Ducati Monster 1200 S 2020 vs. KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2017

The Ducati Monster 1200 S 2020 and the KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2017 are both naked bikes with powerful engines and advanced rider assistance systems.

The Ducati Monster 1200 S 2020 is equipped with a 147 HP engine, while the KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2017 has a more powerful 177 HP engine. Both bikes have a torque of 126.2 Nm and 144 Nm respectively. They both have 2 cylinders and a displacement of 1198.4 ccm and 1301 ccm respectively.

In terms of suspension, the Ducati Monster 1200 S 2020 features an Upside-Down telescopic fork from Öhlins, while the KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2017 has a WP front suspension. Both bikes have Öhlins and WP rear suspensions.

Ducati Monster 1200 S 2020

The chassis of the Ducati Monster 1200 S 2020 is made of steel, while the KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2017 has a chromium-molybdenum frame. Both bikes have a tubular frame type.

When it comes to brakes, both bikes have four-piston, radial, monoblock Brembo front brakes. The Ducati Monster 1200 S 2020 has advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, riding modes, ride by wire, and traction control. The KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2017 also has ABS and traction control.

KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2017

In terms of dimensions and weights, both bikes have a front tyre width of 120 mm and a front tyre diameter of 17 inches. They also have a rear tyre width of 190 mm and a rear tyre diameter of 17 inches. The wheelbase of the Ducati Monster 1200 S 2020 is 1485 mm, while the KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2017 has a slightly shorter wheelbase of 1482 mm. The seat height of the Ducati Monster 1200 S 2020 is 795 mm, while the KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2017 has a higher seat height of 835 mm. The dry weight of the Ducati Monster 1200 S 2020 is 185 kg with ABS, while the KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2017 weighs slightly more at 189 kg with ABS. The fuel tank capacity of the Ducati Monster 1200 S 2020 is 16.5 liters, while the KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2017 has a larger fuel tank capacity of 18 liters.

In terms of strengths, the Ducati Monster 1200 S 2020 is praised for its high-performance power unit, fantastic electronic equipment, configurable driving modes and assistance systems, high-quality chassis, great seating position, and overall agile and maneuverable nature. The KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2017 is commended for providing an adrenaline rush, extensive configuration options, grandiose brakes, great original equipment tires, practical electronic features, and a great seating position for tall people.

However, the Ducati Monster 1200 S 2020 does have some weaknesses, including the need for sensitivity with the quickshifter, increased wind load on the upper body at higher speeds, and the absence of a steering damper in the S variant. On the other hand, the KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2017 is criticized for its rough shift assistant compared to other power nakeds, being exhausting to ride, the difficulty in hitting precise strokes, and its reputation as the most dangerous motorcycle for the driving license on the market.