KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 vs. BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019

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Overview - KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 vs BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019

The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 and the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019 are both powerful and capable enduro motorcycles, but they have some key differences.

In terms of engine and drive train, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 features a V2 engine with a displacement of 1301cc, delivering 160 HP of power and 138 Nm of torque. It has an electric starter and a chain transmission. On the other hand, the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019 has a Boxer engine with a displacement of 1254cc, producing 136 HP of power and 143 Nm of torque. It also has an electric starter but uses a prop shaft transmission.

In terms of suspension, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 is equipped with an upside-down telescopic fork with a diameter of 48mm and a travel of 200mm. The rear suspension is a swing arm with a monoshock and a travel of 200mm. The suspension is electronically adjustable and offers compression, preload, and rebound adjustments. On the other hand, the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019 features a telelever front suspension with a diameter of 37mm and a travel of 210mm. The rear suspension is a single swing arm with a monoshock and a travel of 220mm. The suspension offers preload and rebound adjustments.

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

In terms of chassis, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 has a chromium-molybdenum frame, while the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019 has a steel frame. The KTM has a frame type of tubular, while the BMW has a load-bearing engine frame type. Both motorcycles have a rake of around 65 degrees.

In terms of brakes, both motorcycles have double disk brakes at the front. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 comes with advanced rider assistance systems such as suspension electronically adjustable, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, cruise control, and traction control. The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019 also has advanced rider assistance systems including ABS, anti-slipping control, riding modes, and ride by wire.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 has a front tire diameter of 19 inches, a rear tire width of 170mm, and a rear tire diameter of 17 inches. It has a wheelbase of 1560mm and a seat height ranging from 849mm to 869mm. The kerb weight with ABS is 243kg, and it has a fuel tank capacity of 23 liters. On the other hand, the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019 has the same tire dimensions as the KTM, but a slightly shorter wheelbase of 1504mm. It has a higher seat height ranging from 890mm to 910mm. The kerb weight with ABS is higher at 268kg, but it has a larger fuel tank capacity of 30 liters.

In terms of equipment, both motorcycles come with adjustable windshields and LED headlights. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 also features cornering lights and a TFT display, while the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019 offers customization options.

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019

In terms of strengths, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 is praised for its sporty yet refined V2 engine, accessible handling despite its weight, comfortable seating position, good brakes with cornering ABS, comprehensive electronics package, and a clear and well-structured instrumentation with a large 7-inch display. On the other hand, the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019 is praised for its great ride comfort, extreme range, good ergonomics, excellent weather protection, strong torque, clean response, good rideability due to its low center of gravity, and customization options.

In terms of weaknesses, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 is criticized for its somewhat sluggish turn-in behavior in bends, opaque package design and pricing policy, and dashboards and switches that don't feel very high quality. The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019 is noted for its high weight, which can be noticeable in the braking zone, and its high price.

Overall, both the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 and the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019 are capable and well-equipped enduro motorcycles, but they have different strengths and weaknesses that potential buyers should consider based on their preferences and riding style.

Technical Specifications KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 compared to BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021
BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019
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KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021
KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021
BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019
BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeVEngine typeBoxer
BoreBore108 mmBore102.5 mm
StrokeStroke71 mmStroke76 mm
Engine powerEngine power160 HPEngine power136 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power8,750 rpmRpm at Max. Power7,750 rpm
TorqueTorque138 NmTorque143 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,750 rpmRpm at Torque6,250 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio13.1 Compression Ratio12.5
Fuel systemFuel systemInjectionFuel systemInjection
Throttle BoreThrottle Bore52 mmThrottle Bore52 mm
StarterStarterElectricStarterElectric
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeAntihopping
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionProp shaft
Transmission TypeTransmission TypeGearshiftTransmission TypeGearshift
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
Valves per cylinderValves per cylinder4Valves per cylinder4
ValvesValvesDOHCValvesDOHC
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid-air
DisplacementDisplacement1,301 ccmDisplacement1,254 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionTelelever
DiameterDiameter48 mmDiameter37 mm
TravelTravel200 mmTravel210 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentPreload

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSingle swing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
TravelTravel200 mmTravel220 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentPreload, Rebound
MaterialMaterialAluminiumMaterialAluminium

Chassis

FrameFrameChromium-molybdenumFrameSteel
Frame typeFrame typeTubularFrame typeLoad-bearing engine
RakeRake65.3 degreeRake65.1 degree

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter320 mmDiameter305 mm
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
ActuationActuationHydraulicActuationHydraulic
TechnologyTechnologyradialTechnologyradial

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter267 mmDiameter276 mm
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonDouble piston
Shock mountShock mountFixed caliperShock mountFloating caliper

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsSuspension electronically adjustable, Riding modes, Cornering ABS, Ride by Wire, Cruise control, Traction controlAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Anti-slipping control, Riding modes, Ride by Wire

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width120 mmFront tyre width120 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height70 %Front tyre height70 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter19 inchFront tyre diameter19 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width170 mmRear tyre width170 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height60 %Rear tyre height60 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
WheelbaseWheelbase1,560 mmWheelbase1,504 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height849 mmSeat Height890 mm
Seat Height up toSeat Height up to869 mmSeat Height up to910 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)243 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)268 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity23 lFuel Tank Capacity30 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Equipment

EquipmentEquipmentCornering lights, LED-Headlights, TFT display, Windscreen adjustableEquipmentLED-Headlights, Windscreen adjustable

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

All in all, the long-distance capable KTM 1290 Super Adventure S is made for a trip for two, whereby the rider hardly ever has to think about where it is going. It likes motorway sections, fast country road passages or winding mountain passes in the tightest of corners just as much as unpaved roads with the occasional rough gravel section, where it is primarily the rider or their routine that decides how far they can go. The handling, which is improved compared to the predecessor due to the lower tank (and thus centre of gravity), also scores points here. The electronic chassis copes perfectly with the changing surfaces of a journey and always conveys transparency, the engine sovereignty in every situation. Ready to race - or also: Ready for long-distance racing!

Very sporty, but also cultivated V2 power plant

extremely accessible handling despite high weight

comfortable, driving-friendly seating position

good brakes including cornering ABS

comprehensive electronics package

clear, well-structured instrumentation with huge 7-inch display.

Turn-in behaviour in bends somewhat sluggish

Opaque package design and pricing policy

Dashboards and switches do not feel very high quality

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019

The all-purpose weapon from Bavaria that can also handle ambitious off-road rides with ease. Thanks to an extra 2 centimetres of suspension travel and 10 litres more fuel in the tank, no tour is too far and no challenge too great. The comparatively low centre of gravity helps with handling and the more powerful engine brings it much closer to the normal R 1250 GS in terms of riding dynamics. In the new 1250 model generation, it offers not only the revised engine, which brings even better rideability, but also a plus in standard equipment and safety. The fiercest competitor for the Adventure is nevertheless lurking in its own house, because even the conventional, less expensive GS is already a fine all-rounder.

Great ride comfort

extreme range

good ergonomics

excellent weather protection

bulbous torque

clean response

generally good rideability due to low centre of gravity

customisation options.

High weight noticeable in the braking zone

high price

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price KTM 1290 Super Adventure S vs BMW R 1250 GS Adventure

There are a few key differences between a KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 and a BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019. In terms of price, the actual average price of a BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019 is about 17% higher. A KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 experiences a loss of 110 GBP in one year of ownership. This is offset by a loss of 780 GBP for a BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019. Compared to BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019 there are more KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 26 compared to 24. It takes less time to sell a BMW R 1250 GS Adventure with 51 days compared to 91 days for the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S. Since model year 2017 1000PS.de editors have written 31 reviews for the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S and 30 reviews for the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure since model year 2019. The first review for the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S was published on 12/10/2016 and now has more than 32,200 views. This compares to more than 43,300 views for the first review on BMW R 1250 GS Adventure published on 06/11/2018.

Price KTM 1290 Super Adventure S

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Price BMW R 1250 GS Adventure

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Current average market prices

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