Ducati Multistrada 1260 versus KTM 1290 Super Adventure

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
Ducati

Ducati Multistrada 1260

Adventure
KTM

KTM 1290 Super Adventure

Adventure

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2018 bis 2020
Built von 2014 bis 2017
RRP 16.990 €
RRP
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Pros:
  • Powerful engine
  • Precise chassis
  • Windbreak
  • Comfort
  • Service
Pros:
Cons:
  • Nothing to get at low speed
  • Off-road capability
Cons:

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.585 mm
Length :
2.190 mm Height : 1.495 mm
Seat :
825 mm
Weight :
232 (max: 450 ) kg
Wheelbase: 1.560 mm
Length :
2.250 mm Height : 1.520 mm
Seat :
860 mm until : 875 mm
Weight :
253 kg

Engine

Motor design: V-motor 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.261 ccm
Hub: 72 mm
Hole: 106 mm
Cooling: Flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6
Motor design: V2 LC8 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.301 ccm
Hub: 71 mm
Hole: 108 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: X-Ring Kette
Aisles: 6

Performance

Maximum speed: 251 km/h
Performance: 158 HP at 9.500 U/Min
Torque: 130 NM bei 7.500 U/Min
Tank contents: 20 Litre
Consumption:
6 l
Reach:
350 km
Maximum speed: 260 km/h
Performance: 160 HP at 8.750 U/Min
Torque: 140 NM bei 6.750 U/Min
Tank contents: 30 Litre
Consumption:
6 l
Reach:
476 km

Chassis

Frame type:
Tubular space frame (steel)
Front suspension:
Upside-down telescopic fork (travel 170 mm)
Rear suspension:
Adjustable central strut (travel 170 mm)
Rear suspension:
Single-arm swingarm made of aluminium
Tyres at the front: Width: 120 mm, 17 inches
Rear tyres: Width:190 mm, 17 inches
Frame type:
Lattice tube (chromium-molybdenum)
Rear suspension:
Mono strut (travel 200 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm

Brakes

Front brake
Double disc ( 320 mm) Rear brake
Single disc ( 265 mm)
Front brake
Double disc brake with floating brake calipers ( 320 mm) Rear brake
Single disc brake with floating brake caliper ( 267 mm)

The Multi is at a crossroads

One has to pay the highest praise to the Ducati engineers that one hardly notices these extra pounds. And yet the multi is at a crossroads. The whole electrics are not only for safety because of the bearish engine, it must be to make the heavy vehicle manageable. The most striking example of this is the electronic parking brake. At the push of a button, the rear brake can be activated to pin the Duc to a hill for a start, thus facilitating uphill start-ups. The Multistrada 1260 S has nice but completely unnecessary things like the backlit switches on board. Impossible for serious use off-road would be the delicate blinkers in the hand protectors, which lead their meaning ad absurdum.

Ducati actually has the most sporty adventure bike in the range with the Multistrada 1260 S, because the competition from BMW or Triumph can't keep up (and probably won't). With her rousing style she won many friends in the Test team and gave us a lot of fun.

On the other hand, it is comfortable enough for the long tour, great to use and well crafted. That she can't get into the terrain – as a gift, she would only lie down next to all the other adventure bikes that were sunk by her riders there in a nod to reality.

The test bike was provided to us by Ducati-Hamburg.

Price / Availability / Colours / Years of Construction

  • Price: from 16.990€
  • Used (3 years old): 12,000€
  • Years built: 1260 since 2018
  • Availability: good
  • Colours: red, grey, white