KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2021 vs. BMW R 1200 GS 2017

KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2021

KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2021

BMW R 1200 GS 2017

BMW R 1200 GS 2017

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Overview - KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2021 vs BMW R 1200 GS 2017

In terms of engine and drive train, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2021 is equipped with a V-type engine, while the BMW R 1200 GS 2017 has a Boxer engine. The KTM has a larger bore of 108 mm compared to the BMW's 101 mm, which may contribute to its higher power output. The stroke of the KTM is 71 mm, while the BMW has a slightly longer stroke of 73 mm. The KTM boasts an engine power of 160 HP, surpassing the BMW's 125 HP. The KTM also has a higher torque of 138 Nm compared to the BMW's 125 Nm. Both motorcycles have a 2-cylinder configuration, but the KTM has a larger displacement of 1301 ccm, while the BMW has a displacement of 1170 ccm.

In terms of suspension, the KTM features an upside-down telescopic fork for the front suspension, which can be adjusted for compression, preload, and rebound. The rear suspension of the KTM is a swing arm, also adjustable for compression, preload, and rebound. On the other hand, the BMW has a strut front suspension, which can be adjusted for preload, and a single swing arm rear suspension, also adjustable for preload.

When it comes to the chassis, the KTM has a chromium-molybdenum frame, while the BMW has a steel frame. The KTM's frame type is tubular, while the BMW's frame type is twin tube, load-bearing engine.

KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2021

KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2021

Both motorcycles are equipped with double disk front brakes, providing strong stopping power. The front tire diameter of the KTM is 21 inches, while the BMW has a slightly smaller front tire diameter of 19 inches. The rear tire width of the KTM is 150 mm, while the BMW has a wider rear tire width of 170 mm. The rear tire diameter of the KTM is 18 inches, while the BMW has a slightly smaller rear tire diameter of 17 inches.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the KTM has a longer wheelbase of 1577 mm compared to the BMW's 1507 mm. The seat height of the KTM is higher at 880 mm, while the BMW has a slightly lower seat height of 850 mm. The fuel tank capacity of the KTM is larger at 23 liters, while the BMW has a smaller fuel tank capacity of 20 liters.

In terms of strengths, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2021 has a robust overall impression and a high-quality and practical chassis. It offers a great seat for endurance riding and is equipped with sporty and high-quality components. The engine is powerful yet easy to control, and the motorcycle comes with practical riding aids.

BMW R 1200 GS 2017

BMW R 1200 GS 2017

On the other hand, the BMW R 1200 GS 2017 has a mature concept and a strong engine. It offers easy handling and powerful brakes. The BMW also has adjustable modes and traction control, along with an extensive equipment range. It has a good image and value retention.

However, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2021 does have some weaknesses. Despite its high price, it lacks individual features in the basic equipment, and the controls can be fiddly. Similarly, the BMW R 1200 GS 2017 has its weaknesses, such as many features being available at an extra cost and the boxer engine being exposed in really tough terrain.

In conclusion, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2021 and the BMW R 1200 GS 2017 are both capable enduro motorcycles with their own strengths and weaknesses. The KTM offers a powerful and robust package with practical features, while the BMW has a mature concept and a strong reputation. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2021 compared to BMW R 1200 GS 2017

KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2021
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. Power9,000 rpmRpm at Max. Power7,700 rpm
TorqueTorque138 NmTorque125 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,500 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
WheelbaseWheelbase1,577 mmWheelbase1,507 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height880 mmSeat Height850 mm
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 2021

KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2021

The Super Adventure R presented itself as a great adventure motorbike during the intensive test in the Pyrenees. It offered a great combination of long-distance comfort and off-road capability. You won't find this combination in this consistency on any other motorbike. Above all, the chassis is tough and presented itself from its best side in tough terrain. Of course, only very few riders will actually ride this monster properly - but in rough terrain, "having" has always been better than "needing".

Robust overall impression

high-quality and practical chassis

great seat for a lot of endurance in the saddle

sporty and high-quality components

powerful but easy-to-control engine

practical riding aids.

The high-priced motorbike lacks individual features in the basic equipment

fiddly controls

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 2021 and a BMW R 1200 GS 2017. In terms of price, the actual average price of a KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2021 is about 8% higher. Compared to BMW R 1200 GS 2017 there are less KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2021 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 7 compared to 84. It takes less time to sell a BMW R 1200 GS with 72 days compared to 101 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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