Ducati Multistrada 1200 S 2012 vs. KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

Ducati Multistrada 1200 S 2012

Ducati Multistrada 1200 S 2012

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

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Overview - Ducati Multistrada 1200 S 2012 vs KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

The Ducati Multistrada 1200 S 2012 and the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 are both enduro motorcycles with similar engine configurations and transmission systems. However, there are several notable differences between the two models.

In terms of engine specifications, the Ducati Multistrada 1200 S 2012 has a bore of 106 mm and a stroke of 67.9 mm, while the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 has a slightly larger bore of 108 mm and a stroke of 71 mm. This results in the KTM having a higher engine power of 160 HP compared to the Ducati's 150 HP. Similarly, the KTM also has a higher torque of 138 Nm compared to the Ducati's 124.5 Nm. Both motorcycles have a chain transmission system and are equipped with 2 cylinders. However, the KTM has a larger displacement of 1301 ccm compared to the Ducati's 1198.4 ccm.

Ducati Multistrada 1200 S 2012

Ducati Multistrada 1200 S 2012

In terms of suspension, both motorcycles have upside-down telescopic forks at the front. However, the Ducati features Sachs suspension components, while the KTM is equipped with WP suspension components. The same applies to the rear suspension, with both brands using their respective suspension components.

For braking, both motorcycles have double disk brakes at the front. The KTM also boasts advanced rider assistance systems such as electronically adjustable suspension, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, cruise control, and traction control. The Ducati, on the other hand, only has ABS as an advanced rider assistance system.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the KTM has a larger front tire diameter of 19 inches compared to the Ducati's 17 inches. However, the Ducati has a wider rear tire width of 190 mm compared to the KTM's 170 mm. Both motorcycles have a 17-inch rear tire diameter. The KTM also has a slightly longer wheelbase of 1560 mm compared to the Ducati's 1530 mm. The seat height of the KTM is 849 mm, slightly lower than the Ducati's 850 mm. The KTM has a dry weight of 220 kg and a kerb weight of 243 kg, while the Ducati has a dry weight of 206 kg and a kerb weight of 234 kg. Additionally, the KTM has a larger fuel tank capacity of 23 liters compared to the Ducati's 20 liters.

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

In terms of strengths, the Ducati Multistrada 1200 S 2012 is praised for its excellent sound, sporty tuned movement, appropriate ergonomics, balanced seating position, and sophisticated looks. On the other hand, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 is commended for its very sporty yet cultivated V2 power plant, accessible handling despite its high weight, comfortable driving-friendly seating position, good brakes including cornering ABS, comprehensive electronics package, and clear, well-structured instrumentation with a huge 7-inch display.

However, both motorcycles also have their weaknesses. The Ducati Multistrada 1200 S 2012 is criticized for its windshield coming menacingly close when first mounted and its wasteful use of electronics that can be difficult to understand. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021, on the other hand, has been criticized for its somewhat sluggish turn-in behavior in bends, opaque package design and pricing policy, and dashboards and switches that do not feel very high quality.

Technical Specifications Ducati Multistrada 1200 S 2012 compared to KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

Ducati Multistrada 1200 S 2012
KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

Engine and Drive Train

BoreBore106 mmBore108 mm
StrokeStroke67.9 mmStroke71 mm
Engine powerEngine power150 HPEngine power160 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power9,250 rpmRpm at Max. Power8,750 rpm
TorqueTorque124.5 NmTorque138 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque7,500 rpmRpm at Torque6,750 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio11.5 Compression Ratio13.1
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
ValvesValvesDesmodromic, DOHCValvesDOHC
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement1,198.4 ccmDisplacement1,301 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
BrandBrandSachsBrandWP

Suspension Rear

BrandBrandSachsBrandWP

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
TechnologyTechnologyradialTechnologyradial

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonDouble piston

Assistance Systems

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

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width120 mmFront tyre width120 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height70 %Front tyre height70 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter17 inchFront tyre diameter19 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width190 mmRear tyre width170 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height55 %Rear tyre height60 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
WheelbaseWheelbase1,530 mmWheelbase1,560 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height850 mmSeat Height849 mm
Dry Weight (with ABS)Dry Weight (with ABS)206 kgDry Weight (with ABS)220 kg
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)234 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)243 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity20 lFuel Tank Capacity23 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Ducati Multistrada 1200 S 2012

Ducati Multistrada 1200 S 2012

The agile behaviour tempts the pilot to a very ambitious pace, no disadvantage for the morning round on Sunday. On the trip to the North Cape with mum, however, it is relatively exhausting.

Excellent sound

sporty tuned movement

appropriate ergonomics

balanced seating position

sophisticated looks.

Windshield comes menacingly close when first mounted

wasteful use of electronics - difficult to understand.

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

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price Ducati Multistrada 1200 S vs KTM 1290 Super Adventure S

There are a few key differences between a Ducati Multistrada 1200 S 2012 and a KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021. It takes less time to sell a KTM 1290 Super Adventure S with 91 days compared to 126 days for the Ducati Multistrada 1200 S. Since model year 2010 1000PS.de editors have written 10 reviews for the Ducati Multistrada 1200 S and 31 reviews for the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S since model year 2017. The first review for the Ducati Multistrada 1200 S was published on 9/14/2010 and now has more than 24,700 views. This compares to more than 32,200 views for the first review on KTM 1290 Super Adventure S published on 10/12/2016.

Price Ducati Multistrada 1200 S

Model year
Current average market prices

Price KTM 1290 Super Adventure S

Model year
Current average market prices

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