2024 BMW S 1000 XR vs 2024 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R

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Scores, summary & seat (optional) Estimates and auto text from specs — open if you want them.

Technical score (estimate)

Weighted mix of power, torque, power-to-weight, top speed and lighter weight within this comparison only. Not a real-world verdict — riding style and roads matter.

Top on paper
2024 BMW S 1000 XR
78 pts
2024 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R
22 pts

Usage fit (estimate)

Rough scores for city riding, touring, sporty riding and new riders — mix of specs and bike category. Same caveats as the technical score: traffic, skill and tyres matter.

City / commute

2024 BMW S 1000 XR
45.2 pts
Best fit here
2024 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R
58.4 pts

Touring / long rides

Best fit here
2024 BMW S 1000 XR
61.7 pts
2024 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R
59.9 pts

Sporty riding

Best fit here
2024 BMW S 1000 XR
70.1 pts
2024 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R
28.8 pts

New rider friendly

Best fit here
2024 BMW S 1000 XR
65.9 pts
2024 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R
34.1 pts

Seat height (cm)

Figures are as in the database; boots, suspension sag and road surface change how tall the bike feels.

  • 2024 BMW S 1000 XR 84 cm Lowest seat here
  • 2024 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 88 cm Tallest seat here

Spread in this comparison: about 4 cm.

Rough guide: comfortable flat-foot reach often needs inseam roughly in the same ballpark as seat height (varies a lot by ergonomics).

Auto summary from specs

Generated from the numbers in the comparison — not a review.

  • Power spans 160 hp (2024 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R) up to 170 hp (2024 BMW S 1000 XR).
  • Torque spans 114 Nm (2024 BMW S 1000 XR) up to 138 Nm (2024 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R).
  • Weight spans 227 kg (2024 BMW S 1000 XR) to 228 kg (2024 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R).
  • Displacement spans 1000 cc (2024 BMW S 1000 XR) to 1100 cc (2024 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R).

Reader votes so far — total 2: 2024 BMW S 1000 XR (1); 2024 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R (1).

Specification BMW S 1000 XR KTM 1290 Super Adventure R
Brand BMW KTM
Model BMW S 1000 XR KTM 1290 Super Adventure R
Engine size 1000cc Above 1000cc
Power 170hp 160hp
Torque 114nm. 138nm.
Cylinders / valves 4 cylinders, 16 valves Twin cylinder, 8 valves
Weight 227kg 228kg
Front brake Twin disc brake, diameter 320 mm, 4-piston fixed caliper 320 mm Bosch 10.3ME Combined-ABS (incl. Cornering-ABS and offroad mode)
Rear brake Single disc brake, diameter 265 mm, 2-piston floating caliper 267 mm Bosch 10.3ME Combined-ABS (incl. Cornering-ABS and offroad mode)
Seat height (cm) 84cm 88cm
Front tyre 120/70 ZR17 110/70 17
Rear tyre 190/55 ZR17 150/60 17
Cooling Liquid cooling Liquid cooling
Front suspension Upside-down telescopic fork, diameter 45 mm, electronic self-adjusting rebound/compression damping (Dynamic ESA) WP XPLOR-USD, Ø 48 mm
Rear suspension Aluminium double-sided swing-arm, central shock absorber, electronic preload adjuster, electronic self-adjusting rebound/compression damping (Dynamic ESA) WP Xplor PDS shock absorber
Motorcycle type Touring Adventure
Top speed 280km/h 225km/h
Fuel capacity / consumption 20 L – 6.7 L/100km 23 L – 5.7 L/100km
Service network
Service quality
Parts availability
Price $17495 $20999
Brand price lists View BMW price list View KTM price list
Extra features

-Headlight Pro (daytime riding light icon & adaptive headlight; observe country-specific regulations)

-Riding modes Pro (incl. HSC Pro, MSR, ABS Pro & DTC)

-Dynamic ESA chassis, Keyless Ride, Integrated case holder, Toll pass compartment

-Storage compartment under seat, USB charging interface, Emergency call

Opinions

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2024 BMW S 1000 XR vs 2024 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R: Which One is Better for You?

2024 BMW S 1000 XR and 2024 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R are very similar in terms of engine capacity and power. In this case, design, driving comfort, and personal preferences may take precedence. Additionally, 2024 BMW S 1000 XR, with its 170hp, stands out for users seeking speed and performance.

1. Cylinder Capacity and Performance

2024 BMW S 1000 XR and 2024 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R have almost identical engine capacities, offering similar performance. In this case, design, driving comfort, and other features will play a more significant role in your choice.2024 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R, with its 1100cc engine capacity, is ideal for users seeking high performance and acceleration. Designed for performance-focused users and professionals.

2. Torque Power

2024 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R, with its 138Nm torque, delivers powerful performance. A high torque value ensures superior acceleration and advantage on steep inclines. 2024 BMW S 1000 XR, with its 114Nm torque, offers a more balanced ride for city use. 2024 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R is ideal for users requiring rapid acceleration. High torque power offers significant advantages in heavy load carrying, off-road driving, or situations requiring high speed.

3. Top Speed

2024 BMW S 1000 XR, as a Touring, can reach a maximum speed of 280 km/h. This speed feature can be considered an extra advantage for a motorcycle of this type. 2024 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R, as a Adventure, offers a lower maximum speed of 225 km/h, but this does not overshadow its other features.

4. Cooling System

2024 BMW S 1000 XR features a Liquid-Cooled system, while 2024 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R offers a Liquid-Cooled system. Both models deliver equal performance in their cooling systems.

5. Design and Comfort

2024 BMW S 1000 XR and 2024 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R are close in weight, offering similar experiences for different usage scenarios. Additionally, 2024 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R, with a seat height of 88cm, is more suitable for taller riders, offering greater comfort.2024 BMW S 1000 XR, with a seat height of 84cm, provides a more ergonomic ride for average-height riders.

Conclusion

2024 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R emerges as the winner of this comparison based on total points. 2024 BMW S 1000 XR and 2024 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R have nearly identical engine capacities. 2024 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R, with higher torque, excels in rapid acceleration and steep climbs. 2024 BMW S 1000 XR, with a top speed of 280 km/h, stands out for speed enthusiasts. Both models have similar cooling systems, offering comparable performance for long journeys. In conclusion, 2024 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R stands out in terms of technical specifications and overall performance. However, depending on your riding preferences and usage needs, both models offer unique advantages.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the top speed of BMW S 1000 XR vs KTM 1290 Super Adventure R?

BMW S 1000 XR is listed at 280 km/h vs 225 km/h for KTM 1290 Super Adventure R.

Which has more horsepower, BMW S 1000 XR or KTM 1290 Super Adventure R?

BMW S 1000 XR has 170 hp compared with 160 hp on the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R.

Which is better, BMW S 1000 XR or KTM 1290 Super Adventure R?

It depends on your riding style. Compare top speed, weight, fuel use and price in the table on this page, then vote for the bike you prefer.