BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023 vs. KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022

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Overview - BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023 vs KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022

The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023 and the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022 are both powerful and capable enduro motorcycles. However, they have some key differences in terms of their technical specifications and strengths.

Starting with the engine and drive train, the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023 is equipped with a Boxer engine that has a displacement of 1254 ccm. It produces 136 HP of power and 143 Nm of torque. On the other hand, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022 features a V2 engine with a displacement of 1301 ccm. It generates a higher power output of 160 HP, but slightly lower torque at 138 Nm. Both motorcycles have electric starters, but the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023 has a prop shaft transmission, while the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022 uses a chain transmission.

In terms of suspension, the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023 has 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. On the other hand, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022 features an upside-down telescopic fork front suspension with a diameter of 48 mm and a travel of 200 mm. The rear suspension is a swing arm with a monoshock and a travel of 200 mm. Both motorcycles offer adjustment options for preload, rebound, and compression.

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023

In terms of chassis, the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023 has a steel frame with a load-bearing engine design and a rake of 65.1 degrees. On the other hand, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022 has a chromium-molybdenum frame with a tubular design and a slightly steeper rake of 65.3 degrees.

Both motorcycles have double disk front brakes, but the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022 offers additional assistance systems such as cruise control and traction control. Both motorcycles are equipped with cornering lights, LED headlights, TFT displays, and adjustable windscreens.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023 has a front tire diameter of 19 inches, a rear tire width of 170 mm, and a rear tire diameter of 17 inches. It has a wheelbase of 1504 mm and a seat height that can be adjusted from 890 mm to 910 mm. The kerb weight with ABS is 268 kg, and it has a fuel tank capacity of 30 liters, providing a range of 631 km. The combined fuel consumption is 4.75 l/100km. On the other hand, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022 has the same tire dimensions and a slightly longer wheelbase of 1560 mm. It has a lower seat height that can be adjusted from 849 mm to 869 mm. The kerb weight with ABS is 243 kg, and it has a smaller fuel tank capacity of 23 liters, providing a range of 416 km. The combined fuel consumption is 5.7 l/100km.

In terms of strengths, the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023 offers a high-torque engine that provides strong acceleration from low revs. Its low center of gravity ensures surprisingly accessible maneuverability, and it has practical details for frequent riders on board. The motorcycle has a gigantic range of 600 km and impressively low fuel consumption. It also offers good wind and weather protection, great ride comfort, and a powerful engine. The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023 is equipped with great electronics, including advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, anti-slipping control, hill start assist, electronically adjustable suspension, riding modes, cornering ABS, and ride by wire. It also has a clear and easy-to-read TFT display, providing a confident feeling in the saddle. Additionally, the motorcycle offers practical riding aids and great ergonomics for tall people.

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022

On the other hand, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022 has a very sporty but also cultivated V2 power plant. Despite its high weight, it offers extremely playful handling. The motorcycle has a comfortable and driving-friendly seating position, good brakes including cornering ABS, and a comprehensive electronics package. It also features adaptive cruise control (ACC) and a clear, well-structured instrumentation with a huge 7-inch display.

As for weaknesses, the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023 has a high weight, and its gearshifts at low revs can be somewhat clumsy. It also has a jagged appearance with little elegance and can be high-priced with full equipment. On the other hand, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022 has the weakness of requiring an extra cost for the gearshift assistant. It also has an idiosyncratic look and a tight seat.

In conclusion, both the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023 and the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022 are powerful and capable enduro motorcycles. The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023 excels in terms of its high-torque engine, low center of gravity, practical details, and impressive range. It offers good wind and weather protection, great ride comfort, and a range of practical riding aids. On the other hand, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022 stands out with its sporty V2 power plant, playful handling, and comprehensive electronics package. It offers adaptive cruise control and a well-structured instrumentation with a large display. However, it has a slightly lower power output and torque compared to the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023.

Technical Specifications BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023 compared to KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023
KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeBoxerEngine typeV
BoreBore102.5 mmBore108 mm
StrokeStroke76 mmStroke71 mm
Engine powerEngine power136 HPEngine power160 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power7,750 rpmRpm at Max. Power8,750 rpm
TorqueTorque143 NmTorque138 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,250 rpmRpm at Torque6,750 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio12.5 Compression Ratio13.1
Fuel systemFuel systemInjectionFuel systemInjection
Throttle BoreThrottle Bore52 mmThrottle Bore52 mm
StarterStarterElectricStarterElectric
Clutch TypeClutch TypeAntihoppingClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
TransmissionTransmissionProp shaftTransmissionChain
Transmission TypeTransmission TypeGearshiftTransmission TypeGearshift
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
Valves per cylinderValves per cylinder4Valves per cylinder4
ValvesValvesDOHCValvesDOHC
CoolingCoolingliquid-airCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement1,254 ccmDisplacement1,301 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionTeleleverFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
DiameterDiameter37 mmDiameter48 mm
TravelTravel210 mmTravel200 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreloadAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSingle swing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
TravelTravel220 mmTravel200 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreload, ReboundAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound
MaterialMaterialAluminiumMaterialAluminium

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameChromium-molybdenum
Frame typeFrame typeLoad-bearing engineFrame typeTubular
RakeRake65.1 degreeRake65.3 degree

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter305 mmDiameter320 mm
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
ActuationActuationHydraulicActuationHydraulic
TechnologyTechnologyradialTechnologyradial

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter276 mmDiameter267 mm
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonDouble piston
Shock mountShock mountFloating caliperShock mountFixed caliper

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Anti-slipping control, Hill start assist, Suspension electronically adjustable, Riding modes, Cornering ABS, Ride by WireAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsSuspension electronically adjustable, Riding modes, Cornering ABS, Ride by Wire, Cruise control, Traction control

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width120 mmFront tyre width120 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height70 %Front tyre height70 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter19 inchFront tyre diameter19 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width170 mmRear tyre width170 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height60 %Rear tyre height60 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
WheelbaseWheelbase1,504 mmWheelbase1,560 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height890 mmSeat Height849 mm
Seat Height up toSeat Height up to910 mmSeat Height up to869 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)268 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)243 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity30 lFuel Tank Capacity23 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA
RangeRange631 kmRange416 km
Combined CO2 emissionsCombined CO2 emissions110 g/kmCombined CO2 emissions134 g/km
Combined fuel consumptionCombined fuel consumption4.75 l/100kmCombined fuel consumption5.7 l/100km

Equipment

EquipmentEquipmentCornering lights, LED daytime running lights, LED-Headlights, Heated seat, TFT display, Windscreen adjustableEquipmentCornering lights, LED-Headlights, TFT display, Windscreen adjustable

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023

The big GS Adventure is and remains a great motorbike for any terrain - even for tight corners. The low centre of gravity of the boxer engine, the longitudinally mounted crankshaft, the upright seating position and the powerful but easily controllable torque from far below are simply a force. Although the Adventure version has a higher seat with more weight, which is a decisive hindrance when turning or manoeuvring, in terms of performance the engine also has so much punch in the big GS Adventure that you can let it rip. The BMW's braking system is stable and excellently controllable, and the equipment and electronics can be upgraded considerably - as long as you tick the boxes on the order list. Of course, this pushes up the price, but the many fans of the fat GS Adventure obviously don't mind.

High-torque engine that accelerates strongly from low revs

low centre of gravity ensures surprisingly accessible manoeuvrability

practical details for frequent riders on board

gigantic range of 600 km

amazingly low consumption

good wind and weather protection

great ride comfort

powerful engine

great electronics

easy-to-read display

confident feeling in the saddle

practical riding aids

great ergonomics for tall people.

High weight

gearshifts at low revs somewhat clumsy

jagged appearance with little elegance

high-priced with full equipment

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022

Even one year after its presentation, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S is anything but old hat. The Euro5 engine continues to shine incredibly with its 160 hp and the argen torque of 138 Newton metres. The refined electronics ensure an even smoother ride, which, thanks to the wonderfully agile handling, results in a lot of fun when cornering. But the new SASi also has a lot to offer comfort freaks and all those who value the touring qualities of this type of motorbike. A nice, standard feature is the adaptive cruise control ACC, which independently keeps the distance to the vehicle in front - and works really well. In any case, the Quickshifter+ or the all-inclusive TechPack is recommended - given the basic price, the extra charge of around 1,000 euros is of little consequence anyway.

Very sporty, but also cultivated V2 power plant

extremely playful handling despite high weight

comfortable, driving-friendly seating position

good brakes including cornering ABS

comprehensive electronics package

adaptive cruise control ACC

clear, well-structured instrumentation with huge 7-inch display.

Gearshift assistant at extra cost

idiosyncratic look

tight seat

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price BMW R 1250 GS Adventure vs KTM 1290 Super Adventure S

There are a few key differences between a BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023 and a KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022. In terms of price, the actual average price of a BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023 is about 25% higher. Compared to KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022 there are more BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 47 compared to 24. It takes less time to sell a BMW R 1250 GS Adventure with 64 days compared to 96 days for a KTM 1290 Super Adventure S. Since model year 2019 1000PS.de editors have written 30 reviews for the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure and 31 reviews for the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S since model year 2017. The first review for the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure was published on 06/11/2018 and now has more than 43,300 views. This compares to more than 32,200 views for the first review on KTM 1290 Super Adventure S published on 12/10/2016.

Price BMW R 1250 GS Adventure

Model year
Current average market prices

Price KTM 1290 Super Adventure S

Model year
Current average market prices

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