Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 vs. KTM 790 Duke 2020

Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018

KTM 790 Duke 2020
Overview - Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 vs KTM 790 Duke 2020
The Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 and the KTM 790 Duke 2020 are both naked bikes with similar technical specifications. However, there are some notable differences between the two models.
In terms of engine performance, the Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 comes out on top with its incredibly powerful three-cylinder engine producing 115 HP. On the other hand, the KTM 790 Duke 2020 has a slightly lower engine power of 105 HP due to its two-cylinder engine. Both bikes have fuel injection systems and liquid cooling to ensure optimal performance.
In terms of suspension, both bikes feature upside-down telescopic forks at the front and swing arm suspensions at the rear. The Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 is equipped with a Kayaba front suspension and an Öhlins rear shock absorber, both of which offer compression, preload, and rebound adjustments. On the other hand, the KTM 790 Duke 2020 features WP front and rear suspensions with only preload adjustment available at the rear.

Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018
In terms of chassis, the Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 has an aluminum frame with a twin tube design, while the KTM 790 Duke 2020 features a chromium-molybdenum frame with a tubular design. Both frames are lightweight and provide good stability and maneuverability.
Both bikes are equipped with double disk brakes at the front, with the Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 having slightly smaller 298 mm diameter disks compared to the 300 mm disks on the KTM 790 Duke 2020. Both bikes also come with advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS and traction control.

KTM 790 Duke 2020
In terms of dimensions and weights, the Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 and the KTM 790 Duke 2020 have similar front and rear tire widths and diameters. However, the Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 has a slightly longer wheelbase of 1500 mm compared to the 1475 mm wheelbase of the KTM 790 Duke 2020. The seat height is also slightly higher on the Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 at 820 mm compared to 825 mm on the KTM 790 Duke 2020. Both bikes have a fuel tank capacity of 14 liters.
In terms of equipment, the Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 is equipped with LED headlights, while the KTM 790 Duke 2020 comes with an adjustable windscreen. Both bikes also have advanced electronics packages, with the KTM 790 Duke 2020 featuring riding modes and a TFT display.
In summary, the Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 and the KTM 790 Duke 2020 are both powerful naked bikes with their own strengths and weaknesses. The Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 offers a more powerful engine and a wider range of suspension adjustments, while the KTM 790 Duke 2020 has a quickshifter as standard and a high-quality electronics package. Ultimately, the choice between the two models will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.
Technical Specifications Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 compared to KTM 790 Duke 2020
Pros and Cons in comparison
Pros and Cons in comparison
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...
KTM 790 Duke 2020

A sporty naked bike that not only has enough power, but also playful handling and high-quality equipment - the KTM 790 Duke ticks all the boxes. If the looks don't bother you, it's hard to find anything the 790 can't do well, because in its hunting ground - the country road - it forms a wonderfully rounded package that doesn't really leave anything to be desired. Initial teething troubles have also been solved, which is why the KTM 790 Duke is still a real recommendation!
Price Comparison Avarage Market Price Yamaha MT-09 SP vs KTM 790 Duke
There are a few key differences between a Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 and a KTM 790 Duke 2020. In terms of price, the actual average price of a Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 is about 19% higher. A Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 experiences a loss of 770 USD in one year of ownership. This is offset by a loss of 120 USD for a KTM 790 Duke 2020. Compared to KTM 790 Duke 2020 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 78 days for a KTM 790 Duke. Since model year 2018 1000PS.de editors have written 29 reviews for the Yamaha MT-09 SP and 35 reviews for the KTM 790 Duke since model year 2018. The first review for the Yamaha MT-09 SP was published on 11/6/2017 and now has more than 49,000 views. This compares to more than 160,600 views for the first review on KTM 790 Duke published on 11/9/2016.