KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2018 vs. Brabus 1300 R 2022

The KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2018 and the Brabus 1300 R 2022 are both powerful naked bikes that offer thrilling rides and impressive performance.

In terms of engine power, the KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2018 has 177 HP, while the Brabus 1300 R 2022 has a slightly higher power output of 180 HP. Both bikes have a torque of 144 Nm, providing strong acceleration and impressive speed.

Both bikes have a 2-cylinder engine with a displacement of 1301 ccm, ensuring a smooth and powerful performance. They also feature upside-down telescopic forks from WP for the front suspension and WP for the rear suspension, providing excellent handling and stability.

KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2018

The chassis of both bikes is made of chromium-molybdenum and has a tubular frame type, ensuring a lightweight yet sturdy structure. The braking systems on both bikes are top-notch, with four-piston radial monoblock calipers from Brembo at the front, offering excellent stopping power and control.

In terms of advanced rider assistance systems, the KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2018 offers ABS and traction control. On the other hand, the Brabus 1300 R 2022 offers a more extensive range of assistance systems, including ABS, electronically adjustable suspension, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, shift assistant with blipper, traction control, and anti-wheelie. These systems enhance safety and provide a customizable riding experience.

Both bikes have a front tire width of 120 mm and a front tire diameter of 17 inches. However, the Brabus 1300 R 2022 has a wider rear tire width of 200 mm compared to the 190 mm of the KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2018. The seat height of the Brabus 1300 R 2022 is slightly higher at 845 mm, while the KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2018 has a seat height of 835 mm. The fuel tank capacity of the KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2018 is 18 liters, while the Brabus 1300 R 2022 has a slightly smaller tank with a capacity of 16 liters.

Brabus 1300 R 2022

In terms of strengths, the KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2018 offers a wonderful adrenaline rush, extensive configuration options, terrific brakes with cornering ABS, practical electronic features, a great seating position, and a very good shift assistant. On the other hand, the Brabus 1300 R 2022 provides a pleasant and controllable ride with a brutal engine when needed, high-quality rider assistance systems, high-quality carbon parts, a comfortable seating position even for tall riders, an electronic chassis that allows a wide range of use, and agile but precise handling.

However, the KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2018 has a weakness in terms of the precise stroke not always being easy to hit, and it is considered one of the most dangerous motorcycles for the driving license on the market. The Brabus 1300 R 2022 has weaknesses in terms of limited visibility in rear-view mirrors, rear-view mirrors pressing on the knees in narrow bends, and somewhat fiddly buttons and switches at the left-hand end of the handlebar that are difficult to operate with gloves on.

In conclusion, both the KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2018 and the Brabus 1300 R 2022 are impressive naked bikes with powerful engines, advanced rider assistance systems, and high-quality components. They offer thrilling rides and excellent performance, with the Brabus 1300 R 2022 providing additional features and a more comfortable seating position. However, they also have their respective weaknesses that should be considered when making a decision.