BMW R 1250 GS 2020 vs. KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

The BMW R 1250 GS 2020 and the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 are both powerful and capable enduro motorcycles. However, they have some key differences in terms of their technical specifications and strengths and weaknesses.

In terms of engine and drive train, the BMW R 1250 GS 2020 is equipped with a boxer engine, while the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 has a V2 power plant. The BMW has a bore of 102.5 mm and a stroke of 76 mm, producing 136 HP of engine power and 143 Nm of torque. On the other hand, the KTM has a bore of 108 mm and a stroke of 71 mm, generating 160 HP of engine power and 138 Nm of torque. Both motorcycles have an electric starter, but the BMW has a prop shaft transmission, while the KTM has a chain transmission. The BMW has 2 cylinders and a displacement of 1254 ccm, while the KTM also has 2 cylinders but a larger displacement of 1301 ccm.

In terms of suspension, the BMW R 1250 GS 2020 features a telelever front suspension with a diameter of 37 mm and a travel of 190 mm. The rear suspension is a single swing arm with a monoshock and a travel of 200 mm. The suspension on the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 consists of an upside-down telescopic fork with a diameter of 48 mm and a travel of 200 mm for the front, and a swing arm with a monoshock and a travel of 200 mm for the rear. Both motorcycles have adjustable suspension, with the BMW offering preload adjustment and the KTM offering compression, preload, and rebound adjustment.

BMW R 1250 GS 2020

In terms of chassis, the BMW R 1250 GS 2020 has a steel frame with a load-bearing engine, while the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 has a chromium-molybdenum frame that is tubular in design. The rake angle on the BMW is 62.9 degrees, while it is slightly steeper at 65.3 degrees on the KTM.

In terms of brakes, both motorcycles have double disk brakes at the front. The BMW R 1250 GS 2020 comes with advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, anti-slipping control, riding modes, and ride by wire. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 offers even more advanced rider assistance systems, including electronically adjustable suspension, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, cruise control, and traction control.

In terms of dimensions and weights, both motorcycles have a front tire diameter of 19 inches and a rear tire width of 170 mm with a diameter of 17 inches. The wheelbase on the BMW is 1525 mm, while it is slightly longer at 1560 mm on the KTM. The seat height on the BMW is 850 mm, with the option to increase it up to 870 mm. The KTM has a slightly lower seat height, ranging from 849 mm to 869 mm. The BMW weighs 249 kg with ABS, while the KTM weighs slightly less at 243 kg. The fuel tank capacity is 20 liters on the BMW and 23 liters on the KTM.

In terms of equipment, both motorcycles come with LED headlights and adjustable windshields. The BMW R 1250 GS 2020 also features a color TFT display as standard, while the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 offers additional features such as cornering lights, a TFT display, and a larger 7-inch display.

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

In terms of strengths, the BMW R 1250 GS 2020 is known for its extremely high-torque boxer engine, comfortable seating position suitable for long distances, stable braking performance, good weather protection, and standard LED headlights. On the other hand, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 is praised for its very sporty yet cultivated V2 power plant, accessible handling despite its high weight, comfortable driving-friendly seating position, good brakes including cornering ABS, and comprehensive electronics package with a clear and well-structured instrumentation that includes a large 7-inch display.

In terms of weaknesses, the BMW R 1250 GS 2020 is criticized for its manageable standard equipment and long surcharge list, as well as its jagged appearance with little elegance. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 is noted for its somewhat sluggish turn-in behavior in bends, opaque package design and pricing policy, and dashboards and switches that do not feel very high quality.

In conclusion, the BMW R 1250 GS 2020 and the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 are both impressive enduro motorcycles with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. The BMW offers a powerful and torquey boxer engine with a comfortable seating position, while the KTM provides a sportier V2 power plant with accessible handling. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.