BMW R 1300 GS 2024 vs. KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

The BMW R 1300 GS 2024 and the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 are both powerful and capable enduro motorcycles. However, they have some key differences in terms of their technical specifications and strengths.

Starting with the engine and drive train, the BMW R 1300 GS 2024 features a Boxer engine with a bore of 106.5 mm and a stroke of 73 mm. It generates 145 HP of power and 149 Nm of torque. The engine is paired with an electric starter and a prop shaft transmission. On the other hand, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 has a V2 engine with a bore of 108 mm and a stroke of 71 mm. It produces a higher power output of 160 HP but has a slightly lower torque of 138 Nm. The engine is also equipped with an electric starter, but it uses a chain transmission.

In terms of suspension, the BMW R 1300 GS 2024 features a Telelever front suspension with a travel of 190 mm and a Paralever rear suspension with a monoshock and a travel of 200 mm. The suspension can be adjusted for preload. On the other hand, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 has an upside-down telescopic fork front suspension with a travel of 200 mm and a swing arm rear suspension with a monoshock and a travel of 200 mm. The rear suspension can be adjusted for compression, preload, and rebound.

Both motorcycles have advanced rider assistance systems, including ABS, traction control, and riding modes. The BMW R 1300 GS 2024 also offers additional features such as anti-slipping control, hill start assist, combined brake system, cornering ABS, ride by wire, cruise control, and a radar cruise control system. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021, on the other hand, offers electronically adjustable suspension and cornering ABS.

BMW R 1300 GS 2024

In terms of dimensions and weights, the BMW R 1300 GS 2024 has a wheelbase of 1518 mm, a seat height of 850 mm, and a kerb weight of 237 kg (with ABS). It has a fuel tank capacity of 19 liters. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 has a slightly longer wheelbase of 1560 mm, a slightly lower seat height of 849 mm, and a slightly higher kerb weight of 243 kg (with ABS). It has a larger fuel tank capacity of 23 liters.

Both motorcycles come equipped with modern features such as LED headlights and TFT displays. The BMW R 1300 GS 2024 also offers handguards for wind protection, while the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 includes cornering lights and an adjustable windscreen.

In terms of strengths, the BMW R 1300 GS 2024 is praised for its powerful engine with excellent response behavior, good traction, stable yet agile handling, practical configuration options, wind protection provided by the handguards, compact and sporty appearance with minimal equipment, understandable operating concept, wide range of ergonomic customization options, powerful brakes, precise gearbox, accessible driving behavior despite high torque, and a well-integrated emergency call system.

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

On the other hand, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 is appreciated for its sporty yet cultivated V2 power plant, accessible handling despite its high weight, comfortable and driving-friendly seating position, good brakes with cornering ABS, comprehensive electronics package, clear and well-structured instrumentation with a large 7-inch display.

However, both motorcycles have their weaknesses. The BMW R 1300 GS 2024 has limitations in terms of configuration options, sometimes requiring the selection of unnecessary extras. Its suspension, although high-level, does not offer flawless response behavior or a wide adjustment range. The front collision warning system may trigger false alarms in rough everyday driving, and a slight rolling motion may be felt during very sporty riding. Additionally, the motorcycle's compact appearance may not be suitable for tall riders, especially from the rear, and the ABS system gives too much feedback into the brake lever during aggressive riding.

The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 has a slightly sluggish turn-in behavior in bends, and its package design and pricing policy may be considered opaque. The quality of the dashboards and switches may also be perceived as not very high.

In conclusion, both the BMW R 1300 GS 2024 and the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 offer powerful performance, advanced rider assistance systems, and modern features. The BMW excels in terms of engine response, traction, handling, practicality, and customization options, while the KTM stands out for its sporty power plant, accessible handling, comfortable seating position, and comprehensive electronics package. However, both motorcycles have their weaknesses, such as limitations in configuration options, suspension behavior, and certain design aspects.