sport Map / Rally Map – the FLAWLESS ECU Performance Flash with all desired features
You can switch between the stock state and complete optimization at any time without having to stop or modify the bike.
Adjusting the engine brake of the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2.0
Not 100% happy with the drag torque when you let off the gas? We adjust the engine brake to your preferences.
This allows you to ride your 1290 Super Adventure R more fluidly and with more control – especially noticeable when braking and in quick corner sequences.
Quickshifter optimization for the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2.0
To ensure your 1290 Super Adventure R not only accelerates violently but also shifts perfectly, we adjust the quickshifter and its interruption times.
The result: It shifts not only faster but also significantly more precisely.
Pops & Bangs and overrun rumble for the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2.0
Give your KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2.0 the final acoustic touch. We configure the fuel cut-off individually to your wishes and the installed setup – from subtle overrun rumble to clearly audible pops and bangs.
Upon request, we can map this feature to specific riding modes. This way, you can ride discreetly in one mode and activate the full acoustics in another.
Important: If your configuration includes a catalytic converter, only overrun rumble is possible. Please state whether a cat is installed on your 1290 Super Adventure R when ordering, and we will tune the configuration accordingly.
Individual tuning for your setup
Every software optimization for the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2.0 is tuned to the installed setup of your motorcycle. You configure the optimization or mapping directly when ordering via the selection fields. Please additionally provide the following information in the comments field at checkout:
- installed slip-on muffler or exhaust system, e.g., SC-Project or Akrapovic
- installed air filter, e.g., K&N, BMC, or Rade Garage
- catalytic converter present: yes or no
- other relevant modifications
This allows us to optimally tune the mapping of your KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2.0 to your motorcycle.
Matching Performance Parts for your KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2.0
Exhaust systems and air filters in particular influence optimal map tuning. You can find suitable parts in the following categories:
- Exhaust systems from Akrapovic, LeoVince, and MIVV
- Sports air filters from K&N and MWR; BMC or Rade Garage are also suitable
Systems from SC-Project or Akrapovic are also suitable. We are happy to clarify which combination is best for your setup before you order.
What hardware is required for maximum performance?
To achieve the stated power increase, the following are mandatory for the 1290 Super Adventure R:
- an aftermarket slip-on muffler or sports exhaust, e.g., from SC-Project or Akrapovic
- a sports air filter, e.g., from K&N, BMC, or Rade Garage
Without these components, the specified power gain cannot be fully realized. The other functions of the optimization – rideability, AFR values, gear limiter, Linear Throttle, map-switch, engine brake, quickshifter, and fuel cut-off – are available regardless of these parts.
How the software optimization of your KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2.0 works
- Configure – Order your FLAWLESS ECU Performance Flash and select the desired options.
- Send in ECU – Remove the ECU from your KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2.0 and send it to us securely packaged and insured.
- Programming – Once received, your control unit will usually be processed by our technicians within 24 hours. For shipments from Switzerland, the processing time is usually 24 to 72 hours.
- Install and ride – We will send your ECU back to you. Connect, install, done.
No additional hardware necessary
No additional control unit is installed on the motorcycle for the software optimization. Your original ECU is programmed by us. The control unit is not opened or damaged in the process and remains unchanged from the outside.
Your ECU's software number remains unchanged, and KTM diagnostic testers can continue to be used without restriction.
Why FLAWLESS Industries?
We have been developing our software optimizations in-house for over 5 years and write every mapping individually – we do not use purchased, off-the-shelf files.
The basis for this is created on our own high-performance simulation test bench. Each setup variant – from the stock configuration to the combination of various sports exhaust systems, sports air filters, and configurations with and without a catalytic converter – is installed and specifically tuned there during development. Our maps are therefore based on real measured values and not on "rules of thumb" or copied files.
We process well over 1,000 control units annually. Development and programming take place entirely in Germany. If you have questions about your setup, you can reach us directly – we will advise you before you order on which configuration suits your motorcycle and intended use.
Suitable for
- KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2.0 model years 2017 to 2020
Do you ride a different model? You can find further optimizations for KTM in our KTM Adventure category.
Your benefits
- Software individually tuned to your setup
- Approx. +6 to +9 hp more power
- Approx. +5 to +8 Nm more torque
- Eliminated torque dip at approx. 4,500 rpm
- More homogeneous and smoother power delivery
- Eliminated constant throttle jerk
- Optimized injection maps and AFR values
- Lower exhaust temperatures, thermal relief for exhaust valves and cylinder heads
- Gear limiter in gears 1 to 4 and 6 removed
- Optional: Linear Throttle with 1:1 throttle grip curve
- Optional: Map-switch via the riding mode menu
- Optional: individually adjusted engine brake
- Optional: optimized quickshifter interruption times
- Optional: Pops & Bangs or overrun rumble, assignable per riding mode
- Software number remains unchanged, KTM diagnostic testers remain fully usable
- Processing usually within 24 hours
- No additional control units necessary on the motorcycle
Note on usage
The FLAWLESS ECU Performance Flash changes the engine control software from the stock state. Use is permitted exclusively on closed terrain or the racetrack.
Frequently asked questions about KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2.0 optimization
How much power does the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2.0 tuning provide?
Depending on the hardware installed, we achieve approx. +6 to +9 hp and +5 to +8 Nm more torque. Just as noticeable are the eliminated torque dip at approx. 4,500 rpm, smoother power delivery, and the elimination of constant throttle jerk.
What does removing the gear limiter do?
Power is limited in individual gears from the factory. We remove this restriction in gears 1 to 4 and 6th gear, so you have full power and more pulling power available there.
Which riding modes is the optimization on?
Via the map-switch in the riding mode menu, you toggle between two mappings: The stock mapping is on the Rain Map / Street Map, and the complete FLAWLESS ECU Performance Flash is on the Sport Map / Rally Map.
Can the engine brake be adjusted?
Yes. We adjust the drag torque when letting off the gas to your preference so you can ride more fluidly and with more control.
What changes with the quickshifter?
We adapt the quickshifter and its interruption times. This makes it shift faster and significantly more precisely.
What does the Linear Throttle do?
It maps the throttle grip curve 1:1 to the throttle body position. 50% throttle grip thus means exactly 50% throttle body position, making the response more direct and easier to modulate.
Do I need a sports exhaust or sports air filter for the optimization?
Yes, for the specified power increase – for the 1290 Super Adventure R, an aftermarket slip-on and a sports air filter are required for this. The other functions of the optimization are also available to you with stock hardware.
Does the optimization work with a catalytic converter?
Yes. The power increase and optimized injection maps are also possible with a catalytic converter. However, with the fuel cut-off, only overrun rumble can be achieved with a catalytic converter, not pops and bangs.
Will the software be tuned to my exhaust system?
Yes. During tuning, we take into account the installed slip-on, air filter, catalytic converter, and other relevant modifications. Please include these details in the comments field of your order.
Can I continue to use a KTM tester?
Yes. KTM diagnostic testers continue to work without restriction because the ECU's software number remains unchanged.
Does the control unit have to be opened for programming?
No. The ECU is not opened or damaged during programming. The optimization is also not recognizable from the outside.
How long does the processing take?
After your ECU arrives, processing is usually carried out within 24 hours. For shipments from Switzerland, the processing time is usually 24 to 72 hours.
Is the optimization suitable for all 1290 Super Adventure R models from 2017 to 2020?
Yes. This software optimization is specifically designed for the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2.0 of model years 2017 to 2020.
Am I allowed to use the optimized software in road traffic?
The software deviates from the stock state. Use is permitted exclusively on closed terrain or the racetrack.