2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S Touring vs. KTM 1290 Super Adventure S | Comparison Review

Multistrada vs Super Adventure
These street-biased models are at the pointy end of the adventure touring spear, with powerful V-twins, state-of-the-art electronics, first-rate chassis and a wish list of touring amenities. (Photos by Kevin Wing)

There are still dedicated, highly competent sport tourers out there, but these days the job of traveling in fast-paced comfort is just as likely to be handled by adventure bikes. Despite their two-wheeled SUV appearance, most adventure tourers are more suited to street than trail, and with their spacious ergonomics, powerful engines, robust chassis and integrated electronics, what’s not to love?

Compared to traditional sport tourers, those of the adventurous persuasion typically offer less wind protection and taller seat heights, and some folks just can’t abide their utilitarian styling. If those qualities aren’t deal breakers for you, then a fully-featured, large-displacement sport adventure bike can provide all of the performance, sophistication and versatility you’ll ever need.

That’s particularly true of the Ducati Multistrada 1260 S Touring and KTM 1290 Super Adventure S, both of which are “new” for 2018 but are in fact evolutions of previous models. Their big V-twins make big numbers—on Jett Tuning’s dyno the Ducati’s 1,262cc 90-degree L-twin sent 140.2 horsepower and 85.5 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheel, and the KTM’s 1,301cc 75-degree V-twin made 132.2 horsepower and 81.4 lb-ft.

Multistrada vs Super Adventure
Left: For 2018, the Multistrada’s Testastretta DVT (Ducati Variable Timing) L-twin got a displacement bump from 1,198cc to 1,262cc. Right: Even though its 1,301cc LC8 V-twin is larger, the KTM doesn’t make quite as much power as the Ducati, but it delivers power with more ferocity.

Electronically adjustable engine output, throttle response, traction control, cornering ABS and suspension damping/preload are common to both, as are cruise control, hill hold control, quickshifters, full-color TFT displays, keyless ignition and Bluetooth connectivity.

Riding modes tailor their behavior to different street conditions—Sport, Touring or Urban on the Ducati; Sport, Street or Rain on the KTM—and both have an Off-road mode. As tested, they’re ready to go the distance with cornering lights, adjustable windscreens, hand guards, heated grips, adjustable-height seats, saddlebags, luggage racks, centerstands, 12V outlets and 200-plus miles of range.

Multistrada vs Super Adventure
Left: The Ducati’s TFT display is smaller than the KTM’s, but it has bolder, easier-to-read graphics, with intuitive menus and customizable electronics. Right: Although the KTM’s TFT display is large and customizable, it uses small font sizes that can be hard to read at a glance.

To suss out their relative strengths and weaknesses, we subjected them to daily commuting and local rides and then packed their panniers and flogged them on a two-day, 750-mile blast up the coast.

Since these are street-focused models—both are shod with grippy Pirelli Scorpion Trail II 90/10 adventure tires—we stayed off the dirt, and road conditions varied from poured-concrete freeways to poorly maintained back roads, with some of the tightest turns and steepest grades California has to offer.

In our recent test of the KTM (Rider, June 2018 and here), the 1290 impressed us with its ferocious power, well-sorted electronics, unflappability on technical roads and comprehensive features, including a standard tire-pressure monitoring system and a generous 6.1-gallon tank.

Multistrada vs Super Adventure
When the daytime running light is on, the main headlight is off. Saddlebags are boxy but hold 66 liters, and the right one has a large cutout for the exhaust.

Its primary drawbacks are a seat made of stone and excessive engine heat. During this comparison, after less than an hour our backsides begged for mercy and, when riding through hot inland valleys, it felt like we had a furnace between our legs.

For EIC Tuttle and his 29-inch inseam, the KTM’s 33.9-inch seat height (in the low position) presented an additional challenge when mounting, dismounting and stopping on uneven surfaces. This is a common obstacle for some riders: unless you have long legs or years of experience on sky-high dirt bikes, many adventure bikes are literally out of reach.

But for someone like me—6 feet tall with a 34-inch inseam—the KTM’s ergonomics are nearly ideal, with ample legroom, upright seating and a reach to the bars that’s just right. Just as beauty is in the eye of the beholder, comfort is in the body of the rider.

Multistrada vs Super Adventure
The KTM has a more spacious cockpit and a flatter seat.

For 2018, Ducati gave the Multistrada 1260 S a new engine with more midrange power, improved aerodynamics, new chassis geometry for more stability and easier rider-aid setup.

Multistrada vs Super Adventure
Turn signals are integrated in the Multistrada’s hand guards, and the saddlebags hold a total of 58 liters (the right one has a large cutout for the exhaust).

In his first ride report from the Canary Islands, EIC Tuttle said the Multistrada combines “precise handling, fire-breathing engine performance and stellar suspension and brakes” with “all-day comfort from a mostly upright, relaxed seating position that still works well in attack mode” (read his full review in Rider, March 2018 or here).

The Ducati’s seat, perched at a more modest 32.5 inches in the low position, is more plush than the KTM’s. It also positions the rider closer to the handlebar and, due to the seat’s upward slope toward the back, locks the rider into place. Mark found the Ducati’s ergonomics more to his liking than the KTM’s, but I felt a bit cramped.

Multistrada vs Super Adventure
The Ducati has a snug cockpit and a seat that locks the rider in place.

With similarly sized frontal areas and windscreens as well as standard hand guards, the Ducati and KTM offer comparable wind protection. Regardless of position, their manually adjustable windscreens are noisy, and the Ducati’s pinch-and-slide screen adjuster is easier to use on the fly than the KTM’s hand crank.

After descending the western face of the Santa Lucia Range to State Route 1 on the foggy Big Sur coast, the temperature dropped from 100 degrees to 55 degrees. Turning on the Ducati’s heated grips is simply a matter of pressing the button on the right handlebar.

Doing so on the KTM, however, requires an unnecessarily complicated two-step process. First, while the bike is stopped, you must go into the Preferences menu to activate the heated grips function, then—either while stopped or riding—you go into the Motorcycle menu, select Heated Grips and set the level (Maximum, Medium, Minimum or Off). If you don’t activate the heated grips in advance (a shadow icon will show up on the TFT display), then you can’t turn them on while riding.

Multistrada vs Super Adventure
Left: The Ducati’s seat is lower and more comfortable. Right: Whoever designed the KTM’s seat has a cruel sense of humor.

Where these two bikes shine, what makes them so jaw-droppingly impressive, is the degree to which their engine performance, chassis dynamics and electronic riding aids work in harmony.

Ducati introduced its “four bikes in one” concept on the Multistrada 1200 back in 2010, and the riding modes have become more comprehensive over time with the incorporation of semi-active suspension, cornering ABS, wheelie control and an up/down quickshifter. On the new 1260, Ducati simplified rider-aid setup: just pick a riding mode and all of the parameters change accordingly (except for suspension preload).

But if a parameter is not to your liking, Ducati allows you to change it. For example, when riding aggressively in Sport mode, we found that the fork dove too much under hard braking and insufficient rebound damping contributed to bump steer on rough surfaces. We changed the front suspension damping setting from the default (Medium) to Harder and these problems went away.

Multistrada vs Super Adventure
Life doesn’t get much better than a scenic ride on a deserted country road on bikes as fast and capable as these.

Since it launched the 1190 Adventure for 2014, KTM has followed a similar development path, imitating Ducati’s “four bikes” approach and adding more features with each update. Unlike Ducati’s integrated riding modes, on the KTM you must separately select among four riding modes (which adjust throttle response, engine output and traction control), four suspension damping modes and three ABS modes.

You can choose different combinations of modes, but individual modes cannot be customized, and separate front/rear damping changes cannot be made. All the different modes and settings on these bikes may seem complex, but in practice they’re easy to use and unobtrusive; much of the time we’d pick a favorite, set it and forget it.

Multistrada vs Super Adventure
Left: The Ducati has a 17-inch front wheel, Brembo M50 front calipers and Sachs-made fork and shock with semi-active Ducati Skyhook Suspension Evo. Right: The KTM has a 19-inch front wheel, Brembo front calipers and WP-made fork and shock with semi-active suspension damping.

The Ducati and KTM cruise smoothly and quietly at highway speeds, and they’re docile around town. Where their distinct personalities emerge is on twisted and tangled back roads.

The Ducati has a modest horsepower and torque advantage over the KTM in the midrange and above 7,500 rpm, but from the saddle the KTM feels more potent, easily lofting its front wheel out of corners and over small rises. By no means does the Ducati feel weak or dull, but regardless of riding mode, its power delivery feels more restrained.

Multistrada vs Super AdventureMultistrada vs Super AdventureLikewise, in its standard settings the Ducati’s semi-active suspension feels softer than the KTM’s (though Ducati makes it easy to ramp up the stiffness), and the KTM has lighter, more precise steering. On the other hand, we preferred the Ducati’s brakes, which have more initial bite and better feel at the lever, over the KTM’s (both are made by Brembo). 

We’ve put thousands of miles on different versions of the Ducati Multistrada and KTM Adventure over the years, and we’ve seen them improve steadily over time. Looking at the specs for the Multistrada 1260 S Touring and the 1290 Super Adventure S, there’s not much daylight between them—there are more similarities than differences.

Multistrada vs Super AdventureWhat sets them apart is their underlying character, which EIC Tuttle summed up best by saying “the Ducati is a sport-touring bike and the KTM is a sportbike.” The Ducati is a very refined motorcycle, with more sculpted styling and qualities that appeal to a broader range of riders than the KTM, but at times it feels almost too polished.

The Multistrada does nothing wrong and does most things extremely well, but the fire in its belly doesn’t burn as intensely as the Super Adventure’s—an intensity that contributes to a visceral, total-focus riding experience, a man-and-machine synergy where steering feels telepathic and engine response feels just right.

But the KTM is definitely harder-edged, which isn’t for everyone. If we were going on a long tour, especially with a passenger, we’d pick the Ducati. But if we were going to slice-and-dice a set of canyon roads, we’d pick the KTM. Sometimes you need the right power tool for the job.

Multistrada vs Super Adventure2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S Touring Specs
Base Price: $18,695
Price as Tested: $22,595 (S Touring model)
Warranty: 2 yrs., unltd. miles
Website: ducati.com
Engine
Type: Liquid-cooled, transverse 90-degree L-twin
Displacement: 1,262cc
Bore x Stroke: 106.0 x 71.5mm
Compression Ratio: 13.0:1
Valve Train: Desmodromic DVT, DOHC, 4 valves per cyl.
Valve Insp. Interval: 18,000 miles
Fuel Delivery: Bosch EFI w/ 56mm elliptical throttle bodies x 2
Lubrication System: Wet sump, 4.1-qt. cap.
Transmission: 6-speed, hydraulically actuated assist-and-slipper wet clutch
Final Drive: O-ring chain
Electrical
Ignition: Dual spark
Charging Output: 500 watts max.
Battery: 12V 12AH
Chassis
Frame: Tubular-steel trellis w/ cast aluminum single-sided swingarm
Wheelbase: 62.4 in.
Rake/Trail: 25.0 degrees/4.4 in.
Seat Height: 32.5/33.3 in.
Suspension, Front: 48mm USD, semi-active electronic w/ 6.7-in. travel (as tested)
Rear: Single shock, semi-active electronic w/ 6.7-in. travel (as tested)
Brakes, Front: Dual 330mm semi-floating discs w/ radial monoblock 4-piston calipers & cornering ABS (as tested)
Rear: Single 265mm disc w/ 2-piston semi-floating caliper & cornering ABS (as tested)
Wheels, Front: Cast, 3.50 x 17 in.
Rear: Cast, 6.00 x 17 in.
Tires, Front: 120/70-R17
Rear: 190/55-R17
Wet Weight: 570 lbs. (as tested)
Load Capacity: 422 lbs. (as tested)
GVWR: 992 lbs.
Performance
Fuel Capacity: 5.3 gals., last 1.5 gals. warning light on
MPG: 91 PON min. (low/avg/high) 38.7/42.3/49.2
Estimated Range: 224 miles
Indicated RPM at 60 MPH: 3,650

2018 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S Specs
Base Price: $17,999
Price as Tested: $19,724 (Travel Pack, Touring Cases)
Warranty: 2 yrs., 24,000 miles
Website: ktm.com
Engine
Type: Liquid-cooled, transverse 75-degree V-twin
Displacement: 1,301cc
Bore x Stroke: 108.0 x 71.0mm
Compression Ratio: 13.1:1
Valve Train: DOHC, 4 valves per cyl.
Valve Insp. Interval: 18,600 miles
Fuel Delivery: Keihin EFI w/ 52mm throttle bodies x 2
Lubrication System: Dry sump, 3.8-qt. cap.
Transmission: 6-speed, hydraulically actuated wet slipper clutch
Final Drive: X-ring chain
Electrical
Ignition: Digital electronic
Charging Output: 450 watts max.
Battery: 12V 11.2AH
Chassis
Frame: Chrome-moly steel trellis w/ engine as stressed member & aluminum subframe; cast aluminum swingarm
Wheelbase: 61.4 in.
Rake/Trail: 26 degrees/4.7 in.
Seat Height: 33.9/34.4 in.
Suspension, Front: 48mm USD, semi-active electronic w/ 7.9-in. travel
Rear: Single shock, semi-active electronic w/ 7.9-in. travel
Brakes, Front: Dual 320mm floating discs w/ opposed 4-piston radial calipers & cornering ABS
Rear: Single 267mm floating disc w/ 2-piston caliper & cornering ABS
Wheels, Front: Cast, 3.50 x 19 in.
Rear: Cast, 5.00 x 17 in.
Tires, Front: 120/70-ZR19
Rear: 170/60-ZR17
Wet Weight: 561 lbs. (as tested)
Load Capacity: 453 lbs. (as tested)
GVWR: 1,014 lbs.
Performance
Fuel Capacity: 6.1 gals., last 0.9 gal. warning light on
MPG: 91 PON min. (low/avg/high) 32.6/40.3/44.8
Estimated Range: 245 miles
Indicated RPM at 60 MPH: 3,500

6 COMMENTS

  1. Interesting article, pretty good, covers the performance characteristics fairly well. A key aspect of any bike with “touring” as part of it’s usage target is COMFORT. I fear not enough consideration has been given to the DETAILS of the topic in this comparison. What are the dimensions of the rider triangle? A tall seat height rarely actually translates into opening up the seat-to-pegs relationship. How is the wind protection? How much weight is on the wrists?

    A second consideration associated with the “touring” portfolio is maintenance frequency AND costs. While I realize that the maintenance COSTS will vary wildly by dealer / region, but the FACTORY book time won’t. How may hours do Ducati and KTM say that 18k service should take? Does the factory recommend dino or synthetic oil, and how much of it?

  2. That’s nonsense on the heated grips. You leave them enabled all the time (it’s an option so that’s just to tell the bike they are installed) and then you switch between the 3 heat levels and off.

    If the weather is likely to be cold, you can also set them up on one of the two “quick select” buttons, so it’s then one press to get into heated grips, scroll to the heat level and press set, not too bad.

    I would prefer a dedicated button too though.

    Also you have the option of a heated seat and the Ergo seats (including Ergo heated) are much more comfy, and reasonably priced. 🙂

    I’d take having a heated seat over an easier activation any day.

    @John Sanford The increased seat height from low to high does open up the knees, additionally the Ergo heated seat is 2cm higher (minus more compression than stock). I added SW-Motech adjustable footpegs to mine and with the massive ground clearance on the SA S I have them in the lowest position and the knees are so comfy, this also makes it easier to stand on the pegs and lowers the CoG when doing so.

    Mainteance costs on the KTM are literally have what the Ducati people charge where I live (I had a 2013 Multistrada previously, the KTM’s build quality is streets ahead).

  3. I sold a KTM 1290 SA and bought a Ducati 1260S Touring. I’m 5’11” rode the KTM with a AirHawk. It was tippy toe at lights or balancing on one leg. I did fall over in a gravel parking lot when taking off once. Put my right foot down in a pothole. Down she went. Of course I tried to slow the fall. Cost me a back surgery. The heat was a issue on the 1290. Not so much on the Ducati although I was behind a guide truck on a highway a few days ago. The ambient air temperature was 71 degrees, They were siping the center line and it was stop and go for miles. The Ducati hit 221 degrees! Today after letting it run at idle I discovered the fans don’t come on until 215 degrees! That’s a little too late and the fans are wimpy. I do miss the 7.5 gallon tank on the 1290 but the mileage between it and Ducati is about the same. 45+ mpg. I never got vibration through the bars on the KTM but not so on the Ducati. To remedy this I put on the heaviest bar end weights and foam grips. For comfort on the Ducati I run the smallest AirHawk they make which eliminates the slop of the seat. The Air Hawk is shaped like a bicycle seat but you only need enough real estate to plant your sit bones on. Even on the comfort setting the 1290 was strung tight. I ride the Ducati mostly in touring mode and don’t switch to sport unless the road is very smooth. I ditched the GIVI plastic cases and bought the Ducati branded Tourtech ones. Better engineered, stronger and roomier. Turned out the KTM has the same bolt pattern on the fuel cap that the Ducati has so I was able to use my KTM mount and tank bag. My Escort Max 360 radar detector lives on top of the bag. My BMW Navigator V lives between the windshield supports above the TFT screen. Their signals and music get fed into my brain with custom ear monitors. I like the Ducati. It’s comfortable, fast and I’ve had no surprises at high speed. I like that it weighs less than the new BMW GS Adventure so it’s easier to move around. Happy it doesn’t have tire pressure monitors. They have never been accurate and their batteries wear out. I also got the extended warranty and a service contract. Ducati says after the break-in oil change you don’t have to change the oil until 9,000 miles. Really? With the service contract they’ll change it whenever I want and the desmo valve adjustment at 15K costs $1,300. The KTM wins hand down on the price but the Ducati is a better built machine.

    • Wow. Thank you soo much for taking so much time to write that. Looking at the Duc or BMW XR (or GS). Not interested in the KTM due to short legs.

  4. Coming of the gs r1200 going to test these 2 ktm ducati don t like the bmw xr . Now I’m co fused with this report but was interesting thankyou

    • What did you end up buying? I’m on my second 1290 (2019 S). Best bike I’ve ever owned. Test rode a couple Multi’s. Didn’t suit me as well.

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