KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 vs. Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2021

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2021

Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2021

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Overview - KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 vs Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2021

The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 and the Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2021 are both powerful and capable enduro motorcycles. However, they have some notable differences in terms of technical specifications and features.

Starting with the engines, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 is equipped with a V2 power plant, while the Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2021 features an in-line four-cylinder engine. The KTM offers a higher engine power of 160 HP compared to the Kawasaki's 120 HP. The KTM also has a higher torque of 138 Nm compared to the Kawasaki's 102 Nm. Both motorcycles have electric starters and chain transmissions.

In terms of suspension, both motorcycles have upside-down telescopic forks in the front and swing arm suspensions with monoshocks in the rear. However, the KTM has a longer travel distance of 200 mm for both the front and rear suspension, compared to the Kawasaki's 150 mm front travel and 152 mm rear travel. The KTM also offers more adjustment options for the suspension, including compression, preload, and rebound adjustments.

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

In terms of chassis, the KTM features a chromium-molybdenum frame, while the Kawasaki has an aluminum frame. The KTM has a slightly steeper rake angle of 65.3 degrees compared to the Kawasaki's 63 degrees.

Both motorcycles have double disk brakes in the front, but the KTM offers additional advanced rider assistance systems such as suspension electronically adjustable, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, cruise control, and traction control. The Kawasaki, on the other hand, offers ABS, ride by wire, and a quickshifter.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the KTM has a larger front tire diameter of 19 inches compared to the Kawasaki's 17 inches. The Kawasaki, however, has a wider rear tire width of 180 mm compared to the KTM's 170 mm. The KTM has a longer wheelbase of 1560 mm compared to the Kawasaki's 1520 mm. The seat height of the KTM is slightly higher at 849 mm compared to the Kawasaki's 840 mm. The KTM is also lighter with a kerb weight of 243 kg compared to the Kawasaki's 257 kg. Both motorcycles have fuel tank capacities of 21-23 liters.

In terms of equipment, both motorcycles offer advanced features such as cornering lights and LED headlights. The KTM also features a TFT display and an adjustable windscreen. The Kawasaki, on the other hand, offers heated grips in addition to its other equipment.

Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2021

Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2021

In terms of strengths, the KTM offers a very sporty and powerful V2 engine, accessible handling despite its weight, a comfortable seating position, good brakes with cornering ABS, and a comprehensive electronics package. It also has a clear and well-structured instrumentation with a large 7-inch display. The Kawasaki, on the other hand, offers a very comfortable seating position, a cultivated in-line four-cylinder engine, a full electronics package, an adjustable windshield, and a distinctive look.

In terms of weaknesses, the KTM has a somewhat sluggish turn-in behavior in bends and its package design and pricing policy may not be transparent. The dashboards and switches on the KTM also do not feel very high quality. The Kawasaki's only weakness mentioned is that its windshield is not adjustable with one hand.

Overall, both the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 and the Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2021 are capable enduro motorcycles with their own strengths and weaknesses. The choice between the two would depend on the rider's preferences and priorities in terms of performance, comfort, and features.

Technical Specifications KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 compared to Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2021

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021
Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2021

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeVEngine typeIn line
BoreBore108 mmBore77 mm
StrokeStroke71 mmStroke56 mm
Engine powerEngine power160 HPEngine power120 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power8,750 rpmRpm at Max. Power9,000 rpm
TorqueTorque138 NmTorque102 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,750 rpmRpm at Torque7,500 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio13.1 Compression Ratio10.3
StarterStarterElectricStarterElectric
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
IgnitionIgnitionDual ignitionIgnitionDigital
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
Transmission TypeTransmission TypeGearshiftTransmission TypeGearshift
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders4
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement1,301 ccmDisplacement1,043 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
TravelTravel200 mmTravel150 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
TravelTravel200 mmTravel152 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound

Chassis

FrameFrameChromium-molybdenumFrameAluminium
RakeRake65.3 degreeRake63 degree

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter320 mmDiameter310 mm
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
Shock mountShock mountFixed caliperShock mountSemi-Schwimmsattel
TechnologyTechnologyradialTechnologyradial, Petal

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter267 mmDiameter250 mm
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonSingle piston
Shock mountShock mountFixed caliperShock mountFixed caliper

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsSuspension electronically adjustable, Riding modes, Cornering ABS, Ride by Wire, Cruise control, Traction controlAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Ride by Wire, Quickshifter

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width120 mmFront tyre width120 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height70 %Front tyre height70 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter19 inchFront tyre diameter17 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width170 mmRear tyre width180 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height60 %Rear tyre height55 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
WheelbaseWheelbase1,560 mmWheelbase1,520 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height849 mmSeat Height840 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)243 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)257 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity23 lFuel Tank Capacity21 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Equipment

EquipmentEquipmentCornering lights, LED-Headlights, TFT display, Windscreen adjustableEquipmentHeated grips, Cornering lights, LED-Headlights

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

All in all, the long-distance capable KTM 1290 Super Adventure S is made for a trip for two, whereby the rider hardly ever has to think about where it is going. It likes motorway sections, fast country road passages or winding mountain passes in the tightest of corners just as much as unpaved roads with the occasional rough gravel section, where it is primarily the rider or their routine that decides how far they can go. The handling, which is improved compared to the predecessor due to the lower tank (and thus centre of gravity), also scores points here. The electronic chassis copes perfectly with the changing surfaces of a journey and always conveys transparency, the engine sovereignty in every situation. Ready to race - or also: Ready for long-distance racing!

Very sporty, but also cultivated V2 power plant

extremely accessible handling despite high weight

comfortable, driving-friendly seating position

good brakes including cornering ABS

comprehensive electronics package

clear, well-structured instrumentation with huge 7-inch display.

Turn-in behaviour in bends somewhat sluggish

Opaque package design and pricing policy

Dashboards and switches do not feel very high quality

Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2021

Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2021

The supposedly less well-equipped Versys 1000 S merely dispenses with the electronically adjustable chassis of the SE - and thus offers almost the same performance as the top model. This means that the S also has all the comfort features on board that make a long journey not only bearable, but really enjoyable. You don't necessarily feel the few kilos less than the SE, but the S is also an ideal companion on long tours when comfort and uncomplicated handling are paramount.

Very comfortable seating position

cultivated in-line four-cylinder engine

full electronics package

adjustable windshield

well controllable braking system

distinctive look

Windshield not adjustable with one hand

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price KTM 1290 Super Adventure S vs Kawasaki Versys 1000 S

There are a few key differences between a KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 and a Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2021. In terms of price, the actual average price of a KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 is about 24% higher. Compared to Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2021 there are more KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 26 compared to 8. It takes less time to sell a KTM 1290 Super Adventure S with 91 days compared to 93 days for a Kawasaki Versys 1000 S. Since model year 2017 1000PS.de editors have written 31 reviews for the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S and 5 reviews for the Kawasaki Versys 1000 S since model year 2021. The first review for the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S was published on 10/12/2016 and now has more than 32,200 views. This compares to more than 49,600 views for the first review on Kawasaki Versys 1000 S published on 11/4/2020.

Price KTM 1290 Super Adventure S

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Kawasaki Versys 1000 S

Model year
Current average market prices

Alternative Comparisons

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