BMW S 1000 XR 2020 vs. KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2021

In terms of engine and drive train, the BMW S 1000 XR 2020 is equipped with an in-line four-cylinder engine that produces 165 horsepower and 114 Nm of torque. It has a chain transmission and a displacement of 999cc. On the other hand, the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2021 features a V-twin engine that delivers 175 horsepower and 141 Nm of torque. It also has a chain transmission and a displacement of 1301cc.

Both motorcycles have upside-down telescopic forks for the front suspension. However, the BMW S 1000 XR offers a travel of 150mm, while the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT has a slightly lower travel of 125mm. Both motorcycles have adjustable compression, preload, and rebound settings for the front suspension.

For the rear suspension, the BMW S 1000 XR has a swing arm design with a monoshock absorber and a travel of 150mm. The KTM 1290 Super Duke GT, on the other hand, features a single swing arm suspension with a monoshock absorber and a travel of 156mm. Both motorcycles also have adjustable compression, preload, and rebound settings for the rear suspension.

BMW S 1000 XR 2020

In terms of chassis, the BMW S 1000 XR has an aluminum frame with a twin-tube, load-bearing engine design. The KTM 1290 Super Duke GT, on the other hand, has a chromium-molybdenum frame with a tubular design.

Both motorcycles have double disk brakes at the front with a diameter of 320mm. The BMW S 1000 XR utilizes radial technology for its front brakes, while the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT features radial and monoblock technology.

In terms of advanced rider assistance systems, both motorcycles offer various features. The BMW S 1000 XR provides suspension that is electronically adjustable, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, and traction control. The KTM 1290 Super Duke GT offers ABS, hill start assist, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, and traction control.

In terms of dimensions and weights, both motorcycles have the same front and rear tire widths and diameters. The BMW S 1000 XR has a wheelbase of 1552mm and a seat height of 840mm, while the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT has a slightly shorter wheelbase of 1482mm and a lower seat height of 835mm. The KTM 1290 Super Duke GT also has a larger fuel tank capacity of 23 liters compared to the 20 liters of the BMW S 1000 XR.

KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2021

In terms of equipment, both motorcycles feature adjustable windshields. The BMW S 1000 XR also includes LED daytime running lights, LED headlights, and a TFT display.

In terms of strengths, the BMW S 1000 XR offers great connectivity and integration with mobile phones, a revving four-cylinder engine with a wide usable rev band, well-balanced handling, good brakes, and good wind and weather protection. It also has a windshield that is easily adjustable with one hand and a quickshifter. The KTM 1290 Super Duke GT boasts a very potent engine, precise chassis, agile handling, well-controlled brakes, good wind protection, and top ergonomics. It also has a long range and ample equipment as standard.

In terms of weaknesses, the BMW S 1000 XR has a narrow knee angle on long tours and suspension damping that is not sensitive enough, making it difficult to find a comfortable setup. The KTM 1290 Super Duke GT has a hard chassis and saddle, an engine that only accelerates smoothly from around 3500 revs, and can be quite loud with the Track Pack.