BMW R 1250 RS 2021 vs. KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2020

BMW R 1250 RS 2021

BMW R 1250 RS 2021

KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2020

KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2020

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Overview - BMW R 1250 RS 2021 vs KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2020

In terms of engine performance, the BMW R 1250 RS 2021 is equipped with a Boxer engine that delivers 136 horsepower and 143 Nm of torque. This engine provides a high-revving and agile experience on the road. On the other hand, the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2020 features a V engine that generates a more powerful 175 horsepower and 141 Nm of torque. This engine offers a confident and exhilarating ride.

Both motorcycles have a 4-stroke engine with 2 cylinders, ensuring smooth and efficient power delivery. The BMW R 1250 RS has a displacement of 1254 ccm, while the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT has a slightly larger displacement of 1301 ccm.

In terms of suspension, both motorcycles feature upside-down telescopic forks in the front and a single swing arm with a monoshock in the rear. The BMW R 1250 RS offers a travel of 140 mm in both the front and rear suspension, with adjustments for preload and rebound. On the other hand, the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT provides a front suspension travel of 125 mm and a rear suspension travel of 156 mm. It also offers adjustments for compression, preload, and rebound.

When it comes to the chassis, the BMW R 1250 RS has a steel frame with a load-bearing engine design. This provides high stability in long radii and contributes to the motorcycle's overall durability. The KTM 1290 Super Duke GT, on the other hand, features a chromium-molybdenum frame with a tubular design. This frame offers exemplary agility and enhances the motorcycle's handling capabilities.

BMW R 1250 RS 2021

BMW R 1250 RS 2021

In terms of braking systems, both motorcycles are equipped with double disk brakes in the front. The BMW R 1250 RS utilizes radial technology for its front brakes, while the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT features radial and monoblock technology. These advanced braking systems ensure optimal stopping power and control.

In terms of rider assistance systems, the BMW R 1250 RS offers ABS, anti-slipping control, riding modes, and ride by wire technology. These features enhance safety and provide a customizable riding experience. The KTM 1290 Super Duke GT, on the other hand, offers ABS and traction control to ensure stability and control on various road conditions.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the BMW R 1250 RS has a front tire width of 120 mm and a rear tire width of 180 mm. The front and rear tires have a diameter of 17 inches. The motorcycle has a wheelbase of 1530 mm and a seat height of 820 mm. It also has a fuel tank capacity of 18 liters. The KTM 1290 Super Duke GT has a front tire width of 120 mm and a rear tire width of 190 mm. The front and rear tires also have a diameter of 17 inches. The motorcycle has a slightly shorter wheelbase of 1482 mm and a higher seat height of 835 mm. It has a larger fuel tank capacity of 23 liters.

In terms of equipment, the BMW R 1250 RS is equipped with LED headlights, providing enhanced visibility and a modern aesthetic. The KTM 1290 Super Duke GT features an adjustable windscreen, allowing riders to customize their riding experience and improve aerodynamics.

In terms of strengths, the BMW R 1250 RS offers high stability in long radii, thanks to its load-bearing engine frame design. It also has an agile and high-revving boxer engine, providing a thrilling riding experience. The motorcycle has a comfortable seating position, making it suitable for long rides. Additionally, it has an extensive list of accessories available, allowing riders to customize their motorcycle according to their preferences. The BMW R 1250 RS also features a great ESA chassis, further enhancing its overall performance.

KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2020

KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2020

On the other hand, the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT has a powerful and confident engine, delivering a thrilling ride. It offers exemplary agility, allowing riders to navigate through various road conditions with ease. The motorcycle features a 6.5-inch color TFT display, providing riders with clear and detailed information. It also comes with lavish standard equipment, ensuring a comfortable and convenient riding experience. The KTM 1290 Super Duke GT is equipped with a precise semi-active chassis, enhancing its handling capabilities. The motorcycle also features a superbly functioning Quickshifter Plus, allowing for smooth and seamless gear shifts. Additionally, it has a practical pannier system, providing storage space for riders' belongings.

In terms of weaknesses, the BMW R 1250 RS has a high weight that can be noticeable in tight bends, affecting its maneuverability. Some riders may find that the windshield could be higher, providing better wind protection. Additionally, the motorcycle has many compulsory features that come at an extra cost, which can increase the overall price. Some riders may also find the BMW R 1250 RS somewhat sluggish in certain situations.

The KTM 1290 Super Duke GT has a relatively high fuel consumption, which can affect its overall efficiency. The motorcycle's polarizing optics may not be to everyone's taste, as personal preferences for aesthetics can vary.

In conclusion, both the BMW R 1250 RS 2021 and the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2020 offer impressive features and performance in the sport touring motorcycle segment. The BMW R 1250 RS excels in stability, agility, and customization options, while the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT stands out with its powerful engine, advanced technology, and practicality. Riders should consider their specific preferences and riding needs when choosing between these two motorcycles.

Technical Specifications BMW R 1250 RS 2021 compared to KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2020

BMW R 1250 RS 2021
KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2020

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeBoxerEngine typeV
BoreBore102.5 mmBore108 mm
StrokeStroke76 mmStroke71 mm
Engine powerEngine power136 HPEngine power175 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power7,750 rpmRpm at Max. Power8,870 rpm
TorqueTorque143 NmTorque141 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,250 rpmRpm at Torque6,500 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio12.5 Compression Ratio13.2
Fuel systemFuel systemInjectionFuel systemInjection
StarterStarterElectricStarterElectric
Clutch TypeClutch TypeAntihoppingClutch TypeAntihopping
TransmissionTransmissionProp shaftTransmissionChain
Transmission TypeTransmission TypeGearshiftTransmission TypeGearshift
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
Valves per cylinderValves per cylinder4Valves per cylinder4
CoolingCoolingliquid-airCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement1,254 ccmDisplacement1,301 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
TravelTravel140 mmTravel125 mm

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSingle swing armSuspensionSingle swing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
TravelTravel140 mmTravel156 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreload, ReboundAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameChromium-molybdenum
Frame typeFrame typeLoad-bearing engineFrame typeTubular
RakeRake62.3 degreeRake65.1 degree

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
ActuationActuationHydraulicActuationHydraulic
TechnologyTechnologyradialTechnologyradial, Monoblock

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
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, 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 diameter17 inchFront tyre diameter17 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width180 mmRear tyre width190 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height55 %Rear tyre height55 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
WheelbaseWheelbase1,530 mmWheelbase1,482 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height820 mmSeat Height835 mm
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity18 lFuel Tank Capacity23 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Equipment

EquipmentEquipmentLED-HeadlightsEquipmentWindscreen adjustable

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

BMW R 1250 RS 2021

BMW R 1250 RS 2021

A great engine in a pretty dress is not everything. The standard equipment of the BMW R 1250 RS is disappointing; neither quickshifter nor cruise control are included, which is no longer in keeping with the times in 2021. Ergonomically, the Bavarian can be adapted to almost any rider. The ESA suspension is great and a must-have extra, especially when there are two of you. In tight bends, the RS's weight is indisputable; here it seems almost sluggish. The wider the radii, the more confident you are on the BMW. Wind and weather protection are good, although a slightly higher windshield would be desirable.

High stability in long radii

agile, high-revving boxer engine

good looks

comfortable seating position

extensive list of accessories

great ESA chassis.

High weight noticeable in tight bends

windshield could be higher

many compulsory features at extra cost

somewhat sluggish

KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2020

KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2020

Do you need 175 hp or even launch control in a touring motorbike? Of course not. Is it fun? Definitely! Although the Super Duke GT can't hide its genes and is undeniably a Duke in terms of agility and cornering power despite its 209 kg dry weight, it's still possible to cruise in a relaxed manner, always assuming a certain "maturity" with such performance data, of course. Because unlike the Super Duke R or even an 890 Duke R, it doesn't constantly suggest the knife between my teeth, but rather a feeling of sovereignty, freely according to the motto "I can, but I don't have to". And all of this comes lavishly equipped as standard, or as one might expect from a motorbike costing 22,499 euros in Austria or 19,053 euros in Germany.

powerful, confident engine

exemplary agility

6.5-inch colour TFT display

lavish standard equipment

precise semi-active chassis

superbly functioning Quickshifter Plus

practical pannier system

Relatively high consumption

polarising optics are not to everyone's taste

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price BMW R 1250 RS vs KTM 1290 Super Duke GT

There are a few key differences between a BMW R 1250 RS 2021 and a KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2020. In terms of price, the actual average price of a BMW R 1250 RS 2021 is about 28% higher. Compared to KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2020 there are more BMW R 1250 RS 2021 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 6 compared to 5. It takes less time to sell a BMW R 1250 RS with 57 days compared to 104 days for a KTM 1290 Super Duke GT. Since model year 2019 1000PS.de editors have written 11 reviews for the BMW R 1250 RS and 22 reviews for the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT since model year 2016. The first review for the BMW R 1250 RS was published on 11/6/2018 and now has more than 77,400 views. This compares to more than 23,600 views for the first review on KTM 1290 Super Duke GT published on 11/17/2015.

Price BMW R 1250 RS

Model year
Current average market prices

Price KTM 1290 Super Duke GT

Model year
Current average market prices

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