Comparison test: KTM 1090 Adventure, Honda CRF 1000 L Africa Twin and Ducati Multustrada 950

While they are different in many ways, they are related to each other in some way. Honda has its own price 12.590 euro the cheapest, for a thousand more you get a KTM - 13.780 euroBut Ducati is the most expensive for the price. 13.990 euro. All three are equipped with two-cylinder engines. Ducati is the smallest with a 950cc engine. horsepower,” although it only has 113 cubic inches more than the Honda. During back-road riding, which we mostly used in our tests, the new KTM proved to be the most "sharpened". It makes a sporty noise when accelerating and, together with a strong suspension and a strong frame, provides the most sporty cornering. We were impressed with how easy the car is to drive and how quickly you get used to the logical engine setup and rear wheel traction control. The only things we missed were the suspension adjustment (especially the rear shock adjuster) and a bit more wind protection, although it must be admitted that they provided good airflow around the helmet and shoulders as there is no turbulence. The brakes are powerful enough in terms of the character and performance of a really great engine.

Ducati Multistrada with road genes

The closest to him in terms of power is the Ducati, which does not hide its roots from road sports bikes. The engine is actually taken from the Hypermotard and Supersport models, only slightly smoothed for long-distance use. The suspension is fully adjustable (manual), the character of the engine can also be adjusted in three modes, there are also three modes of operation of the ABS braking system and as many as eight levels of traction control of the rear wheel. It rides around corners like oil and is so dynamic in the sports program that it is a serious competitor to sports bikes. Since it has the lowest seat, good wind blows on it, so it doesn't get tired on faster trips.

Honda Africa Twin calls for off-road adventure

When it comes to ride quality, the Honda falls short of both competitors. But this is only reflected when the pace of riding becomes very dynamic, then the difference in bike construction becomes apparent and it becomes clear that they have made it for a comfortable, stress-free ride, wherever you go, and therefore on serious terrain. Suspension has no competition when the asphalt ends under the wheels. It works great with typical off-road tire sizes (21" front, 18" rear). Wind protection is good, and electronic means, with such a rapid development, are reliable, but a little outdated. The ABS works well, and the rear wheel traction control is too sensitive, as it interferes too much with power transfer on smooth pavement.

But the story is completely upside down when he kicks up dust behind his back, and stones and sand begin to crumble from under the wheels. Honda reigns supreme in this environment, enduro in the truest sense of the word. With a wide lag in the field, he will be the second to reach the finish line on a dusty KTM track that operates reliably and pays off in the field due to its many better properties on asphalt. The difference is mainly in the suspension, wheels and tires (19 "up front, 17" rear like the Ducati). The latter achieves the Ducati goal, but it is important that this goal is achieved. Suspension, engine guards, standing behind the wheel ... well, for a Ducati it's not made for anything but infrequent use on hard rubble.

final grade

We determined the order mainly by who is the most versatile, taking into account the price, fuel consumption, usability, comfort on long trips. He is a winner KTM 1090 Adventure!! It is the most versatile and gave all three the greatest driving pleasure. Thanks to its large fuel tank and a wide range of accessories, it is also very suitable for long journeys. Second place went to the Honda CRF 1000 L Africa Twin. He convinced us, above all, of the ride comfort, maximum performance when the asphalt disappears under the wheels, and the price, since it is 1.490 euros cheaper than the Ducati. Although the Ducati comes in last in third place, we're sure it will still find many grateful owners who want a sportier playfulness on twisty roads and aren't very keen on sand under the wheels.

text: Petr Kavchich 

photo: Sasha Kapetanovich

Sound recordings of all three:

Face to face - Matjaz Tomajic

I already knew that the Honda would convince me the most on the gravel, even before it pulled the first clod of earth and sand from under the rear wheel, and I missed the liveliness of the KTM and Ducati on the pavement. Honda obviously took the chapter on safety very seriously, as the assistance systems even take too much care of the driver. In this company, Honda was also a little different, and Ducati and KTM are very close. KTM has the rawest engine, the best engine program selection system, and an overall more gangster bike. The Ducati has been getting bigger and more polished in recent years, and the small Multistrada, while a nearly perfect bike, has one big problem - I would have preferred the bigger Multistrada. Since I do most of my routes on asphalt roads and love beautiful bikes, my order is: Ducati, KTM and Honda. And vice versa, if you wanted adventure and fun on the field.

Face to face - Matevzh Hribar

The Multistrada 950 rides very well and is still very enjoyable (but slightly softer than the 1.200cc model). The only thing that worried me was the unsuitability of the "working environment" for riding in a standing position (blows to the dust boots and elsewhere) and less accurate clutch operation when pulling the cable. The Africa Twin is now an old acquaintance, but with two more road-oriented riders, I'm just even more convinced that this (the only one in this trio) is a true "Adventure" that won't be intimidated by rubble roads. However, this is a somewhat unusual way of the anti-skid system on the road: when it is switched on (for example, through sand in a corner), the electronics will continue to take power, even if the grip is already weakened. good. The engine will "goggle" all the time until you turn off and open the throttle again. But the joy begins when we turn off the anti-skid system and turn on the gas on the rubble: then it turns out that Africa crashes into the rubble with such precision and sovereignty that KTM is very embarrassed ... Why? Because we tested the KTM 1090 Adventure in the regular version, not the R model with larger wheels and longer suspension travel. The KTM is thus the first-class and most lively of them all on asphalt: despite its similar capabilities, it gives the feeling that it is more practical than a Ducati and, as such, will not appeal to motorcyclists who like a leisurely ride. Well, you can still switch to the rain program and let the electronics calm the rabid horses, but ... Then you just missed it in the beginning.

Ducati Multitrada 950

• Basic data

  Sales: Motocentr As Domžale

  Test model cost: 13.990 €

• Technical information

  engine: 937cc, twin L, water-cooled

  Power: 83 kW (113 km) at 9.000 arr. / Min.

  Torque: 96 Nm at 7.750 rpm.

  Energy transfer: 6-speed gearbox, chain

  Frame: steel tube grille, Trellis, attached to cylinder heads

  brakes: front 2 discs 320 mm, rear 1 disc 265 mm, ABS, anti-slip adjustment

  Suspension: USD 48mm front adjustable fork, rear double aluminum swingarm, adjustable shock absorber.

  Tires: before 120/70 R19, rear 170/60 R17

  Growth: 840 mm (option 820 mm, 860 mm)

  Ground clearance: 105,7 mm

  Fuel tank: 20 liters

  Wheelbase: 1.594 mm

  Weight: 227 kg (ready to ride)

Honda CRF 1000 L Africa Twin

• Basic data

  Sales: Motocentr As Domžale

  Test model cost: 12.590 €

• Technical information

  engine: 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, 998 cc, fuel injection, motor start, 3 ° shaft rotation

  Power: 70 kW / 95 KM pri 7500 vrt./min.

  Torque: 98 Nm at 6.000 rpm / Min.

  Energy transfer: 6-speed gearbox, chain

  Frame: tubular steel, chromium-molybdenum

  brakes: front double disc 2mm, rear disc 310mm, ABS standard

  Suspension: front adjustable inverted telescopic fork, rear adjustable single shock

  Tires: 90/90-21, 150/70-18

  Growth: 870 / 850 mm

  Fuel tank: 18,8 liters

  Wheelbase: 1.575 mm

  Weight: 232 kg

KTM 1090 Adventure

• Basic data

  Sales: AXLE doo, Kolodvorskaya c. 7 6000 Koper Phone: [phone], www.axle.si, Seles Moto Ltd., Perovo 19a, 1290 Grosuplje Phone: [phone], www.seles.si

  Test model cost: 13.780 €

• Technical information

  engine: 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, 1050 cm3,
  
  
  fuel injection, starting the electric motor

  Power: 92 kW (125 KM) at 9.500 vrt./min.

  Torque: 144 Nm at 6.750 rpm / Min.

  Energy transfer: 6-speed gearbox, chain

  Frame: tubular steel, chromium-molybdenum

  brakes: Brembo, front twin discs (fi) 320mm, radially mounted four-position brake calipers, rear single
  
  
  disc brake (fi) 267 mm. ABS standard

  Suspension: front adjustable inverted telescopic fork, rear adjustable single shock

  Tires: front 110/80 ZR 19, rear 150/70 ZR 17

  Growth: 850mm

  Fuel tank: 23 liters

Ducati Multitrada 950

We praise and reproach

handling, secure cornering

engine sound, wind protection

Honda CRF 1000 L Africa Twin

We praise and reproach

versatility, comfort, cross-country price

price

soft suspension

the engine could be more powerful

KTM 1090 Adventure

We praise and reproach

sporty character, good handling

power, brakes

suspension adjustment

windshield protection