BMW F 850 GS Adventure 2021 vs. KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

BMW F 850 GS Adventure 2021

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

Overview - BMW F 850 GS Adventure 2021 vs KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

BMW F 850 GS Adventure 2021

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

50 Years Strong: One Brand – One Promise!

Perfect fit, premium quality – with Hepco&Becker accessories, your bike is ready for any adventure. Quality made in Germany.

Details

Technical Specifications BMW F 850 GS Adventure 2021 compared to KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

BMW F 850 GS Adventure 2021

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

BMW F 850 GS Adventure 2021

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

Engine and Drive Train

Engine type	Engine type	In line	Engine type	V
Bore	Bore	84 mm	Bore	108 mm
Stroke	Stroke	77 mm	Stroke	71 mm
Engine power	Engine power	95 HP	Engine power	160 HP
Rpm at Max. Power	Rpm at Max. Power	8,250 rpm	Rpm at Max. Power	8,750 rpm
Torque	Torque	92 Nm	Torque	138 Nm
Rpm at Torque	Rpm at Torque	6,250 rpm	Rpm at Torque	6,750 rpm
Compression Ratio	Compression Ratio	12.7	Compression Ratio	13.1
Fuel system	Fuel system	Injection	Fuel system	Injection
Throttle Bore	Throttle Bore	48 mm	Throttle Bore	52 mm
Starter	Starter	Electric	Starter	Electric
Clutch Type	Clutch Type	Multiplate in oil-bath	Clutch Type	Multiplate in oil-bath
Transmission	Transmission	Chain	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	Cooling	liquid
Lubrication	Lubrication	Dry sump	Lubrication	Forced
Displacement	Displacement	853 ccm	Displacement	1,301 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspension	Front suspension	Upside-Down telescopic fork	Front suspension	Upside-Down telescopic fork
Diameter	Diameter	43 mm	Diameter	48 mm
Travel	Travel	230 mm	Travel	200 mm

Suspension Rear

Suspension	Suspension	Swing arm	Suspension	Swing arm
Shock absorber	Shock absorber	Monoshock	Shock absorber	Monoshock
Shock mount	Shock mount	direct	Shock mount	Deflection
Travel	Travel	215 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	Tubular, Load-bearing engine	Frame type	Tubular
Rake	Rake	62 degree	Rake	65.3 degree

Brakes Front

Type	Type	Double disk	Type	Double disk
Diameter	Diameter	305 mm	Diameter	320 mm
Piston	Piston	Double piston	Piston	Four pistons
Shock mount	Shock mount	Floating caliper	Shock mount	Fixed caliper
Actuation	Actuation	Hydraulic	Actuation	Hydraulic

Brakes Rear

Type	Type	Disc	Type	Disc
Diameter	Diameter	265 mm	Diameter	267 mm
Piston	Piston	Single 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, Riding modes, Ride by Wire	Advanced Rider Assistance Systems	Suspension electronically adjustable, Riding modes, Cornering ABS, Ride by Wire, Cruise control, Traction control

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre width	Front tyre width	90 mm	Front tyre width	120 mm
Front tyre height	Front tyre height	90 %	Front tyre height	70 %
Front tyre diameter	Front tyre diameter	21 inch	Front tyre diameter	19 inch
Rear tyre width	Rear tyre width	150 mm	Rear tyre width	170 mm
Rear tyre height	Rear tyre height	70 %	Rear tyre height	60 %
Rear tyre diameter	Rear tyre diameter	17 inch	Rear tyre diameter	17 inch
Wheelbase	Wheelbase	1,593 mm	Wheelbase	1,560 mm
Seat Height	Seat Height	875 mm	Seat Height	849 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)	Kerb Weight (with ABS)	244 kg	Kerb Weight (with ABS)	243 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity	Fuel Tank Capacity	23 l	Fuel Tank Capacity	23 l
License compliancy	License compliancy	A	License compliancy	A

Pros and Cons in comparison

BMW F 850 GS Adventure 2021

Packed with technical features and additional equipment, the "small" Adventure is a high-tech machine. The many functions work well, and our testers were particularly impressed by the electronic chassis and the silky-smooth running of the engine. The Asian origin of the engine is not noticeable. The larger tank of the Adventure version and all the accessories drive up both the weight and the price. At 244 kg, the BMW F 850 GS Adventure is a bulky lump, which doesn't please everyone. But the ergonomics are top-notch, and the seating position in the wide fairing conveys a feeling of safety and protection.

Silky-smooth engine

top ergonomics and comfort

absolutely suitable for touring

suitable for off-road

technically very mature

High price with additional equipment

engine exudes little emotion

fork not adjustable

quite high weight

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