COMPARISON TEST I DUCATI DESERTX VS. KTM 890 ADVENTURE R
P22
NOT SAME, SAME
A closer look at the spec sheet reveals one of
the major differences between the two bikes.
With a wheelbase of 63.3 inches, a steering rake
of 27.6° and a wet weight of 492 pounds, the
Ducati has far more relaxed dimensions com-
pared to the KTM's 60.2 inch/26.3°/464 pound
numbers, and this is something you really notice
on the trails.
The Ducati is slower in the steering than the
KTM, but it's also more stable. This translates not
only to greater confidence for an average off-road
rider like myself compared to the expert-level my
fellow tester Jesse is, but the rangier riding posi-
tion was also more comfortable for long periods
in the saddle compared to the compact nature of
the KTM.
The Ducati's stability is one of its selling points,
that long swingarm helping the chassis track
beautifully over rough terrain without sending
undue stresses to the front of the bike, while
the KTM's twitchier and snappier chassis suits a
The extra ground
clearance and
suspension travel for the
890 is a win if you want
to get really technical.
