2024 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R vs DUCATI Desert X
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Scores, summary & seat (optional) Estimates and auto text from specs — open if you want them.
Technical score (estimate)
Weighted mix of power, torque, power-to-weight, top speed and lighter weight within this comparison only. Not a real-world verdict — riding style and roads matter.
Usage fit (estimate)
Rough scores for city riding, touring, sporty riding and new riders — mix of specs and bike category. Same caveats as the technical score: traffic, skill and tyres matter.
City / commute
Touring / long rides
Sporty riding
New rider friendly
Seat height (cm)
Figures are as in the database; boots, suspension sag and road surface change how tall the bike feels.
- 2024 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 88 cm Tallest seat here
- DUCATI Desert X 87.5 cm Lowest seat here
Spread in this comparison: about 0.5 cm.
Rough guide: comfortable flat-foot reach often needs inseam roughly in the same ballpark as seat height (varies a lot by ergonomics).
Auto summary from specs
Generated from the numbers in the comparison — not a review.
- Power spans 110 hp (DUCATI Desert X) up to 160 hp (2024 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R).
- Torque spans 92 Nm (DUCATI Desert X) up to 138 Nm (2024 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R).
- Weight spans 202 kg (DUCATI Desert X) to 228 kg (2024 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R).
- Displacement spans 1000 cc (DUCATI Desert X) to 1100 cc (2024 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R).
All values look the same; turn off the filter.
| Specification | KTM 1290 Super Adventure R | DUCATI Desert X |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | KTM | DUCATI |
| Model | KTM 1290 Super Adventure R | DUCATI Desert X |
| Engine size | Above 1000cc | 1000cc |
| Power | 160hp | 110hp |
| Torque | 138nm. | 92nm. |
| Cylinders / valves | Twin cylinder, 8 valves | Twin cylinder, 8 valves |
| Weight | 228kg | 202kg |
| Front brake | 320 mm Bosch 10.3ME Combined-ABS (incl. Cornering-ABS and offroad mode) | 320mm double disc with 4-piston Brembo caliper (Bosch ABS) |
| Rear brake | 267 mm Bosch 10.3ME Combined-ABS (incl. Cornering-ABS and offroad mode) | 265mm single disc Brembo caliper (Bosch ABS) |
| Seat height (cm) | 88cm | 87.5cm |
| Front tyre | 110/70 17 | 90/90-21 |
| Rear tyre | 150/60 17 | 150/70-18 |
| Cooling | Liquid cooling | Liquid cooling |
| Front suspension | WP XPLOR-USD, Ø 48 mm | KYB shock absorber reverse fork |
| Rear suspension | WP Xplor PDS shock absorber | KYB shock absorber |
| Motorcycle type | Adventure | Adventure |
| Top speed | 225km/h | 210km/h |
| Fuel capacity / consumption | 23 L – 5.7 L/100km | 21 L – 5.6 L/100km |
| Service network | ||
| Service quality | ||
| Parts availability | ||
| Price | $20999 | $17995 |
| Brand price lists | View KTM price list | View DUCATI price list |
| Extra features | -TFT screen, -Traction control -Driving Modes, -Power Modes, -Cruise Control, -USB output |
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2024 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R vs 2023 DUCATI Desert X: listed specifications
The 2024 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R and 2023 DUCATI Desert X differ on the listed specifications: the 1290 Super Adventure R has more displacement, peak power and torque, and the higher listed top speed, and the Desert X has a lower listed weight.
Engine displacement
1290 Super Adventure R has a larger listed engine displacement (1100 cc vs 1000 cc).
Peak power
1290 Super Adventure R has a clear listed power advantage (160 hp vs 110 hp).
Torque
1290 Super Adventure R has a clear listed torque advantage (138 Nm vs 92 Nm).
Listed top speed
1290 Super Adventure R has a modest listed top-speed advantage (225 km/h vs 210 km/h).
Cooling
Both motorcycles are listed as liquid-cooled.
Weight and seat height
Desert X is notably lighter on the listed weight (202 kg vs 228 kg). 1290 Super Adventure R and Desert X have very similar seat heights (88 cm vs 87.5 cm).
Conclusion
The measurable differences are therefore concentrated in displacement, peak power, torque, listed top speed and weight, while seat height remains relatively close.
Frequently asked questions
What is the top speed of KTM 1290 Super Adventure R vs DUCATI Desert X?
KTM 1290 Super Adventure R is listed at 225 km/h (140 mph) vs 210 km/h (130 mph) for DUCATI Desert X.
Which has more horsepower, KTM 1290 Super Adventure R or DUCATI Desert X?
KTM 1290 Super Adventure R has 160 hp compared with 110 hp on the DUCATI Desert X.
Which is lighter, KTM 1290 Super Adventure R or DUCATI Desert X?
DUCATI Desert X is lighter at 202 kg vs 228 kg for KTM 1290 Super Adventure R.
Which is better, KTM 1290 Super Adventure R or DUCATI Desert X?
It depends on your riding style. Compare top speed, weight, fuel use and price in the table on this page, then vote for the bike you prefer.
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