KTM 890 Duke R 2023 vs. KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022

The KTM 890 Duke R 2023 and the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022 are both high-performance motorcycles from KTM, but they have distinct characteristics and are designed for different purposes.

Starting with the KTM 890 Duke R 2023, it is a naked bike that offers a powerful and rev-happy engine. With a displacement of 890ccm, it produces 121 HP of engine power and 99 Nm of torque. The engine is an in-line, 2-cylinder configuration with liquid cooling. The bike features a chain transmission and an electric starter. The suspension system includes an upside-down telescopic fork with a diameter of 43mm at the front and a swing arm with a monoshock at the rear. The suspension is adjustable for preload. The frame is made of chromium-molybdenum and has a tubular design. The bike has a rake of 65.7 degrees. Braking is handled by double disk brakes with a diameter of 320mm at the front, equipped with four-piston radial pistons. The bike is equipped with advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, and traction control. It has a front tire width of 120mm and a rear tire width of 180mm, both with a diameter of 17 inches. The wheelbase is 1482mm, and the seat height is 834mm. The dry weight of the bike is 166kg, and it has a fuel tank capacity of 14 liters. The bike is equipped with connectivity, LED headlights, and a TFT display.

KTM 890 Duke R 2023

On the other hand, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022 is an enduro motorcycle that offers a more powerful engine. It has a V2 engine configuration with a displacement of 1301ccm, producing 160 HP of engine power and 138 Nm of torque. The engine is also liquid-cooled and features a chain transmission and an electric starter. The suspension system includes an upside-down telescopic fork with a diameter of 48mm at the front and a swing arm with a monoshock at the rear. The suspension is adjustable for compression, preload, and rebound. The frame is made of chromium-molybdenum and has a tubular design. The bike has a rake of 65.3 degrees. Braking is handled by double disk brakes with a diameter of 320mm at the front, equipped with four-piston radial pistons. The bike is equipped with advanced rider assistance systems such as suspension electronically adjustable, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, cruise control, and traction control. It has a front tire width of 120mm and a rear tire width of 170mm, with a front tire diameter of 19 inches and a rear tire diameter of 17 inches. The wheelbase is 1560mm, and the seat height is 849mm. The dry weight of the bike is 220kg, and it has a fuel tank capacity of 23 liters. The bike is equipped with cornering lights, LED headlights, a TFT display, and an adjustable windscreen.

In terms of strengths, the KTM 890 Duke R 2023 is praised for its powerful and rev-happy engine, finely controllable response, and good quickshifter. Its sporty seating position ensures great front-wheel feel, and it has high-quality adjustable suspension and powerful Brembo brakes. The bike also has a low vehicle weight and offers an extensive range of electronics, some of which are optional.

On the other hand, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022 is praised for its very sporty, yet cultivated V2 power plant. Despite its high weight, it offers extremely playful handling. The bike has a comfortable, driving-friendly seating position and good brakes, including cornering ABS. It also has a comprehensive electronics package, including adaptive cruise control (ACC), and a clear, well-structured instrumentation with a huge 7-inch display.

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022

However, both bikes have their weaknesses. The KTM 890 Duke R 2023 has a more demanding sitting position compared to the basic model, and its tight basic setup may not be to everyone's taste. On the other hand, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022 requires an extra cost for the gearshift assistant, and it has an idiosyncratic look and a tight seat.

In summary, the KTM 890 Duke R 2023 and the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022 are both impressive motorcycles with their own strengths and weaknesses. The KTM 890 Duke R 2023 excels in its powerful engine and sporty characteristics, while the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022 offers a more powerful engine and a comprehensive set of features suitable for adventure riding.