KTM 1290 Super Adventure S versus Ducati Multistrada V4 S

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
KTM

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S

Adventure
Ducati

Ducati Multistrada V4 S

Adventure

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2018 bis 2024~
Built von 2021 bis 2024~
RRP 21.599 €
RRP 23.290 €
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Pros:
  • plenty of power
  • lavish furnishings
  • good usability
  • good travel comfort for driver and pillion passenger
  • successful deitails
  • plenty of accessories available
Pros:
  • High seating comfort for driver and front passenger
  • Impressive engine, sporty and refined
  • Good wind protection and easily adjustable windscreen
  • Very handy, yet stable handling
  • Technically everything on board (for an extra charge), what your heart desires
  • Brakes, tires, chassis: Everything was great
Cons:
  • high, but not unusual price in this class
  • somewhat idiosyncratic front mask (a matter of taste)
  • for some maybe a bit overloaded with technology
Cons:
  • Range could be better
  • Fully equipped no bargain

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.560 mm
Length :
2.250 mm Height : 1.520 mm
Seat :
849 mm until : 869 mm
Weight :
243 (max: 460 ) kg
Wheelbase: 1.567 mm
Seat :
840 mm until : 860 mm
Weight :
240 (max: 470 ) kg

Engine

Motor design: 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, V 75° 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.301 ccm
Hub: 71 mm
Hole: 108 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6
Motor design: V4 4 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.158 ccm
Cooling: Flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6

Performance

Maximum speed: 250 km/h
Performance: 160 HP at 9.000 U/Min
Torque: 138 NM bei 6.750 U/Min
Tank contents: 23 Litre
Consumption:
6 l
Reach:
404 km
Maximum speed: 255 km/h
Performance: 170 HP at 10.500 U/Min
Torque: 125 NM bei 8.750 U/Min
Tank contents: 22 Litre
Consumption:
7 l
Reach:
300 km

Chassis

Frame type:
Lattice tube (chromium-molybdenum)
Front suspension:
Semi-active WP-USD fork Ø 48 mm (travel 200 mm)
Rear suspension:
Semi-active WP Monoshock strut (travel 200 mm)
Rear suspension:
Die-cast two-arm swingarm
Tyres at the front: 120/70 ZR19
Rear tyres: 170/60 ZR17
Frame type:
Monocoque frame (aluminium)
Front suspension:
Upside-down (travel 180 mm)
Rear suspension:
Monoshock (travel 180 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm
Tyres at the front: 120/70-19
Rear tyres: 170/60-17

Brakes

Front brake
Double disc Brembo four-piston radial fixed caliper ( 320 mm) Rear brake
Brembo two-piston fixed caliper ( 267 mm)
Front brake
Double disc ( 330 mm) Rear brake
Single disc ( 265 mm)

Conclusion - what gets stuck

Well, bad motorcycles aren't actually built in this class any more. So what remains to be said? You have to look for the mistakes with a magnifying glass. But of course we have done this too and therefore mention the following criticisms: The compartment for the mobile phone is unfortunately too small for many models. From the point of view of a travel machine, a gimbal would also be nice – but clearly it's just KTM.

The optics of the front mask in particular are not for everyone – but this really falls under the category of taste question. The purchase price is quite lavish, but even with that the KTM is not alone. So let's return to the entry question of whether the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S is the new benchmark. The new benchmark is perhaps very ambitious. But the KTM can keep up with the big competing machines from this segment. And you almost get the impression that the differences are getting smaller and smaller.

The test machine was provided to us by Motorrad Ruser.

Price/Availability/Colours/Years of Construction

  • Price: from 18.495 €
  • Years of construction: from 2021
  • Availability: from 2021
  • Colours: orange, black

Conclusion - what gets stuck

Man, it was fun! Volker and Dietmar agree: A great throw from Ducati. Competitors need to dress warmly and we are looking forward to the first comparative tests with GS & Co. Whether die-hard Ducati fans are as enthusiastic about the new Multistrada as we are, it is not to be seen. Objectively, the new V4S is the better motorcycle, but one or the other will still prefer the 1260s with the great V2, because it represents classic Ducati virtues better than the new Multi. In this respect, this machine also polarizes a little, but it probably has to if Ducati wants to be in the top 10. We believe that the opportunity for this is very good. You hear from many pre-orders, Ducati seems to have done everything right. Auguri, Ducati!

The test motorcycle we kindly got provided by Bergmann & Söhne Bremervörde.

Price/Availability/Colours/Years of Construction

  • Price: from 20.9900 € (V4S)
  • Availability: from 02/2021
  • Colours: red, grey