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

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2021

Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2021

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

In terms of engine and drive train, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 features a V2 engine with a bore of 108 mm and a stroke of 71 mm, delivering a powerful 160 HP and 138 Nm of torque. It has an electric starter and a chain transmission. On the other hand, the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2021 is equipped with an in-line four-cylinder engine with a bore of 77 mm and a stroke of 56 mm, producing 120 HP and 102 Nm of torque. It also has an electric starter and a chain transmission. The KTM has a larger displacement of 1301 ccm compared to the Kawasaki's 1043 ccm.

In terms of suspension, both motorcycles feature upside-down telescopic forks at the front and swing arm suspension with a monoshock at the rear. However, the KTM offers a greater travel distance of 200 mm for both the front and rear suspension, compared to the Kawasaki's 150 mm at the front and 152 mm at the rear. The KTM also provides adjustable compression, preload, and rebound settings for both the front and rear suspension, while the Kawasaki offers the same adjustments.

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

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

Both motorcycles have double disk brakes at the front, providing reliable stopping power. The KTM offers advanced rider assistance systems such as electronically adjustable suspension, 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 front tire diameter of 19 inches and a rear tire width of 170 mm, with a wheelbase of 1560 mm. It has a seat height of 849 mm and a kerb weight of 243 kg (with ABS). The fuel tank capacity is 23 liters. The Kawasaki has a front tire diameter of 17 inches and a rear tire width of 180 mm, with a wheelbase of 1520 mm. It has a seat height of 840 mm and a kerb weight of 257 kg (with ABS). The fuel tank capacity is 21 liters.

Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2021

Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2021

In terms of equipment, both motorcycles offer certain features. The KTM includes cornering lights, LED headlights, a TFT display, and an adjustable windscreen. The Kawasaki offers heated grips, cornering lights, and LED headlights. However, the KTM has the additional feature of a huge 7-inch display on its instrumentation, providing a clear and well-structured interface.

In terms of strengths, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 is praised for its very sporty yet cultivated V2 power plant, accessible handling despite its high weight, comfortable driving-friendly seating position, good brakes with cornering ABS, comprehensive electronics package, and a clear, well-structured instrumentation with a large 7-inch display. On the other hand, the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2021 is commended for its very comfortable seating position, cultivated in-line four-cylinder engine, full electronics package, adjustable windshield, superb electronically adjustable Showa suspension, well-controlled braking system, and distinctive look.

In terms of weaknesses, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 is criticized for its somewhat sluggish turn-in behavior in bends, opaque package design, and pricing policy, as well as dashboards and switches that do not feel very high quality. The Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2021's only weakness mentioned is that its windshield is not adjustable with one hand.

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

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021
Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 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 SE 2021

Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2021

The Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE is more than equipped for the big journey: The many features pull together, because everything good about the SE is aimed at comfort and safety. Whether it's the semi-active electronic Skyhook suspension from Showa, the KIBS cornering ABS, the Kawasaki Cornering Management Function (KMCF), the cornering lights or the easy-to-read TFT colour display, the electronics leave nothing to be desired. Coupled with the comfortable seating position and the high, adjustable windshield, long stages are a pleasure. The engine is certainly not the most powerful, the weight certainly not the lowest, but overall the Versys 1000 SE is an optimal touring motorbike.

Very comfortable seating position

cultivated in-line four-cylinder engine

full electronics package

adjustable windshield

superb electronically adjustable Showa suspension

well-controlled braking system

distinctive look

Windshield not adjustable with one hand

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

There are a few key differences between a KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 and a Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2021. There are the same number of bikes of both models available on the 1000PS.de marketplace, specifically 26. It takes less time to sell a Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE with 86 days compared to 91 days for the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S. Since model year 2017 1000PS.de editors have written 31 reviews for the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S and 12 reviews for the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE since model year 2019. 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 25,500 views for the first review on Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE published on 11/6/2018.

Price KTM 1290 Super Adventure S

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE

Model year
Current average market prices

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