KTM 890 Adventure 2021 vs. KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

KTM 890 Adventure 2021

KTM 890 Adventure 2021

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

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Overview - KTM 890 Adventure 2021 vs KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

The KTM 890 Adventure 2021 and the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 are both powerful and capable enduro motorcycles. However, they have some key differences in terms of engine specifications, features, and overall performance.

Starting with the engine, the KTM 890 Adventure 2021 is equipped with an in-line twin-cylinder engine with a displacement of 889cc. It delivers 105 horsepower and 100 Nm of torque, providing a smooth and linear power delivery. On the other hand, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 features a V-twin engine with a displacement of 1301cc, producing a higher power output of 160 horsepower and 138 Nm of torque. This engine offers a sportier and more aggressive performance.

In terms of suspension, both motorcycles come with upside-down telescopic forks at the front and swing arm suspension with a monoshock at the rear. The front suspension is provided by WP and has a diameter of 48mm, offering a travel of 200mm for both models. However, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 has the advantage of having electronically adjustable suspension, allowing riders to easily adjust the suspension settings according to their preferences and riding conditions.

When it comes to chassis, both motorcycles feature a chromium-molybdenum frame. The frame type is tubular for the KTM 890 Adventure 2021, while the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 has a tubular frame without a load-bearing engine. The rake angle is slightly different, with the KTM 890 Adventure 2021 having a rake of 63.7 degrees, and the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 having a rake of 65.3 degrees. This slight difference in rake angle may affect the handling and maneuverability of the motorcycles.

KTM 890 Adventure 2021

KTM 890 Adventure 2021

In terms of brakes, both models are equipped with double disk brakes at the front. The KTM 890 Adventure 2021 has a standard braking system, while the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 comes with cornering ABS, which enhances the braking performance and safety during cornering.

Both motorcycles come with advanced rider assistance systems, including ABS, riding modes, ride by wire, and traction control. However, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 offers additional features such as suspension electronically adjustable, cruise control, and a larger 7-inch display on the instrument panel.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the KTM 890 Adventure 2021 has a front tire diameter of 21 inches, a rear tire width of 150mm, and a rear tire diameter of 18 inches. It has a wheelbase of 1528mm and a seat height of 850mm. The fuel tank capacity is 20 liters. On the other hand, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 has a front tire diameter of 19 inches, a rear tire width of 170mm, and a rear tire diameter of 17 inches. It has a slightly longer wheelbase of 1560mm and a slightly lower seat height of 849mm. The fuel tank capacity is larger at 23 liters.

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

In terms of strengths, the KTM 890 Adventure 2021 is praised for its super engine with a linear power delivery, finely controlled brakes, comprehensive electronics, good ergonomics for both sitting and standing riding, low seat height suitable for shorter riders, and a quickshifter that adds to the riding fun. It also has a low center of gravity, which contributes to its excellent handling.

On the other hand, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 is commended for its sporty yet refined V2 power plant, accessible handling despite its high weight, comfortable riding position, good brakes with cornering ABS, comprehensive electronics package, and a clear and well-structured instrumentation with a large 7-inch display.

In terms of weaknesses, the KTM 890 Adventure 2021 is criticized for its pricing policy for extras, non-adjustable telescopic fork at the front, and the absence of important components like a quickshifter and cruise control as standard. On the other hand, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 is noted for its somewhat sluggish turn-in behavior in bends, opaque package design and pricing policy, and the perception of lower quality in the dashboards and switches.

In conclusion, while both the KTM 890 Adventure 2021 and the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 are capable enduro motorcycles, they have distinct differences in terms of engine performance, features, and overall strengths and weaknesses. Riders should consider their specific preferences and riding needs to choose the model that best suits them.

Technical Specifications KTM 890 Adventure 2021 compared to KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

KTM 890 Adventure 2021
KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeV
BoreBore90.7 mmBore108 mm
StrokeStroke68.8 mmStroke71 mm
Engine powerEngine power105 HPEngine power160 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power8,000 rpmRpm at Max. Power8,750 rpm
TorqueTorque100 NmTorque138 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,500 rpmRpm at Torque6,750 rpm
Fuel systemFuel systemInjectionFuel systemInjection
Throttle BoreThrottle Bore46 mmThrottle Bore52 mm
StarterStarterElectricStarterElectric
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
Transmission TypeTransmission TypeGearshiftTransmission TypeGearshift
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
Valves per cylinderValves per cylinder4Valves per cylinder4
ValvesValvesDOHCValvesDOHC
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid
LubricationLubricationForcedLubricationForced
DisplacementDisplacement889 ccmDisplacement1,301 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
BrandBrandWPBrandWP
DiameterDiameter48 mmDiameter48 mm
TravelTravel200 mmTravel200 mm

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
Shock mountShock mountdirectShock mountDeflection
BrandBrandWPBrandWP
TravelTravel200 mmTravel200 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreload, ReboundAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound
MaterialMaterialAluminiumMaterialAluminium

Chassis

FrameFrameChromium-molybdenumFrameChromium-molybdenum
Frame typeFrame typeTubular, Load-bearing engineFrame typeTubular
RakeRake63.7 degreeRake65.3 degree

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter320 mmDiameter320 mm
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
ActuationActuationHydraulicActuationHydraulic
TechnologyTechnologyradialTechnologyradial

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter260 mmDiameter267 mm
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonDouble piston

Assistance Systems

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

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width90 mmFront tyre width120 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height90 %Front tyre height70 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter21 inchFront tyre diameter19 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width150 mmRear tyre width170 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height70 %Rear tyre height60 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter18 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
WheelbaseWheelbase1,528 mmWheelbase1,560 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height850 mmSeat Height849 mm
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity20 lFuel Tank Capacity23 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

KTM 890 Adventure 2021

KTM 890 Adventure 2021

The Adventure conveys a light-footedness and sportiness that is often missing in the class of touring enduros. The engine is lively and ensures rapid overtaking manoeuvres at the pass. However, the cheeky sportiness loses something of the dignified travelling comfort that one wishes for, especially on longer stages.

Super engine with linear, extremely superior power delivery

Very finely controlled brakes

Comprehensive electronics

Good ergonomics for both sitting and standing riding

Low seat height also suits shorter people

Quickshifter is an absolute dream and doubles the riding fun

Low centre of gravity creates great handling

Pricing policy for extras

telescopic fork at the front not adjustable

important components, such as quickshifter and cruise control, not included as standard.

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 KTM 890 Adventure vs KTM 1290 Super Adventure S

There are a few key differences between a KTM 890 Adventure 2021 and a KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021. In terms of price, the actual average price of a KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 is about 48% higher. A KTM 890 Adventure 2021 experiences a loss of 1,050 USD in one year and 2,220 USD in two years of ownership. This is offset by a loss of 100 USD and 920 USD for a KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021. Compared to KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 there are less KTM 890 Adventure 2021 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 12 compared to 26. It takes less time to sell a KTM 1290 Super Adventure S with 91 days compared to 106 days for the KTM 890 Adventure. Since model year 2021 1000PS.de editors have written 16 reviews for the KTM 890 Adventure and 31 reviews for the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S since model year 2017. The first review for the KTM 890 Adventure was published on 10/22/2020 and now has more than 59,500 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 KTM 890 Adventure

Model year
Current average market prices

Price KTM 1290 Super Adventure S

Model year
Current average market prices

Alternative Comparisons

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