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

The KTM 790 Adventure 2019 and the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017 are both powerful enduro motorcycles with impressive features.

In terms of engine specifications, the KTM 790 Adventure has an inline, 2-cylinder engine with a displacement of 799cc. It produces 95 HP of power and 88 Nm of torque. On the other hand, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S is equipped with a V-twin, 2-cylinder engine with a displacement of 1301cc. It delivers a higher power output of 160 HP and a torque of 140 Nm.

Both motorcycles have electric starters and chain transmissions. They also have upside-down telescopic forks for the front suspension, with the KTM 790 Adventure featuring 43mm forks and the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S having 48mm forks. The rear suspension on both models consists of swing arms with monoshock absorbers. The KTM 790 Adventure has a rear travel of 200mm, while the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S offers adjustable compression, preload, and rebound settings for the rear suspension.

KTM 790 Adventure 2019

In terms of chassis, both motorcycles have chromium-molybdenum frames. The KTM 790 Adventure has a tubular, load-bearing engine frame, while the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S has a tubular frame. The rake and trail measurements are also different, with the KTM 790 Adventure having a rake of 64.1 degrees and a trail of 107.8mm, and the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S having a rake of 64 degrees and a trail of 120mm.

Both motorcycles are equipped with double disk brakes at the front. They also have advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, riding modes, ride by wire, and traction control. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S goes a step further with electronically adjustable suspension and cornering ABS as standard.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the KTM 790 Adventure has a front tire diameter of 21 inches, a rear tire width of 150mm, and a rear tire diameter of 18 inches. It has a wheelbase of 1509mm and a seat height that can be adjusted from 830mm to 850mm. The dry weight of the KTM 790 Adventure, including ABS, is 189kg, and it has a fuel tank capacity of 20 liters.

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017

On the other hand, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S has a front tire diameter of 19 inches, a rear tire width of 170mm, and a rear tire diameter of 17 inches. It has a longer wheelbase of 1560mm and a higher seat height that can be adjusted from 860mm to 875mm. The dry weight of the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S, including ABS, is 215kg, and it has a larger fuel tank capacity of 23 liters.

In terms of strengths, the KTM 790 Adventure is praised for its engine with manners and character, high chassis stability, excellent brakes, tremendous off-road capabilities, and low average consumption. On the other hand, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S is commended for its powerful engine, precise handling, traction control with a fun factor, cornering ABS as standard, easy-to-read TFT display, quickshifter, LED headlights with cornering lights, and off-road capability.

However, both motorcycles have their weaknesses. The KTM 790 Adventure is criticized for its unattractive surcharge policy and the fact that its original seat is not optimally shaped. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S, on the other hand, has a high price and a power-consuming height adjustment for the windshield.