BMW R 1200 GS 2016 vs. KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017

BMW R 1200 GS 2016

BMW R 1200 GS 2016

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017

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Overview - BMW R 1200 GS 2016 vs KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017

The BMW R 1200 GS 2016 and the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017 are both powerful enduro motorcycles with similar tire specifications and weights. However, they differ in various aspects, including their engine types, power, transmission, suspension, frame, and additional features.

The BMW R 1200 GS 2016 is equipped with a Boxer engine, while the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017 features a V engine. The BMW has a bore of 101 mm and a stroke of 73 mm, while the KTM has a larger bore of 108 mm and a shorter stroke of 71 mm. This results in the KTM having a higher engine power of 160 HP compared to the BMW's 125 HP. Additionally, the KTM has a higher torque of 140 Nm compared to the BMW's 125 Nm.

In terms of transmission, the BMW R 1200 GS 2016 uses a prop shaft, while the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017 utilizes a chain. This difference in transmission systems can affect the overall performance and maintenance requirements of the motorcycles.

BMW R 1200 GS 2016

BMW R 1200 GS 2016

The suspension systems also differ between the two models. The BMW R 1200 GS 2016 has a front suspension strut with preload adjustment, while the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017 features an upside-down telescopic fork with compression, preload, and rebound adjustment. In the rear, the BMW has a single swing arm suspension with preload adjustment, while the KTM has a swing arm suspension with compression, preload, and rebound adjustment. These differences in suspension systems can impact the handling and comfort of the motorcycles in various riding conditions.

Regarding the frame, the BMW R 1200 GS 2016 has a steel frame with a twin tube load-bearing engine design, while the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017 has a chromium-molybdenum tubular frame. These frame differences can affect the overall rigidity and weight distribution of the motorcycles.

In terms of braking, both motorcycles have double disk brakes at the front. The BMW R 1200 GS 2016 does not specify the type of brake, while the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017 has double disk brakes. The braking performance can be influenced by the type of brake used.

In terms of dimensions and weights, both motorcycles have the same front tire diameter of 19 inches and rear tire width of 170 mm. The BMW R 1200 GS 2016 has a rear tire diameter of 17 inches, while the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017 has a slightly longer wheelbase of 1560 mm compared to the BMW's 1507 mm. The seat height is also slightly higher on the KTM at 860 mm compared to the BMW's 850 mm. Both motorcycles have a curb weight of 238 kg and a fuel tank capacity of 20 l for the BMW and 23 l for the KTM.

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017

In terms of strengths, the BMW R 1200 GS 2016 is known for its powerful engine, low consumption, comfortable seating position, off-road capabilities, and high reputation. On the other hand, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017 is praised for its powerful engine, precise handling, traction control with a fun factor, standard cornering ABS, easy-to-read TFT display, quickshifter, LED headlights with cornering lights, and off-road capabilities.

However, both motorcycles also have their weaknesses. The BMW R 1200 GS 2016 has a long and expensive surcharge side, a Telelever front suspension that takes some getting used to, and sharp brakes. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017 has a high price and a power-consuming height adjustment of the windshield.

In conclusion, the BMW R 1200 GS 2016 and the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017 are both powerful enduro motorcycles with their own strengths and weaknesses. The BMW offers a comfortable and versatile riding experience, while the KTM provides precise handling and advanced features. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications BMW R 1200 GS 2016 compared to KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017

BMW R 1200 GS 2016
KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeBoxerEngine typeV
BoreBore101 mmBore108 mm
StrokeStroke73 mmStroke71 mm
Engine powerEngine power125 HPEngine power160 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power7,700 rpmRpm at Max. Power8,750 rpm
TorqueTorque125 NmTorque140 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,500 rpmRpm at Torque6,750 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio12.5 Compression Ratio13.1
Clutch TypeClutch TypeAntihoppingClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
TransmissionTransmissionProp shaftTransmissionChain
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
CoolingCoolingAirCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement1,170 ccmDisplacement1,301 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionStrutFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreloadAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSingle swing armSuspensionSwing arm
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreloadAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameChromium-molybdenum
Frame typeFrame typeTwin Tube, Load-bearing engineFrame typeTubular

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
Shock mountShock mountFixed caliperShock mountFixed caliper

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonDouble piston
Shock mountShock mountFloating caliperShock mountFixed caliper

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width120 mmFront tyre width120 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height70 %Front tyre height70 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter19 inchFront tyre diameter19 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width170 mmRear tyre width170 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height60 %Rear tyre height60 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
WheelbaseWheelbase1,507 mmWheelbase1,560 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height850 mmSeat Height860 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)238 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)238 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity20 lFuel Tank Capacity23 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

BMW R 1200 GS 2016

BMW R 1200 GS 2016

A GS is at home almost anywhere - but only to a limited extent on the racetrack. It's a pleasure to feel the power of the partially water-cooled boxer twin cylinder on the exit of the bend - 125 hp only seems much weaker on paper than 150 or even 160 hp on the competition. With 125 Newton metres of torque, the acceleration from the bottom is superb anyway and the GS, at 238 kilos ready to ride, does not carry too much flab despite its bulky appearance. In very tight corners, the low centre of gravity also has a positive effect - the BMW R 1200 GS is very hard to crack! Even the front telelever suspension, which suppresses the front wheel's tendency to sink in under braking, fits perfectly into the GS's overall package and only slightly detracts from its sporty character.

powerful engine

low consumption

comfortable seating position

can also be used off-road

high reputation

Long and expensive surcharge side

Telelever front suspension takes some getting used to

Brake very sharp.

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017

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

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price BMW R 1200 GS vs KTM 1290 Super Adventure S

There are a few key differences between a BMW R 1200 GS 2016 and a KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017. In terms of price, the actual average price of a BMW R 1200 GS 2016 is about 20% higher. Compared to KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017 there are more BMW R 1200 GS 2016 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 47 compared to 26. It takes less time to sell a KTM 1290 Super Adventure S with 68 days compared to 70 days for the BMW R 1200 GS. Since model year 2005 1000PS.de editors have written 98 reviews for the BMW R 1200 GS and 31 reviews for the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S since model year 2017. The first review for the BMW R 1200 GS was published on 1/20/2004 and now has more than 19,100 views. This compares to more than 32,200 views for the first review on KTM 1290 Super Adventure S published on 10/12/2016.

Price BMW R 1200 GS

Model year
Current average market prices

Price KTM 1290 Super Adventure S

Model year
Current average market prices

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