KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2015 vs. Yamaha MT-09 2018

KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2015

KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2015

Yamaha MT-09 2018

Yamaha MT-09 2018

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Overview - KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2015 vs Yamaha MT-09 2018

The KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2015 and the Yamaha MT-09 2018 are both naked bikes that offer unique features and performance.

Starting with the KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2015, it boasts a powerful engine with 173 HP and 144 Nm of torque. With its 2-cylinder, 1301ccm engine, it delivers impressive acceleration and top speed. The bike is equipped with an upside-down telescopic fork front suspension, providing a smooth and controlled ride. The chromium-molybdenum frame and tubular frame type ensure stability and durability. Advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS and traction control enhance safety. The bike features a front tire width of 120mm and a rear tire width of 190mm, both with a diameter of 17 inches. The wheelbase is 1482mm, providing stability at high speeds. The seat height is 835mm, offering a comfortable riding position. With a kerb weight of 189kg and a fuel tank capacity of 18 liters, the bike strikes a good balance between agility and endurance.

KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2015

KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2015

On the other hand, the Yamaha MT-09 2018 has a slightly less powerful engine with 115 HP and 87.5 Nm of torque. Its 3-cylinder, 847ccm engine still delivers a thrilling performance. The bike features an upside-down telescopic fork front suspension, similar to the KTM. The frame is made of aluminum and has a twin tube frame type, providing a lightweight and agile feel. In terms of advanced rider assistance systems, the Yamaha MT-09 2018 offers ABS, quickshifter, and traction control. The front and rear tire widths are 120mm and 180mm, respectively, with a diameter of 17 inches. The wheelbase is slightly shorter at 1440mm, offering nimble handling. The seat height is 815mm, accommodating riders of various heights. With a kerb weight of 193kg and a fuel tank capacity of 14 liters, the bike is still manageable and efficient.

In terms of strengths, the KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2015 stands out with its superb engine performance, agile handling, comfortable seating position, bombastic braking system, and classy look. The Yamaha MT-09 2018, on the other hand, impresses with its harmonious optics and character, smooth wheels, lively handling, comfortable seating position (even for tall riders), and incredibly powerful engine.

Yamaha MT-09 2018

Yamaha MT-09 2018

However, the KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2015 does have some weaknesses. It may exhibit somewhat nervous handling on the racetrack, and its high price can be a deterrent for some buyers. On the other hand, the Yamaha MT-09 2018 has its own set of weaknesses. It can be exhausting to ride briskly, requires more riding skills compared to other naked bikes in the mid-range, lacks precision, and the feeling for traction on the rear wheel may not be as great.

In conclusion, both the KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2015 and the Yamaha MT-09 2018 offer unique strengths and weaknesses. The KTM excels in engine power and overall performance, while the Yamaha impresses with its character and handling. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2015 compared to Yamaha MT-09 2018

KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2015
Yamaha MT-09 2018

Engine and Drive Train

BoreBore108 mmBore78 mm
StrokeStroke71 mmStroke59.1 mm
Engine powerEngine power173 HPEngine power115 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power8,870 rpmRpm at Max. Power10,000 rpm
TorqueTorque144 NmTorque87.5 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,500 rpmRpm at Torque8,500 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio13.2 Compression Ratio11.5
DisplacementDisplacement1,301 ccmDisplacement847 ccm

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 width190 mmRear tyre width180 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height55 %Rear tyre height55 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
WheelbaseWheelbase1,482 mmWheelbase1,440 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height835 mmSeat Height815 mm
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity18 lFuel Tank Capacity14 l

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2015

KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2015

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

Yamaha MT-09 2018

Yamaha MT-09 2018

Riding fast is possible, but exhausting. The high handlebars are counterproductive on the race track and require a lot of physical effort. The MT-09 can't keep up with the Street Triple R, even with WP suspension.

Powerful engine with plenty of torque

Fine control of traction control

No blipper function

High handlebars give little feedback

Rough throttle response

Early-regulating ABS

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

There are a few key differences between a KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2015 and a Yamaha MT-09 2018. In terms of price, the actual average price of a KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2015 is about 25% higher. Compared to Yamaha MT-09 2018 there are more KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2015 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 17 compared to 15. It takes less time to sell a KTM 1290 Super Duke R with 70 days compared to 72 days for a Yamaha MT-09. Since model year 2013 1000PS.de editors have written 65 reviews for the KTM 1290 Super Duke R and 57 reviews for the Yamaha MT-09 since model year 2013. The first review for the KTM 1290 Super Duke R was published on 08/11/2012 and now has more than 4,900 views. This compares to more than 39,900 views for the first review on Yamaha MT-09 published on 10/06/2013.

Price KTM 1290 Super Duke R

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Yamaha MT-09

Model year
Current average market prices

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