Yamaha MT-09 SP 2021 vs. KTM 790 Duke 2018

In terms of engine and drive train, both the Yamaha MT-09 SP 2021 and the KTM 790 Duke 2018 have inline engines with fuel injection systems. However, the MT-09 SP has a more powerful engine with 119 HP compared to the 105 HP of the 790 Duke. The MT-09 SP also has an additional cylinder, with a displacement of 889ccm, while the 790 Duke has a displacement of 799ccm. Both bikes have liquid cooling systems.

In terms of suspension, both bikes have upside-down telescopic forks in the front and swing arm suspension in the rear. The MT-09 SP has Kayaba front suspension and an Öhlins rear shock absorber with compression, preload, and rebound adjustment. On the other hand, the 790 Duke has WP suspension both in the front and rear, with only preload adjustment.

In terms of chassis, the MT-09 SP has an aluminum frame with a twin tube design, while the 790 Duke has a chromium-molybdenum frame with a tubular design.

Yamaha MT-09 SP 2021

Both bikes have double disk brakes in the front, with the MT-09 SP having a diameter of 298mm and the 790 Duke having a diameter of 300mm.

In terms of advanced rider assistance systems, both bikes have ABS and traction control. The MT-09 SP also has cornering ABS, ride by wire, quickshifter, and anti-wheelie, while the 790 Duke has riding modes in addition to ABS and traction control.

In terms of dimensions and weights, both bikes have a front tire width of 120mm and a rear tire width of 180mm, with a 17-inch diameter for both front and rear tires. The wheelbase of the MT-09 SP is 1430mm, while the 790 Duke has a slightly longer wheelbase of 1475mm. Both bikes have a seat height of 825mm and a fuel tank capacity of 14 liters.

In terms of equipment, the MT-09 SP is equipped with LED headlights and a TFT display, while the 790 Duke has an adjustable windscreen.

KTM 790 Duke 2018

In terms of strengths, the MT-09 SP offers an upright and comfortable seating position, a well-tuned chassis, and quick and easy adjustments for mappings and traction control. It also has high-quality workmanship, lovely details, and a great tuned engine that provides great acceleration and lots of pressure in the relevant rev range.

The strengths of the 790 Duke include a lively and high-revving engine with powerful acceleration, an optimally tuned chassis for sporty riding, and an awesome sound even with the series muffler. It also offers many electronic gimmicks and functions, an extremely precise quickshifter that makes fast riding easier, and a comfortable seating position.

In terms of weaknesses, the MT-09 SP has a horn that is mounted in a crude way and a poor display. On the other hand, the 790 Duke has rough handling at low revs and can be difficult to handle in city traffic. It also has sometimes fiddly-looking switches on the handlebars and may experience oil leaks at the engine block on many 790 Dukes.