Ducati DesertX 2023 vs. KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2021

In terms of engine and drive train, both the Ducati DesertX 2023 and the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2021 have V-type engines with two cylinders. However, there are some differences in their technical specifications. The Ducati DesertX has a bore of 94 mm and a stroke of 67.5 mm, while the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R has a larger bore of 108 mm and a stroke of 71 mm. This results in the KTM having a higher engine power of 160 HP compared to the Ducati's 110 HP. The KTM also has a higher torque of 138 Nm compared to the Ducati's 92 Nm.

Both motorcycles have electric starters and chain transmissions. The Ducati DesertX has a displacement of 937 ccm, while the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R has a larger displacement of 1301 ccm.

In terms of suspension, both motorcycles have upside-down telescopic forks at the front. The Ducati DesertX uses Kayaba suspension with a diameter of 46 mm and a travel of 230 mm. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure R uses WP suspension with a larger diameter of 48 mm and a travel of 220 mm. Both motorcycles have suspension adjustments for compression, preload, and rebound. The rear suspension for both motorcycles is a swing arm with a monoshock. The Ducati DesertX uses Kayaba suspension with a travel of 220 mm, while the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R uses WP suspension with the same travel.

In terms of chassis, the Ducati DesertX has a steel frame with a tubular design, while the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R has a chromium-molybdenum frame with a tubular design. The Ducati has a rake of 62.4 degrees and a trail of 122 mm, while the KTM has a slightly steeper rake of 64.7 degrees and a shorter trail of 112.8 mm.

Ducati DesertX 2023

Both motorcycles have double disk brakes at the front, with the Ducati using Brembo brakes and the KTM also using Brembo brakes.

In terms of assistance systems, both motorcycles have advanced rider assistance systems. The Ducati DesertX has riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, a shift assistant with blipper, cruise control, traction control, and anti-wheelie. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure R has ABS, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, and traction control.

In terms of dimensions and weights, both motorcycles have a front tire diameter of 21 inches and a rear tire width of 150 mm. The Ducati DesertX has a rear tire diameter of 18 inches, while the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R has the same rear tire diameter. The wheelbase of the Ducati is 1608 mm, while the KTM has a slightly shorter wheelbase of 1577 mm. The seat height of the Ducati is 875 mm, while the KTM has a slightly higher seat height of 880 mm. The dry weight of the Ducati with ABS is 202 kg, while the KTM has a higher dry weight of 221 kg. The fuel tank capacity of the Ducati is 21 liters, while the KTM has a larger fuel tank capacity of 23 liters. The range of the Ducati is 375 km, while the KTM has a slightly longer range of 403 km. The combined fuel consumption of the Ducati is 5.6 l/100km, while the KTM has a slightly higher combined fuel consumption of 5.7 l/100km.

KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2021

In terms of equipment, both motorcycles have similar features such as LED daytime running lights, LED headlights, and a TFT display. The Ducati DesertX also has connectivity, heated grips, and a windscreen adjustable. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure R has cornering lights in addition to the other features.

In terms of strengths, the Ducati DesertX has a great chassis with fully adjustable suspension, sophisticated driving modes, a powerful engine, powerful brakes, well-thought-out detail solutions, and extensive standard equipment. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure R has a robust overall impression, high-quality and practical chassis, a great seat for a lot of endurance in the saddle, sporty and high-quality components, a powerful but easy-to-control engine, and practical riding aids.

In terms of weaknesses, the Ducati DesertX has a smooth running of the engine in the lower rev range, suspension response slightly behind that of the fork, a very high non-adjustable seat height, and little space and no handholds for pillion riders. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure R has a lack of individual features in the basic equipment despite being a high-priced motorcycle and fiddly controls.

Overall, both the Ducati DesertX 2023 and the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2021 are powerful and capable enduro motorcycles with their own strengths and weaknesses. The choice between the two would depend on individual preferences and priorities.