BMW R 1250 GS 2019 vs. KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2023

BMW R 1250 GS 2019

BMW R 1250 GS 2019

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2023

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2023

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Overview - BMW R 1250 GS 2019 vs KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2023

The BMW R 1250 GS 2019 and the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2023 are both powerful enduro motorcycles with impressive specifications. However, they have some distinct differences that set them apart.

Starting with the engine, the BMW R 1250 GS 2019 features a boxer engine with a displacement of 1254cc, while the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2023 is equipped with a V2 engine with a displacement of 1301cc. The KTM has a slightly larger bore and a smaller stroke compared to the BMW. In terms of power, the KTM offers 160 HP, while the BMW delivers 136 HP. However, the BMW has a higher torque of 143 Nm compared to the KTM's 138 Nm.

In terms of suspension, both motorcycles offer impressive capabilities. The BMW R 1250 GS 2019 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 a travel of 200mm. On the other hand, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2023 features an upside-down telescopic fork with a diameter of 48mm and a travel of 200mm for the front suspension. The rear suspension is a swing arm with a monoshock and a travel of 200mm. Both motorcycles offer adjustable suspension settings for preload, rebound, and compression.

BMW R 1250 GS 2019

BMW R 1250 GS 2019

In terms of chassis, the BMW R 1250 GS 2019 has a steel frame with a load-bearing engine design, while the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2023 features a chromium-molybdenum tubular frame. The KTM has a slightly steeper rake angle of 65.3 degrees compared to the BMW's 62.9 degrees.

Both motorcycles offer advanced rider assistance systems. The BMW R 1250 GS 2019 comes with ABS, anti-slipping control, riding modes, and ride by wire. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2023 offers suspension electronically adjustable, riding modes, cornering ABS, radar cruise control, ride by wire, and traction control.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the BMW R 1250 GS 2019 has a wheelbase of 1525mm and a seat height ranging from 850mm to 870mm. It has a kerb weight of 249kg and a fuel tank capacity of 20 liters. On the other hand, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2023 has a slightly longer wheelbase of 1560mm and a seat height ranging from 849mm to 869mm. It has a kerb weight of 243kg and a fuel tank capacity of 23 liters.

In terms of equipment, both motorcycles offer LED headlights and adjustable windscreens. The BMW R 1250 GS 2019 also comes with a standard color TFT display, while the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2023 offers connectivity, keyless system, cornering lights, TFT display, and a large 7-inch display.

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2023

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2023

In terms of strengths, the BMW R 1250 GS 2019 is known for its high-torque boxer engine, comfortable seating position suitable for long distances, stable braking performance, good weather protection, and LED headlights. On the other hand, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2023 is praised for its sporty yet cultivated V2 power plant, playful handling, comfortable seating position, good brakes including cornering ABS, comprehensive electronics package, and adaptive cruise control.

However, the BMW R 1250 GS 2019 has some weaknesses, such as manageable standard equipment and a jagged appearance with little elegance. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2023, on the other hand, has weaknesses including extra cost for features like the gearshift assistant, idiosyncratic look, and a stiff seat bench.

Overall, both motorcycles offer impressive performance and features, but the choice between them will depend on individual preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications BMW R 1250 GS 2019 compared to KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2023

BMW R 1250 GS 2019
KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2023

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
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 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, Riding modes, Ride by WireAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsSuspension electronically adjustable, Riding modes, Cornering ABS, Radar cruise control, 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 Height849 mm
Seat Height up toSeat Height up to870 mmSeat Height up to869 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)249 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)243 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity20 lFuel Tank Capacity23 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Equipment

EquipmentEquipmentLED-Headlights, Windscreen adjustableEquipmentConnectivity, Keyless System, Cornering lights, LED-Headlights, TFT display, Windscreen adjustable

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

BMW R 1250 GS 2019

BMW R 1250 GS 2019

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 S 2023

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2023

The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S is anything but old-fashioned. The Euro5 engine continues to shine incredibly with its 160 hp and the awesome torque of 138 Newton metres. The refined electronics ensure an even smoother ride, which, thanks to the wonderfully agile handling, results in a lot of fun when cornering. But the new SASi also has a lot to offer comfort freaks and all those who value the touring qualities of this type of motorbike. A nice, standard feature is the adaptive cruise control ACC, which independently keeps the distance to the vehicle in front - and works really well. In any case, the Quickshifter+ or the all-inclusive TechPack is recommended - at this basic price, the 1300 euro surcharge is not that much of a burden.

Very sporty, but also cultivated V2 power plant

extremely playful handling despite high weight

comfortable, driving-friendly seating position

good brakes including cornering ABS

comprehensive electronics package

adaptive cruise control ACC

clear, well-structured instrumentation with huge 7-inch display

Gearshift assistant and other features at extra cost

idiosyncratic look

stiff seat bench

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 2019 and a KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2023. In terms of price, the actual average price of a BMW R 1250 GS 2019 is about 4% higher. Compared to KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2023 there are less BMW R 1250 GS 2019 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 104 compared to 121. It takes less time to sell a BMW R 1250 GS with 46 days compared to 58 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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