KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2021 vs. BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019

KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2021

KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2021

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019

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Overview - KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2021 vs BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019

In terms of engine and drive train, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2021 features a V-type engine with a bore of 108 mm and a stroke of 71 mm. It has an engine power of 160 HP and a torque of 138 Nm. The starter is electric and the transmission is chain-driven. The bike has 2 cylinders and a displacement of 1301 ccm. On the other hand, the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019 has a boxer engine with a bore of 102.5 mm and a stroke of 76 mm. It has an engine power of 136 HP and a torque of 143 Nm. The starter is electric and the transmission is through a prop shaft. Like the KTM, it also has 2 cylinders and a displacement of 1254 ccm.

In terms of suspension, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2021 has an upside-down telescopic fork front suspension with a diameter of 48 mm and a travel of 220 mm. The front suspension can be adjusted for compression, preload, and rebound. The rear suspension is a swing arm with a monoshock and a travel of 220 mm. It can also be adjusted for compression, preload, and rebound. The chassis of the KTM is made of chromium-molybdenum and has a tubular frame. It has a rake of 64.7 degrees and a trail of 112.8 mm. The front brakes are double disk type.

On the other hand, the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019 has a telelever front suspension with a diameter of 37 mm and a travel of 210 mm. The front suspension can be adjusted for preload. The rear suspension is a single swing arm with a monoshock and a travel of 220 mm. It can be adjusted for preload and rebound. The chassis of the BMW is made of steel and has a load-bearing engine frame. It has a rake of 65.1 degrees and a trail of 95.4 mm. The front brakes are also double disk type.

KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2021

KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2021

In terms of advanced rider assistance systems, both motorcycles have ABS and riding modes. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2021 also has cornering ABS, ride by wire, and traction control. The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019 has additional features such as anti-slipping control and ride by wire.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2021 has a front tire diameter of 21 inches and a rear tire width of 150 mm with a diameter of 18 inches. It has a wheelbase of 1577 mm and a seat height of 880 mm. The fuel tank capacity is 23 liters. The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019 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 1504 mm and a seat height of 890 mm. The fuel tank capacity is larger at 30 liters.

In terms of equipment, both motorcycles have adjustable windscreens and LED headlights. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2021 also has cornering lights, LED daytime running lights, and a TFT display. The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019 does not have these additional features.

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019

In terms of strengths, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2021 has a robust overall impression, high-quality and practical chassis, a great seat for endurance, sporty and high-quality components, a powerful but easy-to-control engine, and practical riding aids. The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019 has great ride comfort, extreme range, good ergonomics, excellent weather protection, bulbous torque, clean response, and generally good rideability due to its low center of gravity. It also offers customization options.

In terms of weaknesses, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2021 lacks individual features in the basic equipment and has fiddly controls. The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019 has a high weight that is noticeable in the braking zone and a high price.

Overall, both motorcycles have their own strengths and weaknesses. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2021 offers a more powerful engine and advanced rider assistance systems, while the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019 provides great ride comfort and customization options. The choice between the two will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2021 compared to BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019

KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2021
BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeVEngine typeBoxer
BoreBore108 mmBore102.5 mm
StrokeStroke71 mmStroke76 mm
Engine powerEngine power160 HPEngine power136 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power9,000 rpmRpm at Max. Power7,750 rpm
TorqueTorque138 NmTorque143 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,500 rpmRpm at Torque6,250 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio13.1 Compression Ratio12.5
Fuel systemFuel systemInjectionFuel systemInjection
Throttle BoreThrottle Bore52 mmThrottle Bore52 mm
StarterStarterElectricStarterElectric
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeAntihopping
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionProp shaft
Transmission TypeTransmission TypeGearshiftTransmission TypeGearshift
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
Valves per cylinderValves per cylinder4Valves per cylinder4
ValvesValvesDOHCValvesDOHC
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid-air
DisplacementDisplacement1,301 ccmDisplacement1,254 ccm

Assistance Systems

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

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width90 mmFront tyre width120 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height90 %Front tyre height70 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter21 inchFront tyre diameter19 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width150 mmRear tyre width170 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height70 %Rear tyre height60 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter18 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
WheelbaseWheelbase1,577 mmWheelbase1,504 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height880 mmSeat Height890 mm
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity23 lFuel Tank Capacity30 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Equipment

EquipmentEquipmentCornering lights, LED daytime running lights, LED-Headlights, TFT display, Windscreen adjustableEquipmentLED-Headlights, Windscreen adjustable

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2021

KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2021

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

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019

The large GS Adventure is and always will be a superb bike for all types of terrain – even on tight twisties. The low centre of gravity of the boxer engine, the longitudinally mounted crankshaft, the upright riding position and the powerful yet easily controllable torque at low revs are simply a force to be reckoned with. Although the Adventure version is heavier and has a seat with a higher height – which makes turning and manoeuvring significantly more difficult – in terms of performance, the engine in the large GS Adventure still packs so much punch that you can really let rip. The BMW’s braking system is rock-solid and offers excellent modulation, and the features and electronics can be thoroughly upgraded – provided you tick the relevant boxes on the order form. This naturally drives up the price, but that clearly doesn’t bother the many fans of the hefty GS Adventure.

A high-torque motor that accelerates powerfully from low revs

a low centre of gravity ensures surprisingly accessible handling

practical features on board for frequent riders

a massive range of 600 km

astonishingly low fuel consumption

good protection against wind and weather

excellent riding comfort

powerful motor

superb electronics

easy-to-read display

a confident feel in the saddle

practical riding aids

excellent ergonomics for taller riders

Heavy

gear changes at low revs are a little jerky

rugged appearance with little elegance

expensive in the fully equipped version

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

There are a few key differences between a KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2021 and a BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019. In terms of price, the actual average price of a BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019 is about 22% higher. Compared to BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019 there are less KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2021 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 7 compared to 24. It takes less time to sell a BMW R 1250 GS Adventure with 51 days compared to 101 days for the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R. Since model year 2017 1000PS.de editors have written 19 reviews for the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R and 30 reviews for the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure since model year 2019. The first review for the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R was published on 10/4/2016 and now has more than 36,400 views. This compares to more than 43,300 views for the first review on BMW R 1250 GS Adventure published on 11/6/2018.

Price KTM 1290 Super Adventure R

Model year
Current average market prices

Price BMW R 1250 GS Adventure

Model year
Current average market prices

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