KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2017 vs. BMW R 1200 GS 2017

KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2017

KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2017

BMW R 1200 GS 2017

BMW R 1200 GS 2017

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Overview - KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2017 vs BMW R 1200 GS 2017

The KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2017 and the BMW R 1200 GS 2017 are both powerful enduro motorcycles with their own unique strengths and weaknesses.

Starting with the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R, it boasts a V engine type with a displacement of 1301ccm, delivering an impressive 160 HP of engine power and 140 Nm of torque. This makes it a highly powerful and refined machine, perfect for off-road adventures. The engine is paired with a chain transmission, providing smooth and efficient power delivery. The suspension system consists of an upside-down telescopic fork in the front and a swing arm in the rear, both of which offer adjustable compression, preload, and rebound settings. The frame is made of chromium-molybdenum, providing strength and durability. The front brakes are double disk, ensuring excellent stopping power. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure R rides on a 21-inch front tire and an 18-inch rear tire, offering good traction on various terrains. It has a wheelbase of 1580 mm and a seat height of 890 mm, providing a comfortable riding position. With a curb weight of 240 kg and a fuel tank capacity of 23 liters, it is a slightly heavier and larger motorcycle compared to its competitor.

On the other hand, the BMW R 1200 GS 2017 features a Boxer engine type with a displacement of 1170ccm. It delivers 125 HP of engine power and 125 Nm of torque, making it slightly less powerful than the KTM. The engine is paired with a prop shaft transmission, which offers smooth and reliable power transfer. The suspension system consists of a strut in the front and a single swing arm in the rear, both of which offer preload adjustment. The frame is made of steel, providing a sturdy and reliable structure. The front brakes are double disk, ensuring strong braking performance. The BMW R 1200 GS rides on a 19-inch front tire and a 17-inch rear tire, offering good balance and stability. It has a wheelbase of 1507 mm and a seat height of 850 mm, providing a comfortable and accessible riding position. With a curb weight of 238 kg and a fuel tank capacity of 20 liters, it is slightly lighter and more compact compared to the KTM.

KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2017

KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2017

In terms of strengths, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R excels in its off-road capabilities, with a good off-road mode and easy handling. The engine is highly powerful and refined, and it comes with state-of-the-art electronic features such as traction control, quickshifter, and cornering ABS. The large TFT display is easy to read, and the LED headlights with cornering lights provide excellent visibility in all conditions.

On the other hand, the BMW R 1200 GS has a mature concept and a strong engine. It also offers easy handling and powerful brakes. The adjustable modes and traction control add to its versatility, and it comes with an extensive equipment range. The BMW R 1200 GS also has a good image and value retention, making it a popular choice among riders.

BMW R 1200 GS 2017

BMW R 1200 GS 2017

In terms of weaknesses, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R has a high price compared to its competitor. Additionally, the power-consuming height adjustment of the windshield can be a drawback for some riders.

On the other hand, the BMW R 1200 GS has many features that come at an extra cost, which can increase the overall price of the motorcycle. Additionally, the boxer engine is exposed in really tough terrain, which may affect its performance in extreme off-road conditions.

In conclusion, both the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2017 and the BMW R 1200 GS 2017 are excellent enduro motorcycles with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. The KTM offers a more powerful engine and advanced electronic features, while the BMW has a mature concept and strong value retention. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2017 compared to BMW R 1200 GS 2017

KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2017
BMW R 1200 GS 2017

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeVEngine typeBoxer
BoreBore108 mmBore101 mm
StrokeStroke71 mmStroke73 mm
Engine powerEngine power160 HPEngine power125 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power8,750 rpmRpm at Max. Power7,700 rpm
TorqueTorque140 NmTorque125 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,750 rpmRpm at Torque6,500 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio13.1 Compression Ratio12.5
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeAntihopping
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionProp shaft
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingAir
DisplacementDisplacement1,301 ccmDisplacement1,170 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionStrut
AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentPreload

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSingle swing arm
AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentPreload

Chassis

FrameFrameChromium-molybdenumFrameSteel
Frame typeFrame typeTubularFrame typeTwin Tube, Load-bearing engine

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
Shock mountShock mountFixed caliperShock mountFixed caliper

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonDouble piston
Shock mountShock mountFixed caliperShock mountFloating caliper

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width90 mmFront tyre width120 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height90 %Front tyre height70 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter21 inchFront tyre diameter19 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width150 mmRear tyre width170 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height70 %Rear tyre height60 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter18 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
WheelbaseWheelbase1,580 mmWheelbase1,507 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height890 mmSeat Height850 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)240 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)238 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity23 lFuel Tank Capacity20 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2017

KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2017

The 1290 Super Adventure R is supposed to be the new off-road flagship of the KTM Adventure range - and it is! It's amazing how easy it is to move 240 kilos off-road with a full tank. The off-road mode is also largely convincing. On the other hand, as on the 1290 Super Adventure S, the full 160 hp and 140 Newton metres of torque as well as all comfort features (apart from the electronically adjustable suspension) are available on the R version: Four performance modes (Sport, Street, Rain and Offroad), cornering ABS, traction control, cruise control, keyless race-on system and the mobile phone management "My Ride". This means that the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R actually combines four motorbikes in one - and thus justifies the proud price.

Fully off-road capable

good off-road mode

easy handling

very powerful and refined engine

state-of-the-art electronic features such as traction control, quickshifter and cornering ABS

large, easy-to-read TFT display

LED headlights with cornering lights.

High price

power-consuming height adjustment of the windshield

BMW R 1200 GS 2017

BMW R 1200 GS 2017

For over 35 years, BMW has continued to expand the boxer range and is consistently working on the evolution of the GS. In addition to the EURO4 update of the engine with new catalytic converter and mapping, there are now even more features such as the Dynamic ESA Next Generation with automatic riding position compensation, which further improves stability and comfort for the rider. With its subtle colour scheme, the Exclusive version is intended for friends of a neat and subdued appearance and, unlike the flashier Rallye variant, is designed more for the road. Many features are at extra cost, but GS customers usually don't care - 90 percent are ordered with full equipment.

Mature concept

strong engine

easy handling

powerful brakes

adjustable modes and traction control

extensive equipment range

good image and value retention.

many features at extra cost

boxer exposed in really tough terrain

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price KTM 1290 Super Adventure R vs BMW R 1200 GS

There are a few key differences between a KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2017 and a BMW R 1200 GS 2017. In terms of price, the actual average price of a BMW R 1200 GS 2017 is about 14% higher. Compared to BMW R 1200 GS 2017 there are less KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2017 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 5 compared to 84. It takes less time to sell a BMW R 1200 GS with 72 days compared to 86 days for the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R. Since model year 2017 1000PS.de editors have written 19 reviews for the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R and 98 reviews for the BMW R 1200 GS since model year 2005. The first review for the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R was published on 04/10/2016 and now has more than 36,400 views. This compares to more than 19,100 views for the first review on BMW R 1200 GS published on 20/01/2004.

Price KTM 1290 Super Adventure R

Model year
Current average market prices

Price BMW R 1200 GS

Model year
Current average market prices

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