Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 vs. KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2017

Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018

Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018

KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2017

KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2017

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Overview - Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 vs KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2017

The Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 and the KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2017 are both naked bikes that offer powerful performance and advanced rider assistance systems. However, there are some key differences between the two models.

In terms of engine power, the KTM 1290 Super Duke R takes the lead with an impressive 177 HP compared to the Yamaha MT-09 SP's 115 HP. The KTM also boasts a higher torque of 144 Nm compared to the Yamaha's 87.5 Nm. This means that the KTM offers a more exhilarating and adrenaline-pumping riding experience.

Both bikes feature upside-down telescopic forks in the front suspension, with the Yamaha using a Kayaba brand and the KTM using WP. The rear suspension on the Yamaha is provided by Öhlins, while the KTM also uses WP for its rear suspension. These suspension setups ensure a smooth and controlled ride for both bikes.

Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018

Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018

In terms of chassis, the Yamaha MT-09 SP features an aluminum frame with a twin tube design, while the KTM 1290 Super Duke R has a chromium-molybdenum frame with a tubular design. Both frames are lightweight and provide good stability and handling.

When it comes to advanced rider assistance systems, both bikes offer ABS and traction control. However, the Yamaha MT-09 SP goes a step further with the addition of a quickshifter, allowing for seamless and effortless gear changes. The KTM does not have a quickshifter, but it compensates with practical electronic features that can be set very sporty or deactivated.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the Yamaha MT-09 SP has a slightly larger wheelbase of 1500 mm compared to the KTM's 1482 mm. The seat height on the Yamaha is 820 mm, while the KTM offers a slightly higher seat height of 835 mm. The fuel tank capacity on the Yamaha is 14 liters, while the KTM has a larger fuel tank capacity of 18 liters.

KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2017

KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2017

In terms of strengths, the Yamaha MT-09 SP offers an incredibly powerful three-cylinder engine, good brakes, a sporty and comfortable seating position, and advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, traction control, and a shift assistant. On the other hand, the KTM 1290 Super Duke R provides the most adrenaline rush, extensive configuration options when buying, grandiose brakes, great original equipment tires, practical electronic features, and a great seating position for tall people.

In terms of weaknesses, the Yamaha MT-09 SP has a high saddle, a shift assistant that is only for upshifting, and instruments that do not stand out strongly from the basic version. The KTM 1290 Super Duke R, on the other hand, has a shift assistant that is nice but a bit rough in direct comparison with other power nakeds, can be exhausting to ride, and its precise stroke is not always easy to hit. Additionally, it is considered the most dangerous motorcycle for the driving license on the market.

Overall, both the Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 and the KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2017 are powerful and exciting naked bikes, but they offer different strengths and weaknesses. The choice between the two will ultimately depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 compared to KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2017

Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018
KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2017

Engine and Drive Train

BoreBore78 mmBore108 mm
StrokeStroke59.1 mmStroke71 mm
Engine powerEngine power115 HPEngine power177 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power10,000 rpmRpm at Max. Power8,870 rpm
TorqueTorque87.5 NmTorque144 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque8,500 rpmRpm at Torque6,500 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio11.5 Compression Ratio13.2
StarterStarterElectricStarterElectric
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeAntihopping
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
CylindersCylinders3Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
DisplacementDisplacement847 ccmDisplacement1,301 ccm

Suspension Front

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

Suspension Rear

BrandBrandÖhlinsBrandWP

Chassis

FrameFrameAluminiumFrameChromium-molybdenum
Frame typeFrame typeTwin TubeFrame typeTubular

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Quickshifter, 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
WheelbaseWheelbase1,500 mmWheelbase1,482 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height820 mmSeat Height835 mm
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity14 lFuel Tank Capacity18 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018

Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018

The Yamaha MT-09 SP is the refinement of an already very good mid-range naked bike. With better suspension components from Öhlins and Kayaba, a nicer paint job and a justifiably higher price, the SP version is clearly the sportiest choice within the Yamaha MT-09 range. The brute power of the engine does not allow the MT-09 SP to be ridden comfortably, but that is not necessary on the "Special" - the fun is clearly in the foreground! The Yamaha MT-09 EVO with Wilbers suspension is now available as an interesting alternative, because it has no "war paint" and is very discreet. But unfortunately only for Switzerland...

incredibly powerful three-cylinder engine

good brakes

sporty and comfortable seating position

ABS

traction control

shift assistant

high saddle

shift assistant only for upshifting

instruments do not stand out strongly from the basic version

KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2017

KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2017

The KTM is and remains the most brutal naked bike on the market. The upright seating position combined with the wild V2 power make it seem more brutal than it is on paper. It has been improved precisely at its weakest points. The engine now runs smoother, the shift assistant brings calm in the acceleration phase and the chassis has been improved. It still loves the wild chase more than high cornering speed on long bends.

Provides the most adrenaline rush

Extensive configuration options when buying

Grandiose brakes

Great original equipment tyres

Practical electronic features

Great seating position for tall people

Electronic features can be set very sporty and also deactivated.

Shift assistant nice, but in direct comparison with other power nakeds a bit rough

Exhausting to ride

Precise stroke not always easy to hit

The most dangerous motorbike for the driving licence on the market.

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price Yamaha MT-09 SP vs KTM 1290 Super Duke R

There are a few key differences between a Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 and a KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2017. In terms of price, the actual average price of a KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2017 is about 32% higher. A Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 experiences a loss of 780 GBP in one year and 1,460 GBP in two years of ownership. This is offset by a loss of 150 GBP and 550 GBP for a KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2017. Compared to KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2017 there are less Yamaha MT-09 SP 2018 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 5 compared to 15. It takes less time to sell a KTM 1290 Super Duke R with 70 days compared to 72 days for the Yamaha MT-09 SP. Since model year 2018 1000PS.de editors have written 29 reviews for the Yamaha MT-09 SP and 65 reviews for the KTM 1290 Super Duke R since model year 2013. The first review for the Yamaha MT-09 SP was published on 06/11/2017 and now has more than 49,000 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 Yamaha MT-09 SP

Model year
Current average market prices

Price KTM 1290 Super Duke R

Model year
Current average market prices

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