Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S 2021 vs. KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2022

The Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S 2021 and the KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2022 are both naked bikes with powerful V-twin engines. However, there are several differences between the two models.

In terms of engine power, the KTM 1290 Super Duke R takes the lead with a whopping 180 HP compared to the Sportster S's 122 HP. The KTM also has a higher torque of 140 Nm compared to the Sportster S's 125 Nm. Both bikes have fuel injection systems and liquid cooling.

When it comes to suspension, both bikes feature upside-down telescopic forks in the front. However, the Sportster S is equipped with Showa suspension, while the Super Duke R has WP suspension. Both bikes offer adjustable compression, preload, and rebound settings for the front and rear suspension. The Sportster S has a swing arm rear suspension with a Showa monoshock, while the Super Duke R has a single swing arm rear suspension with a WP monoshock.

In terms of chassis, the Sportster S has a steel frame with a tubular, load-bearing engine design. On the other hand, the Super Duke R features a chromium-molybdenum frame with a tubular design.

Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S 2021

When it comes to braking, both bikes have double disc front brakes with four-piston calipers. The Sportster S has a single disc front brake with a diameter of 320 mm, while the Super Duke R has double disc front brakes with the same diameter. Both bikes also feature radial, monoblock technology for the front brakes.

In terms of rider assistance systems, both bikes offer advanced features such as ABS, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, and traction control. The Sportster S also includes cruise control, while the Super Duke R offers a shift assistant with blipper and anti-wheelie control.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the Sportster S has a front tire width of 160 mm and a rear tire width of 180 mm, while the Super Duke R has a front tire width of 120 mm and a rear tire width of 200 mm. The Sportster S has a wheelbase of 1520 mm and a seat height of 755 mm, while the Super Duke R has a slightly shorter wheelbase of 1497 mm and a higher seat height of 835 mm. The Sportster S has a dry weight of 221 kg and a kerb weight of 228 kg, while the Super Duke R has a dry weight of 189 kg and a kerb weight of 209 kg. The Sportster S has a fuel tank capacity of 11.8 liters, while the Super Duke R has a larger fuel tank capacity of 16 liters. The Sportster S has a range of 245 km and a combined fuel consumption of 5.1 l/100km, while the Super Duke R has a range of 259 km and a combined fuel consumption of 6.17 l/100km.

KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2022

In terms of equipment, both bikes feature LED headlights and TFT displays. The Sportster S also includes Bluetooth connectivity, while the Super Duke R offers LED daytime running lights.

In terms of strengths, the Sportster S has a powerful and refined engine, and its single-disc brakes perform very well. It also has a full electronics package with cornering ABS and lean angle-dependent traction control. On the other hand, the Super Duke R boasts brutal performance, accessible handling, a fully adjustable and stable chassis, high-quality standard tires, a comfortable seating position, and acceptable fuel consumption.

In terms of weaknesses, the Sportster S has a chassis that is considered really hard, and its turn-in behavior can be somewhat unwilling due to the wide front tire. The Super Duke R's full equipment comes at an additional cost, and its indicator operation can be fiddly.

Overall, both the Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S 2021 and the KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2022 offer impressive performance and advanced features. The choice between the two will depend on individual preferences and priorities, such as power, handling, and price.