BMW R 1250 RS 2019 vs. KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2019

The BMW R 1250 RS 2019 is a sports touring motorcycle with a boxer engine. It has a power output of 136 HP and a torque of 143 Nm. The transmission is a shaft drive and it has 2 cylinders. The displacement is 1254 cc. The front suspension is a telescopic fork with 140 mm of travel, while the rear suspension is a single swing arm with a monoshock and 140 mm of travel. The chassis is made of steel and the frame is a load-bearing engine type. The front brakes are dual discs with radial technology. The bike also features advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, traction control, riding modes, and ride-by-wire. The front tire width is 120 mm and the diameter is 17 inches, while the rear tire width is 180 mm and the diameter is also 17 inches. The wheelbase is 1530 mm and the seat height is 820 mm. The fuel tank has a capacity of 18 liters. The bike is equipped with LED headlights.

On the other hand, the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2019 is also a sports touring motorcycle but with a V-type engine. It has a higher power output of 175 HP and a torque of 141 Nm. The transmission is a chain drive and it also has 2 cylinders. The displacement is larger at 1301 cc. The front suspension is a telescopic fork with 125 mm of travel, while the rear suspension is a single swing arm with a monoshock and 156 mm of travel. The chassis is made of chromium-molybdenum and the frame is tubular. The front brakes are dual discs with radial and monoblock technology. The bike features ABS and traction control as advanced rider assistance systems. The front tire width is 120 mm and the diameter is 17 inches, while the rear tire width is 190 mm and the diameter is also 17 inches. The wheelbase is shorter at 1482 mm and the seat height is higher at 835 mm. The fuel tank has a larger capacity of 23 liters. The bike is equipped with an adjustable windshield.

BMW R 1250 RS 2019

In terms of strengths, the BMW R 1250 RS 2019 offers precise and stable handling, an agile and high-revving boxer engine, a modern appearance, a suitable seating position for touring, standard ABS and traction control, selectable riding modes, a color TFT screen, and LED headlights. It also has an extensive list of accessories available.

On the other hand, the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2019 offers improved engine smoothness, the same brutal power characteristic, an incredibly powerful engine even at high speeds, a high-performance automatic gearbox with a blipper, easy control even with the electronics turned off, adjustable footrest system, and a clear and easy-to-read 6.5-inch TFT screen.

KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2019

However, the BMW R 1250 RS 2019 has some weaknesses such as the windshield could be higher and many features come at an additional cost. On the other hand, the design of the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2019 may still be a matter of personal taste despite the optical slimming.

In conclusion, both motorcycles have their own strengths and weaknesses. The BMW R 1250 RS 2019 offers a precise and stable ride with a modern appearance and a range of accessories, while the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2019 provides a powerful and smooth engine with advanced electronics and an adjustable footrest system. The choice between the two would depend on personal preferences and priorities.