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

BMW R 1250 GS 2021

BMW R 1250 GS 2021

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

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Overview - BMW R 1250 GS 2021 vs KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

The BMW R 1250 GS 2021 and the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 are both powerful and versatile enduro motorcycles.

The BMW R 1250 GS 2021 is equipped with a Boxer engine that delivers 136 HP of power and 143 Nm of torque. It 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 frame is made of steel and has a rake of 62.9 degrees. The front brakes are double disk and the bike is equipped with advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, anti-slipping control, hill start assist, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, and traction control. The front tire has a diameter of 19 inches and the rear tire has a width of 170 mm and a diameter of 17 inches. The wheelbase is 1525 mm and the seat height is adjustable from 850 mm to 870 mm. The bike has a kerb weight of 249 kg and a fuel tank capacity of 20 liters. It has a range of 421 km and a combined fuel consumption of 4.75 l/100km. The BMW R 1250 GS 2021 is equipped with cornering lights, LED headlights, and an adjustable windscreen.

On the other hand, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 features a V engine that delivers 160 HP of power and 138 Nm of torque. It has 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. The frame is made of chromium-molybdenum and has a frame type of tubular. It has a rake of 65.3 degrees. The front brakes are double disk and the bike is equipped with suspension that is electronically adjustable, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, cruise control, and traction control. The front tire has a diameter of 19 inches and the rear tire has a width of 170 mm and a diameter of 17 inches. The wheelbase is 1560 mm and the seat height is adjustable from 849 mm to 869 mm. The bike has a kerb weight of 243 kg and a fuel tank capacity of 23 liters. It has a range of 416 km and a combined fuel consumption of 5.7 l/100km. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 is equipped with cornering lights, LED headlights, a TFT display, and an adjustable windscreen.

BMW R 1250 GS 2021

BMW R 1250 GS 2021

In terms of strengths, the BMW R 1250 GS 2021 offers great ride comfort and great ergonomics. It has a powerful engine and a great connectivity app. The bike has an easy-to-read display and a confident feel in the saddle. It also has practical riding aids and a versatile chassis that can accommodate every route. Overall, it is easy to ride.

On the other hand, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 has a very sporty, but also cultivated V2 power plant. Despite its high weight, it offers extremely accessible handling. The bike has a comfortable, driving-friendly seating position and good brakes including cornering ABS. It also comes with a comprehensive electronics package and a clear, well-structured instrumentation with a huge 7-inch display.

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

In terms of weaknesses, the BMW R 1250 GS 2021 has a rough overall appearance and gearshifts at low revs can be somewhat clumsy.

On the other hand, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 has a turn-in behavior in bends that can be somewhat sluggish. The bike also has an opaque package design and pricing policy, and the dashboards and switches do not feel very high quality.

In conclusion, both the BMW R 1250 GS 2021 and the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 are powerful and versatile enduro motorcycles. The BMW R 1250 GS 2021 offers great ride comfort and practical riding aids, while the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 has a very sporty power plant and a comprehensive electronics package. However, the BMW R 1250 GS 2021 has a rough appearance and gearshifts can be clumsy, while the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 has sluggish turn-in behavior and a design and pricing policy that may not appeal to everyone.

Technical Specifications BMW R 1250 GS 2021 compared to KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

BMW R 1250 GS 2021
KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

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
TravelTravel190 mmTravel200 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreloadAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSingle swing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
TravelTravel200 mmTravel200 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreload, ReboundAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound
MaterialMaterialAluminiumMaterialAluminium

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameChromium-molybdenum
Frame typeFrame typeLoad-bearing engineFrame typeTubular
RakeRake62.9 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, Riding modes, Cornering ABS, Ride by Wire, Traction controlAdvanced 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
WheelbaseWheelbase1,525 mmWheelbase1,560 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height850 mmSeat Height849 mm
Seat Height up toSeat Height up to870 mmSeat Height up to869 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)249 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)243 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity20 lFuel Tank Capacity23 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA
RangeRange421 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-Headlights, Windscreen adjustableEquipmentCornering lights, LED-Headlights, TFT display, Windscreen adjustable

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

BMW R 1250 GS 2021

BMW R 1250 GS 2021

The GS also impressed us with its versatility during the test in November 2021. We rode the bike on a wide variety of terrain and were once again very satisfied. The motorbike convinces in every situation with its easy handling and practicality. On the other hand, it can also be ridden delightfully irrationally.

Great ride comfort and great ergonomics

Powerful engine

Great connectivity app

Easy-to-read display

Confident feel in the saddle

Practical riding aids

Versatile chassis accommodates every route

Easy to ride

Rough overall appearance

gearshifts at low revs somewhat clumsy

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

All in all, the long-distance capable KTM 1290 Super Adventure S is made for a trip for two, whereby the rider hardly ever has to think about where it is going. It likes motorway sections, fast country road passages or winding mountain passes in the tightest of corners just as much as unpaved roads with the occasional rough gravel section, where it is primarily the rider or their routine that decides how far they can go. The handling, which is improved compared to the predecessor due to the lower tank (and thus centre of gravity), also scores points here. The electronic chassis copes perfectly with the changing surfaces of a journey and always conveys transparency, the engine sovereignty in every situation. Ready to race - or also: Ready for long-distance racing!

Very sporty, but also cultivated V2 power plant

extremely accessible handling despite high weight

comfortable, driving-friendly seating position

good brakes including cornering ABS

comprehensive electronics package

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

Turn-in behaviour in bends somewhat sluggish

Opaque package design and pricing policy

Dashboards and switches do not feel very high quality

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

There are a few key differences between a BMW R 1250 GS 2021 and a KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021. In terms of price, the actual average price of a BMW R 1250 GS 2021 is about 17% higher. A BMW R 1250 GS 2021 experiences a loss of 350 GBP in one year and 320 GBP in two years of ownership. This is offset by a loss of 90 GBP and 910 GBP for a KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021. Compared to KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 there are more BMW R 1250 GS 2021 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 64 compared to 27. It takes less time to sell a BMW R 1250 GS with 55 days compared to 91 days for a KTM 1290 Super Adventure S. Since model year 2019 1000PS.de editors have written 50 reviews for the BMW R 1250 GS and 31 reviews for the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S since model year 2017. The first review for the BMW R 1250 GS was published on 19/09/2018 and now has more than 305,600 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

Model year
Current average market prices

Price KTM 1290 Super Adventure S

Model year
Current average market prices

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