By NastyNils· ·
Motorcycle comparison · Adventure
KTM 1290 Super Adventure S (MY2021) vs Ducati Multistrada V4 (MY2021)
A first twist of the throttle on the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S has it shoving from low revs, and it won't let up before redline. The Ducati Multistrada V4's throttle spins it up smooth as a turbine, and it's friendly at low speeds. Its thrill builds as the revs climb.
So which one do you buy?
The 1290 Super Adventure S has the edge if…
Comfortable long-distance riding
Nose ahead: 1290 Super Adventure S
On a long day in the saddle, the 1290 Super Adventure S comes out a little ahead. It's down to more range per tank. Ride both before you decide.
What makes each one tick
1290 Super Adventure S
Twisty roads show the agile side of the 1290 Super Adventure S, with a chassis and a lower center of gravity swinging all that size from one bend into the next. A bump won't get far. The WP damping reacts to the surface almost at once, and the plush ride doesn't turn sloppy. Those wheels eat a continent's worth of miles.
Nils rode the 1290 Super Adventure S in 2021, and in Ireland in 2022 (NastyNils Testride).
Multistrada V4
A long day in the Multistrada V4's saddle has you sitting tall behind a screen that turns the wind aside, on a seat that's still plush hours in. At a low-rpm cruise, the V4 can feel subdued. Corner entry's another matter. The front's already turning as the bar moves.
Nils rode the Multistrada V4 in Italy in 2020 (NastyNils Testride).
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The Multistrada V4 has the lower wet weight: 529 lb (240 kg) vs 540 lb (245 kg).
- The Multistrada V4 makes more peak power: 170 hp (125 kW) vs 160 hp (118 kW).
- The 1290 Super Adventure S makes more peak torque: 102 lb-ft (138 Nm) vs 91 lb-ft (124 Nm).
Which one for the way you ride
A confidence-building first motorcycle
Both miss here
Neither one is where you should learn. Get a season on something gentler first.
They come out level on commuting, twisty roads, and running costs. The better-kept used example is the smarter money.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
1290 Super Adventure S
What owners say
Strengths
- Explosive and torquey V-twin engine
- Advanced electronics and rider aids
- Agile handling despite its size
- Plush, adjustable suspension
Trade-offs
- Reliability concerns and electrical gremlins
Multistrada V4
What owners say
Strengths
- Smooth and powerful V4 engine
- Advanced electronics suite
- Agile handling for its size
- Exceptional comfort for long distances
Trade-offs
- Engine feeling subdued at low revs
Known problems to check before you buy
1290 Super Adventure S
- High-speed wobble Owners report a headshake or weave developing at higher speeds, most often with luggage or a pillion aboard, or when the front tire is worn or unevenly loaded. The bars can shimmy noticeably until the rider backs off the throttle. Careful attention to tire condition and wheel balance, along with front preload and fork damping settings, usually calms the behavior.
- Fuel pump failure Some owners have experienced sudden fuel pump failure, leaving the bike stranded. A known issue with KTM, though not widespread.
- Engine misfire requiring multiple dealer visits Intermittent engine misfire in the mid-range that can resist diagnosis, with owners reporting repeated dealer visits over an extended period before a fix is found. Points to tricky fault-finding and possible parts-supply delays rather than a single failed part.
- Electrical gremlins and intermittent faults Reports of TFT display blanking, fuel gauge failure, and random warning lights. Often traced to voltage sensitivity during starting; keeping battery fully charged and starting in neutral can mitigate.
Multistrada V4
- Valve guide manufacturing defect (recall) Recall 21V212000 A batch of valve guides from one supplier exhibited excessive wear, leading to potential valve head breakage and engine failure. Affected units had engines replaced under NHTSA recall 21V-212.
What they share
- Cooling
- Liquid-cooled
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Front tire
- 120/70-19
- Rear tire
- 170/60-17
Where the spec sheets split
| 1290 Super Adventure S | Multistrada V4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 33.4 in (849 mm) | 33.1 in (840 mm) |
| Wet weight | 540 lb (245 kg) | 529 lb (240 kg) |
| 1290 Super Adventure S | Multistrada V4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1301 cc | 1158 cc |
| Engine | 75° V-twin | V4 |
| Power | 160 hp (118 kW) | 170 hp (125 kW) |
| Peak power at | 9,000 rpm | 10,750 rpm |
| Torque | 102 lb-ft (138 Nm) | 91 lb-ft (124 Nm) |
| Peak torque at | 6,500 rpm | 9,000 rpm |
| 1290 Super Adventure S | Multistrada V4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy | 41 mpg (US) / 5.7 L/100 km | 36 mpg (US) / 6.6 L/100 km |
| Fuel capacity | 6.1 US gal (23 L) | 5.8 US gal (22 L) |
| 1290 Super Adventure S | Multistrada V4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Ground clearance | 8.8 in (223 mm) | 8.7 in (220 mm) |
| Front travel | 7.9 in (200 mm) | 6.7 in (170 mm) |
| Rear travel | 7.9 in (200 mm) | 7.1 in (180 mm) |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| 1290 Super Adventure S | Multistrada V4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Electronic Suspension | Standard | Not offered |
| Cruise Control | Standard | Option |
| Quickshifter | Option | Standard |
| Smartphone Connectivity | Standard | Option |
| Navigation | Option | Standard |
| USB Charging Port | Standard | Not offered |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) | Standard | Option |
| Luggage System | Not offered | Option |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
