KTM 1290 Super Adventure 2015 vs. BMW R 1200 GS Adventure 2015

KTM 1290 Super Adventure 2015

KTM 1290 Super Adventure 2015

BMW R 1200 GS Adventure 2015

BMW R 1200 GS Adventure 2015

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Overview - KTM 1290 Super Adventure 2015 vs BMW R 1200 GS Adventure 2015

The KTM 1290 Super Adventure 2015 and the BMW R 1200 GS Adventure 2015 are both powerful and capable enduro motorcycles. However, there are some notable differences between the two models.

In terms of engine and drive train, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure has a larger bore and stroke, resulting in a higher engine power of 160 HP compared to the BMW's 125 HP. The KTM also has a higher torque of 140 Nm compared to the BMW's 125 Nm. Both motorcycles have a 2-cylinder engine, but the KTM has a larger displacement of 1301 ccm compared to the BMW's 1170 ccm. The KTM uses a chain transmission, while the BMW uses a prop shaft transmission.

In terms of suspension, the KTM features an upside-down telescopic fork, while the BMW has a strut front suspension. The KTM's suspension is semi-active, allowing for better adjustability and control. Both motorcycles have a 19-inch front tire diameter and a 17-inch rear tire diameter, with a rear tire width of 170 mm.

In terms of chassis, the KTM has a chromium-molybdenum frame, while the BMW has a steel frame. The BMW's frame is a twin tube, load-bearing engine type, which provides stability and durability.

KTM 1290 Super Adventure 2015

KTM 1290 Super Adventure 2015

In terms of assistance systems, the KTM features advanced rider assistance systems such as ride by wire, which improves throttle response and control. The BMW has riding modes, which allow the rider to adjust the motorcycle's settings for different riding conditions.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the KTM has a slightly longer wheelbase of 1560 mm compared to the BMW's 1510 mm. The KTM also has a lower seat height of 860 mm compared to the BMW's 910 mm. The KTM has a kerb weight of 249 kg, while the BMW is slightly heavier at 260 kg. Both motorcycles have a fuel tank capacity of 30 liters.

In terms of strengths, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure 2015 has a very powerful and confident engine, sporty and agile handling, and a comprehensive electronics package. The interaction of many electronic features, such as semi-active suspension, cornering ABS, adjustable traction control, and cruise control, enhances the riding experience. The KTM also has a large 30-liter fuel tank, heated seats, a main stand, and LED cornering lights.

BMW R 1200 GS Adventure 2015

BMW R 1200 GS Adventure 2015

On the other hand, the BMW R 1200 GS Adventure 2015 also has a powerful engine and is relatively easy to ride. It has excellent ergonomics and stable brakes. The BMW also has a 30-liter fuel tank, providing ample range for long rides.

In terms of weaknesses, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure 2015 has a windshield that is described as very jagged, and the locking lever of the windshield is located on the right side, which may be inconvenient for some riders. Additionally, the power delivery of the KTM can be somewhat jerky at low revs.

The BMW R 1200 GS Adventure 2015 has a high weight and a high price compared to the KTM.

Overall, both the KTM 1290 Super Adventure 2015 and the BMW R 1200 GS Adventure 2015 are powerful and capable enduro motorcycles. The KTM offers a more sporty and agile riding experience with a comprehensive electronics package, while the BMW provides excellent ergonomics and stability. The choice between the two models ultimately depends on the rider's preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications KTM 1290 Super Adventure 2015 compared to BMW R 1200 GS Adventure 2015

KTM 1290 Super Adventure 2015
BMW R 1200 GS Adventure 2015

Engine and Drive Train

BoreBore108 mmBore101 mm
StrokeStroke71 mmStroke73 mm
Engine powerEngine power160 HPEngine power125 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power8,750 rpmRpm at Max. Power7,750 rpm
TorqueTorque140 NmTorque125 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,750 rpmRpm at Torque6,500 rpm
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeToughened, Dry
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionProp shaft
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
DisplacementDisplacement1,301 ccmDisplacement1,170 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionStrut

Chassis

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

Brakes Front

PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
Shock mountShock mountFixed caliperShock mountFixed caliper

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonDouble piston
Shock mountShock mountFixed caliperShock mountFloating caliper

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsRide by WireAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsRiding modes

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
WheelbaseWheelbase1,560 mmWheelbase1,510 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height860 mmSeat Height910 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)249 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)260 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity30 lFuel Tank Capacity30 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

KTM 1290 Super Adventure 2015

KTM 1290 Super Adventure 2015

The 1290 Super Adventure is rightly presented by KTM as an adventure flagship. Packed with sophisticated electronics and almost everything you could possibly need in a big touring enduro, it recommends itself as expected for the long haul. What you don't immediately see from its bulky appearance, however, is that the Super Adventure, like its 1190 sisters, is an incredible fun machine. Especially in tight corners, it is unbelievable fun. The electronics control traction, chassis and engine management so unobtrusively that you can concentrate fully and above all safely on accelerating. On the intermediate straights, the 160 hp of power ensure that the 1290 Super Adventure can also meet sporting requirements and is thus hardly surpassed in terms of universality.

Very powerful and confident engine

sporty, agile handling

comprehensive electronics package

interaction of many electronic features

semi-active suspension

cornering ABS

adjustable traction control

cruise control

large 30-litre fuel tank

heated seats

main stand

LED cornering lights.

Windshield very jagged

locking lever of the windshield on the right side

power delivery under 2000 revs somewhat jerky

BMW R 1200 GS Adventure 2015

BMW R 1200 GS Adventure 2015

As the most successful supplier of large-volume touring enduros, BMW has for years been highly successful in establishing the large R 1200 GS Adventure as the ultimate long-distance touring motorbike. Building on the driving dynamics and high off-road and touring competence of the conventional R 1200 GS, the Adventure represents the maximum solution for off-road touring riders. With its bulky fairing and 30-litre tank, the 125 hp engine has more to haul, but a high degree of agility is still maintained. Nothing is spared in terms of equipment, the big Adventure offers the full programme: ABS, ASC (Automatic Stability Control) and two riding modes "Rain" and "Road" are standard.

Powerful engine

relatively easy to ride

30 litre fuel tank

excellent ergonomics

stable brakes.

High weight

high price

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

There are a few key differences between a KTM 1290 Super Adventure 2015 and a BMW R 1200 GS Adventure 2015. In terms of price, the actual average price of a BMW R 1200 GS Adventure 2015 is about 18% higher. Compared to BMW R 1200 GS Adventure 2015 there are less KTM 1290 Super Adventure 2015 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 7 compared to 9. It takes less time to sell a BMW R 1200 GS Adventure with 77 days compared to 82 days for the KTM 1290 Super Adventure. Since model year 2015 1000PS.de editors have written 18 reviews for the KTM 1290 Super Adventure and 35 reviews for the BMW R 1200 GS Adventure since model year 2006. The first review for the KTM 1290 Super Adventure was published on 19/08/2014 and now has more than 8,100 views. This compares to more than 12,900 views for the first review on BMW R 1200 GS Adventure published on 28/11/2005.

Price KTM 1290 Super Adventure

Model year
Current average market prices

Price BMW R 1200 GS Adventure

Model year
Current average market prices

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