KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 vs. KTM 790 Adventure R 2020

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

KTM 790 Adventure R 2020

KTM 790 Adventure R 2020

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Overview - KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 vs KTM 790 Adventure R 2020

The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 and the KTM 790 Adventure R 2020 are both enduro motorcycles with their own unique features and characteristics.

Starting with the engine and drive train, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 is equipped with a V2 engine with a displacement of 1301ccm, producing 160 HP of power and 138 Nm of torque. On the other hand, the KTM 790 Adventure R 2020 has an in-line twin-cylinder engine with a displacement of 799ccm, producing 95 HP of power and 88 Nm of torque. The 1290 Super Adventure S has a more powerful engine compared to the 790 Adventure R.

In terms of suspension, both motorcycles have upside-down telescopic forks at the front and swing arm suspension with a monoshock at the rear. However, the KTM 790 Adventure R has a higher travel distance of 240mm for both the front and rear suspension, compared to the 200mm travel distance of the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S. This gives the 790 Adventure R an advantage in off-road capabilities and rough terrain.

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

The chassis of both motorcycles is made of chromium-molybdenum and has a tubular frame design. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S has a slightly steeper rake angle of 65.3 degrees compared to the 63.7 degrees of the KTM 790 Adventure R. This difference in rake angle can affect the handling and stability of the motorcycles.

In terms of brakes, both motorcycles have double disk brakes at the front. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S comes with advanced rider assistance systems such as electronically adjustable suspension, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, cruise control, and traction control. The KTM 790 Adventure R also has ABS, riding modes, ride by wire, and traction control, but lacks some of the advanced features found on the 1290 Super Adventure S.

KTM 790 Adventure R 2020

KTM 790 Adventure R 2020

In terms of dimensions and weights, the KTM 790 Adventure R has a slightly larger front tire diameter of 21 inches compared to the 19 inches of the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S. The rear tire width of the 790 Adventure R is 150mm, while the 1290 Super Adventure S has a wider rear tire width of 170mm. The seat height of the 790 Adventure R is higher at 880mm compared to the 849mm of the 1290 Super Adventure S. The dry weight of the 790 Adventure R is also lighter at 189kg, while the 1290 Super Adventure S weighs 220kg.

In terms of weaknesses, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S has a somewhat sluggish turn-in behavior in bends and a package design and pricing policy that some may find opaque. The dashboards and switches of the 1290 Super Adventure S also do not feel very high quality. On the other hand, the KTM 790 Adventure R does not come standard with a quickshifter and the indicator switch can be a little fiddly. The seat of the 790 Adventure R may also be slightly more uncomfortable on long tours compared to the standard model.

In conclusion, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 and the KTM 790 Adventure R 2020 are both capable enduro motorcycles with their own strengths and weaknesses. The 1290 Super Adventure S offers a more powerful engine and advanced rider assistance systems, while the 790 Adventure R excels in off-road capabilities and has a lighter weight. The choice between the two would depend on the rider's preferences and intended use of the motorcycle.

Technical Specifications KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 compared to KTM 790 Adventure R 2020

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021
KTM 790 Adventure R 2020

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeVEngine typeIn line
BoreBore108 mmBore88 mm
StrokeStroke71 mmStroke65.7 mm
Engine powerEngine power160 HPEngine power95 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power8,750 rpmRpm at Max. Power8,000 rpm
TorqueTorque138 NmTorque88 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,750 rpmRpm at Torque6,600 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio13.1 Compression Ratio12.7
Fuel systemFuel systemInjectionFuel systemInjection
Throttle BoreThrottle Bore52 mmThrottle Bore46 mm
StarterStarterElectricStarterElectric
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
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
LubricationLubricationForcedLubricationForced
DisplacementDisplacement1,301 ccmDisplacement799 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
BrandBrandWPBrandWP
DiameterDiameter48 mmDiameter48 mm
TravelTravel200 mmTravel240 mm

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
Shock mountShock mountDeflectionShock mountdirect
BrandBrandWPBrandWP
TravelTravel200 mmTravel240 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentPreload
MaterialMaterialAluminiumMaterialAluminium

Chassis

FrameFrameChromium-molybdenumFrameChromium-molybdenum
Frame typeFrame typeTubularFrame typeTubular, Load-bearing engine
RakeRake65.3 degreeRake63.7 degree

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter320 mmDiameter320 mm
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
ActuationActuationHydraulicActuationHydraulic
TechnologyTechnologyradialTechnologyradial

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter267 mmDiameter260 mm
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonDouble piston

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, Riding modes, Ride by Wire, Traction control

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width120 mmFront tyre width90 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height70 %Front tyre height90 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter19 inchFront tyre diameter21 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width170 mmRear tyre width150 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height60 %Rear tyre height70 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter18 inch
WheelbaseWheelbase1,560 mmWheelbase1,528 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height849 mmSeat Height880 mm
Dry Weight (with ABS)Dry Weight (with ABS)220 kgDry Weight (with ABS)189 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity23 lFuel Tank Capacity20 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

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

KTM 790 Adventure R 2020

KTM 790 Adventure R 2020

The Adventure R goes one step further than the standard model. Here, the WP guys were finally allowed to draw on their full resources and show what they can do. The higher-quality chassis compensates for the disadvantages of the long suspension travel on the road, but scores points off-road with massive reserves. The surcharge is more than justified. The seat height will probably restrict the clientele somewhat.

High chassis quality ensures a wide range of use

Engine offers great running culture, rich torque and perfectly dimensioned power

Easy-to-read display

Practical rally electronics package

Despite radical chassis also stable, manoeuvrable and suitable for everyday use on the road

Quickshifter not standard

indicator switch a little fiddly

seat a little more uncomfortable on long tours than on standard model

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price KTM 1290 Super Adventure S vs KTM 790 Adventure R

There are a few key differences between a KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 and a KTM 790 Adventure R 2020. In terms of price, the actual average price of a KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 is about 61% higher. A KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 experiences a loss of 100 USD in one year and 920 USD in two years of ownership. This is offset by a loss of 610 USD and 970 USD for a KTM 790 Adventure R 2020. Compared to KTM 790 Adventure R 2020 there are more KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 26 compared to 12. It takes less time to sell a KTM 1290 Super Adventure S with 91 days compared to 101 days for a KTM 790 Adventure R. Since model year 2017 1000PS.de editors have written 31 reviews for the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S and 9 reviews for the KTM 790 Adventure R since model year 2019. The first review for the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S was published on 10/12/2016 and now has more than 32,200 views. This compares to more than 53,600 views for the first review on KTM 790 Adventure R published on 10/6/2018.

Price KTM 1290 Super Adventure S

Model year
Current average market prices

Price KTM 790 Adventure R

Model year
Current average market prices

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