KTM 1290 Super Adventure 2015 vs. BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023

KTM 1290 Super Adventure 2015

KTM 1290 Super Adventure 2015

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023

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Overview - KTM 1290 Super Adventure 2015 vs BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023

The KTM 1290 Super Adventure model year 2015 and the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure model year 2023 are both popular enduro motorcycles with their own unique features and strengths.

Starting with the KTM 1290 Super Adventure 2015, it is equipped with a powerful engine that delivers 160 HP and 140 Nm of torque. This engine provides a sporty and agile handling experience, making it suitable for riders who enjoy a more dynamic ride. The bike also comes with a comprehensive electronics package, including features such as semi-active suspension, cornering ABS, adjustable traction control, and cruise control. These electronic features work together to enhance the overall riding experience and provide a high level of safety. Additionally, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure 2015 has a large 30-litre fuel tank, allowing for longer rides without the need for frequent refueling. Other notable features include heated seats, main stand, and LED cornering lights.

KTM 1290 Super Adventure 2015

KTM 1290 Super Adventure 2015

On the other hand, the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023 offers a high-torque engine that accelerates strongly from low revs. With 136 HP and 143 Nm of torque, this bike provides a powerful and confident riding experience. The low centre of gravity ensures surprisingly accessible maneuverability, making it easier for riders to handle the bike in various riding conditions. The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023 also comes with practical details for frequent riders, such as a gigantic range of 600 km and low fuel consumption. It offers good wind and weather protection, great ride comfort, and a confident feeling in the saddle. The bike is equipped with a range of electronic features, including ABS, anti-slipping control, hill start assist, suspension electronically adjustable, riding modes, and ride by wire. The easy-to-read display and great ergonomics for tall people further enhance the overall riding experience.

In terms of weaknesses, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure 2015 has a windshield that is described as jagged, and the locking lever of the windshield is located on the right side, which may be inconvenient for some riders. Additionally, the power delivery of the bike can be somewhat jerky at revs under 2000.

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023

On the other hand, the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023 has a high weight, which may affect maneuverability for some riders. The gearshifts at low revs can also be described as somewhat clumsy. Additionally, the bike has a jagged appearance with little elegance and can be considered high-priced when fully equipped.

In conclusion, both the KTM 1290 Super Adventure 2015 and the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023 have their own strengths and weaknesses. The KTM offers a very powerful engine, sporty handling, and a comprehensive electronics package, while the BMW provides a high-torque engine, accessible maneuverability, and practical details for frequent riders. Ultimately, the choice between these two bikes will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications KTM 1290 Super Adventure 2015 compared to BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023

KTM 1290 Super Adventure 2015
BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023

Engine and Drive Train

BoreBore108 mmBore102.5 mm
StrokeStroke71 mmStroke76 mm
Engine powerEngine power160 HPEngine power136 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power8,750 rpmRpm at Max. Power7,750 rpm
TorqueTorque140 NmTorque143 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,750 rpmRpm at Torque6,250 rpm
StarterStarterElectricStarterElectric
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeAntihopping
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionProp shaft
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
DisplacementDisplacement1,301 ccmDisplacement1,254 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionTelelever

Chassis

FrameFrameChromium-molybdenumFrameSteel
Frame typeFrame typeTubularFrame typeLoad-bearing engine

Brakes Front

PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
TechnologyTechnologyradialTechnologyradial

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonDouble piston
Shock mountShock mountFixed caliperShock mountFloating caliper

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsRide by WireAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Anti-slipping control, Hill start assist, Suspension electronically adjustable, Riding modes, Cornering ABS, Ride by Wire

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
WheelbaseWheelbase1,560 mmWheelbase1,504 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height860 mmSeat Height890 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)249 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)268 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity30 lFuel Tank Capacity30 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Equipment

EquipmentEquipmentCornering lightsEquipmentCornering lights, LED daytime running lights, LED-Headlights, Heated seat, TFT display, Windscreen adjustable

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

KTM 1290 Super Adventure 2015

KTM 1290 Super Adventure 2015

The 1290 Super Adventure is rightly presented by KTM as an adventure flagship. Packed with sophisticated electronics and almost everything you could possibly need in a big touring enduro, it recommends itself as expected for the long haul. What you don't immediately see from its bulky appearance, however, is that the Super Adventure, like its 1190 sisters, is an incredible fun machine. Especially in tight corners, it is unbelievable fun. The electronics control traction, chassis and engine management so unobtrusively that you can concentrate fully and above all safely on accelerating. On the intermediate straights, the 160 hp of power ensure that the 1290 Super Adventure can also meet sporting requirements and is thus hardly surpassed in terms of universality.

Very powerful and confident engine

sporty, agile handling

comprehensive electronics package

interaction of many electronic features

semi-active suspension

cornering ABS

adjustable traction control

cruise control

large 30-litre fuel tank

heated seats

main stand

LED cornering lights.

Windshield very jagged

locking lever of the windshield on the right side

power delivery under 2000 revs somewhat jerky

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

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price KTM 1290 Super Adventure vs BMW R 1250 GS Adventure

There are a few key differences between a KTM 1290 Super Adventure 2015 and a BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023. In terms of price, the actual average price of a BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023 is about 90% higher. Compared to BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023 there are less KTM 1290 Super Adventure 2015 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 7 compared to 47. It takes less time to sell a BMW R 1250 GS Adventure with 64 days compared to 82 days for the KTM 1290 Super Adventure. Since model year 2015 1000PS.de editors have written 18 reviews for the KTM 1290 Super Adventure and 30 reviews for the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure since model year 2019. The first review for the KTM 1290 Super Adventure was published on 8/19/2014 and now has more than 8,100 views. This compares to more than 43,300 views for the first review on BMW R 1250 GS Adventure published on 11/6/2018.

Price KTM 1290 Super Adventure

Model year
Current average market prices

Price BMW R 1250 GS Adventure

Model year
Current average market prices

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