KTM 790 Duke 2018 vs. KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2015

KTM 790 Duke 2018

KTM 790 Duke 2018

KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2015

KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2015

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Overview - KTM 790 Duke 2018 vs KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2015

The KTM 790 Duke 2018 and the KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2015 are both naked bikes with powerful engines and advanced rider assistance systems. However, there are some notable differences between the two models.

In terms of engine power, the KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2015 takes the lead with 173 HP compared to the 105 HP of the KTM 790 Duke 2018. This means that the Super Duke R offers a more exhilarating and high-performance riding experience.

Both bikes have a 2-cylinder engine and a displacement that differs slightly, with the KTM 1290 Super Duke R having a larger 1301ccm engine compared to the 799ccm engine of the KTM 790 Duke.

When it comes to suspension, both models feature upside-down telescopic forks from WP. The chassis of both bikes is made of chromium-molybdenum and has a tubular frame type, ensuring durability and stability.

KTM 790 Duke 2018

KTM 790 Duke 2018

In terms of braking systems, the KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2015 has a more advanced setup with radial, monoblock four-piston brakes at the front, while the KTM 790 Duke 2018 has radial four-piston brakes. This means that the Super Duke R offers even more precise and powerful braking performance.

Both bikes come with advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS and traction control, ensuring safety and stability during rides.

In terms of dimensions and weights, there are slight differences between the two models. The KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2015 has a slightly longer wheelbase of 1482mm compared to the 1475mm of the KTM 790 Duke 2018. The seat height of the Super Duke R is also slightly higher at 835mm compared to the 825mm of the 790 Duke. Additionally, the Super Duke R has a larger fuel tank capacity of 18 liters compared to the 14 liters of the 790 Duke.

Moving on to strengths, the KTM 790 Duke 2018 is praised for its lively and high-revving engine, powerful acceleration, and optimally tuned chassis for sporty riding. It also offers an awesome sound even with the series muffler and has many electronic gimmicks and functions. The bike features an extremely precise quickshifter that makes fast riding even easier and provides a comfortable seating position.

KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2015

KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2015

On the other hand, the KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2015 is known for its superb engine, agile handling, comfortable seating position, bombastic braking system, and classy look.

In terms of weaknesses, the KTM 790 Duke 2018 is criticized for its rough handling at low revs and being somewhat difficult to maneuver in city traffic. Some riders also find the switches on the handlebars to be fiddly-looking, and there have been reports of oil leaks at the engine block on many 790 Dukes.

The KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2015, on the other hand, is said to have somewhat nervous handling on the racetrack and a high price tag.

In conclusion, while both the KTM 790 Duke 2018 and the KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2015 offer powerful engines and advanced features, the Super Duke R stands out with its higher engine power, larger fuel tank capacity, and more advanced braking system. However, the 790 Duke offers a more comfortable seating position and a range of electronic gimmicks and functions. It's important for riders to consider their specific preferences and riding style when choosing between these two models.

Technical Specifications KTM 790 Duke 2018 compared to KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2015

KTM 790 Duke 2018
KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2015

Engine and Drive Train

BoreBore88 mmBore108 mm
StrokeStroke65.7 mmStroke71 mm
Engine powerEngine power105 HPEngine power173 HP
DisplacementDisplacement799 ccmDisplacement1,301 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 width180 mmRear tyre width190 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height55 %Rear tyre height55 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
WheelbaseWheelbase1,475 mmWheelbase1,482 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height825 mmSeat Height835 mm
Dry Weight (with ABS)Dry Weight (with ABS)169 kgDry Weight (with ABS)189 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity14 lFuel Tank Capacity18 l

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

KTM 790 Duke 2018

KTM 790 Duke 2018

The KTM 790 Duke L is an absolutely sporty naked bike with a high fun factor. Whether a beginner rider can handle it depends very much on his or her personality and riding behaviour. There are certainly motorbikes better suited for learning, but sporty radius hunters will hardly be satisfied with anything else. The 790 Duke L is also rather unenthusiastic about everyday rides in the city. On the country road, however, it's a blast, even with only 48 hp. Simply a fun bike as it is written in the book.

Lively, high-revving engine with powerful acceleration

optimally tuned chassis for sporty riding

awesome sound even with series muffler

many electronic gimmicks and functions

extremely precise quickshifter that makes fast riding even easier

comfortable seating position

Rough handling at low revs

bitchy in city traffic

sometimes fiddly-looking switches on the handlebars

oil leak at the engine block on many 790 Dukes

KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2015

KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2015

The KTM 1290 Super Duke R is undoubtedly a beast in terms of its data - 173 hp, 144 Newton metres of torque, 189 kilos dry weight are values with which you can make an impression on the quarter mile. It's almost a miracle that the Austrian is so easy to handle and agile despite its 1301 cubic capacity. On the country road it is therefore enormous fun, but on the race track you have to have a very precise riding style in order not to have to work a lot on the Super Duke R - but admittedly a very nice form of work! In addition, the expensive Special Edition can fully score visually with its many power parts and the beautiful paintwork

Superb engine

agile handling

comfortable seating position

bombastic braking system

classy look

somewhat nervous handling on the racetrack

high price

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price KTM 790 Duke vs KTM 1290 Super Duke R

There are a few key differences between a KTM 790 Duke 2018 and a KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2015. In terms of price, the actual average price of a KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2015 is about 38% higher. Compared to KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2015 there are more KTM 790 Duke 2018 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 24 compared to 17. It takes less time to sell a KTM 790 Duke with 58 days compared to 70 days for a KTM 1290 Super Duke R. Since model year 2018 1000PS.de editors have written 35 reviews for the KTM 790 Duke and 65 reviews for the KTM 1290 Super Duke R since model year 2013. The first review for the KTM 790 Duke was published on 11/9/2016 and now has more than 160,600 views. This compares to more than 4,900 views for the first review on KTM 1290 Super Duke R published on 11/8/2012.

Price KTM 790 Duke

Model year
Current average market prices

Price KTM 1290 Super Duke R

Model year
Current average market prices

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