BMW S 1000 R 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
BMW S 1000 R
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

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

Touring / long rides

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

Sporty riding

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

New rider friendly

Best fit here
BMW S 1000 R
69.6 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.

  • BMW S 1000 R 83 cm Lowest seat here
  • 2024 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 88 cm Tallest seat here

Spread in this comparison: about 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 160 hp (2024 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R) up to 165 hp (BMW S 1000 R).
  • Torque spans 114 Nm (BMW S 1000 R) up to 138 Nm (2024 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R).
  • Weight spans 208 kg (BMW S 1000 R) to 228 kg (2024 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R).
  • Displacement spans 1000 cc (BMW S 1000 R) to 1100 cc (2024 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R).
Specification BMW S 1000 R KTM 1290 Super Adventure R
Brand BMW KTM
Model BMW S 1000 R KTM 1290 Super Adventure R
Engine size 1000cc Above 1000cc
Power 165hp 160hp
Torque 114nm. 138nm.
Cylinders / valves 4 cylinders, 16 valves Twin cylinder, 8 valves
Weight 208kg 228kg
Front brake Twin-disc brake with a diameter of 320 mm, four-piston fixed calliper 320 mm Bosch 10.3ME Combined-ABS (incl. Cornering-ABS and offroad mode)
Rear brake Single disc brake with a diameter of 220 mm, one-piston floating calliper 267 mm Bosch 10.3ME Combined-ABS (incl. Cornering-ABS and offroad mode)
Seat height (cm) 83cm 88cm
Front tyre 120/70 ZR 17 110/70 17
Rear tyre 190/55 ZR 17 150/60 17
Cooling Liquid cooling Liquid cooling
Front suspension Upside-down telescopic fork with a diameter of 45 mm, spring preload and adjustable rebound and compression stage WP XPLOR-USD, Ø 48 mm
Rear suspension Aluminium underbeam swinging arm, Full-Floater Pro, central shock absorber, adjustable rebound and compression damping and adjustable spring preload WP Xplor PDS shock absorber
Motorcycle type Naked Adventure
Top speed 270km/h 225km/h
Fuel capacity / consumption 16.5 L – 7 L/100km 23 L – 5.7 L/100km
Service network
Service quality
Parts availability
Price $13945 $20999
Brand price lists View BMW price list View KTM price list
Extra features

-Three riding modes (Rain, Road, Dynamic, incl. HSC), Six-axis sensor box incl. ABS Pro & DTC

-TFT display with connectivity, Adjustable handlebar position, Intelligent emergency call ECALL

Opinions

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2023 BMW S 1000 R vs 2024 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R: Which One is Better for You?

2023 BMW S 1000 R 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, 2023 BMW S 1000 R, with its 165hp, stands out for users seeking speed and performance.

1. Cylinder Capacity and Performance

2023 BMW S 1000 R 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. 2023 BMW S 1000 R, 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

2023 BMW S 1000 R, as a Naked, can reach a maximum speed of 270 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

2023 BMW S 1000 R 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

2023 BMW S 1000 R 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.2023 BMW S 1000 R, with a seat height of 83cm, 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. 2023 BMW S 1000 R 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. 2023 BMW S 1000 R, with a top speed of 270 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 R vs KTM 1290 Super Adventure R?

BMW S 1000 R is listed at 270 km/h vs 225 km/h for KTM 1290 Super Adventure R.

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

BMW S 1000 R has 165 hp compared with 160 hp on the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R.

Which is better, BMW S 1000 R 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.