KTM 1290 Super Duke GT versus Kawasaki Ninja 1000 SX

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
KTM

KTM 1290 Super Duke GT

Sporttourer
Kawasaki

Kawasaki Ninja 1000 SX

Sporttourer

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2016 bis 2024~
Built von 2020 bis 2024~
RRP 22.499 €
RRP 14.995 €
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Pros:
  • Tourable seating position & adjustable windscreen
  • Bearish engine
  • Wide range of accessories
  • Very good standard equipment
  • Semi-active, electronic WP chassis
Pros:
  • mega-mature machine
  • silky 4-cylinder with punch and enormous elasticity
  • soft seating position, also suitable for longer distances with pillion passenger
  • Technically very well equipped
Cons:
  • QuickShifter only for an extra charge
  • Tight seat
  • Engine needs some speed to feel good
Cons:
  • partial noise depending on the setting of the windscreen
  • minor vibrations

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.482 mm
Seat :
835 mm
Weight :
234 (max: 460 ) kg
Wheelbase: 1.440 mm
Length :
2.100 mm Height : 1.190 mm
Seat :
835 mm
Weight :
235 kg

Engine

Motor design: V2 cylinder, 4-stroke, 75° 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.301 ccm
Hub: 71 mm
Hole: 108 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6
Motor design: Four-stroke in-line four-cylinder 4 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.043 ccm
Hub: 56 mm
Hole: 77 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: O-Ring Kette
Aisles: 6

Performance

Maximum speed: 260 km/h
Performance: 175 HP at 9.750 U/Min
Torque: 141 NM bei 7.000 U/Min
Tank contents: 23 Litre
Consumption:
6 l
Reach:
400 km
Maximum speed: 247 km/h
Performance: 142 HP at 10.000 U/Min
Torque: 111 NM bei 8.000 U/Min
Tank contents: 19 Litre
Consumption:
6 l
Reach:
328 km

Chassis

Frame type:
Lattice tube (chromium-molybdenum)
Front suspension:
Semi-active WP-USD fork Ø 48 mm (travel 125 mm)
Rear suspension:
Mono strut (travel 156 mm)
Rear suspension:
Single-arm swingarm
Tyres at the front: 120/70 ZR17
Rear tyres: 190/55 ZR17
Frame type:
Double profile frame (aluminium)
Front suspension:
41 mm upside-down fork (travel 120 mm)
Rear suspension:
Horizontal backlink gas pressure shock absorber (travel 144 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm
Tyres at the front: 120/70ZR17M/C (58W)
Rear tyres: 190/50ZR17M/C (73W)

Brakes

Front brake
Double disc ( 320 mm) Rear brake
Disc ( 240 mm)
Front brake
Double Petal Brake Discs, Double Radial Mounted, 4 Pistons ( 300 mm) Rear brake
Single petal brake disc, single piston ( 250 mm)

Conclusion - what sticks

The new 1290 Super Duke GT has actually gotten even better. The many Tec updates may not be everyone's cup of tea or absolutely necessary, but they all work splendidly. The brakes are very good and the range of about 400 km is suitable for touring. The GT lives up to its name and, thanks to its seating position, is also suitable for longer tours. Nevertheless, the sporty character is always present, Ready to Race everywhere, just typical KTM!
 
The test bike was provided by Motorrad Ruser . This dealer based in Haseldorf near Hamburg has all sorts of KTM and Yamaha bikes in stock as demonstrators and the country roads around Haseldorf invite you to a magnificent test lap. So, let's go to Haseldorf. Please send greetings from us to Jessi and Hermann, and do not miss the new coffee machine. We recommend cappuccino or latte macchiato.

Price/availability/colours/years of construction

  • Price: 20.349 €
  • Used (3 years old): 10.500€
  • Years of construction: since 2016
  • last facelift: 2022
  • Colors: orange, orange & orange

Conclusion - what sticks

This machine is just great! Volker and Dietmar didn't want to be relegated anymore, that's rare. You can see the bike's maturity everywhere. Everything works easily and simply and the machine gives the pilot full confidence right from the start. It is guaranteed not to break so quickly, at least that's what it radiates. It is suitable for all those who want to be sporty during a longer tour - also with a passenger, because he also feels at home on the SX.
 
Kawa himself says about the Ninja 1000 SX: "Tours and sports – the Ninja 1000SX offers the best of both worlds". Usually we laugh at these marketing slogans, but in this case it hits the nail on the head.
 
The test machine was kindly provided by Heller & Soltau,by far the best Kawasaki dealer in Northern Germany! Our tip for the Ninja 1000 SX: Definitely test drive.

Price/Availability/Colours/Years of construction

  • Price: 13.945 €
  • Used (3 years old): 10.000€
  • Years of construction: 2011-2021
  • Colors: red, green, black