KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022 vs. Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2022

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022

Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2022

Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2022

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Overview - KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022 vs Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2022

The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022 and the Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2022 are both powerful enduro motorcycles with advanced rider assistance systems and comfortable riding positions. However, there are several differences between the two models.

In terms of engine specifications, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022 is equipped with a V2 engine with a displacement of 1301ccm, producing 160 HP of power and 138 Nm of torque. On the other hand, the Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2022 features an in-line 4-cylinder engine with a displacement of 1043ccm, delivering 120 HP of power and 102 Nm of torque. The KTM offers a more powerful and torquey engine compared to the Kawasaki.

Both motorcycles have upside-down telescopic forks for the front suspension and swing arm suspension with a monoshock for the rear. However, the KTM has a higher travel distance for both the front and rear suspension (200mm) compared to the Kawasaki (150mm front, 152mm rear). This gives the KTM better off-road capabilities and more comfortable rides on rough terrains.

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022

In terms of chassis, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022 features a chromium-molybdenum frame, while the Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2022 has an aluminum frame. Both frames are lightweight and provide good stability and handling.

When it comes to brakes, both motorcycles have double disk brakes at the front. The KTM offers 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. The KTM has a more comprehensive electronics package, including adaptive cruise control (ACC), which is not available on the Kawasaki.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the KTM has a front tire diameter of 19 inches, while the Kawasaki has a 17-inch front tire. The rear tire width is 170mm for the KTM and 180mm for the Kawasaki. The KTM has a longer wheelbase (1560mm) compared to the Kawasaki (1520mm). The seat height is slightly higher on the KTM (849mm) compared to the Kawasaki (840mm). The KTM is also lighter, with a kerb weight of 243kg (with ABS), while the Kawasaki weighs 257kg (with ABS). Both motorcycles have similar fuel tank capacities, with the KTM having a slightly larger tank (23 liters) compared to the Kawasaki (21 liters).

In terms of equipment, both motorcycles offer cornering lights and LED headlights. The KTM also features a TFT display and an adjustable windscreen, while the Kawasaki offers heated grips. The KTM has a larger 7-inch display, providing a clear and well-structured instrumentation.

Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2022

Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2022

In terms of strengths, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022 is praised for its sporty yet cultivated V2 power plant, extremely playful handling despite its high weight, comfortable riding position, good brakes with cornering ABS, comprehensive electronics package, adaptive cruise control (ACC), and a clear and well-structured instrumentation with a large 7-inch display. On the other hand, the Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2022 is praised for its smooth yet emotional engine, high-quality chassis, terrific wind protection, great seat comfort, effortless handling, and completely neutral behavior when leaned over.

In terms of weaknesses, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022 is criticized for its gearshift assistant being an optional extra and its idiosyncratic look. The seat on the KTM is also reported to be tight. The Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2022 is criticized for its quickshifter working poorly at low revs, the windshield adjustment not being operable while driving, and the cruise control taking some getting used to.

In conclusion, both the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022 and the Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2022 are capable enduro motorcycles with their own strengths and weaknesses. The KTM offers a more powerful engine, better off-road capabilities, and a more comprehensive electronics package, while the Kawasaki provides a smooth and emotional engine, high-quality chassis, and great comfort. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022 compared to Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2022

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022
Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2022

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 2022

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022

Even one year after its presentation, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S is anything but old hat. The Euro5 engine continues to shine incredibly with its 160 hp and the argen torque of 138 Newton metres. The refined electronics ensure an even smoother ride, which, thanks to the wonderfully agile handling, results in a lot of fun when cornering. But the new SASi also has a lot to offer comfort freaks and all those who value the touring qualities of this type of motorbike. A nice, standard feature is the adaptive cruise control ACC, which independently keeps the distance to the vehicle in front - and works really well. In any case, the Quickshifter+ or the all-inclusive TechPack is recommended - given the basic price, the extra charge of around 1,000 euros is of little consequence anyway.

Very sporty, but also cultivated V2 power plant

extremely playful handling despite high weight

comfortable, driving-friendly seating position

good brakes including cornering ABS

comprehensive electronics package

adaptive cruise control ACC

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

Gearshift assistant at extra cost

idiosyncratic look

tight seat

Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2022

Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2022

Versys stands for "versatile system" and that is exactly what the Kawasaki tourer actually represents. Comfort and sportiness, slow and fast, short and long - the Versys can do it all. The chassis responds superbly, the handling is absolutely effortless, the engine emotional and at the same time sensible. In this price range, it is hard to impossible to find a better compromise.

Engine is smooth yet emotional

high-quality chassis

terrific wind protection

great seat comfort

effortless handling

completely neutral behaviour when leaned over

Quickshifter works poorly at low revs

windshield adjustment cannot be operated while driving

cruise control takes some getting used to.

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 2022 and a Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2022. In terms of price, the actual average price of a KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022 is about 22% higher. Compared to Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2022 there are more KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 24 compared to 8. It takes less time to sell a KTM 1290 Super Adventure S with 96 days compared to 195 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 12/10/2016 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 04/11/2020.

Price KTM 1290 Super Adventure S

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Current average market prices

Price Kawasaki Versys 1000 S

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Current average market prices

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