KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022 vs. BMW R 1250 GS 2020

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022

BMW R 1250 GS 2020

BMW R 1250 GS 2020

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Overview - KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022 vs BMW R 1250 GS 2020

The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022 and the BMW R 1250 GS 2020 are both powerful and capable enduro motorcycles. However, they have some key differences in terms of their technical specifications and features.

Starting with the engine and drive train, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022 is equipped with a V2 engine with a displacement of 1301ccm, delivering 160 HP of power and 138 Nm of torque. On the other hand, the BMW R 1250 GS 2020 features a Boxer engine with a displacement of 1254ccm, producing 136 HP of power and 143 Nm of torque. Both bikes have electric starters, but the KTM uses a chain transmission while the BMW utilizes a prop shaft transmission.

In terms of suspension, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022 comes with an upside-down telescopic fork with a diameter of 48mm and a travel of 200mm. The front suspension is adjustable for compression, preload, and rebound. The rear suspension features a swing arm with a monoshock and has the same travel and adjustment options as the front suspension. On the other hand, the BMW R 1250 GS 2020 is equipped with a telelever front suspension with a diameter of 37mm and a travel of 190mm. The front suspension is adjustable for preload. The rear suspension consists of a single swing arm with a monoshock and offers adjustment options for preload and rebound.

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022

In terms of chassis, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022 features a chromium-molybdenum frame, while the BMW R 1250 GS 2020 has a steel frame with a load-bearing engine design. The rake angle of the KTM is 65.3 degrees, while the BMW has a rake angle of 62.9 degrees.

Both motorcycles have double disk brakes at the front, providing stable braking performance. The KTM comes with advanced rider assistance systems such as electronically adjustable suspension, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, cruise control, and traction control. The BMW also offers ABS, anti-slipping control, riding modes, and ride by wire.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022 has a front tire diameter of 19 inches and a rear tire width of 170mm with a diameter of 17 inches. It has a wheelbase of 1560mm and a seat height ranging from 849mm to 869mm. The kerb weight with ABS is 243kg, and it has a fuel tank capacity of 23 liters. On the other hand, the BMW R 1250 GS 2020 has the same tire and wheel dimensions as the KTM. It has a slightly shorter wheelbase of 1525mm and a seat height ranging from 850mm to 870mm. The kerb weight with ABS is slightly higher at 249kg, and it has a fuel tank capacity of 20 liters.

In terms of equipment, both motorcycles come with adjustable windshields and LED headlights. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022 also features cornering lights and a TFT display, while the BMW R 1250 GS 2020 offers a color TFT display as standard.

BMW R 1250 GS 2020

BMW R 1250 GS 2020

In terms of strengths, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022 is praised for its very sporty V2 power plant, playful handling, comfortable seating position, good brakes with cornering ABS, comprehensive electronics package, adaptive cruise control, and a clear, well-structured instrumentation with a large 7-inch display. On the other hand, the BMW R 1250 GS 2020 is appreciated for its extremely high-torque boxer engine, good sound, comfortable seating position suitable for long distances, stable braking performance, good weather protection, and standard LED headlights.

However, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022 has some weaknesses, including the gearshift assistant being an extra cost option, an idiosyncratic look, and a tight seat. The BMW R 1250 GS 2020 is criticized for its manageable standard equipment and a jagged appearance with little elegance.

In conclusion, both the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022 and the BMW R 1250 GS 2020 are excellent enduro motorcycles with their own strengths and weaknesses. The KTM offers a more sporty and aggressive performance, while the BMW provides a comfortable and versatile riding experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022 compared to BMW R 1250 GS 2020

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022
BMW R 1250 GS 2020

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeVEngine typeBoxer
BoreBore108 mmBore102.5 mm
StrokeStroke71 mmStroke76 mm
Engine powerEngine power160 HPEngine power136 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power8,750 rpmRpm at Max. Power7,750 rpm
TorqueTorque138 NmTorque143 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,750 rpmRpm at Torque6,250 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio13.1 Compression Ratio12.5
Fuel systemFuel systemInjectionFuel systemInjection
Throttle BoreThrottle Bore52 mmThrottle Bore52 mm
StarterStarterElectricStarterElectric
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeAntihopping
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionProp shaft
Transmission TypeTransmission TypeGearshiftTransmission TypeGearshift
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
Valves per cylinderValves per cylinder4Valves per cylinder4
ValvesValvesDOHCValvesDOHC
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid-air
DisplacementDisplacement1,301 ccmDisplacement1,254 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionTelelever
DiameterDiameter48 mmDiameter37 mm
TravelTravel200 mmTravel190 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentPreload

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSingle swing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
TravelTravel200 mmTravel200 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentPreload, Rebound
MaterialMaterialAluminiumMaterialAluminium

Chassis

FrameFrameChromium-molybdenumFrameSteel
Frame typeFrame typeTubularFrame typeLoad-bearing engine
RakeRake65.3 degreeRake62.9 degree

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter320 mmDiameter305 mm
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
ActuationActuationHydraulicActuationHydraulic
TechnologyTechnologyradialTechnologyradial

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter267 mmDiameter276 mm
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonDouble piston
Shock mountShock mountFixed caliperShock mountFloating caliper

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsSuspension electronically adjustable, Riding modes, Cornering ABS, Ride by Wire, Cruise control, Traction controlAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Anti-slipping control, Riding modes, Ride by Wire

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 mmWheelbase1,525 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height849 mmSeat Height850 mm
Seat Height up toSeat Height up to869 mmSeat Height up to870 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)243 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)249 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity23 lFuel Tank Capacity20 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Equipment

EquipmentEquipmentCornering lights, LED-Headlights, TFT display, Windscreen adjustableEquipmentLED-Headlights, Windscreen adjustable

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

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

BMW R 1250 GS 2020

BMW R 1250 GS 2020

The BMW R 1250 GS is the logical further development of the R 1200 GS - logical above all because one should not expect such a popular motorbike to be radically changed. Accordingly, the design has been changed cautiously, and the familiar options for the chassis and electronics have been retained. The new name R 1250 GS, however, promises a new engine - and it really is something! 136 hp at 7750 rpm and a whopping 143 Newton metres of maximum torque at 6250 rpm are an absolute blast! BMW has thus renovated the big GS almost perfectly: it remains clearly recognisable, has a little more electronics as standard, a still long list of surcharges (which customers like to tick from A to Z) and a now even better and more sovereign power plant - what more could you want?!

extremely high-torque boxer engine

good sound

comfortable seating position, suitable for long distances

stable braking performance

good weather protection

colour TFT display standard

LED headlights

Manageable standard equipment, long surcharge list

jagged appearance with little elegance

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

There are a few key differences between a KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022 and a BMW R 1250 GS 2020. In terms of price, the actual average price of a BMW R 1250 GS 2020 is about 5% higher. A KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022 experiences a loss of 1,130 GBP in one year of ownership. This is offset by a loss of 600 GBP for a BMW R 1250 GS 2020. Compared to BMW R 1250 GS 2020 there are less KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 24 compared to 71. It takes less time to sell a BMW R 1250 GS with 43 days compared to 96 days for the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S. Since model year 2017 1000PS.de editors have written 31 reviews for the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S and 50 reviews for the BMW R 1250 GS since model year 2019. The first review for the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S was published on 12/10/2016 and now has more than 32,200 views. This compares to more than 305,600 views for the first review on BMW R 1250 GS published on 19/09/2018.

Price KTM 1290 Super Adventure S

Model year
Current average market prices

Price BMW R 1250 GS

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Current average market prices

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