This Modified KTM 1290 Super Adventure R Is a Dakar Bike On Steroids

Considering their dominance at the Dakar rally, KTM as a brand is synonymous with off-road expertise, such that even its flagship tourer is a hooligan underneath. Case in point, the Gnarly Super Enduro R by Australian custom house Gasoline Motor Co.

As alluded to, the Super Enduro R – a name that draws inspiration from the KTM 950 Enduro R from the early 2000s – started off as a KTM 1290 Super Adventure R. But to build something focused purely on the rough stuff, it was first completely stripped down, including removing the subframe and fuel tank. The rebuild, then, started with a 3D-moulded carbon fibre fuel tank, mated to the original fuel pump and fittings. 

Next, a custom trellis chromoly subframe was built, with blacked-out aluminium panels concealing the battery box and electronics. The enduro-style stepped seat was shaped over a fibreglass base, mirroring the look of the stubby tail section and upholstered with a faux carbon fibre finish.

The front end is one that most closely mimics old KTMs, with the headlight cowl and front fender from KTM’s EXC range of enduro bikes. The handlebar and instruments, along with the suspension, brakes and blacked-out spoke wheels are all from a KTM 890 Adventure R. The instrument cluster is unchanged too, though it’s now relocated to sit above the triple clamp. And finally, the entire bike gets an understated paint job – as improbable as it seems – with white and orange graphics, and reversed carbon cutouts from the black background. 

Summing up, the Gnarly Super Enduro R is a radical re-imagining of the true character of KTM bikes. This is driven home by the fact that though the engine has been left unchanged (save for an SC Project exhaust end can) the lighter, snazzier custom is now even more ready for the rough stuff; just how a KTM should be!