BMW R 1200 GS 2015 vs. KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017

BMW R 1200 GS 2015

BMW R 1200 GS 2015

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017

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Overview - BMW R 1200 GS 2015 vs KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017

The BMW R 1200 GS 2015 and the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017 are both powerful enduro motorcycles with their own unique strengths and weaknesses.

Starting with the engine and drive train, the BMW R 1200 GS 2015 is equipped with a Boxer engine that delivers 125 HP and 125 Nm of torque. It has a displacement of 1170 ccm and uses a prop shaft transmission. On the other hand, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017 features a V engine that produces 160 HP and 140 Nm of torque. It has a larger displacement of 1301 ccm and uses a chain transmission. Both bikes have 2 cylinders, providing a good balance of power and performance.

In terms of suspension, the BMW R 1200 GS 2015 has a strut front suspension with preload adjustment and a single swing arm rear suspension with preload adjustment. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017, on the other hand, features an upside-down telescopic fork front suspension with compression, preload, and rebound adjustment, and a swing arm rear suspension with compression, preload, and rebound adjustment. The KTM offers more adjustability and customization options for the suspension, allowing riders to fine-tune their riding experience.

BMW R 1200 GS 2015

BMW R 1200 GS 2015

In terms of chassis, the BMW R 1200 GS 2015 has a steel frame with a twin tube, load-bearing engine design. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017 features a chromium-molybdenum frame with a tubular design. Both frames are sturdy and provide good stability and handling.

When it comes to brakes, both bikes are equipped with double disk front brakes. This ensures powerful and reliable braking performance in various riding conditions.

In terms of dimensions and weights, both bikes have a 19-inch front tire diameter and a 170 mm rear tire width. The BMW R 1200 GS 2015 has a 17-inch rear tire diameter, while the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017 has a slightly longer wheelbase of 1560 mm compared to the BMW's 1507 mm. The seat height of the KTM is also slightly higher at 860 mm compared to the BMW's 850 mm. Both bikes have a kerb weight of 238 kg, providing a good balance between agility and stability. The KTM has a larger fuel tank capacity of 23 liters compared to the BMW's 20 liters, allowing for longer rides without the need for frequent refueling.

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017

Now let's discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each bike. The BMW R 1200 GS 2015 is known for its powerful engine, low fuel consumption, comfortable seating position, and its ability to be used off-road. It also has a high reputation in the market, with many riders considering it a reliable and trustworthy choice. However, it does have some weaknesses, such as its long and expensive surcharge side, the Telelever front suspension that takes some getting used to, and the sharpness of its brakes.

On the other hand, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017 also has a powerful engine and offers precise handling. It comes with traction control that adds a fun factor to the riding experience and has cornering ABS as standard for added safety. The bike features an easy-to-read, huge TFT display, a quickshifter for smooth gear changes, and LED headlights with cornering lights for improved visibility. It is also capable of off-road riding, making it a versatile choice for adventure enthusiasts. However, it does have a higher price compared to the BMW R 1200 GS 2015 and the height adjustment of the windshield can consume more power.

In conclusion, both the BMW R 1200 GS 2015 and the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017 are powerful and capable enduro motorcycles with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. The BMW offers a comfortable and reliable riding experience, while the KTM provides precise handling and advanced features. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the rider's preferences, budget, and intended use of the motorcycle.

Technical Specifications BMW R 1200 GS 2015 compared to KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017

BMW R 1200 GS 2015
KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeBoxerEngine typeV
BoreBore101 mmBore108 mm
StrokeStroke73 mmStroke71 mm
Engine powerEngine power125 HPEngine power160 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power7,700 rpmRpm at Max. Power8,750 rpm
TorqueTorque125 NmTorque140 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,500 rpmRpm at Torque6,750 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio12.5 Compression Ratio13.1
Clutch TypeClutch TypeAntihoppingClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
TransmissionTransmissionProp shaftTransmissionChain
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
CoolingCoolingAirCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement1,170 ccmDisplacement1,301 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionStrutFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreloadAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSingle swing armSuspensionSwing arm
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreloadAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameChromium-molybdenum
Frame typeFrame typeTwin Tube, Load-bearing engineFrame typeTubular

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
Shock mountShock mountFixed caliperShock mountFixed caliper

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonDouble piston
Shock mountShock mountFloating caliperShock mountFixed caliper

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
WheelbaseWheelbase1,507 mmWheelbase1,560 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height850 mmSeat Height860 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)238 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)238 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity20 lFuel Tank Capacity23 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

BMW R 1200 GS 2015

BMW R 1200 GS 2015

A GS is at home almost anywhere - but only to a limited extent on the racetrack. It's a pleasure to feel the power of the partially water-cooled boxer twin cylinder on the exit of the bend - 125 hp only seems much weaker on paper than 150 or even 160 hp on the competition. With 125 Newton metres of torque, the acceleration from the bottom is superb anyway and the GS, at 238 kilos ready to ride, does not carry too much flab despite its bulky appearance. In very tight corners, the low centre of gravity also has a positive effect - the BMW R 1200 GS is very hard to crack! Even the front telelever suspension, which suppresses the front wheel's tendency to sink in when braking, fits perfectly into the overall package on the GS and can only slightly detract from its sporty character.

Powerful engine

low fuel consumption

comfortable seating position

can also be used off-road

high reputation

Long and expensive surcharge side

Telelever front suspension takes some getting used to

Brake very sharp.

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 1200 GS vs KTM 1290 Super Adventure S

There are a few key differences between a BMW R 1200 GS 2015 and a KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017. In terms of price, the actual average price of a BMW R 1200 GS 2015 is about 4% higher. Compared to KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2017 there are more BMW R 1200 GS 2015 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 47 compared to 26. It takes less time to sell a BMW R 1200 GS with 66 days compared to 68 days for a KTM 1290 Super Adventure S. Since model year 2005 1000PS.de editors have written 98 reviews for the BMW R 1200 GS and 31 reviews for the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S since model year 2017. The first review for the BMW R 1200 GS was published on 1/20/2004 and now has more than 19,100 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 1200 GS

Model year
Current average market prices

Price KTM 1290 Super Adventure S

Model year
Current average market prices

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