BMW S 1000 XR 2020 vs. KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2021

The BMW S 1000 XR 2020 and the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2021 are both sport touring motorcycles with powerful engines and advanced features.

Starting with the BMW S 1000 XR 2020, it is equipped with an inline four-cylinder engine that produces 165 horsepower and 114 Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a chain transmission and has a displacement of 999cc. The suspension setup includes a telescopic upside-down fork at the front with 150mm of travel and adjustable compression, preload, and rebound settings. At the rear, it features a swingarm suspension with a monoshock and 150mm of travel. The frame is made of aluminum, providing a lightweight and rigid structure. The front brakes consist of dual discs with a diameter of 320mm and radial technology. The BMW S 1000 XR 2020 offers advanced rider assistance systems such as electronically adjustable suspension, riding modes, ABS for curves, cruise control, and traction control. It has a 20-liter fuel tank capacity and comes with LED daytime running lights, LED headlights, TFT display, and adjustable windshield.

BMW S 1000 XR 2020

On the other hand, the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2021 is powered by a V-twin engine that delivers 175 horsepower and 141 Nm of torque. Similar to the BMW, it also has a chain transmission and a displacement of 1301cc. The front suspension consists of a telescopic upside-down fork with 125mm of travel and adjustable compression, preload, and rebound settings. At the rear, it features a single swingarm suspension with a monoshock and 156mm of travel. The frame is made of chromium-molybdenum, providing strength and stability. The front brakes are dual discs with a diameter of 320mm and radial and monoblock technology. The KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2021 offers ABS, hill start assist, riding modes, ABS for curves, cruise control, and traction control as advanced rider assistance systems. It has a larger fuel tank capacity of 23 liters and comes with an adjustable windshield.

In terms of strengths, the BMW S 1000 XR 2020 offers excellent connectivity and integration between the smartphone and the vehicle, including a good navigation software. It has a four-cylinder engine with a wide range of usable RPMs and pleasant tuning. The riding modes allow for practical changes in response behavior. The vehicle is well-balanced, even with a passenger, thanks to the electronically controlled chassis with automatic load sensing. It has good brakes, wind and weather protection, and a one-handed adjustable windshield. The gearbox is quick and there are many options to choose from.

The KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2021, on the other hand, has a very powerful engine with immense power. It has an extremely precise chassis and agile handling. The brakes are well-controlled, and it offers good wind protection with an easily adjustable windshield. The ergonomics are top-notch, even for tall riders, and it has a long range. It comes with a wide range of standard equipment.

KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2021

However, both motorcycles have their weaknesses. The BMW S 1000 XR 2020 has a slightly narrow knee angle for tall riders on long trips, and the suspension damping is not sensitive enough, making it difficult to achieve a truly comfortable setup. On the other hand, the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2021 has a stiff chassis and seat, and the engine only accelerates smoothly from around 3500 RPM. It is also quite noisy with the Track Pack.

In conclusion, the BMW S 1000 XR 2020 and the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2021 are both high-performance sport touring motorcycles with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. The BMW offers excellent connectivity, a well-tuned engine, and a balanced chassis, while the KTM provides immense power, precise handling, and top-notch ergonomics. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.