2016 KTM 1290 Super Adventure vs 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
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
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
Full Specifications
General
CommentsSmall windscreen. Ride-by-wire system. Switchable Bosch ABS.Windscreen. Traction control. Cruise control. Hands-Free.
ColoursGrey/silverDucati Red, white, dark grey
Warranty-2 years unlimited mileage
Dimensions
Seat Heigth -Alternate (in.)34.4 inches33.3 inches
Ground Clearance (mm)220 mm-
Ground Clearance (in.)8.7 inches-
Seat Heigth -Alternate (mm)875 mm845 mm
Seat Height860 mm / 33.9 in.825 mm / 32.5 in.
Wheelbase1,560 mm / 61.4 in.1,530 mm / 60.2 in.
Length-2,200 mm / 86.6 in.
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight229 kg / 504.9 lbs212 kg / 467.4 lbs
Fuel Capacity30.00 litres / 7.93 gallons20.00 litres / 5.28 gallons
Performance
Max Torque-129.50 Nm (13.2 kgf-m or 95.5 ft.lbs) @ 7500 Revolutions
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.6987 HP/kg0.7453 HP/kg
Engine
Bore x Stroke (mm)108.0 x 75.0 mm106.0 x 71.5 mm
Displacement (ci)79.39 cubic inches77.01 cubic inches
Displacement (cc)1301.00 cc1262.00 cc
CO2-120.6 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Engine TypeV2, four-strokeV2, four-stroke
Bore x Stroke (in,)4.3 x 3.0 inches4.2 x 2.8 inches
Fuel Control-Desmodromic valve control
Engine Detail75° V arrangementTestastretta DVT
Fuel SystemInjectionInjection. Bosch electronic fuel injection system, elliptical throttle bodies with Ride-by-Wire, equivalent diameter 56 mm
Compression Ratio-13.0:1
Emissions-Euro 4
Engine LubricationForced oil lubrication with 3 pumps-
Exhaust-Stainless steel muffler with catalytic converter and 2 lambda probes, alluminium tail pipes
Fuel Consumption-5.20 litres/100 km (19.2 km/l or 45.23 mpg)
IgnitionKeihin EMS with RBW and cruise control, double ignitionDual Spark
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System-4
Drivetrain
ClutchPASC slipper clutch, hydraulically actuatedLight action, wet, multiplate slipper clutch with hydraulic control. Self-servo action on drive, slipper action on over-run
Final DriveChainChain
Gearbox6-speed6-speed
Primary Drive5/8 x 5/16 X Ring. Primary drive: 40:76.Chain 5.30
Chassis
Frame TypeChromium-Molybdenum steel trellis frame, powder coatedTubular steel Trellis
Suspension - FrontWP Semi-active suspension USD ? 48 mm48mm fully adjustable usd forks.
Suspension - RearWP Semi-active suspension monoshockFully adjustable Sachs unit. Remote spring preload adjustment. Aluminium single-sided swingarm
Rake26.0°24.0°
Seat-Dual seat
Trail-109 mm / 4.3 in.
Wheel Travel - Front200 mm / 7.9 in.170 mm / 6.7 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear200 mm / 7.9 in.170 mm / 6.7 in.
Electrical Systems
Instrumentation-LCD display
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)267 mm245 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)10.5 inches9.6 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)320 mm330 mm
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)12.6 inches13.0 inches
Brakes - FrontDouble disc. ABS. Four-piston calipers. Radially mounted.Double disc. ABS. Floating discs. Four-piston calipers. Radially mounted.
Brakes - RearSingle disc. ABS. Two-piston calipers.Single disc. ABS. Two-piston calipers.
Rims-5-spoke light alloy. Pirelli Scorpion Trail II tires.
Tyres - Front-120/70-17
Tyres - Rear-190/55-17

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

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 - 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 vs 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S - FAQs

Which is lighter, the 2016 KTM 1290 Super Adventure or the 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S?
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 2016 KTM 1290 Super Adventure or the 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S?
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 2016 KTM 1290 Super Adventure or the 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S?
Both are strong choices. The 2016 KTM 1290 Super Adventure has the edge in higher rear wheel travel and higher front wheel travel, while the 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S stands out for lighter kerb weight and lower seat height. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.