KTM 390 Duke vs LiveWire S2 Del Mar
Specs side by side, plus our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.
The KTM 390 Duke and LiveWire S2 Del Mar are among the most cross-shopped naked bikes of 2026. The KTM 390 Duke undercuts the LiveWire S2 Del Mar by about $9,600, so value is squarely on the table. On paper the LiveWire S2 Del Mar leads on power with 84 hp. Below we put them head to head on price, performance, weight and seat height, then give our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.
Our pickKTM
KTM 390 Duke
LiveWire
LiveWire S2 Del MarThe verdict
The KTM 390 Duke edges it overall at 8/10, but the LiveWire S2 Del Mar wins on most exciting, so let how you ride decide.
KTM 390 Duke
A2-legal, 44 hp, forgiving to learn on.
LiveWire S2 Del Mar
84 hp and 0.42 hp/kg, the strongest here.
KTM 390 Duke
Our 8/10 at $5,899, the most bike per dollar.
KTM 390 Duke
168 kg with an 820 mm seat, the easiest to throw around.
KTM 390 Duke
Our top score in this matchup at 8/10.
Cyan marks the best figure in each row. Specs are the most-cited for the current model; verify before relying on them.
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KTM 390 Duke vs LiveWire S2 Del Mar: your questions answered
Which is faster, the KTM 390 Duke or the LiveWire S2 Del Mar?
The LiveWire S2 Del Mar makes the most power at 84 hp and 263 Nm, giving it the edge on outright performance.
Which is cheaper, the KTM 390 Duke or the LiveWire S2 Del Mar?
The KTM 390 Duke is the most affordable here with an MSRP around $5,899.
Which is lighter, the KTM 390 Duke or the LiveWire S2 Del Mar?
The KTM 390 Duke is the lightest at 168 kg, which makes it the easiest to manage at low speed and in the bends.
Which is better for a beginner, the KTM 390 Duke or the LiveWire S2 Del Mar?
For a new rider we'd point to the KTM 390 Duke: A2-legal, 44 hp and 168 kg make it the most approachable of the group.
