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

The Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 and the KTM 790 Duke 2018 are both naked bikes with similar technical specifications. However, there are some key differences between the two models.

In terms of engine power, the Yamaha MT-09 SP has a more powerful engine with 115 HP compared to the KTM 790 Duke's 105 HP. Both bikes have fuel injection systems and liquid cooling.

The Yamaha MT-09 SP has a three-cylinder engine, while the KTM 790 Duke has a two-cylinder engine. This difference in cylinder configuration can result in different performance characteristics and sound.

Both bikes have upside-down telescopic forks for the front suspension, but the Yamaha MT-09 SP uses Kayaba suspension while the KTM 790 Duke uses WP suspension. The rear suspension on both bikes is a swing arm with a monoshock, but the Yamaha MT-09 SP has an Öhlins shock absorber with compression, preload, and rebound adjustments, while the KTM 790 Duke has a WP shock absorber with preload adjustment only.

Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018

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

Both bikes have double disk brakes on the front with similar diameters. The Yamaha MT-09 SP has a front tire width of 120 mm and a rear tire width of 180 mm, while the KTM 790 Duke has the same tire widths. Both bikes have a 17-inch front and rear tire diameter.

In terms of rider assistance systems, both bikes have ABS and traction control. The Yamaha MT-09 SP also has a shift assistant, which allows for quick and smooth upshifting. The KTM 790 Duke has additional rider assistance systems such as riding modes.

KTM 790 Duke 2018

In terms of dimensions and weights, the Yamaha MT-09 SP has a slightly longer wheelbase at 1500 mm compared to the KTM 790 Duke's 1475 mm. The seat height of the Yamaha MT-09 SP is 820 mm, while the KTM 790 Duke has a slightly higher seat height at 825 mm. Both bikes have a fuel tank capacity of 14 liters.

In terms of equipment, the Yamaha MT-09 SP has LED headlights, while the KTM 790 Duke has an adjustable windscreen.

In terms of strengths, the Yamaha MT-09 SP has an incredibly powerful three-cylinder engine, good brakes, a sporty and comfortable seating position, ABS, traction control, and a shift assistant. The KTM 790 Duke has a lively, high-revving engine with powerful acceleration, an optimally tuned chassis for sporty riding, an awesome sound even with the series muffler, many electronic gimmicks and functions, an extremely precise quickshifter that makes fast riding even easier, and a comfortable seating position.

In terms of weaknesses, the Yamaha MT-09 SP has a high saddle, a shift assistant only for upshifting, and instruments that do not stand out strongly from the basic version. The KTM 790 Duke has rough handling at low revs, can be difficult to handle in city traffic, sometimes has fiddly-looking switches on the handlebars, and may have an oil leak at the engine block on many 790 Dukes.