BMW R 1250 RS vs KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE GT
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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 RS 82 cm Lowest seat here
- KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE GT 83 cm Tallest seat here
Spread in this comparison: about 1 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 RS) up to 173 hp (KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE GT).
- Torque spans 141 Nm (KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE GT) up to 143 Nm (BMW R 1250 RS).
- Weight spans 209 kg (KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE GT) to 243 kg (BMW R 1250 RS).
- Engine sizes are very close.
Reader votes so far — total 1: BMW R 1250 RS (1); KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE GT (0).
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| Specification | BMW R 1250 RS | KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE GT |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | BMW | KTM |
| Model | BMW R 1250 RS | KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE GT |
| Engine size | Above 1000cc | Above 1000cc |
| Power | 136hp | 173hp |
| Torque | 143nm. | 141nm. |
| Cylinders / valves | Twin cylinder, 8 valves | Twin cylinder, 8 valves |
| Weight | 243kg | 209kg |
| Front brake | Twin disc brake, floating brake discs, diameter 320 mm, 4-piston radial brake caliper | 320mm Brembo four-piston radial fixed calliper, brake disc |
| Rear brake | Single disc brake, diameter 276 mm, 2-piston floating caliper | 240mm Brembo twin-piston fixed calliper, brake disc |
| Seat height (cm) | 82cm | 83cm |
| Front tyre | 120/70 ZR17 | 120/70 17 |
| Rear tyre | 180/55 ZR17 | 200/55 17 |
| Cooling | Liquid cooling | Liquid cooling |
| Front suspension | Upside-down telescopic fork | WP Semi-active suspension USD Ø 48 mm |
| Rear suspension | Cast aluminum single-sided swingarm with BMW Motorrad Paralever, WAD shock absorber, spring preload continuously adjustable hydraulically by handwheel, rebound damping adjustable by handwheel | WP SAT (semi-active technology) shock absorber |
| Motorcycle type | Touring | Touring |
| Top speed | 230km/h | 260km/h |
| Fuel capacity / consumption | 18 L – 5.5 L/100km | 23 L – 6 L/100km |
| Service network | ||
| Service quality | ||
| Parts availability | ||
| Price | $15695 | $19799 |
| Brand price lists | View BMW price list | View KTM price list |
| Extra features | -TFT display with BMW Motorrad Connectivity, Full LED headlight, Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) -Integral ABS Pro (lean-optimised ABS), 3 riding modes (Eco, Rain, Road), Hill Start Control (HSC) -USB charging socket, Intelligent emergency call, Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) -4-way mechanically adjustable windscreen |
-Euro5, Heated Grips, -Riding Modes 4 Different riding modes: Rain, Street, Sport, and Track -7 inch TFT Dashboard, Twin Ignition Technology, Slipper Clutch, Wind Shield |
Opinions
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2023 BMW R 1250 RS vs 2023 KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE GT: Which One is Better for You?
2023 BMW R 1250 RS and 2023 KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE GT are very similar in terms of engine capacity and power. In this case, design, driving comfort, and personal preferences may take precedence. Additionally, 2023 KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE GT, with its 173hp, stands out for users seeking speed and performance.
1. Cylinder Capacity and Performance
2023 BMW R 1250 RS and 2023 KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE GT 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 RS and 2023 KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE GT have almost identical torque values, offering similar traction power. This suggests that other features might play a more significant role in your choice regarding performance. 2023 BMW R 1250 RS 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 KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE GT, as a Touring, can reach a maximum speed of 260 km/h. This speed feature can be considered an extra advantage for a motorcycle of this type. 2023 BMW R 1250 RS, as a Touring, offers a lower maximum speed of 230 km/h, but this does not overshadow its other features.
4. Cooling System
2023 BMW R 1250 RS features a Liquid-Cooled system, while 2023 KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE GT offers a Liquid-Cooled system. Both models deliver equal performance in their cooling systems.
5. Design and Comfort
2023 BMW R 1250 RS and 2023 KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE GT are close in weight, offering similar experiences for different usage scenarios. Additionally, 2023 KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE GT, with a seat height of 83cm, is more suitable for taller riders, offering greater comfort.2023 BMW R 1250 RS, with a seat height of 82cm, provides a more ergonomic ride for average-height riders.
Conclusion
2023 KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE GT emerges as the winner of this comparison based on total points. 2023 BMW R 1250 RS and 2023 KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE GT have nearly identical engine capacities. 2023 BMW R 1250 RS and 2023 KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE GT have nearly identical torque values. 2023 KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE GT, with a top speed of 260 km/h, stands out for speed enthusiasts. Both models have similar cooling systems, offering comparable performance for long journeys. In conclusion, 2023 KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE GT 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 RS vs KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE GT?
KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE GT is listed at 260 km/h vs 230 km/h for BMW R 1250 RS.
Which has more horsepower, BMW R 1250 RS or KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE GT?
KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE GT has 173 hp compared with 136 hp on the BMW R 1250 RS.
Which is better, BMW R 1250 RS or KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE GT?
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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