BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023 vs. KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2017

In terms of engine and drive train, the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023 is equipped with a Boxer engine that delivers 136 HP of power and 143 Nm of torque. It has a displacement of 1254 ccm and features a prop shaft transmission. On the other hand, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2017 is powered by a V engine that produces 160 HP of power and 140 Nm of torque. It has a displacement of 1301 ccm and comes with a chain transmission.

When it comes to suspension, the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023 features a Telelever front suspension with a diameter of 37 mm and a travel of 210 mm. The rear suspension is a single swing arm with a monoshock and a travel of 220 mm. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2017, on the other hand, is equipped with an upside-down telescopic fork front suspension with a diameter of 48 mm and a travel of 220 mm. The rear suspension is a swing arm with a monoshock and a travel of 220 mm.

In terms of chassis, the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023 has a steel frame with a load-bearing engine design. It has a rake of 65.1 degrees and a trail of 95.4 mm. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2017 features a chromium-molybdenum frame with a tubular design. It has a rake of 64 degrees and a trail of 123 mm.

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023

Both motorcycles are equipped with double disk front brakes. The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023 comes with advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, anti-slipping control, hill start assist, electronically adjustable suspension, riding modes, cornering ABS, and ride by wire. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2017 also features ABS, electronically adjustable suspension, riding modes, ride by wire, and traction control.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023 has a front tyre diameter of 19 inches, a rear tyre width of 170 mm, and a rear tyre diameter of 17 inches. It has a wheelbase of 1504 mm, a seat height of 890 mm, a kerb weight of 268 kg (with ABS), and a fuel tank capacity of 30 liters. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2017 has a front tyre diameter of 21 inches, a rear tyre width of 150 mm, and a rear tyre diameter of 18 inches. It has a wheelbase of 1580 mm, a seat height of 890 mm, a kerb weight of 240 kg (with ABS), and a fuel tank capacity of 23 liters.

KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2017

In terms of equipment, the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023 is equipped with cornering lights, LED daytime running lights, LED headlights, a heated seat, a TFT display, and an adjustable windscreen. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2017 comes with heated grips, cornering lights, LED headlights, and an adjustable windscreen.

In terms of strengths, the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023 has a high-torque engine that accelerates strongly from low revs, a low centre of gravity that ensures surprisingly accessible manoeuvrability, and practical details for frequent riders on board. It also has a gigantic range of 600 km, low consumption, good wind and weather protection, great ride comfort, powerful engine, great electronics, an easy-to-read display, a confident feeling in the saddle, practical riding aids, and great ergonomics for tall people. On the other hand, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2017 is fully off-road capable, has a good off-road mode, easy handling, a very powerful and refined engine, and state-of-the-art electronic features such as traction control, quickshifter, and cornering ABS. It also has a large, easy-to-read TFT display and LED headlights with cornering lights.

In terms of weaknesses, the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023 has a high weight, gearshifts at low revs that can be somewhat clumsy, a jagged appearance with little elegance, and is high-priced with full equipment. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2017 has a high price and a power-consuming height adjustment of the windshield.