BMW R 1250 GS 2020 vs. KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017

BMW R 1250 GS 2020

BMW R 1250 GS 2020

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017

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Overview - BMW R 1250 GS 2020 vs KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017

The BMW R 1250 GS 2020 and the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017 are both powerful and capable enduro motorcycles. However, they have some key differences in terms of their technical specifications and features.

Starting with the engine and drive train, the BMW R 1250 GS 2020 is equipped with a Boxer engine with a displacement of 1254cc. It has a power output of 136 HP and a torque of 143 Nm. The engine is mated to a prop shaft transmission, providing smooth and efficient power delivery. On the other hand, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017 features a V-twin engine with a displacement of 1301cc. It offers a higher power output of 160 HP and a torque of 140 Nm. The engine is paired with a chain transmission, which is known for its direct power transfer.

In terms of suspension, the BMW R 1250 GS 2020 comes 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 suspension can be adjusted for preload and rebound. On the other hand, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017 features an upside-down telescopic fork front suspension with a diameter of 48 mm and a travel of 200 mm. The rear suspension is a swing arm with a monoshock and a travel of 200 mm. The suspension can be adjusted for compression, preload, and rebound.

BMW R 1250 GS 2020

BMW R 1250 GS 2020

In terms of 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, providing stability and agility. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017, on the other hand, features a chromium-molybdenum frame with a tubular design. It has a slightly steeper rake of 64 degrees and a trail of 120 mm, offering precise handling.

Both motorcycles are equipped with advanced rider assistance systems. The BMW R 1250 GS 2020 comes with ABS, anti-slipping control, riding modes, and ride by wire. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017 offers ABS, electronically adjustable suspension, riding modes, ride by wire, and traction control. These systems enhance safety and performance in various riding conditions.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the BMW R 1250 GS 2020 has a front tire diameter of 19 inches and a rear tire width of 170 mm with a diameter of 17 inches. It has a wheelbase of 1525 mm and a seat height ranging from 850 mm to 870 mm. The kerb weight, including ABS, is 249 kg, and it has a fuel tank capacity of 20 liters. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017 also has a front tire diameter of 19 inches and a rear tire width of 170 mm with a diameter of 17 inches. It has a slightly longer wheelbase of 1560 mm and a seat height ranging from 860 mm to 875 mm. The kerb weight, including ABS, is slightly lighter at 238 kg, and it has a larger fuel tank capacity of 23 liters.

In terms of equipment, the BMW R 1250 GS 2020 comes with LED headlights and an adjustable windscreen. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017 offers additional features such as heated grips, cornering lights, and LED headlights with cornering lights. These features enhance visibility and comfort during rides.

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017

In terms of strengths, the BMW R 1250 GS 2020 stands out for its extremely high-torque boxer engine, comfortable seating position suitable for long distances, stable braking performance, good weather protection, and standard features such as a color TFT display and LED headlights. On the other hand, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017 excels in its powerful engine, precise handling, traction control with a fun factor, cornering ABS as standard, easy-to-read huge TFT display, quickshifter, and off-road capability.

However, both motorcycles have their weaknesses as well. The BMW R 1250 GS 2020 has a manageable standard equipment and a long surcharge list, while its appearance is jagged with little elegance. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017, on the other hand, has a high price and a power-consuming height adjustment for the windshield.

In conclusion, the BMW R 1250 GS 2020 and the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017 are both impressive enduro motorcycles with their own strengths and weaknesses. The BMW offers a comfortable and versatile riding experience, while the KTM delivers a more powerful and exhilarating performance. 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 S 2017

BMW R 1250 GS 2020
KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017

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. Power8,750 rpm
TorqueTorque143 NmTorque140 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,250 rpmRpm at Torque6,750 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 mmTravel200 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreloadAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSingle swing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
TravelTravel200 mmTravel200 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreload, ReboundAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound
MaterialMaterialAluminiumMaterialAluminium

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameChromium-molybdenum
Frame typeFrame typeLoad-bearing engineFrame typeTubular
RakeRake62.9 degreeRake64 degree
TrailTrail109 mmTrail120 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, Suspension electronically adjustable, Riding modes, Ride by Wire, Traction control

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
WheelbaseWheelbase1,525 mmWheelbase1,560 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height850 mmSeat Height860 mm
Seat Height up toSeat Height up to870 mmSeat Height up to875 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)249 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)238 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity20 lFuel Tank Capacity23 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Equipment

EquipmentEquipmentLED-Headlights, Windscreen adjustableEquipmentHeated grips, Cornering lights, LED-Headlights, 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 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 1250 GS vs KTM 1290 Super Adventure S

There are a few key differences between a BMW R 1250 GS 2020 and a KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017. In terms of price, the actual average price of a BMW R 1250 GS 2020 is about 52% higher. Compared to KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017 there are more BMW R 1250 GS 2020 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 71 compared to 26. It takes less time to sell a BMW R 1250 GS with 43 days compared to 68 days for a KTM 1290 Super Adventure S. Since model year 2019 1000PS.de editors have written 50 reviews for the BMW R 1250 GS and 31 reviews for the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S since model year 2017. The first review for the BMW R 1250 GS was published on 9/19/2018 and now has more than 305,600 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 1250 GS

Model year
Current average market prices

Price KTM 1290 Super Adventure S

Model year
Current average market prices

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