BMW R 1250 GS 2020 vs. KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2021

BMW R 1250 GS 2020

BMW R 1250 GS 2020

KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2021

KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2021

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Overview - BMW R 1250 GS 2020 vs KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2021

Comparing the BMW R 1250 GS 2020 and the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2021, both enduro motorcycles have their own unique strengths and weaknesses.

Starting with the BMW R 1250 GS 2020, it boasts an extremely high-torque boxer engine that provides excellent power and performance. The engine produces 136 HP and 143 Nm of torque, ensuring a thrilling riding experience. Additionally, the bike has a good sound, adding to the overall enjoyment. The comfortable seating position is suitable for long distances, allowing riders to comfortably tackle extended journeys. The stable braking performance ensures reliable stopping power, enhancing safety on the road. The bike also offers good weather protection, shielding riders from the elements. Furthermore, the inclusion of a colour TFT display and LED headlights as standard equipment adds a touch of modernity and convenience.

BMW R 1250 GS 2020

BMW R 1250 GS 2020

On the other hand, the BMW R 1250 GS 2020 does have some weaknesses. The standard equipment is manageable, and there is a long surcharge list for additional features. The bike's appearance is jagged and lacks elegance, which may not appeal to riders seeking a sleek and stylish design.

Turning to the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2021, it exudes a robust overall impression and features a high-quality and practical chassis. The bike's seat is great for extended periods of riding, providing comfort and endurance. The sporty and high-quality components contribute to the bike's overall performance and durability. The engine, while powerful, is also easy to control, allowing riders to confidently handle the bike. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2021 is equipped with practical riding aids, enhancing safety and convenience.

KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2021

KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2021

However, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2021 does have some weaknesses. Despite being a high-priced motorcycle, it lacks individual features in the basic equipment, potentially leaving riders wanting more. Additionally, the controls can be fiddly, which may require some getting used to.

In conclusion, both the BMW R 1250 GS 2020 and the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2021 offer their own set of strengths and weaknesses. The BMW R 1250 GS 2020 excels in terms of its high-torque engine, comfortable seating position, stable braking performance, and good weather protection. On the other hand, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2021 impresses with its robust overall impression, high-quality chassis, endurance-friendly seat, sporty components, and practical riding aids. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications BMW R 1250 GS 2020 compared to KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2021

BMW R 1250 GS 2020
KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 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. Power9,000 rpm
TorqueTorque143 NmTorque138 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,250 rpmRpm at Torque6,500 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 mmTravel220 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreloadAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSingle swing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
TravelTravel200 mmTravel220 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreload, ReboundAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound
MaterialMaterialAluminiumMaterialAluminium

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameChromium-molybdenum
Frame typeFrame typeLoad-bearing engineFrame typeTubular
RakeRake62.9 degreeRake64.7 degree
TrailTrail109 mmTrail112.8 mm

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, Riding modes, Ride by WireAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Riding modes, Cornering ABS, Ride by Wire, Traction control

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width120 mmFront tyre width90 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height70 %Front tyre height90 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter19 inchFront tyre diameter21 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width170 mmRear tyre width150 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height60 %Rear tyre height70 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter18 inch
WheelbaseWheelbase1,525 mmWheelbase1,577 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height850 mmSeat Height880 mm
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity20 lFuel Tank Capacity23 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Equipment

EquipmentEquipmentLED-Headlights, Windscreen adjustableEquipmentCornering lights, LED daytime running lights, LED-Headlights, TFT display, Windscreen adjustable

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

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

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

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

There are a few key differences between a BMW R 1250 GS 2020 and a KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2021. In terms of price, the actual average price of a BMW R 1250 GS 2020 is about 16% higher. Compared to KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2021 there are more BMW R 1250 GS 2020 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 71 compared to 7. It takes less time to sell a BMW R 1250 GS with 43 days compared to 101 days for a KTM 1290 Super Adventure R. Since model year 2019 1000PS.de editors have written 50 reviews for the BMW R 1250 GS and 19 reviews for the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R since model year 2017. The first review for the BMW R 1250 GS was published on 9/19/2018 and now has more than 305,600 views. This compares to more than 36,400 views for the first review on KTM 1290 Super Adventure R published on 10/4/2016.

Price BMW R 1250 GS

Model year
Current average market prices

Price KTM 1290 Super Adventure R

Model year
Current average market prices

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