Ducati DesertX 2022 vs. KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

Ducati DesertX 2022

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021
Overview - Ducati DesertX 2022 vs KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021
The Ducati DesertX 2022 and the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 are both enduro motorcycles that offer impressive performance and advanced features.
Starting with the engine and drive train, the Ducati DesertX 2022 is equipped with a V-twin engine with a displacement of 937cc, delivering 110 horsepower and 92 Nm of torque. On the other hand, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 boasts a more powerful V-twin engine with a displacement of 1301cc, producing 160 horsepower and 138 Nm of torque. Both motorcycles feature an electric starter and chain transmission.
In terms of suspension, the Ducati DesertX 2022 is equipped with a Kayaba upside-down telescopic fork with a diameter of 46mm and a travel of 230mm. The rear suspension consists of a Kayaba monoshock with a travel of 220mm. On the other hand, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 features a WP upside-down telescopic fork with a diameter of 48mm and a travel of 200mm. The rear suspension is also a WP monoshock with a travel of 200mm. Both motorcycles offer compression, preload, and rebound adjustment for the suspension.

Ducati DesertX 2022
In terms of chassis, the Ducati DesertX 2022 features a steel tubular frame with a rake of 62.4 degrees. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021, on the other hand, has a chromium-molybdenum tubular frame with a rake of 65.3 degrees.
When it comes to braking, both motorcycles are equipped with double disk brakes at the front, with Brembo being the brand for both.
In terms of advanced rider assistance systems, both motorcycles offer a range of features. The Ducati DesertX 2022 includes riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, a shift assistant with blipper, cruise control, traction control, and anti-wheelie. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 offers suspension that is electronically adjustable, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, cruise control, and traction control.
In terms of dimensions and weights, the Ducati DesertX 2022 has a front tire diameter of 21 inches and a rear tire diameter of 18 inches. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 has a front tire diameter of 19 inches and a rear tire diameter of 17 inches. The wheelbase of the Ducati DesertX 2022 is 1608mm, while the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 has a wheelbase of 1560mm. The seat height of the Ducati DesertX 2022 is 875mm, while the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 has a seat height of 849mm. The dry weight of the Ducati DesertX 2022 is 202kg, and the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 has a dry weight of 220kg. The fuel tank capacity of the Ducati DesertX 2022 is 21 liters, while the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 has a fuel tank capacity of 23 liters. The range of the Ducati DesertX 2022 is 375km, and the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 offers a range of 416km. The combined fuel consumption of the Ducati DesertX 2022 is 5.6l/100km, while the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 has a combined fuel consumption of 5.7l/100km.

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021
In terms of equipment, both motorcycles offer a range of features. The Ducati DesertX 2022 includes connectivity, heated grips, LED daytime running lights, LED headlights, and a TFT display. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 offers cornering lights, LED headlights, a TFT display, and an adjustable windscreen.
In terms of strengths, the Ducati DesertX 2022 boasts a great chassis with fully adjustable suspension, sophisticated driving modes, a powerful engine, powerful brakes, well-thought-out detail solutions, and extensive standard equipment. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021, on the other hand, offers a very sporty yet cultivated V2 power plant, extremely accessible handling despite its high weight, a comfortable and driving-friendly seating position, good brakes including cornering ABS, a comprehensive electronics package, and a clear and well-structured instrumentation with a huge 7-inch display.
However, the Ducati DesertX 2022 does have some weaknesses, including a smooth running of the engine in the lower rev range, suspension response slightly behind that of the fork, a very high and non-adjustable seat height, and little space and no handholds for a pillion passenger. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 also has some weaknesses, such as a turn-in behavior in bends that is somewhat sluggish, an opaque package design and pricing policy, and dashboards and switches that do not feel very high quality.
Technical Specifications Ducati DesertX 2022 compared to KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021
Pros and Cons in comparison
Pros and Cons in comparison
Ducati DesertX 2022

The first real enduro of the modern era from Ducati has succeeded - and how! A heart-warming design in the look of the glorious 90s Dakar bikes but packed with noble components and state-of-the-art technology. The high-quality and stable chassis concept really comes into its own in both on- and off-road use. The DesertX immediately conveys an unbelievably confident and safe riding feeling. The straddle that Ducati has managed with the suspension elements is also admirable, whether on or off road, it simply feels good.
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!
Price Comparison Avarage Market Price Ducati DesertX vs KTM 1290 Super Adventure S
There are a few key differences between a Ducati DesertX 2022 and a KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021. In terms of price, the actual average price of a KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 is about 5% higher. A Ducati DesertX 2022 experiences a loss of 70 GBP in one year of ownership. This is offset by a loss of 110 GBP for a KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021. Compared to KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 there are less Ducati DesertX 2022 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 6 compared to 26. It takes less time to sell a KTM 1290 Super Adventure S with 91 days compared to 102 days for the Ducati DesertX. Since model year 2022 1000PS.de editors have written 21 reviews for the Ducati DesertX and 31 reviews for the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S since model year 2017. The first review for the Ducati DesertX was published on 09/12/2021 and now has more than 71,700 views. This compares to more than 32,200 views for the first review on KTM 1290 Super Adventure S published on 12/10/2016.