BMW R 1250 R vs 2024 KTM 990 Duke
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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.
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
Touring / long rides
Sporty riding
New rider friendly
Seat height (cm)
Figures are as in the database; boots, suspension sag and road surface change how tall the bike feels.
- BMW R 1250 R 82 cm Lowest seat here
- 2024 KTM 990 Duke 82.5 cm Tallest seat here
Spread in this comparison: about 0.5 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 123 hp (2024 KTM 990 Duke) up to 136 hp (BMW R 1250 R).
- Torque spans 103 Nm (2024 KTM 990 Duke) up to 143 Nm (BMW R 1250 R).
- Weight spans 198 kg (2024 KTM 990 Duke) to 221 kg (BMW R 1250 R).
- Displacement spans 1000 cc (2024 KTM 990 Duke) to 1100 cc (BMW R 1250 R).
All values look the same; turn off the filter.
| Specification | BMW R 1250 R | KTM 990 Duke |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | BMW | KTM |
| Model | BMW R 1250 R | KTM 990 Duke |
| Engine size | Above 1000cc | 1000cc |
| Power | 136hp | 123hp |
| Torque | 143nm. | 103nm. |
| Cylinders / valves | Twin cylinder, 8 valves | Twin cylinder, 8 valves |
| Weight | 221kg | 198kg |
| Front brake | Twin disc brake, floating brake discs, diameter 320 mm, 4-piston radial brake caliper | 2x radially mounted 4 piston caliper with 300 mm discs |
| Rear brake | Single disc brake, diameter 276 mm, 2-piston floating caliper | 2 piston caliper, brake disc with 240mm disc |
| Seat height (cm) | 82cm | 82.5cm |
| Front tyre | 120/70 ZR17 | 120/70ZR17 Bridgestone S22 |
| Rear tyre | 180/55 ZR17 | 180/55ZR17 Bridgestone S22 |
| Cooling | Liquid cooling | Liquid cooling |
| Front suspension | Upside-down telescopic fork | WP APEX 43 |
| Rear suspension | Cast aluminum single-sided swingarm with BMW Motorrad Paralever, WAD shock absorber, spring preload continuously adjustable hydraulically by handwheel | WP APEX - Monoshock |
| Motorcycle type | Naked | Naked |
| Top speed | 245km/h | 250km/h |
| Fuel capacity / consumption | 18 L – 5.5 L/100km | 15 L – 4.7 L/100km |
| Service network | ||
| Service quality | ||
| Parts availability | ||
| Price | $14995 | $12500 |
| Brand price lists | View BMW price list | View KTM price list |
| Extra features | -TFT colour display with BMW Motorrad Connectivity, Full LED headlight, Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) -Integral ABS Pro (lean-optimised ABS), 3 riding modes (Eco, Rain, and Road), Hill Start Control (HSC) -USB charging socket, Intelligent emergency call, Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) |
-5 inch TFT display and connection, 5 different ride modes, traction control -Launch control, track mode. |
Opinions
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2023 BMW R 1250 R vs 2024 KTM 990 Duke: Which One is Better for You?
2023 BMW R 1250 R and 2024 KTM 990 Duke are very similar in terms of engine capacity and power. In this case, design, driving comfort, and personal preferences may take precedence. Additionally, 2023 BMW R 1250 R, with its 136hp, stands out for users seeking speed and performance.
1. Cylinder Capacity and Performance
2023 BMW R 1250 R and 2024 KTM 990 Duke 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.2023 BMW R 1250 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
2023 BMW R 1250 R, with its 143Nm torque, delivers powerful performance. A high torque value ensures superior acceleration and advantage on steep inclines. 2024 KTM 990 Duke, with its 103Nm torque, offers a more balanced ride for city use. 2023 BMW R 1250 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
2023 BMW R 1250 R (Naked) and 2024 KTM 990 Duke (Naked) deliver the same performance with a maximum speed of 245 km/h. In this case, it would be more logical to base your decision on the type of motorcycle and other features rather than speed.
4. Cooling System
2023 BMW R 1250 R features a Liquid-Cooled system, while 2024 KTM 990 Duke offers a Liquid-Cooled system. Both models deliver equal performance in their cooling systems.
5. Design and Comfort
2023 BMW R 1250 R and 2024 KTM 990 Duke are close in weight, offering similar experiences for different usage scenarios. Additionally, 2024 KTM 990 Duke, with a seat height of 82.5cm, is more suitable for taller riders, offering greater comfort.2023 BMW R 1250 R, with a seat height of 82cm, provides a more ergonomic ride for average-height riders.
Conclusion
2024 KTM 990 Duke emerges as the winner of this comparison based on total points. 2023 BMW R 1250 R and 2024 KTM 990 Duke have nearly identical engine capacities. 2023 BMW R 1250 R, with higher torque, excels in rapid acceleration and steep climbs. 2023 BMW R 1250 R and 2024 KTM 990 Duke deliver identical top speed performance. Both models have similar cooling systems, offering comparable performance for long journeys. In conclusion, 2024 KTM 990 Duke stands out in terms of technical specifications and overall performance. However, depending on your riding preferences and usage needs, both models offer unique advantages.
Frequently asked questions
What is the top speed of BMW R 1250 R vs KTM 990 Duke?
KTM 990 Duke is listed at 250 km/h vs 245 km/h for BMW R 1250 R.
Which has more horsepower, BMW R 1250 R or KTM 990 Duke?
BMW R 1250 R has 136 hp compared with 123 hp on the KTM 990 Duke.
Which is better, BMW R 1250 R or KTM 990 Duke?
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.
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