BMW R 1250 GS 2021 vs. KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2018

BMW R 1250 GS 2021

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2018

Overview - BMW R 1250 GS 2021 vs KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2018

BMW R 1250 GS 2021

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2018

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Details

Technical Specifications BMW R 1250 GS 2021 compared to KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2018

BMW R 1250 GS 2021

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2018

BMW R 1250 GS 2021

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2018

Engine and Drive Train

Engine type	Engine type	Boxer	Engine type	V
Bore	Bore	102.5 mm	Bore	108 mm
Stroke	Stroke	76 mm	Stroke	71 mm
Engine power	Engine power	136 HP	Engine power	160 HP
Rpm at Max. Power	Rpm at Max. Power	7,750 rpm	Rpm at Max. Power	8,750 rpm
Torque	Torque	143 Nm	Torque	140 Nm
Rpm at Torque	Rpm at Torque	6,250 rpm	Rpm at Torque	6,750 rpm
Compression Ratio	Compression Ratio	12.5	Compression Ratio	13.1
Fuel system	Fuel system	Injection	Fuel system	Injection
Throttle Bore	Throttle Bore	52 mm	Throttle Bore	52 mm
Starter	Starter	Electric	Starter	Electric
Clutch Type	Clutch Type	Antihopping	Clutch Type	Multiplate in oil-bath
Transmission	Transmission	Prop shaft	Transmission	Chain
Transmission Type	Transmission Type	Gearshift	Transmission Type	Gearshift
Number of gears	Number of gears	6	Number of gears	6
Cylinders	Cylinders	2	Cylinders	2
Strokes	Strokes	4-Stroke	Strokes	4-Stroke
Valves per cylinder	Valves per cylinder	4	Valves per cylinder	4
Valves	Valves	DOHC	Valves	DOHC
Cooling	Cooling	liquid-air	Cooling	liquid
Displacement	Displacement	1,254 ccm	Displacement	1,301 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspension	Front suspension	Telelever	Front suspension	Upside-Down telescopic fork
Diameter	Diameter	37 mm	Diameter	48 mm
Travel	Travel	190 mm	Travel	200 mm
Adjustment	Adjustment	Preload	Adjustment	Compression, Preload, Rebound

Suspension Rear

Suspension	Suspension	Single swing arm	Suspension	Swing arm
Shock absorber	Shock absorber	Monoshock	Shock absorber	Monoshock
Travel	Travel	200 mm	Travel	200 mm
Adjustment	Adjustment	Preload, Rebound	Adjustment	Compression, Preload, Rebound
Material	Material	Aluminium	Material	Aluminium

Chassis

Frame	Frame	Steel	Frame	Chromium-molybdenum
Frame type	Frame type	Load-bearing engine	Frame type	Tubular
Rake	Rake	62.9 degree	Rake	64 degree
Trail	Trail	109 mm	Trail	120 mm

Brakes Front

Type	Type	Double disk	Type	Double disk
Diameter	Diameter	305 mm	Diameter	320 mm
Piston	Piston	Four pistons	Piston	Four pistons
Actuation	Actuation	Hydraulic	Actuation	Hydraulic
Technology	Technology	radial	Technology	radial

Brakes Rear

Type	Type	Disc	Type	Disc
Diameter	Diameter	276 mm	Diameter	267 mm
Piston	Piston	Double piston	Piston	Double piston
Shock mount	Shock mount	Floating caliper	Shock mount	Fixed caliper

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance Systems	Advanced Rider Assistance Systems	ABS, Anti-slipping control, Hill start assist, Riding modes, Cornering ABS, Ride by Wire, Traction control	Advanced Rider Assistance Systems	ABS, Suspension electronically adjustable, Riding modes, Ride by Wire, Traction control

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre width	Front tyre width	120 mm	Front tyre width	120 mm
Front tyre height	Front tyre height	70 %	Front tyre height	70 %
Front tyre diameter	Front tyre diameter	19 inch	Front tyre diameter	19 inch
Rear tyre width	Rear tyre width	170 mm	Rear tyre width	170 mm
Rear tyre height	Rear tyre height	60 %	Rear tyre height	60 %
Rear tyre diameter	Rear tyre diameter	17 inch	Rear tyre diameter	17 inch
Wheelbase	Wheelbase	1,525 mm	Wheelbase	1,560 mm
Seat Height	Seat Height	850 mm	Seat Height	860 mm
Seat Height up to	Seat Height up to	870 mm	Seat Height up to	875 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)	Kerb Weight (with ABS)	249 kg	Kerb Weight (with ABS)	238 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity	Fuel Tank Capacity	20 l	Fuel Tank Capacity	23 l
License compliancy	License compliancy	A	License compliancy	A

Equipment

Equipment	Equipment	Cornering lights, LED-Headlights, Windscreen adjustable	Equipment	Heated grips, Cornering lights, LED-Headlights, Windscreen adjustable

Pros and Cons in comparison

BMW R 1250 GS 2021

The GS also impressed us with its versatility during the test in November 2021. We rode the bike on a wide variety of terrain and were once again very satisfied. The motorbike convinces in every situation with its easy handling and practicality. On the other hand, it can also be ridden delightfully irrationally.

Great ride comfort and great ergonomics

Powerful engine

Great connectivity app

Easy-to-read display

Confident feel in the saddle

Practical riding aids

Versatile chassis accommodates every route

Easy to ride

Rough overall appearance

gearshifts at low revs somewhat clumsy

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2018

The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S is more than a sporty touring enduro - it is a sports machine that can also go on tours. The powerful 160 hp engine is not only extremely powerful, it is also very easy to operate and makes you want to ride sportily. The many electronic assistance systems such as traction control, semi-active chassis, various modes and cornering ABS also contribute to making you feel right at home on the 1290 Super Adventure S. Finally, the huge TFT display and other gadgets such as the Race-on system or My Ride are also quite convincing.

Powerful engine

precise handling

traction control with fun factor

cornering ABS as standard

easy-to-read, huge TFT display

quickshifter

LED headlights with cornering lights

off-road capable.

High price

power-consuming height adjustment of the windshield