BMW R 1250 GS 2021 vs. KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017

BMW R 1250 GS 2021

BMW R 1250 GS 2021

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017

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Overview - BMW R 1250 GS 2021 vs KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017

The BMW R 1250 GS 2021 and the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017 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 BMW R 1250 GS 2021 is equipped with a Boxer engine with a displacement of 1254cc. It produces 136 HP of power and 143 Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a prop shaft transmission and has a starter that is electrically operated. On the other hand, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017 features a V-twin engine with a displacement of 1301cc. It generates a higher power output of 160 HP and torque of 140 Nm. The engine is paired with a chain transmission and also has an electric starter.

In terms of suspension, the BMW R 1250 GS 2021 has a Telelever front suspension with a diameter of 37mm and a travel of 190mm. The rear suspension is a single swing arm with a monoshock and offers a travel of 200mm. The suspension can be adjusted for preload and rebound. On the other hand, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017 features an upside-down telescopic fork front suspension with a diameter of 48mm and a travel of 200mm. The rear suspension is a swing arm with a monoshock and also offers a travel of 200mm. The suspension can be adjusted for compression, preload, and rebound.

BMW R 1250 GS 2021

BMW R 1250 GS 2021

In terms of chassis, the BMW R 1250 GS 2021 has a steel frame that is load-bearing engine type. It has a rake of 62.9 degrees and a trail of 109mm. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017, on the other hand, has a chromium-molybdenum frame that is tubular in design. It has a slightly steeper rake of 64 degrees and a trail of 120mm.

Both motorcycles are equipped with advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, traction control, and riding modes. The BMW R 1250 GS 2021 also features additional assistance systems like anti-slipping control, hill start assist, cornering ABS, ride by wire, and cornering lights. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017, on the other hand, offers electronically adjustable suspension as part of its advanced rider assistance systems.

In terms of dimensions and weights, both motorcycles have a front tire diameter of 19 inches and a rear tire width of 170mm. The BMW R 1250 GS 2021 has a rear tire diameter of 17 inches, while the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017 has the same rear tire diameter. The wheelbase of the BMW R 1250 GS 2021 is slightly shorter at 1525mm compared to the 1560mm wheelbase of the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017. The seat height of the BMW R 1250 GS 2021 is adjustable from 850mm to 870mm, while the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017 has a seat height that can be adjusted from 860mm to 875mm. The BMW R 1250 GS 2021 has a slightly higher kerb weight of 249kg compared to the 238kg kerb weight of the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017. Both motorcycles have a fuel tank capacity of 20 liters and 23 liters respectively.

In terms of equipment, both motorcycles offer features like LED headlights, adjustable windscreen, and cornering lights. The BMW R 1250 GS 2021 also comes with a great connectivity app and an easy-to-read display, while the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017 offers additional features like heated grips and a quickshifter.

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017

In terms of strengths, the BMW R 1250 GS 2021 offers great ride comfort, ergonomic design, a powerful engine, practical riding aids, and a versatile chassis that can handle any route. It also has an easy-to-read display and a confident feel in the saddle. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017, on the other hand, is praised for its powerful engine, precise handling, traction control with a fun factor, cornering ABS as standard, and off-road capability. It also features a large TFT display, LED headlights with cornering lights, and a quickshifter.

However, both motorcycles have their weaknesses. The BMW R 1250 GS 2021 has a rough overall appearance and its gearshifts at low revs can be somewhat clumsy. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017, on the other hand, has a high price and the height adjustment of the windshield can consume a lot of power.

In conclusion, the BMW R 1250 GS 2021 and the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017 are both impressive enduro motorcycles with their own strengths and weaknesses. The BMW R 1250 GS 2021 offers great ride comfort, a powerful engine, and practical riding aids, while the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017 excels in terms of power, handling, and off-road capability. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications BMW R 1250 GS 2021 compared to KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017

BMW R 1250 GS 2021
KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017

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 NmTorque140 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 degreeRake64 degree
TrailTrail109 mmTrail120 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, Hill start assist, Riding modes, Cornering ABS, Ride by Wire, Traction controlAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Suspension electronically adjustable, Riding modes, Ride by Wire, 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 Height860 mm
Seat Height up toSeat Height up to870 mmSeat Height up to875 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)249 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)238 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity20 lFuel Tank Capacity23 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Equipment

EquipmentEquipmentCornering lights, LED-Headlights, Windscreen adjustableEquipmentHeated grips, Cornering lights, LED-Headlights, 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 2017

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017

The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S is more than a sporty touring enduro - it is a sports machine that can also go on tours. The powerful 160 hp engine is not only extremely powerful, it is also very easy to operate and makes you want to ride sportily. The many electronic assistance systems such as traction control, semi-active chassis, various modes and cornering ABS also contribute to making you feel right at home on the 1290 Super Adventure S. Finally, the huge TFT display and other gadgets such as the Race-on system or My Ride are also quite convincing.

Powerful engine

precise handling

traction control with fun factor

cornering ABS as standard

easy-to-read, huge TFT display

quickshifter

LED headlights with cornering lights

off-road capable.

High price

power-consuming height adjustment of the windshield

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 2017. In terms of price, the actual average price of a BMW R 1250 GS 2021 is about 59% higher. Compared to KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017 there are more BMW R 1250 GS 2021 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 66 compared to 26. It takes less time to sell a BMW R 1250 GS with 55 days compared to 68 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 9/19/2018 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 10/12/2016.

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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