BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023 vs. KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

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Overview - BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023 vs KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023 and the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 are both powerful and capable enduro motorcycles. However, they have some key differences in terms of their technical specifications and strengths.

Starting with the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023, it is equipped with a Boxer engine that delivers 136 HP of power and 143 Nm of torque. The engine is known for its high-torque performance, allowing for strong acceleration from low revs. The bike has a low centre of gravity, which contributes to its surprisingly accessible manoeuvrability. It also offers practical details for frequent riders, such as a gigantic range of 600 km and low fuel consumption of 4.75 l/100km. The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023 provides good wind and weather protection, as well as great ride comfort. It features a steel frame and a load-bearing engine, ensuring stability and durability. The bike is equipped with advanced rider assistance systems, including ABS, anti-slipping control, hill start assist, electronically adjustable suspension, riding modes, cornering ABS, and ride by wire. It has a 19-inch front tyre diameter, a 170 mm rear tyre width, and a 17-inch rear tyre diameter. The wheelbase is 1504 mm, and the seat height ranges from 890 mm to 910 mm. The bike has a kerb weight of 268 kg and a fuel tank capacity of 30 l.

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023

On the other hand, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 features a V2 engine that delivers 160 HP of power and 138 Nm of torque. The engine is described as very sporty, but also cultivated. Despite its high weight, the bike offers extremely accessible handling. It provides a comfortable and driving-friendly seating position. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 is equipped with good brakes, including cornering ABS, and a comprehensive electronics package. It has a clear and well-structured instrumentation with a huge 7-inch display. The bike features a chromium-molybdenum frame and a tubular frame type. It has a 65.3-degree rake. Similar to the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023, it has a 19-inch front tyre diameter, a 170 mm rear tyre width, and a 17-inch rear tyre diameter. The wheelbase is slightly longer at 1560 mm, and the seat height ranges from 849 mm to 869 mm. The bike has a kerb weight of 243 kg and a fuel tank capacity of 23 l.

In terms of strengths, the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023 offers a high-torque engine that provides strong acceleration from low revs. Its low centre of gravity ensures surprisingly accessible manoeuvrability. The bike has practical details for frequent riders, a gigantic range of 600 km, and low fuel consumption. It provides good wind and weather protection, great ride comfort, and a powerful engine. The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023 is equipped with great electronics, including advanced rider assistance systems. It has an easy-to-read display and offers a confident feeling in the saddle. The bike also has practical riding aids and great ergonomics for tall people.

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

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

However, both bikes have their weaknesses. The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023 has a high weight and gearshifts at low revs can be somewhat clumsy. It also has a jagged appearance with little elegance and is high-priced with full equipment. On the other hand, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 has a turn-in behaviour in bends that can be somewhat sluggish. It also has an opaque package design and pricing policy, and its dashboards and switches do not feel very high quality.

Technical Specifications BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023 compared to KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023
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
TravelTravel210 mmTravel200 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreloadAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSingle swing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
TravelTravel220 mmTravel200 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreload, ReboundAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound
MaterialMaterialAluminiumMaterialAluminium

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameChromium-molybdenum
Frame typeFrame typeLoad-bearing engineFrame typeTubular
RakeRake65.1 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, Suspension electronically adjustable, Riding modes, Cornering ABS, Ride by WireAdvanced 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
WheelbaseWheelbase1,504 mmWheelbase1,560 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height890 mmSeat Height849 mm
Seat Height up toSeat Height up to910 mmSeat Height up to869 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)268 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)243 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity30 lFuel Tank Capacity23 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA
RangeRange631 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 daytime running lights, LED-Headlights, Heated seat, TFT display, Windscreen adjustableEquipmentCornering lights, LED-Headlights, TFT display, Windscreen adjustable

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023

The big GS Adventure is and remains a great motorbike for any terrain - even for tight corners. The low centre of gravity of the boxer engine, the longitudinally mounted crankshaft, the upright seating position and the powerful but easily controllable torque from far below are simply a force. Although the Adventure version has a higher seat with more weight, which is a decisive hindrance when turning or manoeuvring, in terms of performance the engine also has so much punch in the big GS Adventure that you can let it rip. The BMW's braking system is stable and excellently controllable, and the equipment and electronics can be upgraded considerably - as long as you tick the boxes on the order list. Of course, this pushes up the price, but the many fans of the fat GS Adventure obviously don't mind.

High-torque engine that accelerates strongly from low revs

low centre of gravity ensures surprisingly accessible manoeuvrability

practical details for frequent riders on board

gigantic range of 600 km

amazingly low consumption

good wind and weather protection

great ride comfort

powerful engine

great electronics

easy-to-read display

confident feeling in the saddle

practical riding aids

great ergonomics for tall people.

High weight

gearshifts at low revs somewhat clumsy

jagged appearance with little elegance

high-priced with full equipment

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 Adventure vs KTM 1290 Super Adventure S

There are a few key differences between a BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023 and a KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021. In terms of price, the actual average price of a BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023 is about 32% higher. Compared to KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 there are more BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 47 compared to 26. It takes less time to sell a BMW R 1250 GS Adventure with 64 days compared to 91 days for a KTM 1290 Super Adventure S. Since model year 2019 1000PS.de editors have written 30 reviews for the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure and 31 reviews for the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S since model year 2017. The first review for the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure was published on 11/6/2018 and now has more than 43,300 views. This compares to more than 32,200 views for the first review on KTM 1290 Super Adventure S published on 10/12/2016.

Price BMW R 1250 GS Adventure

Model year
Current average market prices

Price KTM 1290 Super Adventure S

Model year
Current average market prices

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