KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017 vs. BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019

In terms of engine and drive train, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017 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 140 Nm. The starter is electric and the transmission is a chain. 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 a prop shaft. Similar to the KTM, it also has 2 cylinders but has a smaller displacement of 1254 ccm.

In terms of suspension, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017 has an upside-down telescopic fork front suspension with a diameter of 48 mm and a travel of 200 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 200 mm. It can also be adjusted for compression, preload, and rebound. 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.

In terms of chassis, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017 has a chromium-molybdenum frame that is tubular in type. It has a rake of 64 degrees and a trail of 120 mm. The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019 has a steel frame that is load-bearing engine. It has a rake of 65.1 degrees and a trail of 95.4 mm.

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017

In terms of brakes, both motorcycles have double disk front brakes.

In terms of advanced rider assistance systems, both motorcycles have ABS. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017 also has suspension that is electronically adjustable, riding modes, ride by wire, and traction control. The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019 has anti-slipping control, riding modes, and ride by wire.

In terms of dimensions and weights, both motorcycles have a front tire diameter of 19 inches and a rear tire width of 170 mm. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017 has a rear tire diameter of 17 inches while the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019 has a rear tire diameter of 17 inches. The wheelbase of the KTM is 1560 mm while the BMW has a wheelbase of 1504 mm. The seat height of the KTM is 860 mm and can be adjusted up to 875 mm. The seat height of the BMW is 890 mm and can be adjusted up to 910 mm. The kerb weight of the KTM is 238 kg while the BMW has a kerb weight of 268 kg. The fuel tank capacity of the KTM is 23 liters while the BMW has a fuel tank capacity of 30 liters.

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019

In terms of equipment, both motorcycles have adjustable windshields. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017 also has heated grips, cornering lights, and LED headlights. The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019 has LED headlights.

In terms of strengths, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017 has a powerful engine, precise handling, traction control with a fun factor, cornering ABS as standard, an easy-to-read huge TFT display, a quickshifter, LED headlights with cornering lights, and is off-road capable. On the other hand, the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019 has great ride comfort, an extreme range, good ergonomics, excellent weather protection, bulbous torque, clean response, generally good rideability due to a low center of gravity, and customization options.

In terms of weaknesses, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017 has a high price and a power-consuming height adjustment of the windshield. The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019 has a high weight noticeable in the braking zone and a high price.