KTM 1290 Super Adventure 2015 vs. BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2021

KTM 1290 Super Adventure 2015

KTM 1290 Super Adventure 2015

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2021

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2021

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Overview - KTM 1290 Super Adventure 2015 vs BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2021

The KTM 1290 Super Adventure model year 2015 and the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure model year 2021 are both powerful and capable enduro motorcycles. They have several similarities in terms of their technical specifications, such as having a 19-inch front tire diameter, a 170mm rear tire width, and a 17-inch rear tire diameter. Both motorcycles also have a 30-liter fuel tank capacity, providing ample range for long rides.

In terms of engine performance, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure 2015 boasts a larger displacement of 1301cc compared to the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2021's 1254cc. This results in the KTM having a higher engine power of 160 HP compared to the BMW's 136 HP. However, the BMW has a slightly higher torque of 143 Nm compared to the KTM's 140 Nm. Both motorcycles have electric starters and 2 cylinders.

When it comes to suspension, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure 2015 features an upside-down telescopic fork on the front, while the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2021 has a Telelever suspension. The KTM's frame is made of chromium-molybdenum and has a tubular frame type, while the BMW's frame is made of steel and has a load-bearing engine frame type.

KTM 1290 Super Adventure 2015

KTM 1290 Super Adventure 2015

In terms of rider assistance systems, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure 2015 is equipped with advanced features such as ride by wire, cornering ABS, adjustable traction control, and cruise control. The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2021, on the other hand, offers a more extensive range of rider assistance systems, including ABS, anti-slipping control, hill start assist, electronically adjustable suspension, riding modes, cornering ABS, and ride by wire.

The dimensions and weights of the two motorcycles differ slightly. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure 2015 has a wheelbase of 1560mm and a seat height of 860mm, while the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2021 has a slightly shorter wheelbase of 1504mm and a higher seat height of 890mm. The KTM also has a lower kerb weight of 249kg compared to the BMW's 268kg.

In terms of equipment, both motorcycles offer cornering lights. The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2021 goes a step further by providing additional features such as LED daytime running lights, LED headlights, a heated seat, a TFT display, and an adjustable windscreen.

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2021

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2021

In terms of strengths, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure 2015 is praised for its powerful engine, sporty handling, comprehensive electronics package, semi-active suspension, large fuel tank, and heated seats. The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2021 is commended for its practical details, low fuel consumption, great ride comfort, powerful engine, connectivity app, easy-to-read display, and great ergonomics for tall riders.

However, both motorcycles have some weaknesses. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure 2015 is criticized for its jagged windshield and jerky power delivery at low revs. The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2021 is noted for its high weight, stiff gearshifts at low revs, and a jagged appearance with little elegance.

In conclusion, both the KTM 1290 Super Adventure 2015 and the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2021 are capable and feature-packed enduro motorcycles. The KTM offers a more powerful engine and a slightly lighter weight, while the BMW provides a wider range of rider assistance systems and additional comfort features. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications KTM 1290 Super Adventure 2015 compared to BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2021

KTM 1290 Super Adventure 2015
BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2021

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 2021

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2021

The Adventure is the ultimate touring machine. The high seat height limits the target group, as does the high price. But if you overcome these two hurdles, you get a magnificent mile-eater. The engine shakes all kinds of driving fun out of its sleeves. The low fuel consumption in combination with the gigantic 30-litre tank ensures an incredibly long range.

Practical details for frequent riders on board

Gigantic range

Amazingly low fuel consumption

Good wind and weather protection

Great ride comfort

Powerful engine

Great connectivity app

Easy-to-read display

Great ride comfort

Confident feeling in the saddle

Pleasant seating position for pillion passenger

Practical riding aids

Great headlights

Great ergonomics for tall people

Easy to ride

High weight strains when manoeuvring

gearshifts somewhat stiff at low revs

jagged appearance with little elegance

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 2021. In terms of price, the actual average price of a BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2021 is about 82% higher. A KTM 1290 Super Adventure 2015 experiences a loss of 500 USD in one year of ownership. This is offset by a loss of 660 USD for a BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2021. Compared to BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2021 there are less KTM 1290 Super Adventure 2015 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 7 compared to 17. It takes less time to sell a BMW R 1250 GS Adventure with 51 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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