2023 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S vs 2023 Ducati Hypermotard 950 SP

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2023 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2023 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Four stroke, 75°V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Power
118 kW / 160 hp @ 9000 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
220 kg / 485 lbs
2023 Ducati Hypermotard 950 SP 2023 Ducati Hypermotard 950 SP

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Four stroke, Testastretta 11°, L-Twin cylinder, 4 valve per cylinder, Desmodromic, liquid cooled,magnesium head covers
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
200 kg / 440 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year20232023
Make ModelKTM 1290 Super Adventure S-
Dimensions
Seat Height849 mm / 33.4 in870 mm / 34.2 in
Wheelbase1580 mm / 62.2 in1493 mm / 58.8 in
Ground Clearance223 mm / 8.7 in-
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight220 kg / 485 lbs178
Fuel Capacity23 Litres / 6 US gal14.5 Litres / 3.8 US gal
Wet Weight-200 kg / 440 lbs
Performance
Max Power118 kW / 160 hp @ 9000 rpm-
Max Torque138 Nm / 101.7 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm96 Nm / 71 lb-ft @ 7250 rpm
Engine
Displacement1301 cc / 79.3 cu-in937 cc / 57.2 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, 75°V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinderFour stroke, Testastretta 11°, L-Twin cylinder, 4 valve per cylinder, Desmodromic, liquid cooled,magnesium head covers
Bore x Stroke108 x 71 mm94 x 67.5 mm
Compression Ratio13.1:113.3:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooling system, continuous circulation of cooling liquid with water pumpLiquid cooled
EmissionsEuro 5Euro 5
Engine ManagementKeihin EMS with RBW and ACC (adaptive cruise control), double ignition, MTC (lean-angle sensitive, 4 modes, disengageable)-
Exhaust-Double under-tail aluminum muffler, catalytic converter and two lambda probes
Fuel Induction2x Keihin EFI, 52mm throttle bodiesElectronic fuel injection system, 53 mm throttle bodies with full Ride by Wire system
IgnitionSystem contactless, controlled, fully electronic ignition system with digital ignition timing adjustmentElectronic
LubricationForced oil lubrication with 3 oil pumps-
StarterEletricElectric
Valve Inspection Interval18,600 miles-
Drivetrain
ClutchPASC anti-hopping clutch/ hydraulically operatedSlipper and self-servo wet multiplate clutch, hydraulic control on demand
Final DriveChain 525 X RingChain, front sprocket 15, rear sprocket 43
Gear Ratios-1st 37/15 2nd 30/17 3rd 28/20 4th 26/22 5th 24/23 6th 23/24
Primary Drive-Straight cut gears, ratio1.85:1
Transmission / Drive6-speed6-Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeTubular space frame made from chrome molybdenum steel, powder-coated Tubular steel trellis frame
Suspension - Front48 mm WP SAT (semi-active technology) Upside-Down forks45mm Marzocchi aluminum fully adjustable, upside-down
Suspension - RearWP SAT (semi-active technology) shock absorberProgressive linkage with adjustable spring preload and rebound damping Sachs monoshock. Aluminium singlesided swingarm
Rake-25°
Steering Head Angle65.3°-
Trail-104 mm / 4.1 in
Wheel Travel - Front200 mm / 7.9 in170 mm / 6.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear200 mm / 7.9 in150mm / 5.9 in
Electronics
Equipment / Features-Power Modes, Day Time Running Light (DRL), Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) up/down, Marchesini forged wheels, Tapered aluminum handlebars, Removable passenger footpegs, USB power socket, Carbon fibre components: front mudguard, timing belt covers
Optional Equipment-Anti-theft system, Heated grips, Ducati Multimedia System (DMS)
Safety Equipment-Riding Modes, Bosch Cornering ABS , Ducati Traction Control (DTC) EVO, Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) EVO
Electrical Systems
Instrumentation-Full-TFT color display
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2 x 320 mm floating disc, Brembo four-piston brake calipers2 x 320 mm semi-floating aluminum flange discs, radially mounted Monobloc Brembo callipers, 4-piston 2-pad, radial pump with adjustable lever
Brakes - RearSingle 267 mm disc, Brembo two-piston brake caliper245 mm disc, 2-piston calliper
ABSBosch 10.3ME Combined-ABS (incl. Cornering-ABS and offroad mode)Bosch Cornering ABS
Rims - Front-3.5 x 17
Rims - Rear-5.5 x 17
Tyres - Front120/70-ZR19120/70 ZR17, Pirelli Diablo Rossa III
Tyres - Rear170/60-ZR17180/55 ZR17, Pirelli Diablo Rossa III
Wheels-Y shaped 3-spoke light alloy

Verdict

Winner on specs

2023 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S

The 2023 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S edges out the 2023 Ducati Hypermotard 950 SP thanks to its higher torque, lower seat height, higher rear wheel travel, higher front wheel travel and larger displacement. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2023 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S - Advantages

  • Higher torque: 138 Nm vs 96 Nm - more pulling power across the rev range.
  • Lower seat height: 849 mm vs 870 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Larger displacement: 1301 cc vs 937 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.
  • More rear wheel travel: 200 mm vs 150mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 200 mm vs 170 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2023 Ducati Hypermotard 950 SP - Advantages

  • Lighter: 200 kg vs 220 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.

2023 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S vs 2023 Ducati Hypermotard 950 SP - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2023 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S and 2023 Ducati Hypermotard 950 SP?
The 2023 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S uses Four stroke, 75°V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, while the 2023 Ducati Hypermotard 950 SP is powered by Four stroke, Testastretta 11°, L-Twin cylinder, 4 valve per cylinder, Desmodromic, liquid cooled,magnesium head covers.
Which is lighter, the 2023 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S or the 2023 Ducati Hypermotard 950 SP?
The 2023 Ducati Hypermotard 950 SP is lighter at 200 kg compared to 220 kg for the 2023 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S - a difference of 20 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2023 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S or the 2023 Ducati Hypermotard 950 SP?
The 2023 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S has the lower seat at 849 mm, making it more accessible. The 2023 Ducati Hypermotard 950 SP sits higher at 870 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2023 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S or the 2023 Ducati Hypermotard 950 SP?
Both are strong choices. The 2023 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S has the edge in higher torque and lower seat height, while the 2023 Ducati Hypermotard 950 SP stands out for lighter kerb weight. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.