KTM 790 Duke 2018 vs. Yamaha MT-09 2018

KTM 790 Duke 2018

KTM 790 Duke 2018

Yamaha MT-09 2018

Yamaha MT-09 2018

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Overview - KTM 790 Duke 2018 vs Yamaha MT-09 2018

The KTM 790 Duke 2018 and the Yamaha MT-09 2018 are both popular naked bikes in the mid-range segment. They have similar engine types, fuel systems, and cooling systems. However, there are some notable differences between the two models.

In terms of engine power, the Yamaha MT-09 has a slight advantage with 115 HP compared to the KTM 790 Duke's 105 HP. This difference may not be significant for most riders, but it could be a deciding factor for those who prioritize power.

Both bikes have upside-down telescopic forks for the front suspension and swing arms with monoshock for the rear suspension. These suspension setups provide good handling and stability, allowing for a comfortable ride on various terrains.

The chassis of the KTM 790 Duke is made of chromium-molybdenum, while the Yamaha MT-09 features an aluminum frame. The choice of materials affects the overall weight and handling of the bikes. The KTM 790 Duke's frame is tubular, while the Yamaha MT-09 has a twin tube frame. These differences in frame design may result in variations in handling and stability.

KTM 790 Duke 2018

KTM 790 Duke 2018

In terms of braking, both bikes have double disk brakes at the front with similar diameters. This ensures effective and reliable braking performance. Both models also come with advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS and traction control, enhancing safety and control during rides.

The dimensions and weights of the two bikes are relatively similar, with slight variations in wheelbase and seat height. The KTM 790 Duke has a slightly longer wheelbase of 1475 mm compared to the Yamaha MT-09's 1440 mm. The seat height of the KTM 790 Duke is also slightly higher at 825 mm, while the Yamaha MT-09 offers a seat height of 815 mm. These differences may affect the comfort and ergonomics for different riders.

Both bikes have a fuel tank capacity of 14 liters, providing a decent range for long rides without frequent refueling.

Yamaha MT-09 2018

Yamaha MT-09 2018

When it comes to strengths, the KTM 790 Duke offers a lively, high-revving engine with powerful acceleration. Its chassis is optimally tuned for sporty riding, and it provides an awesome sound even with the series muffler. The KTM 790 Duke also boasts many electronic gimmicks and functions, including an extremely precise quickshifter that makes fast riding even easier. Additionally, it offers a comfortable seating position for riders.

On the other hand, the Yamaha MT-09 stands out with its harmonious optics and character. It has smooth wheels and lively handling, making it a joy to ride. The Yamaha MT-09 also offers a comfortable seating position, even for tall riders, and its engine feels incredibly powerful.

However, both bikes have their weaknesses. The KTM 790 Duke can be rough in handling at low revs and may feel difficult to maneuver in city traffic. Some riders have also reported oil leaks at the engine block on many 790 Dukes. On the other hand, the Yamaha MT-09 can be exhausting to ride briskly and may require more riding skills compared to other naked bikes in the mid-range. The feeling for traction on the rear wheel may not be as great, and there may be a lack of precision in handling.

In conclusion, the KTM 790 Duke 2018 and the Yamaha MT-09 2018 are both powerful and capable naked bikes with their own strengths and weaknesses. The choice between the two ultimately depends on the rider's preferences and priorities, whether it be power, handling, comfort, or overall riding experience.

Technical Specifications KTM 790 Duke 2018 compared to Yamaha MT-09 2018

KTM 790 Duke 2018
Yamaha MT-09 2018

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeIn line
BoreBore88 mmBore78 mm
StrokeStroke65.7 mmStroke59.1 mm
Engine powerEngine power105 HPEngine power115 HP
Fuel systemFuel systemInjectionFuel systemInjection
StarterStarterElectricStarterElectric
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
Transmission TypeTransmission TypeGearshiftTransmission TypeGearshift
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders3
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
Valves per cylinderValves per cylinder4Valves per cylinder4
ValvesValvesDOHCValvesDOHC
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement799 ccmDisplacement847 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
TravelTravel140 mmTravel137 mm

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
Shock mountShock mountDeflectionShock mountDeflection
TravelTravel150 mmTravel130 mm

Chassis

FrameFrameChromium-molybdenumFrameAluminium
Frame typeFrame typeTubularFrame typeTwin Tube
RakeRake66 degreeRake65 degree

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter300 mmDiameter298 mm

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter240 mmDiameter245 mm

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Riding modes, Traction controlAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Quickshifter, 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 width180 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height55 %Rear tyre height55 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
WheelbaseWheelbase1,475 mmWheelbase1,440 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height825 mmSeat Height815 mm
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity14 lFuel Tank Capacity14 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

Yamaha MT-09 2018

Yamaha MT-09 2018

A coherent motorbike where everything fits together. The motorbike delivers what its looks promise. High-tech, charisma and lots of adrenaline. It is a mixture of supermoto, naked bike and streetfighter and it loves to be handled irrationally. A cool motorbike. Only in comparison with the MT-09 SP does one begin to miss a high-quality chassis.

Optics and character harmonise perfectly

wheels smoothly

lively handling

comfortable seating position even for tall riders

engine feels incredibly powerful

Exhausting when ridden briskly

bike requires more riding skills overall than other naked bikes in the mid-range

feeling for traction on the rear wheel not so great

lack of precision.

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price KTM 790 Duke vs Yamaha MT-09

There are a few key differences between a KTM 790 Duke 2018 and a Yamaha MT-09 2018. In terms of price, the actual average price of a Yamaha MT-09 2018 is about 10% higher. Compared to Yamaha MT-09 2018 there are more KTM 790 Duke 2018 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 24 compared to 15. It takes less time to sell a KTM 790 Duke with 58 days compared to 72 days for a Yamaha MT-09. Since model year 2018 1000PS.de editors have written 35 reviews for the KTM 790 Duke and 57 reviews for the Yamaha MT-09 since model year 2013. The first review for the KTM 790 Duke was published on 11/9/2016 and now has more than 160,600 views. This compares to more than 39,900 views for the first review on Yamaha MT-09 published on 6/10/2013.

Price KTM 790 Duke

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Yamaha MT-09

Model year
Current average market prices

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