BMW R 1250 GS 2020 vs. KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2022

BMW R 1250 GS 2020

BMW R 1250 GS 2020

KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2022

KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2022

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Overview - BMW R 1250 GS 2020 vs KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2022

The BMW R 1250 GS 2020 and the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2022 are both powerful and capable enduro motorcycles. However, they have some key differences in terms of their technical specifications and strengths.

Starting with the engine and drive train, the BMW R 1250 GS 2020 is equipped with a boxer engine, while the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2022 features a V2 power plant. The BMW has a bore of 102.5 mm and a stroke of 76 mm, producing 136 HP of engine power and 143 Nm of torque. On the other hand, the KTM has a bore of 108 mm and a stroke of 71 mm, generating 160 HP of engine power and 138 Nm of torque. Both motorcycles have an electric starter, but the BMW has a transmission with a prop shaft, while the KTM has a chain transmission. The BMW has 2 cylinders and a displacement of 1254 ccm, while the KTM also has 2 cylinders but a displacement of 1301 ccm.

In terms of suspension, the BMW R 1250 GS 2020 is equipped with a telelever front suspension with a diameter of 37 mm and a travel of 190 mm. The rear suspension is a single swing arm with a monoshock and a travel of 200 mm. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2022 features an upside-down telescopic fork front suspension with a diameter of 48 mm and a travel of 220 mm. The rear suspension is a swing arm with a monoshock and a travel of 220 mm. Both motorcycles have adjustable suspension settings for preload and rebound.

BMW R 1250 GS 2020

BMW R 1250 GS 2020

When it comes to the chassis, the BMW R 1250 GS 2020 has a steel frame with a load-bearing engine design. It has a rake of 62.9 degrees and a trail of 109 mm. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2022 has a chromium-molybdenum frame with a tubular design. It has a slightly steeper rake of 64.7 degrees and a trail of 112.8 mm.

In terms of brakes, both motorcycles are equipped with double disk brakes at the front. The BMW R 1250 GS 2020 has advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, anti-slipping control, riding modes, and ride by wire. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2022 also has ABS, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, and traction control.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the BMW R 1250 GS 2020 has a front tire diameter of 19 inches, a rear tire width of 170 mm, and a rear tire diameter of 17 inches. It has a wheelbase of 1525 mm, a seat height of 850 mm, and a fuel tank capacity of 20 liters. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2022 has a front tire diameter of 21 inches, a rear tire width of 150 mm, and a rear tire diameter of 18 inches. It has a slightly longer wheelbase of 1577 mm, a higher seat height of 880 mm, and a larger fuel tank capacity of 23 liters.

In terms of equipment, both motorcycles have LED headlights and adjustable windscreens. The BMW R 1250 GS 2020 also has LED headlights as standard and a color TFT display. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2022 has additional features such as cornering lights, LED daytime running lights, and a TFT display with a huge 7-inch screen.

KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2022

KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2022

In terms of strengths, the BMW R 1250 GS 2020 has an extremely high-torque boxer engine, a comfortable seating position suitable for long distances, stable braking performance, good weather protection, and a standard color TFT display and LED headlights. On the other hand, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2022 has a very sporty yet cultivated V2 power plant, extremely playful handling despite its high weight, a driving-friendly seating position, good brakes including cornering ABS, and a comprehensive electronics package with clear and well-structured instruments, including a large 7-inch display.

However, both motorcycles have some weaknesses. The BMW R 1250 GS 2020 has manageable standard equipment and a long surcharge list, as well as a jagged appearance with little elegance. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2022 has a gearshift assistant at an extra cost and a higher price compared to the S model despite having fewer features.

In conclusion, the BMW R 1250 GS 2020 and the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2022 are both impressive enduro motorcycles with their own strengths and weaknesses. The BMW offers a comfortable and powerful riding experience with good standard features, while the KTM provides a sportier and more dynamic ride with a comprehensive electronics package. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications BMW R 1250 GS 2020 compared to KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2022

BMW R 1250 GS 2020
KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2022

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeBoxerEngine typeV
BoreBore102.5 mmBore108 mm
StrokeStroke76 mmStroke71 mm
Engine powerEngine power136 HPEngine power160 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power7,750 rpmRpm at Max. Power9,000 rpm
TorqueTorque143 NmTorque138 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,250 rpmRpm at Torque6,500 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio12.5 Compression Ratio13.1
Fuel systemFuel systemInjectionFuel systemInjection
Throttle BoreThrottle Bore52 mmThrottle Bore52 mm
StarterStarterElectricStarterElectric
Clutch TypeClutch TypeAntihoppingClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
TransmissionTransmissionProp shaftTransmissionChain
Transmission TypeTransmission TypeGearshiftTransmission TypeGearshift
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
Valves per cylinderValves per cylinder4Valves per cylinder4
ValvesValvesDOHCValvesDOHC
CoolingCoolingliquid-airCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement1,254 ccmDisplacement1,301 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionTeleleverFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
DiameterDiameter37 mmDiameter48 mm
TravelTravel190 mmTravel220 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreloadAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSingle swing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
TravelTravel200 mmTravel220 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreload, ReboundAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound
MaterialMaterialAluminiumMaterialAluminium

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameChromium-molybdenum
Frame typeFrame typeLoad-bearing engineFrame typeTubular
RakeRake62.9 degreeRake64.7 degree
TrailTrail109 mmTrail112.8 mm

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter305 mmDiameter320 mm
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
ActuationActuationHydraulicActuationHydraulic
TechnologyTechnologyradialTechnologyradial

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter276 mmDiameter267 mm
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonDouble piston
Shock mountShock mountFloating caliperShock mountFixed caliper

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Anti-slipping control, Riding modes, Ride by WireAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Riding modes, Cornering ABS, Ride by Wire, Traction control

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width120 mmFront tyre width90 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height70 %Front tyre height90 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter19 inchFront tyre diameter21 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width170 mmRear tyre width150 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height60 %Rear tyre height70 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter18 inch
WheelbaseWheelbase1,525 mmWheelbase1,577 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height850 mmSeat Height880 mm
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity20 lFuel Tank Capacity23 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Equipment

EquipmentEquipmentLED-Headlights, Windscreen adjustableEquipmentCornering lights, LED daytime running lights, LED-Headlights, TFT display, Windscreen adjustable

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

BMW R 1250 GS 2020

BMW R 1250 GS 2020

The BMW R 1250 GS is the logical further development of the R 1200 GS - logical above all because one should not expect such a popular motorbike to be radically changed. Accordingly, the design has been changed cautiously, and the familiar options for the chassis and electronics have been retained. The new name R 1250 GS, however, promises a new engine - and it really is something! 136 hp at 7750 rpm and a whopping 143 Newton metres of maximum torque at 6250 rpm are an absolute blast! BMW has thus renovated the big GS almost perfectly: it remains clearly recognisable, has a little more electronics as standard, a still long list of surcharges (which customers like to tick from A to Z) and a now even better and more sovereign power plant - what more could you want?!

extremely high-torque boxer engine

good sound

comfortable seating position, suitable for long distances

stable braking performance

good weather protection

colour TFT display standard

LED headlights

Manageable standard equipment, long surcharge list

jagged appearance with little elegance

KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2022

KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2022

The R variant of the 1290 Super Adventure is one of the most luxurious options for long tours that don't end on paved roads. Plenty of power is available at all times and the rally look immediately evokes wanderlust. The WP suspension can cope with almost any conceivable surface, but it has to be adjusted manually and you also have to do without the distance cruise control.

Very sporty, but also cultivated V2 power plant

extremely playful handling despite high weight

driving-friendly seating position

good brakes including cornering ABS

comprehensive electronics package

clear, well-structured instruments with huge 7-inch display.

Gearshift assistant at extra cost

higher price than for the S despite fewer features

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price BMW R 1250 GS vs KTM 1290 Super Adventure R

There are a few key differences between a BMW R 1250 GS 2020 and a KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2022. In terms of price, the actual average price of a BMW R 1250 GS 2020 is about 3% higher. A BMW R 1250 GS 2020 experiences a loss of 600 GBP in one year of ownership. This is offset by a loss of 1,250 GBP for a KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2022. Compared to KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2022 there are more BMW R 1250 GS 2020 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 71 compared to 8. It takes less time to sell a BMW R 1250 GS with 43 days compared to 107 days for a KTM 1290 Super Adventure R. Since model year 2019 1000PS.de editors have written 50 reviews for the BMW R 1250 GS and 19 reviews for the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R since model year 2017. The first review for the BMW R 1250 GS was published on 19/09/2018 and now has more than 305,600 views. This compares to more than 36,400 views for the first review on KTM 1290 Super Adventure R published on 04/10/2016.

Price BMW R 1250 GS

Model year
Current average market prices

Price KTM 1290 Super Adventure R

Model year
Current average market prices

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