2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S vs 2016 KTM 1290 Super Adventure

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S

All-Round

Engine
V2, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
467.4 pounds
2016 KTM 1290 Super Adventure 2016 KTM 1290 Super Adventure

All-Round

Engine
V2, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
504.9 pounds
Full Specifications
General
CommentsWindscreen. Traction control. Cruise control. Hands-Free.Small windscreen. Ride-by-wire system. Switchable Bosch ABS.
ColoursDucati Red, white, dark greyGrey/silver
Warranty2 years unlimited mileage-
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)-220 mm
Ground Clearance (in.)-8.7 inches
Seat Heigth -Alternate (in.)33.3 inches34.4 inches
Seat Heigth -Alternate (mm)845 mm875 mm
Seat Height825 mm / 32.5 in.860 mm / 33.9 in.
Wheelbase1,530 mm / 60.2 in.1,560 mm / 61.4 in.
Length2,200 mm / 86.6 in.-
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight212 kg / 467.4 lbs229 kg / 504.9 lbs
Fuel Capacity20.00 litres / 5.28 gallons30.00 litres / 7.93 gallons
Performance
Max Torque129.50 Nm (13.2 kgf-m or 95.5 ft.lbs) @ 7500 Revolutions-
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.7453 HP/kg0.6987 HP/kg
Engine
Bore x Stroke (in,)4.2 x 2.8 inches4.3 x 3.0 inches
Bore x Stroke (mm)106.0 x 71.5 mm108.0 x 75.0 mm
Displacement (ci)77.01 cubic inches79.39 cubic inches
Displacement (cc)1262.00 cc1301.00 cc
Engine TypeV2, four-strokeV2, four-stroke
CO2120.6 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)-
Fuel ControlDesmodromic valve control-
Engine DetailTestastretta DVT75° V arrangement
Fuel SystemInjection. Bosch electronic fuel injection system, elliptical throttle bodies with Ride-by-Wire, equivalent diameter 56 mmInjection
Compression Ratio13.0:1-
EmissionsEuro 4-
Engine Lubrication-Forced oil lubrication with 3 pumps
ExhaustStainless steel muffler with catalytic converter and 2 lambda probes, alluminium tail pipes-
Fuel Consumption5.20 litres/100 km (19.2 km/l or 45.23 mpg)-
IgnitionDual SparkKeihin EMS with RBW and cruise control, double ignition
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System4-
Drivetrain
ClutchLight action, wet, multiplate slipper clutch with hydraulic control. Self-servo action on drive, slipper action on over-runPASC slipper clutch, hydraulically actuated
Final DriveChainChain
Gearbox6-speed6-speed
Primary DriveChain 5.305/8 x 5/16 X Ring. Primary drive: 40:76.
Chassis
Frame TypeTubular steel TrellisChromium-Molybdenum steel trellis frame, powder coated
Suspension - Front48mm fully adjustable usd forks.WP Semi-active suspension USD ? 48 mm
Suspension - RearFully adjustable Sachs unit. Remote spring preload adjustment. Aluminium single-sided swingarmWP Semi-active suspension monoshock
Rake24.0°26.0°
SeatDual seat-
Trail109 mm / 4.3 in.-
Wheel Travel - Front170 mm / 6.7 in.200 mm / 7.9 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear170 mm / 6.7 in.200 mm / 7.9 in.
Electrical Systems
InstrumentationLCD display-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)330 mm320 mm
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)13.0 inches12.6 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)9.6 inches10.5 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)245 mm267 mm
Brakes - FrontDouble disc. ABS. Floating discs. Four-piston calipers. Radially mounted.Double disc. ABS. Four-piston calipers. Radially mounted.
Brakes - RearSingle disc. ABS. Two-piston calipers.Single disc. ABS. Two-piston calipers.
Rims5-spoke light alloy. Pirelli Scorpion Trail II tires.-
Tyres - Front120/70-17-
Tyres - Rear190/55-17-

Verdict

Winner on specs

2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S

The 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S edges out the 2016 KTM 1290 Super Adventure thanks to its lighter kerb weight and lower seat height. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S - Advantages

  • Lighter: 212 kg vs 229 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Lower seat height: 825 mm vs 860 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.

2016 KTM 1290 Super Adventure - Advantages

  • More rear wheel travel: 200 mm vs 170 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 200 mm vs 170 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S vs 2016 KTM 1290 Super Adventure - FAQs

Which is lighter, the 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S or the 2016 KTM 1290 Super Adventure?
The 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S is lighter at 212 kg compared to 229 kg for the 2016 KTM 1290 Super Adventure - a difference of 17 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S or the 2016 KTM 1290 Super Adventure?
The 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S has the lower seat at 825 mm, making it more accessible. The 2016 KTM 1290 Super Adventure sits higher at 860 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S or the 2016 KTM 1290 Super Adventure?
Both are strong choices. The 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S has the edge in lighter kerb weight and lower seat height, while the 2016 KTM 1290 Super Adventure stands out for higher rear wheel travel and higher front wheel travel. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.