Ducati DesertX 2022 vs. KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

The Ducati DesertX 2022 and the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 are both enduro motorcycles that offer impressive performance and advanced features.

Starting with the engine and drive train, the Ducati DesertX 2022 is equipped with a V-twin engine with a displacement of 937cc, delivering 110 horsepower and 92 Nm of torque. On the other hand, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 boasts a more powerful V-twin engine with a displacement of 1301cc, producing 160 horsepower and 138 Nm of torque. Both motorcycles feature an electric starter and chain transmission.

In terms of suspension, the Ducati DesertX 2022 is equipped with a Kayaba upside-down telescopic fork with a diameter of 46mm and a travel of 230mm. The rear suspension consists of a Kayaba monoshock with a travel of 220mm. On the other hand, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 features a WP upside-down telescopic fork with a diameter of 48mm and a travel of 200mm. The rear suspension is also a WP monoshock with a travel of 200mm. Both motorcycles offer compression, preload, and rebound adjustment for the suspension.

Ducati DesertX 2022

In terms of chassis, the Ducati DesertX 2022 features a steel tubular frame with a rake of 62.4 degrees. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021, on the other hand, has a chromium-molybdenum tubular frame with a rake of 65.3 degrees.

When it comes to braking, both motorcycles are equipped with double disk brakes at the front, with Brembo being the brand for both.

In terms of advanced rider assistance systems, both motorcycles offer a range of features. The Ducati DesertX 2022 includes riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, a shift assistant with blipper, cruise control, traction control, and anti-wheelie. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 offers suspension that is electronically adjustable, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, cruise control, and traction control.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the Ducati DesertX 2022 has a front tire diameter of 21 inches and a rear tire diameter of 18 inches. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 has a front tire diameter of 19 inches and a rear tire diameter of 17 inches. The wheelbase of the Ducati DesertX 2022 is 1608mm, while the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 has a wheelbase of 1560mm. The seat height of the Ducati DesertX 2022 is 875mm, while the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 has a seat height of 849mm. The dry weight of the Ducati DesertX 2022 is 202kg, and the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 has a dry weight of 220kg. The fuel tank capacity of the Ducati DesertX 2022 is 21 liters, while the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 has a fuel tank capacity of 23 liters. The range of the Ducati DesertX 2022 is 375km, and the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 offers a range of 416km. The combined fuel consumption of the Ducati DesertX 2022 is 5.6l/100km, while the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 has a combined fuel consumption of 5.7l/100km.

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

In terms of equipment, both motorcycles offer a range of features. The Ducati DesertX 2022 includes connectivity, heated grips, LED daytime running lights, LED headlights, and a TFT display. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 offers cornering lights, LED headlights, a TFT display, and an adjustable windscreen.

In terms of strengths, the Ducati DesertX 2022 boasts 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 S 2021, on the other hand, offers a very sporty yet cultivated V2 power plant, extremely accessible handling despite its high weight, a comfortable and driving-friendly seating position, good brakes including cornering ABS, a comprehensive electronics package, and a clear and well-structured instrumentation with a huge 7-inch display.

However, the Ducati DesertX 2022 does have some weaknesses, including a smooth running of the engine in the lower rev range, suspension response slightly behind that of the fork, a very high and non-adjustable seat height, and little space and no handholds for a pillion passenger. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 also has some weaknesses, such as a turn-in behavior in bends that is somewhat sluggish, an opaque package design and pricing policy, and dashboards and switches that do not feel very high quality.