What To Know
- The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure and KTM 1290 Super Adventure R are two of the most popular adventure motorcycles on the market.
- The KTM 1290 Super Adventure R is also a comfortable motorcycle, but it has a slightly firmer seat than the BMW.
- The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure and KTM 1290 Super Adventure R are both excellent adventure motorcycles.
The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure and KTM 1290 Super Adventure R are two of the most popular adventure motorcycles on the market. Both bikes offer excellent performance, versatility, and off-road capability. But which one is the right choice for you? In this blog post, we’ll compare the two bikes head-to-head to help you make an informed decision.
Engine
The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure is powered by a 1254cc boxer-twin engine that produces 136 horsepower and 105 lb-ft of torque. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure R is powered by a 1301cc V-twin engine that produces 160 horsepower and 108 lb-ft of torque.
Both engines are powerful and capable, but the KTM’s V-twin has a slight edge in terms of horsepower and torque. However, the BMW’s boxer-twin engine is known for its smooth power delivery and excellent fuel economy.
Suspension
The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure features a Telelever front suspension and a Paralever rear suspension. The Telelever front suspension is designed to reduce dive under braking, while the Paralever rear suspension is designed to provide a plush ride over rough terrain.
The KTM 1290 Super Adventure R features a WP XPLOR front suspension and a WP PDS rear suspension. The WP XPLOR front suspension is fully adjustable, while the WP PDS rear suspension is semi-adjustable.
Both bikes offer excellent suspension performance, but the KTM’s WP suspension is more adjustable and offers a wider range of settings.
Brakes
The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure features dual 320mm front brakes and a single 276mm rear brake. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure R features dual 320mm front brakes and a single 267mm rear brake.
Both bikes offer excellent braking performance, but the BMW’s brakes have a slightly better feel and modulation.
Off-Road Capability
The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure is a very capable off-road motorcycle. It features a long-travel suspension, a low center of gravity, and a wide range of electronic rider aids.
The KTM 1290 Super Adventure R is also a very capable off-road motorcycle. It features a slightly longer-travel suspension than the BMW, a slightly higher ground clearance, and a more aggressive riding position.
Both bikes are excellent choices for off-road riding, but the KTM has a slight edge in terms of suspension travel and ground clearance.
Comfort
The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure is a very comfortable motorcycle. It features a wide, supportive seat, a tall windscreen, and a well-padded handlebar.
The KTM 1290 Super Adventure R is also a comfortable motorcycle, but it has a slightly firmer seat than the BMW. It also has a slightly shorter windscreen and a more aggressive riding position.
Both bikes are comfortable for long-distance riding, but the BMW has a slight edge in terms of overall comfort.
Features
The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure comes with a wide range of standard features, including:
- Electronic throttle control
- Cruise control
- Hill start assist
- Dynamic ESA (electronic suspension adjustment)
- ABS and traction control
The KTM 1290 Super Adventure R also comes with a wide range of standard features, including:
- Electronic throttle control
- Cruise control
- Hill hold control
- Motorcycle stability control
- ABS and traction control
Both bikes offer a comprehensive suite of features, but the KTM has a slight edge in terms of electronic rider aids.
Price
The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure has a starting price of $19,795. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure R has a starting price of $20,999.
Both bikes are priced competitively, but the BMW has a slight edge in terms of price.
Which Bike is Right for You?
The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure and KTM 1290 Super Adventure R are both excellent adventure motorcycles. The BMW is a better choice for riders who prioritize comfort, fuel economy, and value. The KTM is a better choice for riders who prioritize horsepower, off-road capability, and electronic rider aids.
Ultimately, the best way to decide which bike is right for you is to test ride both of them. That way, you can get a feel for each bike’s performance, handling, and comfort.
The Verdict
The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure and KTM 1290 Super Adventure R are both excellent adventure motorcycles. The BMW is a better choice for riders who prioritize comfort, fuel economy, and value. The KTM is a better choice for riders who prioritize horsepower, off-road capability, and electronic rider aids.
Basics You Wanted To Know
Q: Which bike has more horsepower?
A: The KTM 1290 Super Adventure R has more horsepower, with 160 horsepower compared to the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure‘s 136 horsepower.
Q: Which bike has a longer suspension travel?
A: The KTM 1290 Super Adventure R has a slightly longer suspension travel than the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure, with 220mm of travel in the front and 215mm of travel in the rear compared to the BMW’s 190mm of travel in the front and 185mm of travel in the rear.
Q: Which bike has a better fuel economy?
A: The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure has a better fuel economy than the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R, with a fuel consumption of 45 mpg compared to the KTM’s 38 mpg.
Q: Which bike is more comfortable?
A: The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure is more comfortable than the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R, with a wider, more supportive seat, a taller windscreen, and a more relaxed riding position.
Q: Which bike has more electronic rider aids?
A: The KTM 1290 Super Adventure R has more electronic rider aids than the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure, including motorcycle stability control, hill hold control, and a wider range of traction control settings.
