KTM 890 Duke R 2021 vs. KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2021

The KTM 890 Duke R 2021 and the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2021 are both powerful motorcycles with impressive features. The 890 Duke R has a 121 HP engine, while the 1290 Super Duke GT boasts a more powerful 175 HP engine. Both bikes have a 2-cylinder, 4-stroke engine and a liquid cooling system.

In terms of suspension, both models feature upside-down telescopic forks at the front, with the 890 Duke R having a travel of 140 mm and the 1290 Super Duke GT having a slightly lower travel of 125 mm. The rear suspension on both bikes consists of a swing arm with a monoshock, with the 890 Duke R having a travel of 150 mm and the 1290 Super Duke GT having a slightly higher travel of 156 mm. The rear suspension on the 1290 Super Duke GT also offers adjustment options for compression, preload, and rebound.

Both bikes have a chromium-molybdenum frame and tubular frame type. The braking systems on both models consist of double discs at the front with a diameter of 320 mm and four-piston calipers. The 1290 Super Duke GT also features monoblock technology for enhanced braking performance.

KTM 890 Duke R 2021

In terms of rider assistance systems, both models are equipped with ABS, riding modes, and traction control. The 1290 Super Duke GT also includes additional features such as hill start assist, cornering ABS, ride by wire, and a comprehensive electronics package.

The dimensions and weights of the two bikes are quite similar, with both having a front tire width of 120 mm and a front tire diameter of 17 inches. The 890 Duke R has a rear tire width of 180 mm and a rear tire diameter of 17 inches, while the 1290 Super Duke GT has a wider rear tire width of 190 mm. Both bikes have a wheelbase of 1482 mm and a seat height of around 835 mm.

In terms of fuel capacity and range, the 1290 Super Duke GT has a larger fuel tank capacity of 23 liters, compared to the 14 liters of the 890 Duke R. This gives the 1290 Super Duke GT a longer range of 383 km, while the 890 Duke R has a range of 295 km. The combined fuel consumption of the 890 Duke R is 4.74 l/100km, while the 1290 Super Duke GT has a slightly higher fuel consumption of 5.99 l/100km.

KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2021

In terms of strengths, the 890 Duke R is praised for its high-revving and sporty engine, excellent quickshifter, great electronics package, great brakes, good chassis, and driving-friendly handling. On the other hand, the 1290 Super Duke GT is commended for its very potent engine with massive power, extremely precise chassis, agile handling, well-controlled brakes, good wind protection with an easily adjustable windshield, top ergonomics, long range, and ample equipment as standard.

However, the 890 Duke R does have some weaknesses, including cheap buttons and switches and slightly nervous geometry. The 1290 Super Duke GT is criticized for its hard chassis and saddle, engine that only accelerates smoothly from around 3500 revs, and being very loud with the Track Pack.

In conclusion, both the KTM 890 Duke R 2021 and the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2021 are impressive motorcycles with their own strengths and weaknesses. The 890 Duke R is a sportier naked bike with excellent performance and handling, while the 1290 Super Duke GT is a sport touring motorcycle with a more powerful engine and additional features for long-distance riding.