BMW R 1250 RS 2023 vs. KTM 790 Duke 2020

BMW R 1250 RS 2023

KTM 790 Duke 2020

Technical Specifications BMW R 1250 RS 2023 compared to KTM 790 Duke 2020

BMW R 1250 RS 2023

KTM 790 Duke 2020

BMW R 1250 RS 2023

KTM 790 Duke 2020

Engine and Drive Train

Engine type	Engine type	Boxer	Engine type	In line
Bore	Bore	102.5 mm	Bore	88 mm
Stroke	Stroke	76 mm	Stroke	65.7 mm
Engine power	Engine power	136 HP	Engine power	105 HP
Fuel system	Fuel system	Injection	Fuel system	Injection
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	799 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspension	Front suspension	Upside-Down telescopic fork	Front suspension	Upside-Down telescopic fork
Travel	Travel	140 mm	Travel	140 mm

Suspension Rear

Suspension	Suspension	Single swing arm	Suspension	Swing arm
Shock absorber	Shock absorber	Monoshock	Shock absorber	Monoshock
Travel	Travel	140 mm	Travel	150 mm
Adjustment	Adjustment	Preload, Rebound	Adjustment	Preload
Material	Material	Aluminium	Material	Aluminium

Chassis

Frame	Frame	Steel	Frame	Chromium-molybdenum
Frame type	Frame type	Load-bearing engine	Frame type	Tubular
Rake	Rake	62.3 degree	Rake	66 degree

Brakes Front

Type	Type	Double disk	Type	Double disk
Diameter	Diameter	320 mm	Diameter	300 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	240 mm
Piston	Piston	Double piston	Piston	Double piston

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance Systems	Advanced Rider Assistance Systems	ABS, Anti-slipping control, Hill start assist, Riding modes, Cornering ABS, Ride by Wire	Advanced Rider Assistance Systems	ABS, Riding modes, 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	17 inch	Front tyre diameter	17 inch
Rear tyre width	Rear tyre width	180 mm	Rear tyre width	180 mm
Rear tyre height	Rear tyre height	55 %	Rear tyre height	55 %
Rear tyre diameter	Rear tyre diameter	17 inch	Rear tyre diameter	17 inch
Wheelbase	Wheelbase	1,530 mm	Wheelbase	1,475 mm
Seat Height	Seat Height	820 mm	Seat Height	825 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity	Fuel Tank Capacity	18 l	Fuel Tank Capacity	14 l
License compliancy	License compliancy	A	License compliancy	A

Equipment

Equipment	Equipment	LED-Headlights, TFT display	Equipment	Windscreen adjustable

Pros and Cons in comparison

BMW R 1250 RS 2023

For me, the BMW R 1250 RS epitomises the classic sports tourer to perfection. The seating position, the engine tuning, the suspension and the electronics - everything has been done just right. For me, the best sport touring motorcycle on the market comes from BMW.

High stability in long turns

agile, revvy boxer engine

good looks

comfortable riding position

extensive accessories list

great ESA suspension

great balance between sport and touring

good feel for the front

wide handlebars for precise control

compact but practical windscreen adjustment

good mirror position

Low position of the sat nav requires looking away from the road

Combined Braking System with ABS requires familiarisation

Cardan drive requires somewhat rougher gear changes

KTM 790 Duke 2020

A sporty naked bike that not only has enough power, but also playful handling and high-quality equipment - the KTM 790 Duke ticks all the boxes. If the looks don't bother you, it's hard to find anything the 790 can't do well, because in its hunting ground - the country road - it forms a wonderfully rounded package that doesn't really leave anything to be desired. Initial teething troubles have also been solved, which is why the KTM 790 Duke is still a real recommendation!

high-revving two-cylinder

quickshifter + as standard

great chassis set-up

playful handling

high-quality electronics package

TFT display

good price/performance ratio

Suspension spring preload adjustable at the rear only

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price BMW R 1250 RS vs KTM 790 Duke

Price BMW R 1250 RS

Model year

Average market price

Current average market prices

Price KTM 790 Duke

Model year

Average market price

Current average market prices