KTM 790 Duke 2018 vs. BMW S 1000 R 2014

KTM 790 Duke 2018

KTM 790 Duke 2018

BMW S 1000 R 2014

BMW S 1000 R 2014

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Overview - KTM 790 Duke 2018 vs BMW S 1000 R 2014

The KTM 790 Duke 2018 and the BMW S 1000 R 2014 are both naked bikes that offer powerful performance and advanced rider assistance systems. However, there are some notable differences between the two models.

In terms of engine power, the BMW S 1000 R 2014 takes the lead with its 160 HP engine, while the KTM 790 Duke 2018 falls slightly behind with 105 HP. The BMW also has more cylinders, with four compared to the KTM's two. This results in a higher displacement for the BMW, at 999 ccm, compared to the KTM's 799 ccm.

Both bikes feature upside-down telescopic forks for the front suspension and swing arm with a monoshock for the rear suspension. The KTM 790 Duke 2018 has a chromium-molybdenum frame, while the BMW S 1000 R 2014 features an aluminum frame. The frame type of the KTM is tubular, whereas the BMW has a twin tube frame.

In terms of braking technology, both bikes feature double disk brakes with four pistons and radial technology at the front. This ensures efficient and reliable braking performance for both models.

KTM 790 Duke 2018

KTM 790 Duke 2018

When it comes to rider assistance systems, the KTM 790 Duke 2018 offers ABS, riding modes, and traction control. The BMW S 1000 R 2014 goes a step further with dynamic suspension, providing additional support and stability during rides.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the KTM 790 Duke 2018 has a front tire width of 120 mm and a rear tire width of 180 mm. The BMW S 1000 R 2014 has a slightly wider rear tire, measuring 190 mm. The wheelbase of the KTM is 1475 mm, while the BMW has a slightly shorter wheelbase of 1439 mm. The seat height of the KTM is 825 mm, slightly higher than the BMW's 814 mm. Additionally, the BMW has a larger fuel tank capacity of 17.5 liters, compared to the KTM's 14 liters.

In terms of 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 many electronic gimmicks and functions, including a precise quickshifter that makes fast riding easier. The comfortable seating position is another advantage of the KTM.

BMW S 1000 R 2014

BMW S 1000 R 2014

On the other hand, the BMW S 1000 R 2014 is commended for its sporty chassis, extreme power and performance, and very good electronic helpers. It is also considered to have a terrific price/performance ratio and is fast and comfortable on both racetracks and country roads.

In terms of weaknesses, the KTM 790 Duke 2018 is criticized for its rough handling at low revs and being difficult to handle 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 BMW S 1000 R 2014 is noted for its slightly rough engine running and the dynamic suspension, which some riders find to be on the "hard" side overall. The seat height is relatively high, and the design is considered to be a matter of taste.

Overall, both the KTM 790 Duke 2018 and the BMW S 1000 R 2014 offer impressive performance and advanced features. The choice between the two will ultimately depend on individual preferences and priorities, such as power, handling, and design.

Technical Specifications KTM 790 Duke 2018 compared to BMW S 1000 R 2014

KTM 790 Duke 2018
BMW S 1000 R 2014

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeIn line
BoreBore88 mmBore80 mm
StrokeStroke65.7 mmStroke49.7 mm
Engine powerEngine power105 HPEngine power160 HP
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath, Antihopping
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders4
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
DisplacementDisplacement799 ccmDisplacement999 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
DiameterDiameter43 mmDiameter46 mm

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock

Chassis

FrameFrameChromium-molybdenumFrameAluminium
Frame typeFrame typeTubularFrame typeTwin Tube

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
TechnologyTechnologyradialTechnologyradial

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonSingle piston

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Riding modes, Traction controlAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsDynamic suspension

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 mmWheelbase1,439 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height825 mmSeat Height814 mm
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity14 lFuel Tank Capacity17.5 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

KTM 790 Duke 2018

KTM 790 Duke 2018

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!

high-revving two-cylinder

quickshifter + as standard

great chassis set-up

playful handling

high-quality electronics package

TFT display

good price/performance ratio

Suspension spring preload adjustable at the rear only

BMW S 1000 R 2014

BMW S 1000 R 2014

The BMW S 1000 R impresses across the board and is much more than just a naked version of the S 1000 RR. With its own character, more torque in the mid-range and first-class electronics, it sets new standards in the high-performance Naked segment. The overall package of brutal performance, excellent suspension and practical everyday use makes it one of the best naked bikes ever - and at a surprisingly fair price.

Brutal performance with 160 Horsepower

Outstanding DDC suspension

Amazing stability at high speeds for a naked bike

Perfect electronics with sensitive DTC

Good price/performance ratio

Character despite perfection

Driving mode display font too small

Too extreme appearance for BMW traditionalists

Without equipment packages, important electronic features are missing

The price advantage is lost with full features

Price Comparison Average Market Price KTM 790 Duke vs BMW S 1000 R

There are a few key differences between a KTM 790 Duke 2018 and a BMW S 1000 R 2014. In terms of price, the actual average price of a BMW S 1000 R 2014 is about 26% higher. A KTM 790 Duke 2018 experiences a loss of 580 USD in one year and 900 USD in two years of ownership. This is offset by a loss of 590 USD and 610 USD for a BMW S 1000 R 2014. Compared to BMW S 1000 R 2014 there are more KTM 790 Duke 2018 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 24 compared to 19. It takes less time to sell a KTM 790 Duke with 58 days compared to 70 days for a BMW S 1000 R. Since model year 2018 1000PS.de editors have written 35 reviews for the KTM 790 Duke and 62 reviews for the BMW S 1000 R since model year 2014. 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 17,300 views for the first review on BMW S 1000 R published on 11/3/2013.

Price KTM 790 Duke

Model year
Current average market prices

Price BMW S 1000 R

Model year
Current average market prices

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