KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 vs. Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021

Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021

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Overview - KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 vs Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021

The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 and the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021 are both powerful and capable enduro motorcycles. However, they have some key differences in terms of their technical specifications and strengths.

Starting with the engine and drive train, both motorcycles have a V-twin engine configuration. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S has a larger displacement of 1301cc compared to the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special's 1252cc. The KTM also has a higher engine power of 160 HP and torque of 138 Nm, while the Harley-Davidson has 150 HP and 127 Nm of torque. Both motorcycles have an electric starter and chain transmission.

In terms of suspension, both motorcycles feature upside-down telescopic forks at the front and a swing arm with a monoshock at the rear. The KTM has a larger front fork diameter of 48mm compared to the Harley-Davidson's 47mm. Both motorcycles offer compression, preload, and rebound adjustments for the front and rear suspension.

The chassis of the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S is made of chromium-molybdenum and has a tubular frame type, while the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special has an aluminum frame with a double cradle design. Both motorcycles have a rake angle of 65 degrees.

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

In terms of brakes, both motorcycles have double disc brakes at the front with Brembo brand calipers. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S offers advanced rider assistance systems such as electronically adjustable suspension, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, cruise control, and traction control. The Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special also offers ABS, electronically adjustable suspension, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, cruise control, and traction control.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S has a front tire diameter of 19 inches, a rear tire width of 170mm, and a rear tire diameter of 17 inches. It has a wheelbase of 1560mm and a seat height of 849mm. The dry weight with ABS is 220kg, and the kerb weight with ABS is 243kg. It has a fuel tank capacity of 23 liters, a range of 416km, and a combined fuel consumption of 5.7 l/100km. The Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special has similar dimensions and weights, with a front tire diameter of 19 inches, a rear tire width of 170mm, and a rear tire diameter of 17 inches. It has a slightly longer wheelbase of 1585mm and a seat height of 850mm. The dry weight with ABS is 242kg, and the kerb weight with ABS is 258kg. It has a fuel tank capacity of 21.2 liters, a range of 432km, and a combined fuel consumption of 4.9 l/100km.

In terms of equipment, both motorcycles offer features such as cornering lights, LED headlights, TFT displays, and adjustable windscreens. The Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special also offers additional features such as Bluetooth connectivity, heated grips, LED daytime running lights, and an optional seat lowering when stationary. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S has a larger 7-inch display on its instrumentation.

Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021

Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021

In terms of strengths, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S is praised for its sporty yet refined V2 powerplant, accessible handling despite its high weight, comfortable seating position, good brakes with cornering ABS, and a comprehensive electronics package. It also has a clear and well-structured instrumentation with a large display.

On the other hand, the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special is praised for its sporty powerplant, comfortable seating position, good pillion suitability, extensive electronics, original HD pannier system, wind protection, and good off-road characteristics.

However, both motorcycles have their weaknesses. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S is criticized for its somewhat sluggish turn-in behavior in bends, opaque package design, and pricing policy. The Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special is noted for its engine heat in city mode and the unavailability of a quickshifter.

In conclusion, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S and the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special are both capable enduro motorcycles with their own strengths and weaknesses. The KTM offers a more powerful engine and a larger display, while the Harley-Davidson offers additional features such as Bluetooth connectivity and heated grips. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 compared to Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021
Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeVEngine typeV
BoreBore108 mmBore105 mm
StrokeStroke71 mmStroke72 mm
Engine powerEngine power160 HPEngine power150 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power8,750 rpmRpm at Max. Power9,000 rpm
TorqueTorque138 NmTorque127 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,750 rpmRpm at Torque6,750 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio13.1 Compression Ratio13
Fuel systemFuel systemInjectionFuel systemInjection
StarterStarterElectricStarterElectric
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
IgnitionIgnitionDual ignitionIgnitionTransistor
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
Transmission TypeTransmission TypeGearshiftTransmission TypeGearshift
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
Valves per cylinderValves per cylinder4Valves per cylinder4
ValvesValvesDOHCValvesDOHC
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement1,301 ccmDisplacement1,252 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
DiameterDiameter48 mmDiameter47 mm
TravelTravel200 mmTravel191 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
TravelTravel200 mmTravel191 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound
MaterialMaterialAluminiumMaterialAluminium

Chassis

FrameFrameChromium-molybdenumFrameAluminium
Frame typeFrame typeTubularFrame typeDouble cradle
RakeRake65.3 degreeRake65 degree

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter320 mmDiameter320 mm
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
TechnologyTechnologyradialTechnologyradial, Monoblock
BrandBrandBremboBrandBrembo

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter267 mmDiameter280 mm
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonSingle piston
Shock mountShock mountFixed caliperShock mountFloating caliper

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsSuspension electronically adjustable, Riding modes, Cornering ABS, Ride by Wire, Cruise control, Traction controlAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Suspension electronically adjustable, Riding modes, Cornering ABS, Ride by Wire, Cruise control, 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 diameter19 inchFront tyre diameter19 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width170 mmRear tyre width170 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height60 %Rear tyre height60 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
WheelbaseWheelbase1,560 mmWheelbase1,585 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height849 mmSeat Height850 mm
Dry Weight (with ABS)Dry Weight (with ABS)220 kgDry Weight (with ABS)242 kg
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)243 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)258 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity23 lFuel Tank Capacity21.2 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA
RangeRange416 kmRange432 km
Combined fuel consumptionCombined fuel consumption5.7 l/100kmCombined fuel consumption4.9 l/100km

Equipment

EquipmentEquipmentCornering lights, LED-Headlights, TFT display, Windscreen adjustableEquipmentBluetooth, Connectivity, Heated grips, Cornering lights, LED daytime running lights, LED-Headlights, TFT display, Windscreen adjustable

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

All in all, the long-distance capable KTM 1290 Super Adventure S is made for a trip for two, whereby the rider hardly ever has to think about where it is going. It likes motorway sections, fast country road passages or winding mountain passes in the tightest of corners just as much as unpaved roads with the occasional rough gravel section, where it is primarily the rider or their routine that decides how far they can go. The handling, which is improved compared to the predecessor due to the lower tank (and thus centre of gravity), also scores points here. The electronic chassis copes perfectly with the changing surfaces of a journey and always conveys transparency, the engine sovereignty in every situation. Ready to race - or also: Ready for long-distance racing!

Very sporty, but also cultivated V2 power plant

extremely accessible handling despite high weight

comfortable, driving-friendly seating position

good brakes including cornering ABS

comprehensive electronics package

clear, well-structured instrumentation with huge 7-inch display.

Turn-in behaviour in bends somewhat sluggish

Opaque package design and pricing policy

Dashboards and switches do not feel very high quality

Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021

Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021

To sum up, in everyday and touring use we can say what our first impression already told us: the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special is a touring enduro that can do what a big, strong touring enduro must be able to do in 2021. With enough space for two, with the possibility to leave the beaten track sometimes. Of course, you will hardly tackle the wildest off-road passages with it. But what the rider dares to do on a motorbike of this weight class is more pleasant for the passenger than on many competitors, thanks to the excellent electronic suspension on the Harley. And if pillion skipped the one or other creek crossing, it was only to take photos. And not to get her feet wet. Because even the most modern electronics can't prevent that, but that's what makes such adventure bikes so much fun. It is only when it is dirty that it is identified as such, even in front of the ice cream parlour.

Sporty powerplant

comfortable seating position

good pillion suitability

extensive electronics

original HD pannier system

wind protection

cornering ABS standard

cornering TC standard

optional seat lowering when stationary

good off-road characteristics.

Engine heat in city mode

quickshifter not available

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price KTM 1290 Super Adventure S vs Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special

There are a few key differences between a KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 and a Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021. In terms of price, the actual average price of a Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021 is about 22% higher. A KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 experiences a loss of 110 GBP in one year and 930 GBP in two years of ownership. This is offset by a loss of 520 GBP and 1,720 GBP for a Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021. Compared to Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021 there are more KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 26 compared to 11. It takes less time to sell a Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special with 78 days compared to 91 days for the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S. Since model year 2017 1000PS.de editors have written 31 reviews for the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S and 18 reviews for the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special since model year 2021. The first review for the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S was published on 12/10/2016 and now has more than 32,200 views. This compares to more than 61,800 views for the first review on Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special published on 22/02/2021.

Price KTM 1290 Super Adventure S

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special

Model year
Current average market prices

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