Triumph 1200 RS vs KTM 1290 SD R

We take Triumph's all-new Hyper Naked machine - the Speed Triple 1200 RS - and put it up against one of the market leaders' - KTM's 1290 SuperDuke R.

[@TheLiddleBigChannel]

Hmmmm, I think "I'll tattoo SuperDuke on my body" says it all! The KTM is a 1301cc and the Triumph is a 1160cc which makes a huge difference in torque, however I'd like to see lap times at Redstar as I'm sure the Speed will Triumph!

[@motoriderworld1]

So we did a Review on the Triumph by itself and this video was a continuation. Yes the KTM, which makes it more powerful and faster. As I said in the review the KTM has the better bottom end drive, but Triumph catches up from early 5th gear onwards. We just had the Triumph at Redstar against the new Aprilia, that coming soon, and can tell you honestly the KTM will be faster in lap times. The Triumph is a sensational bike, as is the KTM, and like I said in the video it’s down to rider preference. If money is no object, and you just want to thrash then KTM, but for every day use, value for money and good track time then Triumph all day.

[@Myself6M]

Though, the advantage on the higher gears indicates more hp at the top end for the Speed, since the fifth is around 260 on both bikes. You cannot cut through the air better at high speeds without more hp or arrow if gearing is the same. Conveniently, enough all the test where carried in a short track (when the Duke has short the three first gears and the the Speed considerably longer). The KTM would probably also bit the long geared Streetfighter in such a short track. Also, it's interesting how much more the review is centred around the Duke,..., the Duke this, the Duke that,... also the Speed for a couple of seconds (only)! A very Impartial "Comparison"! Also, tracks that short are for go-karts in my opinion.

[@motoriderworld1]

So you have obviously not watched the review we did on the Triumph on its own before this, where we give it a full rundown and review. We then say it will go up against the KTM, which we do highlight a bit more here as we’ve done the full review on the 1200 RS. This was not a go kart track, it is fast and slow, we did too speed of 240kph on both bikes. As I said and we show the Triumph does lose out to the bigger KTM Vtwin on low down, but makes up at higher speeds. Then, have a look again please we have official confirmation from KTM and Triumph - KTM 180hp and Triumph 177.5, so just check again. We mention price difference where Triumph is better, and road riding where it’s better and everyday ease of use. We compare in every aspect and highlight why the one is better than the other.

[@Myself6M]

@@motoriderworld1 I checked again: The Austrian page sais 180 PS, the English one sais 180hp, but 132KW (in the technical details section) which translates to 177 hp. Interesting! Links for evidence: KTM (English) www.ktm.com/en-ro/models/naked-bike/ktm-1290-super-duker2021.html KTM (Austrian/German) www.ktm.com/de-at/models/naked-bike/ktm-1290-super-dukerr2021.html Triumph (English) www.triumphmotorcycles.co.uk/motorcycles/roadsters/speed-triple-1200 Also, you said the track was not short, what is the name of the track? I assumed the track is short, by common sense, because you said: That the KTM won all tests, but on the other hand you said and showed the Triumph to be more stable and more power up top, which in my opinion (I am a Physicist btw and a motorcycle enthusiast) makes sense only on a short Stop-start tracks. Furthermore, can you please tell me what tests you performed and maybe the times? I tend to prefer quantitative over qualitative arguments. Quantitative ones can be more subjective IMHO.

[@motoriderworld1]

@@Myself6M we’ve got a contact inside KTM who has 100% confirmed it’s 180hp that’s why we said that as we have from very reliable source

[@Myself6M]

@@motoriderworld1 If KTM confirmed that they are 100% about the 180 hp, I cannot understand why the above webpages from KTM say 180PS (~177hp). So, should I believe KTM's webpages or Moto Rider World? I guess I should call KTM and tell them that Moto Rider World told me, that KTM told them that it is 180hp and 180PS. 😂🤣

[@mrnice2994]

@@Myself6M LOL 😂

[@scwlw2169]

The 1200 S3 is so much more than my 2013 1050 S3 that had I bought this new offering first I never would have taken a chance on KTM, but the old s3 didn't live up to its reputation and the 1290 is 'the beast'.

[@frankkoos8053]

Great analogy of the bikes and clothing/ tatoos etc. Well done.

[@user-yr1ev3wz6f]

Ktm 1290 Super Duke and Triumph Speed Triple 1200RS. I would appreciate it if you could let me know the features, pros and cons of each model. And which model would you choose?

[@dontknoo]

Two issues with KTM over Speed Triple. I admit KTM is just the machine- no doubt at all, and I would love it to have as the second bike. But, the vibrations from KTM as incredible, I don’t know if one can survive 2 hrs on it. And another- the color. Look, I understand that it’s KTM natural colors, I am not sure if any monochrome colors exist, but in my country it’s only orange and white, orange ugly blue and white, also 5K plus for black wheels. Which makes KTM not everyday riding bike.

[@neilallen460]

I own the 1290 2021. The Triumph has way better build quality, and is way more reliable.

[@abymathew295]

Speed RS is a track focussed bike rather than sticking to its Naked traits, its so hard on street ...i have no idea why on earth bike makers are making their street bikes as hardcore as possible.

[@scwlw2169]

because at the end of the reviews the comparisons end on the track. I think the 1200 monster is better that the streetfighter v4 for a naked, but who am I.

[@pcarts232]

Yeah i own the Speed triple and it’s a great bike but just for normal riding it’s not easy, low speed it’s …I don’t really know the right words to explain it but it’s kind of fussy … like from the traffic lights it’s twitchy for the first few meters until you get to 20 30 mph then it’s fine but if you’re just riding to work you need something that’s good from 0-16 20 mph that’s not a criticism of the bike it’s just not where it shines .. on an A or B road it’s an absolute masterpiece of a bike , it’s poise and balance is mind boggling it’s like a scalpel, precise and the brakes are amazing 🤩

[@1290Hooligan]

Have the 19sdr and contemplating the RS dilemmas!!!!

[@lulafpv6435]

Very nice review , i love both models , think i will go for Triumph, do you think will be more "easy " to ride ? LOVE ktm but maybe will be too much for me, i come from harley 1200 sportster overpowered ; so both models will be crazy for me 🤣, thank you

[@pcarts232]

It’s definitely a friendly bike to ride at low Rpm but get it to 7000 rpm and it goes nuts 🥜!! Haha 😂 it’s a blast to ride , it’s like it loses its temper at 7K and just goes mental …..BUT I’ll say this I wouldn’t change it for anything it’s an incredible bike 🤘🏾

[@Steve-motorcycles]

KTM worth every penny if riders experience is a factor. It rides so much better.

[@brucekendall52]

Nicely analysed.Thanks,

[@motoriderworld1]

Never easy separating two magnificent machines. Thanks for the comment

[@sahilbalmiki813]

I will go with the beautiful looking KTM super Duke 🤩

[@philliprobertlawman2232]

Nice comparo, pity Triumph didn't up the HP in the 1200 as the Tuono and SD have had 180 for a good number of years now, maybe in it's next update we'll see 190/200+😈😈😈👍

[@sacredgeometry]

That would ruin it. It's already more than powerful enough.

[@EpiceverythingProductions]

Any chance of a comparison between the Superduke and the SFV4?

[@motoriderworld1]

We’ve got a Triumph vs Aprilia coming soon and then will try do all together

[@paulbarnes6124]

Well thought out information review 👍👍

[@ayankhanpathan1993]

Who wins in the drag race ??

[@motoriderworld1]

KTM every time

[@oddjobtriumph1635]

@@motoriderworld1 i put my money on the Triumph for a Lap time though.... ridden by same good rider, a rider that can wring everything from each machine...so there is no arguments. considering the 2020 SP RS was quicker around Donnington than the equivalent SDR, i can't see how the New SP RS doesn't win again ...Yes KTM have upped power but so has Triumph, and the Triumph chassis and Braking , with ease of use should get it around quicker.........Let's see

[@zxgeorger]

I own the Speed it's so small and light with a stonking engine!!! The high speed stability just doesn't make sense for a naked. 🚀🚀🚀

[@motoriderworld1]

It’s really a fantastic package and as you said the stability is unreal

[@AbrasivMusic]

@@motoriderworld1 Chiming in as an owner - I'm shocked at how stable it feels at very high speeds (as long as body position is compact). Of course other bike is a Thruxton RS and it moves around a lot more. Even then, it's kind of fun to be so "retro exposed" and still blasting it. :)

[@Myself6M]

Also, both the Speed and KTM have a claimed 180 PS (177.5 bhp) and not 180 for the KTM and for 177.5 the Triumph!

[@motoriderworld1]

Check again, it’s 180 for KTM and 177.5 for Triumph, we confirmed with manufactures

[@Myself6M]

@@motoriderworld1 If KTM confirmed that they are 100% about the 180 hp, I cannot understand why the above webpages from KTM say 180PS (~177hp). So, should I believe KTM's webpages or Moto Rider World? I guess I should call KTM and tell them that Moto Rider World told me, that KTM told them that it is 180hp and 180PS. 😂🤣

[@richardcerritelli9657]

People on the reviews say the KTM feels a lot faster than the Triumph 1200 speed.

[@theguitarhero898]

@@richardcerritelli9657It is not “a lot faster”, both are very similar in speed and performance.

[@Notoxic30]

Why is nobody talking about the fuel economy. I test ride both. Triumph pushes nearly 9L /100 km !!!! The producent claims 5.6L which is true on the Street triple but not Speed triple. While the Duke with more HP and torque and low down power consumes only about 6.6L / 100

[@abymathew295]

A really good point indeed..🥳🥳🥳🥳

[@pcarts232]

I can sum that up quite easy , if you put £20 of fuel in the triumph after not very many miles the fuel light will come on again but you don’t care because it’s like a rocket ship 🤘🏾

[@mudnducs]

Background music is REALLY annoying. Let me hear the engine

[@floyd_mph]

What road are you guys ripping it on. Looks good.

[@pcarts232]

I own the Speed tripleRS and I can honestly say it is an amazing bike but I have to be honest, at high speed and in the motorway it’s brutal , the wind blast comes in from all sides it’s a bit scary I’m not saying it’s not fun but at high speed it throws me around and makes me nervous it could be just I don’t have the skill to ride it to its capabilities but speeds I just don’t trust the bike so I usually slow down a bit which is a shame because it’s a great bike but I just don’t like the way it rides at high speeds ☹️

[@mar-b9e]

To be honest you will have the same problem with any roadster.

[@pcarts232]

@@mar-b9e I’ve seen guys on KZbin doing 170 mph but I don’t really get how they manage to hold on 😂😂

[@triplelucas9343]

The reliability of the 1290 is so poor...it's game over for true owners, it's not worth what it costs at all. I've owned one long enough to talk about it. In Europe, Germany and Austria, bikers give it the nickname "Kein Tausen Meter" you understand?

[@motoriderworld1]

Have heard that from a few owners and it’s something KTM need to address

[@mauriciobolboa6829]

gen 3 is a different beast, it truly is.

[@abymathew295]

KTM....🥰🥰😍🥰😍😍🤔🥰🥰😍🥰😍🥰🥰😍🥰😍😍🥰🥰. KTM makes the funnest bikes out there, in every single class.

[@philipjames3526]

Im upgrading from a Street 765 RS to a Speed - Why…. Cost. Simply cheaper. Have to say. I don’t understand how Triumph screwed up the dash on the Speed. On the original Street RS it was nicely simple, how have they provided a dash on the speed that is slow and a little toy like

[@motoriderworld1]

It really is superb value for money the 1200 RS, and yes, they missed a trick with the dash somewhat

[@xorbe2]

Yeah my '18 765 RS dash was perfect. My 1200 RS dash the UI is slow and can barely show anything at the same time.

[@philipjames3526]

@@xorbe2 If like me, you only used one of the dashboard styles on the Street. How often do you go between the menu settings on the Speed. I assume you are happy with the rest of the bike? :-)

[@xorbe2]

@@philipjames3526 Yeah the bike is awesome. I just wanna see engine temp / odo / range on the main screen all at the same time. There's plenty of room. I don't need an engine temp indicator that uses 40% of the screen ...

[@philipjames3526]

@@xorbe2 I’ll let you know how I get along. Deposit placed - hopefully get it for the end of Aug, then the miserable 1,000mile run in of Triumphs 😭😭 Glad the rest of the bike is awesome!

[@GLOBUS_25RU]

👍👍👍

[@javierreyes4748]

Las 2 me gustan xd

[@bbouchan1]

The 1290 every time !

[@peterfallows6802]

Like it’s really worth mentioning some actor’s from a satanic friends tv show isn’t my idea of rock ‘ n roll