KTM 1290 Super Adventure 2015 vs. BMW R 1200 GS 2016

KTM 1290 Super Adventure 2015

KTM 1290 Super Adventure 2015

BMW R 1200 GS 2016

BMW R 1200 GS 2016

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Overview - KTM 1290 Super Adventure 2015 vs BMW R 1200 GS 2016

The KTM 1290 Super Adventure 2015 and the BMW R 1200 GS 2016 are both powerful enduro motorcycles with their own unique features and strengths.

Starting with the engine and drive train, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure 2015 has a larger bore and stroke, resulting in a higher engine power of 160 HP compared to the BMW R 1200 GS 2016's 125 HP. The KTM also has a higher torque of 140 Nm compared to the BMW's 125 Nm. Both motorcycles have a 2-cylinder engine and a similar displacement, with the KTM at 1301 ccm and the BMW at 1170 ccm. However, the KTM has a chain transmission while the BMW has a prop shaft transmission.

In terms of suspension, the KTM features an upside-down telescopic fork on the front, while the BMW has a strut front suspension. Both motorcycles have a 19-inch front tire diameter and a 17-inch rear tire diameter, with a rear tire width of 170 mm. The KTM has a slightly longer wheelbase of 1560 mm compared to the BMW's 1507 mm. The seat height of the KTM is also slightly higher at 860 mm, while the BMW has a seat height of 850 mm.

KTM 1290 Super Adventure 2015

KTM 1290 Super Adventure 2015

When it comes to weight, the KTM is slightly heavier with a kerb weight of 249 kg compared to the BMW's 238 kg. The KTM also has a larger fuel tank capacity of 30 liters, while the BMW has a 20-liter fuel tank.

Now let's discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each motorcycle. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure 2015 has a very powerful and confident engine, providing sporty and agile handling. It also boasts a comprehensive electronics package with an interaction of many electronic features, including semi-active suspension, cornering ABS, adjustable traction control, and cruise control. The KTM also has a large 30-liter fuel tank, heated seats, a main stand, and LED cornering lights.

On the other hand, the BMW R 1200 GS 2016 also has a powerful engine with low consumption. It offers a comfortable seating position and can be used off-road as well. The BMW has a high reputation in the industry.

BMW R 1200 GS 2016

BMW R 1200 GS 2016

However, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure 2015 does have some weaknesses. The windshield is jagged and the locking lever of the windshield is on the right side, which may be inconvenient for some riders. The power delivery of the KTM can also be somewhat jerky at revs under 2000.

Similarly, the BMW R 1200 GS 2016 has a few weaknesses. It has a long and expensive surcharge side, which may be a deterrent for some buyers. The Telelever front suspension of the BMW takes some getting used to, and the brake can be very sharp.

In conclusion, both the KTM 1290 Super Adventure 2015 and the BMW R 1200 GS 2016 are powerful enduro motorcycles with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. The KTM offers a more powerful engine, a larger fuel tank, and a comprehensive electronics package, while the BMW provides a comfortable seating position and a reputation for off-road capabilities. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications KTM 1290 Super Adventure 2015 compared to BMW R 1200 GS 2016

KTM 1290 Super Adventure 2015
BMW R 1200 GS 2016

Engine and Drive Train

BoreBore108 mmBore101 mm
StrokeStroke71 mmStroke73 mm
Engine powerEngine power160 HPEngine power125 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power8,750 rpmRpm at Max. Power7,700 rpm
TorqueTorque140 NmTorque125 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,750 rpmRpm at Torque6,500 rpm
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeAntihopping
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionProp shaft
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
DisplacementDisplacement1,301 ccmDisplacement1,170 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionStrut

Chassis

FrameFrameChromium-molybdenumFrameSteel
Frame typeFrame typeTubularFrame typeTwin Tube, Load-bearing engine

Brakes Front

PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
Shock mountShock mountFixed caliperShock mountFixed caliper

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonDouble piston
Shock mountShock mountFixed caliperShock mountFloating caliper

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 mmWheelbase1,507 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height860 mmSeat Height850 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)249 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)238 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity30 lFuel Tank Capacity20 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

KTM 1290 Super Adventure 2015

KTM 1290 Super Adventure 2015

The 1290 Super Adventure is rightly presented by KTM as an adventure flagship. Packed with sophisticated electronics and almost everything you could possibly need in a big touring enduro, it recommends itself as expected for the long haul. What you don't immediately see from its bulky appearance, however, is that the Super Adventure, like its 1190 sisters, is an incredible fun machine. Especially in tight corners, it is unbelievable fun. The electronics control traction, chassis and engine management so unobtrusively that you can concentrate fully and above all safely on accelerating. On the intermediate straights, the 160 hp of power ensure that the 1290 Super Adventure can also meet sporting requirements and is thus hardly surpassed in terms of universality.

Very powerful and confident engine

sporty, agile handling

comprehensive electronics package

interaction of many electronic features

semi-active suspension

cornering ABS

adjustable traction control

cruise control

large 30-litre fuel tank

heated seats

main stand

LED cornering lights.

Windshield very jagged

locking lever of the windshield on the right side

power delivery under 2000 revs somewhat jerky

BMW R 1200 GS 2016

BMW R 1200 GS 2016

A GS is at home almost anywhere - but only to a limited extent on the racetrack. It's a pleasure to feel the power of the partially water-cooled boxer twin cylinder on the exit of the bend - 125 hp only seems much weaker on paper than 150 or even 160 hp on the competition. With 125 Newton metres of torque, the acceleration from the bottom is superb anyway and the GS, at 238 kilos ready to ride, does not carry too much flab despite its bulky appearance. In very tight corners, the low centre of gravity also has a positive effect - the BMW R 1200 GS is very hard to crack! Even the front telelever suspension, which suppresses the front wheel's tendency to sink in under braking, fits perfectly into the GS's overall package and only slightly detracts from its sporty character.

powerful engine

low consumption

comfortable seating position

can also be used off-road

high reputation

Long and expensive surcharge side

Telelever front suspension takes some getting used to

Brake very sharp.

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price KTM 1290 Super Adventure vs BMW R 1200 GS

There are a few key differences between a KTM 1290 Super Adventure 2015 and a BMW R 1200 GS 2016. In terms of price, the actual average price of a BMW R 1200 GS 2016 is about 27% higher. A KTM 1290 Super Adventure 2015 experiences a loss of 510 GBP in one year and 1,210 GBP in two years of ownership. This is offset by a loss of 420 GBP and 900 GBP for a BMW R 1200 GS 2016. Compared to BMW R 1200 GS 2016 there are less KTM 1290 Super Adventure 2015 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 7 compared to 47. It takes less time to sell a BMW R 1200 GS with 70 days compared to 82 days for the KTM 1290 Super Adventure. Since model year 2015 1000PS.de editors have written 18 reviews for the KTM 1290 Super Adventure and 98 reviews for the BMW R 1200 GS since model year 2005. The first review for the KTM 1290 Super Adventure was published on 19/08/2014 and now has more than 8,100 views. This compares to more than 19,100 views for the first review on BMW R 1200 GS published on 20/01/2004.

Price KTM 1290 Super Adventure

Model year
Current average market prices

Price BMW R 1200 GS

Model year
Current average market prices

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