KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2020 vs. BMW S 1000 R 2020

KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2020

BMW S 1000 R 2020
Technical Specifications KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2020 compared to BMW S 1000 R 2020
Pros and Cons in comparison
Pros and Cons in comparison
KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2020

Do you need 175 hp or even launch control in a touring motorbike? Of course not. Is it fun? Definitely! Although the Super Duke GT can't hide its genes and is undeniably a Duke in terms of agility and cornering power despite its 209 kg dry weight, it's still possible to cruise in a relaxed manner, always assuming a certain "maturity" with such performance data, of course. Because unlike the Super Duke R or even an 890 Duke R, it doesn't constantly suggest the knife between my teeth, but rather a feeling of sovereignty, freely according to the motto "I can, but I don't have to". And all of this comes lavishly equipped as standard, or as one might expect from a motorbike costing 22,499 euros in Austria or 19,053 euros in Germany.
BMW S 1000 R 2020

The seating position is sporty, but by no means uncomfortable, the brakes are powerful and the engine of the S 1000 R is at its best - perhaps even a little too homogeneous. There is also nothing to complain about on the riding side. Based on the pure performance data and the installed electronic features, the BMW probably has what it takes for the fastest lap time. And that on any kind of surface, because with the semi-active suspension you can eat up kilometre after kilometre on bad roads littered with potholes. Unfortunately, this feeling of superiority never really spilled over to the driver. Probably the downside of too much balance in all areas - at least in my Italophile eyes. The BMW lacked that certain something, the charisma, which is difficult to explain but arouses genuine emotions.