KTM 1090 Adventure 2018 vs. KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2021

In terms of engine and drive train, both the KTM 1090 Adventure 2018 and the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2021 have V-type engines with two cylinders. However, there are some differences in the technical specifications. The 1090 Adventure has a bore of 103 mm and a stroke of 63 mm, while the 1290 Super Adventure R has a larger bore of 108 mm and a longer stroke of 71 mm. As a result, the 1290 Super Adventure R has a higher engine power of 160 HP compared to the 125 HP of the 1090 Adventure. The torque is also higher in the 1290 Super Adventure R at 138 Nm compared to the 109 Nm of the 1090 Adventure. Both motorcycles have electric starters and chain transmissions.

In terms of suspension, both motorcycles have upside-down telescopic forks at the front and swing arm suspensions at the rear. The 1290 Super Adventure R has larger diameter forks at 48 mm compared to the 43 mm forks of the 1090 Adventure. The travel of both the front and rear suspensions is also greater in the 1290 Super Adventure R, with 220 mm compared to the 185 mm front travel and 190 mm rear travel of the 1090 Adventure. Both motorcycles have WP brand suspension components.

In terms of chassis, both motorcycles have chromium-molybdenum frames and tubular frame types. The rake angle is the same at 64 degrees, but the trail is slightly different, with 120 mm for the 1090 Adventure and 112.8 mm for the 1290 Super Adventure R.

KTM 1090 Adventure 2018

In terms of brakes, both motorcycles have double disk brakes at the front with Brembo brand brakes. There is no information provided about the rear brakes.

In terms of assistance systems, both motorcycles have advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, riding modes, and traction control. However, the 1290 Super Adventure R also has additional features like cornering ABS, ride by wire, and cornering lights.

In terms of dimensions and weights, there are some differences between the two motorcycles. The 1290 Super Adventure R has a larger front tire diameter at 21 inches compared to the 19 inches of the 1090 Adventure. The rear tire width is the same at 150 mm, but the 1290 Super Adventure R has a larger rear tire diameter at 18 inches compared to the 17 inches of the 1090 Adventure. The wheelbase is slightly longer in the 1290 Super Adventure R at 1577 mm compared to the 1560 mm of the 1090 Adventure. The seat height is also higher in the 1290 Super Adventure R at 880 mm compared to the 850 mm of the 1090 Adventure. The dry weight with ABS is higher in the 1290 Super Adventure R at 221 kg compared to the 205 kg of the 1090 Adventure. Both motorcycles have a fuel tank capacity of 23 liters.

KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2021

In terms of equipment, both motorcycles have adjustable windshields. However, the 1290 Super Adventure R has additional features like cornering lights, LED daytime running lights, LED headlights, TFT display, and windscreen adjustable.

In terms of strengths, the 1090 Adventure has a very powerful and cultivated engine with a wide rev range, performance modes, and the ability to switch off ABS. It also has adjustable traction control, agile and safe handling, adjustable ergonomics, a height-adjustable windshield, low weight, and a comparatively low price. On the other hand, the 1290 Super Adventure R has a robust overall impression, high-quality and practical chassis, a great seat for endurance, sporty and high-quality components, a powerful but easy-to-control engine, and practical riding aids.

In terms of weaknesses, the 1090 Adventure is seen as having outdated optics compared to the new 1290 Super Adventures and its suspension fork is not adjustable. The 1290 Super Adventure R, on the other hand, is considered to lack individual features in the basic equipment and has fiddly controls.