Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 vs. KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2016

Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018

Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018

KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2016

KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2016

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Overview - Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 vs KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2016

The Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 and the KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2016 are both powerful naked bikes with impressive features. However, there are some notable differences between the two models.

In terms of engine power, the KTM 1290 Super Duke R takes the lead with a whopping 173 HP compared to the Yamaha MT-09 SP's 115 HP. The KTM also boasts a higher torque of 144 Nm, while the Yamaha offers 87.5 Nm. Both bikes have different engine configurations, with the Yamaha featuring a three-cylinder engine and the KTM having a twin-cylinder engine. The KTM has a larger displacement at 1301 ccm, while the Yamaha has a displacement of 847 ccm.

When it comes to suspension, both bikes have upside-down telescopic forks at the front. The Yamaha MT-09 SP is equipped with Kayaba suspension at the front, while the KTM 1290 Super Duke R features WP suspension. In terms of the rear suspension, both bikes have Öhlins and WP brands respectively.

Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018

Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018

In terms of chassis, the Yamaha MT-09 SP has an aluminum frame with a twin tube design, while the KTM 1290 Super Duke R has a chromium-molybdenum frame with a tubular design.

Both bikes come with advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS and traction control. However, the Yamaha MT-09 SP also offers a quickshifter, allowing for seamless gear shifts. The KTM 1290 Super Duke R, on the other hand, has a wider range of electronics and extras, making it a more advanced option.

When it comes to dimensions and weights, both bikes have a front tire width of 120 mm and a front tire diameter of 17 inches. However, the KTM has a wider rear tire width of 190 mm compared to the Yamaha's 180 mm. Both bikes have a wheelbase of around 1480-1500 mm and a seat height of around 820-835 mm. The KTM also has a larger fuel tank capacity of 18 liters, while the Yamaha has a capacity of 14 liters.

KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2016

KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2016

In terms of strengths, the Yamaha MT-09 SP is praised for its incredibly powerful three-cylinder engine, good brakes, sporty and comfortable seating position, ABS, traction control, and shift assistant. On the other hand, the KTM 1290 Super Duke R is known for its monstrous engine and torque, wide rev range, little vibration, strong brakes, extensive electronics, great extras, high-quality details, and unrivaled aggressive looks.

However, there are also some weaknesses to consider. The Yamaha MT-09 SP has a high saddle, a shift assistant that is only available for upshifting, and instruments that do not stand out strongly from the basic version. The KTM 1290 Super Duke R has an automatic gearshift that some riders may find a little too coarse.

In conclusion, both the Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 and the KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2016 are powerful naked bikes with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. The KTM offers a more powerful engine and a wider range of electronics and extras, while the Yamaha provides a comfortable riding position and a smooth shift assistant. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 compared to KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2016

Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018
KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2016

Engine and Drive Train

BoreBore78 mmBore108 mm
StrokeStroke59.1 mmStroke71 mm
Engine powerEngine power115 HPEngine power173 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power10,000 rpmRpm at Max. Power8,870 rpm
TorqueTorque87.5 NmTorque144 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque8,500 rpmRpm at Torque6,500 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio11.5 Compression Ratio13.2
StarterStarterElectricStarterElectric
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeAntihopping
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
CylindersCylinders3Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
DisplacementDisplacement847 ccmDisplacement1,301 ccm

Suspension Front

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

Suspension Rear

BrandBrandÖhlinsBrandWP

Chassis

FrameFrameAluminiumFrameChromium-molybdenum
Frame typeFrame typeTwin TubeFrame typeTubular

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Quickshifter, Traction controlAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, 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 diameter17 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width180 mmRear tyre width190 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height55 %Rear tyre height55 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
WheelbaseWheelbase1,500 mmWheelbase1,482 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height820 mmSeat Height835 mm
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity14 lFuel Tank Capacity18 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018

Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018

The Yamaha MT-09 SP is the refinement of an already very good mid-range naked bike. With better suspension components from Öhlins and Kayaba, a nicer paint job and a justifiably higher price, the SP version is clearly the sportiest choice within the Yamaha MT-09 range. The brute power of the engine does not allow the MT-09 SP to be ridden comfortably, but that is not necessary on the "Special" - the fun is clearly in the foreground! The Yamaha MT-09 EVO with Wilbers suspension is now available as an interesting alternative, because it has no "war paint" and is very discreet. But unfortunately only for Switzerland...

incredibly powerful three-cylinder engine

good brakes

sporty and comfortable seating position

ABS

traction control

shift assistant

high saddle

shift assistant only for upshifting

instruments do not stand out strongly from the basic version

KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2016

KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2016

KTM knows no turning back and KTM knows no quarter. That's why the new 1290 Super Duke R is a little easier to handle than its predecessor, but also a little stronger and faster. Already at 2500 rpm, over 100 Nm are available, the maximum is 141, the top performance is stated at 177 hp. That may be too much, but it doesn't have to be. The electronics remain the lifeline in this category, where development continues to move forward strongly. KTM has started where it had difficulties and that was stability. Changes to the geometry and chassis have improved this significantly, making the ride on the beast not only faster, but also safer. The handling is no less radical for that, and the supermoto genes are more evident than on any other naked bike. There can only be one Super Duke.

Monstrous engine and torque

wide rev range

little vibration

strong brakes

extensive electronics

great extras

high-quality details

unrivalled aggressive looks.

Automatic gearshift a little too coarse

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price Yamaha MT-09 SP vs KTM 1290 Super Duke R

There are a few key differences between a Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 and a KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2016. In terms of price, the actual average price of a KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2016 is about 18% higher. A Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 experiences a loss of 780 GBP in one year and 1,460 GBP in two years of ownership. This is offset by a loss of 680 GBP and 1,860 GBP for a KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2016. Compared to KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2016 there are less Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 5 compared to 25. It takes less time to sell a Yamaha MT-09 SP with 72 days compared to 81 days for a KTM 1290 Super Duke R. Since model year 2018 1000PS.de editors have written 29 reviews for the Yamaha MT-09 SP and 65 reviews for the KTM 1290 Super Duke R since model year 2013. The first review for the Yamaha MT-09 SP was published on 06/11/2017 and now has more than 49,000 views. This compares to more than 4,900 views for the first review on KTM 1290 Super Duke R published on 08/11/2012.

Price Yamaha MT-09 SP

Model year
Current average market prices

Price KTM 1290 Super Duke R

Model year
Current average market prices

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