BMW R 1250 GS vs 2024 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S

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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.

BMW R 1250 GS
37 pts
Top on paper
2024 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S
63 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

Best fit here
BMW R 1250 GS
82.4 pts
2024 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S
23.8 pts

Touring / long rides

BMW R 1250 GS
43.1 pts
Best fit here
2024 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S
77.7 pts

Sporty riding

BMW R 1250 GS
28.8 pts
Best fit here
2024 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S
75.3 pts

New rider friendly

Best fit here
BMW R 1250 GS
77.2 pts
2024 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S
23.8 pts

Seat height (cm)

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

  • BMW R 1250 GS 85 cm Lowest seat here
  • 2024 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 86.9 cm Tallest seat here

Spread in this comparison: about 1.9 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 136 hp (BMW R 1250 GS) up to 160 hp (2024 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S).
  • Torque spans 138 Nm (2024 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S) up to 143 Nm (BMW R 1250 GS).
  • Weight spans 216 kg (BMW R 1250 GS) to 227 kg (2024 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S).
  • Engine sizes are very close.

Reader votes so far — total 1: BMW R 1250 GS (1); 2024 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S (0).

Specification BMW R 1250 GS KTM 1290 Super Adventure S
Brand BMW KTM
Model BMW R 1250 GS KTM 1290 Super Adventure S
Engine size Above 1000cc Above 1000cc
Power 136hp 160hp
Torque 143nm. 138nm.
Cylinders / valves Twin cylinder, 8 valves Twin cylinder, 8 valves
Weight 216kg 227kg
Front brake Dual disc brakes, floating brake discs, 305 mm diameter, 4-piston radial calipers 320 mm Bosch 10.3ME Combined-ABS (incl. Cornering-ABS and offroad mode)
Rear brake Single disc brake, 276 mm diameter, dual-piston floating caliper. 267 mm Bosch 10.3ME Combined-ABS (incl. Cornering-ABS and offroad mode)
Seat height (cm) 85cm 86.9cm
Front tyre 120/70 R 19 120/70 19
Rear tyre 170/60 R 17 170/60-17
Cooling Liquid cooling Liquid cooling
Front suspension BMW Motorrad Telelever, support diameter 37 mm, central spring linkage WP SAT (semi-active technology) Upside-Down Ø 48 mm
Rear suspension Cast aluminum single-sided swingarm, BMW Motorrad Paralever; WAD support shock absorber (riding shock absorber), hydraulic preload adjustment with handwheel (continuously variable), adjustable rebound WP SAT (semi-active technology) shock absorber
Motorcycle type Adventure Adventure
Top speed 235km/h 250km/h
Fuel capacity / consumption 24 L – 5.2 L/100km 23 L – 5.7 L/100km
Service network
Service quality
Parts availability
Price $15000 $22299
Brand price lists View BMW price list View KTM price list
Extra features

-TFT color display with Connectivity features DTC (Dynamic Traction Control)

-Integrated ABS Pro (ABS optimized for lean-angle) 3 riding modes (ECO, Rain, and Road) HSC (Hill Start Control) USB charging socket

Opinions

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2023 BMW R 1250 GS vs 2024 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S: Which One is Better for You?

2023 BMW R 1250 GS and 2024 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S are very similar in terms of engine capacity and power. In this case, design, driving comfort, and personal preferences may take precedence. Additionally, 2024 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S, with its 160hp, stands out for users seeking speed and performance.

1. Cylinder Capacity and Performance

2023 BMW R 1250 GS and 2024 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 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.Both models have an engine capacity of 1100cc. Designed for performance-focused users and professionals.

2. Torque Power

2023 BMW R 1250 GS and 2024 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S offer similar performance in terms of torque values. 2023 BMW R 1250 GS, with its 143Nm, provides slightly better traction power, which can be advantageous in situations requiring rapid acceleration. 2023 BMW R 1250 GS 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

2023 BMW R 1250 GS (Adventure) and 2024 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S (Adventure) have very similar maximum speed values. 2024 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S offers a slight advantage with a top speed of 250 km/h. However, this difference might not be noticeable for most users.

4. Cooling System

2023 BMW R 1250 GS features a Liquid-Cooled system, while 2024 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S offers a Liquid-Cooled system. Both models deliver equal performance in their cooling systems.

5. Design and Comfort

2023 BMW R 1250 GS and 2024 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S are close in weight, offering similar experiences for different usage scenarios. Additionally, 2024 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S, with a seat height of 86.9cm, is more suitable for taller riders, offering greater comfort.2023 BMW R 1250 GS, with a seat height of 85cm, provides a more ergonomic ride for average-height riders.

Conclusion

2024 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S emerges as the winner of this comparison based on total points. 2023 BMW R 1250 GS and 2024 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S have nearly identical engine capacities. 2023 BMW R 1250 GS and 2024 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S offer very similar performance in terms of torque. 2023 BMW R 1250 GS and 2024 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S offer very similar top speed values. Both models have similar cooling systems, offering comparable performance for long journeys. In conclusion, 2024 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 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 R 1250 GS vs KTM 1290 Super Adventure S?

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S is listed at 250 km/h vs 235 km/h for BMW R 1250 GS.

Which has more horsepower, BMW R 1250 GS or KTM 1290 Super Adventure S?

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S has 160 hp compared with 136 hp on the BMW R 1250 GS.

Which is better, BMW R 1250 GS or KTM 1290 Super Adventure S?

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.