KTM 790 Duke 2018 vs. KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2016

KTM 790 Duke 2018

KTM 790 Duke 2018

KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2016

KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2016

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Overview - KTM 790 Duke 2018 vs KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2016

When comparing the KTM 790 Duke 2018 and the KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2016, there are several notable differences in their technical specifications and overall performance.

Starting with the engine power, the KTM 790 Duke 2018 boasts 105 HP, while the KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2016 takes the lead with a more powerful 173 HP. Both bikes have 2 cylinders, but the KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2016 has a larger displacement at 1301cc compared to the 799cc of the KTM 790 Duke 2018.

In terms of suspension, both bikes feature upside-down telescopic forks from WP, ensuring a smooth and controlled ride. The chassis of both models is made of chromium-molybdenum and has a tubular frame type, providing strength and stability.

KTM 790 Duke 2018

KTM 790 Duke 2018

When it comes to brakes, both bikes are equipped with four-piston front brakes. However, the KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2016 has the added advantage of radial and monoblock technology, offering even more stopping power.

In terms of advanced rider assistance systems, both bikes come with ABS and traction control. The KTM 790 Duke 2018 also offers riding modes, further enhancing the riding experience.

In terms of dimensions and weights, both bikes have a 17-inch front tire diameter and a 120mm width. The KTM 790 Duke 2018 has a 180mm width rear tire, while the KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2016 has a wider 190mm rear tire. The wheelbase of the KTM 790 Duke 2018 is slightly shorter at 1475mm compared to the 1482mm of the KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2016. The seat height of the KTM 790 Duke 2018 is 825mm, slightly lower than the 835mm of the KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2016. The KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2016 also has a larger fuel tank capacity at 18 liters compared to the 14 liters of the KTM 790 Duke 2018.

Moving on to the strengths of each bike, the KTM 790 Duke 2018 is praised for its lively and high-revving engine, offering powerful acceleration. It also has an optimally tuned chassis for sporty riding and a comfortable seating position. The bike features many electronic gimmicks and functions, including an extremely precise quickshifter that makes fast riding even easier. Additionally, it has an awesome sound, even with the series muffler.

KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2016

KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2016

On the other hand, the KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2016 is known for its monstrous engine and torque, providing a wide rev range and little vibration. It also boasts strong brakes and extensive electronics. The bike has great extras and high-quality details, along with unrivaled aggressive looks.

However, both bikes have their weaknesses. The KTM 790 Duke 2018 can be rough to handle at low revs and can feel difficult in city traffic. Some riders have also reported oil leaks at the engine block on many 790 Dukes. On the other hand, the KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2016 has an automatic gearshift that some riders find a little too coarse.

In conclusion, the KTM 790 Duke 2018 and the KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2016 offer different strengths and weaknesses. The KTM 790 Duke 2018 excels in its lively engine, precise quickshifter, and comfortable seating position. Meanwhile, the KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2016 stands out with its powerful engine, strong brakes, extensive electronics, and aggressive looks. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications KTM 790 Duke 2018 compared to KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2016

KTM 790 Duke 2018
KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2016

Engine and Drive Train

BoreBore88 mmBore108 mm
StrokeStroke65.7 mmStroke71 mm
Engine powerEngine power105 HPEngine power173 HP
StarterStarterElectricStarterElectric
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeAntihopping
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
DisplacementDisplacement799 ccmDisplacement1,301 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
BrandBrandWPBrandWP

Suspension Rear

BrandBrandWPBrandWP

Chassis

FrameFrameChromium-molybdenumFrameChromium-molybdenum
Frame typeFrame typeTubularFrame typeTubular

Brakes Front

PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
TechnologyTechnologyradialTechnologyradial, Monoblock

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonDouble piston

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Riding modes, Traction controlAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Traction control

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width120 mmFront tyre width120 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height70 %Front tyre height70 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter17 inchFront tyre diameter17 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width180 mmRear tyre width190 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height55 %Rear tyre height55 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
WheelbaseWheelbase1,475 mmWheelbase1,482 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height825 mmSeat Height835 mm
Dry Weight (with ABS)Dry Weight (with ABS)169 kgDry Weight (with ABS)189 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity14 lFuel Tank Capacity18 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

KTM 790 Duke 2018

KTM 790 Duke 2018

The KTM 790 Duke L is an absolutely sporty naked bike with a high fun factor. Whether a beginner rider can handle it depends very much on his or her personality and riding behaviour. There are certainly motorbikes better suited for learning, but sporty radius hunters will hardly be satisfied with anything else. The 790 Duke L is also rather unenthusiastic about everyday rides in the city. On the country road, however, it's a blast, even with only 48 hp. Simply a fun bike as it is written in the book.

Lively, high-revving engine with powerful acceleration

optimally tuned chassis for sporty riding

awesome sound even with series muffler

many electronic gimmicks and functions

extremely precise quickshifter that makes fast riding even easier

comfortable seating position

Rough handling at low revs

bitchy in city traffic

sometimes fiddly-looking switches on the handlebars

oil leak at the engine block on many 790 Dukes

KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2016

KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2016

KTM knows no turning back and KTM knows no quarter. That's why the new 1290 Super Duke R is a little easier to handle than its predecessor, but also a little stronger and faster. Already at 2500 rpm, over 100 Nm are available, the maximum is 141, the top performance is stated at 177 hp. That may be too much, but it doesn't have to be. The electronics remain the lifeline in this category, where development continues to move forward strongly. KTM has started where it had difficulties and that was stability. Changes to the geometry and chassis have improved this significantly, making the ride on the beast not only faster, but also safer. The handling is no less radical for that, and the supermoto genes are more evident than on any other naked bike. There can only be one Super Duke.

Monstrous engine and torque

wide rev range

little vibration

strong brakes

extensive electronics

great extras

high-quality details

unrivalled aggressive looks.

Automatic gearshift a little too coarse

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price KTM 790 Duke vs KTM 1290 Super Duke R

There are a few key differences between a KTM 790 Duke 2018 and a KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2016. In terms of price, the actual average price of a KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2016 is about 43% higher. A KTM 790 Duke 2018 experiences a loss of 590 GBP in one year and 910 GBP in two years of ownership. This is offset by a loss of 680 GBP and 1,860 GBP for a KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2016. Compared to KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2016 there are less KTM 790 Duke 2018 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 24 compared to 25. It takes less time to sell a KTM 790 Duke with 58 days compared to 81 days for a KTM 1290 Super Duke R. Since model year 2018 1000PS.de editors have written 35 reviews for the KTM 790 Duke and 65 reviews for the KTM 1290 Super Duke R since model year 2013. The first review for the KTM 790 Duke was published on 09/11/2016 and now has more than 160,600 views. This compares to more than 4,900 views for the first review on KTM 1290 Super Duke R published on 08/11/2012.

Price KTM 790 Duke

Model year
Current average market prices

Price KTM 1290 Super Duke R

Model year
Current average market prices

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