KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017 vs. KTM 790 Adventure R 2019

The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017 is equipped with a V-twin engine that delivers a powerful 160 HP and 140 Nm of torque. Its engine type and displacement are different from the KTM 790 Adventure R 2019, which features an in-line twin engine with a displacement of 799 ccm. The 790 Adventure R has a lower engine power of 95 HP and torque of 88 Nm.

Both motorcycles have an electric starter and a chain transmission. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017 has a 2-cylinder engine, while the KTM 790 Adventure R 2019 also has a 2-cylinder engine.

In terms of suspension, both motorcycles feature upside-down telescopic forks with a diameter of 48 mm. However, the KTM 790 Adventure R 2019 has a longer front suspension travel of 240 mm compared to the 200 mm on the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017. The rear suspension on both motorcycles is a swing arm with a monoshock, but the KTM 790 Adventure R 2019 has a longer rear suspension travel of 240 mm compared to the 200 mm on the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017 offers adjustment options for compression, preload, and rebound on the rear suspension, while the KTM 790 Adventure R 2019 only offers preload adjustment.

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017

Both motorcycles have a chromium-molybdenum frame, but the KTM 790 Adventure R 2019 has a tubular frame that is load-bearing for the engine. The rake and trail measurements are different, with the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017 having a rake of 64 degrees and a trail of 120 mm, while the KTM 790 Adventure R 2019 has a rake of 63.7 degrees and a trail of 110.4 mm.

The braking system on both motorcycles consists of double disk brakes at the front. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017 has advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, electronically adjustable suspension, riding modes, ride by wire, and traction control. The KTM 790 Adventure R 2019 also has ABS, riding modes, ride by wire, and traction control, but it does not have electronically adjustable suspension.

KTM 790 Adventure R 2019

In terms of dimensions and weights, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017 has a front tire diameter of 19 inches, a rear tire width of 170 mm, and a rear tire diameter of 17 inches. It has a wheelbase of 1560 mm and a seat height of 860 mm. The dry weight, including ABS, is 215 kg, and it has a fuel tank capacity of 23 liters. On the other hand, the KTM 790 Adventure R 2019 has a front tire diameter of 21 inches, a rear tire width of 150 mm, and a rear tire diameter of 18 inches. It has a slightly shorter wheelbase of 1528 mm and a higher seat height of 880 mm. The dry weight, including ABS, is 189 kg, and it has a fuel tank capacity of 20 liters.

In terms of strengths, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017 is praised for its powerful engine, precise handling, traction control, cornering ABS, easy-to-read TFT display, quickshifter, LED headlights with cornering lights, and off-road capability. The KTM 790 Adventure R 2019 is praised for its high chassis quality, great running culture of the engine, rich torque, perfectly dimensioned power, easy-to-read display, practical rally electronics package, and stability and maneuverability on the road.

As for weaknesses, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017 is criticized for its high price and power-consuming height adjustment of the windshield. The KTM 790 Adventure R 2019 is noted to have the quickshifter not standard, a slightly fiddly indicator switch, and a seat that is a little more uncomfortable on long tours compared to the standard model.