I went and rode the new MTS1200 yesterday…a white S-sport model (so lots of carbon, and no bags fitted). It was about a 20 minute test ride, some highway and some surface streets.
I also own a 2010 KTM 990 SMT, which I’ve had for about a month now. This was released in 2009 in Europe, but 2010 is the first year here in the US.
I think these bikes are direct competitors, and are the most similar to each other in this class. Sure, Ducati is going after the GS crowd, but the GS and MTS1200 don’t have as much in common as the MTS and SMT. The Triumph Tiger is there also, but isn’t nearly as nice as either of these bikes (after test riding one).
So, first the bottom line:
SMT - $13,998
MTS1200 - $14,995
MTS 1200 w/ ABS - $16,495
MTS 1200S - $19,995
Engines:
The MTS has the re-worked Superbike 11 degree 1198cc 90-degree twin, while the KTM has the LC8 990cc 75-degee twin. The KTM’s motor is essentially the same as in the 990 Adventure, and the 990 Superduke…although tuned a bit differently (cross between the two from what I'm told).
For outright power the Ducati wins hands down if in the higher power settings. I was told the MTS dynos around mid 130s hp, whereas the SMT is just shy of 110 hp. Don’t know on torque, but the Duc surely kills on that as well. However, the SMT is no slouch at over 100 hp to the wheel…and it is smoother and revs faster than the Ducati. Having never ridden a 1098 or 1198 before, I was surprised how “lumpy” the engine felt compared to my old 848, or even the new 1100 2-valve motors in the Hyper. There is also a decent amount of vibration in the MTS that I didn’t expect.
Power difference was noticeable between the Sport/Touring and Enduro/Urban modes on the MTS. The softer delivery was particularly noticeable when starting from a stop. I couldn’t tell much difference between the 2 high, or 2 lower power modes though. Honestly, it seems to me that 2 modes would be sufficient. Traction Control did not kick in, so no thoughts on it.
Both are nice motors, just depends if you really want high horsepower, or lower power that is smoother and revs slightly quicker.
Comfort and Ergos:
Seating positions on both bikes are very similar and comfortable. The KTM’s bars are a tad higher, and the MTS’s pegs are a tad higher…but both were pretty similar. Both seats are comfortable, the Ducs being wider and flatter (the demo did have the Duc Performance comfort seat). I’ve done a 350 mile and a 250 mile day on the SMT and find the seat decent. I suspect the Ducs would be a bit better, but hard to tell on a 20 minute ride. Both have room to move a bit.
Wind blast was OK on both bikes. The Duc did have what looked to be a Ducati Performance touring screen, whereas the KTM was stock. For reference I’m 5’8 (and a half
), with a 32-inch inseam.
My main complaint in this category was with the Ducati, and it’s my main complaint with the Ducati --> the stock bars are wide…I mean really wide. They seem to be the same as BMW 1200GS or a Guzzi Stelvio bars. I absolutely hated them, and would replace them with something more normal before leaving the shop if I were to buy one…something like the old Multi bars (or the KTM bars). I have no idea why Ducati did this…bars that wide just don’t fit a light, sporty bike like the MTS IMO.
Weight and Size:
The MTS is noticeably heavier than the SMT when at a stop, or with slow speed maneuvers. It isn’t quite as noticeable when moving. I’m not saying it is heavy…just heavier. KTM claims the SMT is 432 lbs dry (everything but fuel). Ducati claims the MTS-S is 423 dry (not specified, but I suspect no fluids at all). I don’t know…the SMT feels much lighter.
The MTS is also wider than the SMT, mainly where your legs wrap around the tank. In fact, it felt like the widest Ducati I have ever ridden. The SMT feels more like the old Multi in terms of width.
Both bikes are very close in height, but the MTS feels taller due to the width at the front of the seat making it a bit further of a reach.
Suspension:
KTM has WP fully adjustable – Ducati demo had the electronic Ohlins. Both are very nice. The WP feels as if it’s one step up from the standard Ducati adjustable Showa suspension, but just a tad short of the Ducati Ohlins suspension (like I’ve experienced on the MTS1100s models). I like it very much so far, on everything from the highway, to streets, to the twisties.
I was a little disappointed in the MTS1200 suspension. The Sport mode was very harsh on our crappy roads. Touring was barely less harsh. Enduro & Urban were better for where I rode, but no better than my KTM’s WP. This is all adjustable though…so that could well be it. It didn’t feel as nice as the Ohlins suspension on the MTS 1100s model that I’ve ridden. The electronic suspension was neat again, but I’m not sure 2 modes wouldn’t be sufficient…maybe 3.
Controls & Brakes:
The KTM gauges are very simple…large analog tach with a large digital speedo next to it. Same as all recent KTMs. Odometer, 2 trip meters, and outside temperature. No fuel gauge, just a low fuel light.
The Ducati was more complex. Digital everything, including the tach. Tons of features that I didn’t get into though. Everything was easily visible, and switching between power modes with the switch integrated into the left turn signal button was very easy.
The KTM clutch is light…I mean really light. Very nice in traffic. The MTS clutch is light for a Ducati, but still kind of heavy. Heavy clutches don’t bother me, but a light one is nice.
Both bikes have radial Brembo brakes. Ducati has ABS (optional or on S models). ABS is not available on the KTM. Both are nice, strong, and have good feel. The KTM has a stronger initial bite which takes getting used to. I never used the ABS, so no comment on how it feels.
The KTM has quick power delivery when the throttle is initially opened. Not too quick or on/off (like I’ve been told the Superduke R is), but it does take a bit of getting used to. The Ducati is a bit smoother…especially in the lower power modes, where it even felt a bit sluggish.
Accessories & Miscellaneous:
Both bikes come with handguards. Ducati’s also house the turn signals (so don’t break them)
.
The KTM comes with small “hard” bags, which aren’t waterproof, but have liners. Not great, but good enough for the touring I do. Bags are extra on the Duc, or included in the $20K S-touring model. I’ve read that people think they’re flimsy…I don’t know, I liked my MTS1000 hard bags a lot though. For that price, I hope they are great bags.
The KTM comes with an actual tool kit…complete with a beer opener.
The Ducati comes with, well, a Ducati tool kit (as far as I know). KTM also lists all of the motorcycle’s torque specs in the owner’s manual…Ducati does not, but they should.
Conclusion:
Which is the better bike depends on the buyer I think. Two different approaches at a similar motorcycle. KTM took the simple route, while Ducati opted for techno wizardry (no doubt to lure the GS crowd).
IMO the KTM is superior in an urban environment, due to its lighter weight and narrower width. The Ducati might be better on the highway, but the KTM does fine as well and might be just as good. I know the KTM rocks in the twisties, as I’m sure the Duc does as well. I suspect both would do well on fire roads also.
In the end I can’t see how the Ducati would be a lot better than the KTM at anything though (to justify the price). It is no doubt a very nice bike, but so is the KTM. I really expected to be blown away by the Duc, but I just wasn’t. Honestly, a well sorted MTS 1100S isn’t blown away by the new Multi either…so long as you’re not completely focused on horsepower, and can deal with the odd looks. Anything over 85 horsepower at the rear wheel is unnecessary in a street bike IMO…fun, but not needed. I may change my mind later, but that is how I feel now. Late model versions of the original MTS were much nicer than the early versions…maybe this will happen again with the MTS1200.
I do wish the KTM was available with ABS, but the traction control and electronically adjustable suspension are no biggie for me. If I was going to get a MTS 1200, I’d probably just go for the base model with ABS…which is a $2,500 price increase over the KTM. I can see that if someone just likes the Ducati better, but I can’t see spending an extra $6K over the KTM for the S model…that’s just me though.
Two different approaches that produced two very nice bikes. I will say for sure that I would take either of them over a Triumph Tiger (which I rode), a BMW 1200GS (which I briefly owned), or a BMW F800GS (which I rode and hated).
