Yamaha MT-09 SP 2021 vs. KTM 790 Duke 2020

In terms of engine and drive train, both the Yamaha MT-09 SP 2021 and the KTM 790 Duke 2020 have inline engines with fuel injection systems. However, the Yamaha MT-09 SP has a more powerful engine with 119 HP compared to the KTM 790 Duke's 105 HP. The Yamaha MT-09 SP also has three cylinders, while the KTM 790 Duke has two cylinders. Both bikes have liquid cooling systems and similar displacements, with the Yamaha at 889 ccm and the KTM at 799 ccm.

When it comes to suspension, both bikes feature upside-down telescopic forks in the front and swing arm suspensions with monoshock absorbers in the rear. However, the Yamaha MT-09 SP has a Kayaba front suspension and an Öhlins rear suspension, while the KTM 790 Duke has WP suspensions for both the front and rear. The Yamaha MT-09 SP offers more adjustment options for the rear suspension, including compression, preload, and rebound adjustments.

In terms of chassis, the Yamaha MT-09 SP has an aluminum frame with a twin tube design, while the KTM 790 Duke has a chromium-molybdenum frame with a tubular design. Both bikes have double disk brakes in the front with similar diameters, 298 mm for the Yamaha and 300 mm for the KTM.

Yamaha MT-09 SP 2021

When it comes to advanced rider assistance systems, both bikes offer ABS and traction control. However, the Yamaha MT-09 SP also includes cornering ABS, ride by wire, a quickshifter, and anti-wheelie control. The KTM 790 Duke offers riding modes in addition to ABS and traction control.

In terms of dimensions and weights, both bikes have the same front and rear tire widths and diameters. The Yamaha MT-09 SP has a slightly shorter wheelbase at 1430 mm compared to the KTM 790 Duke's 1475 mm. Both bikes have the same seat height and fuel tank capacity. The Yamaha MT-09 SP is equipped with LED headlights and a TFT display, while the KTM 790 Duke has an adjustable windscreen.

KTM 790 Duke 2020

In terms of strengths, the Yamaha MT-09 SP is praised for its upright and comfortable seating position, well-tuned chassis, easy adjustability of mappings and traction control, high-quality workmanship, lovely details, and a great tuned engine that offers excellent acceleration and pressure in the relevant rev range. The KTM 790 Duke is praised for its high-revving two-cylinder engine, quickshifter as standard, great chassis set-up, playful handling, high-quality electronics package, TFT display, and good price/performance ratio.

As for weaknesses, the Yamaha MT-09 SP is criticized for having a horn mounted in a crude way and a poor display. The KTM 790 Duke's main weakness is that the suspension spring preload is adjustable at the rear only.

Overall, both the Yamaha MT-09 SP 2021 and the KTM 790 Duke 2020 have their own strengths and weaknesses, with the Yamaha offering a more powerful engine and more advanced rider assistance systems, while the KTM provides a good price/performance ratio and a playful handling experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.