BMW S 1000 R 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.

BMW S 1000 R
28 pts
Top on paper
KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE GT
72 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 S 1000 R
65.8 pts
KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE GT
42 pts

Touring / long rides

BMW S 1000 R
37.4 pts
Best fit here
KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE GT
78.4 pts

Sporty riding

BMW S 1000 R
38.8 pts
Best fit here
KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE GT
64.9 pts

New rider friendly

Best fit here
BMW S 1000 R
81.4 pts
KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE GT
21.2 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
  • KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE GT 83 cm Lowest seat here

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 165 hp (BMW S 1000 R) up to 173 hp (KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE GT).
  • Torque spans 114 Nm (BMW S 1000 R) up to 141 Nm (KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE GT).
  • Weight spans 208 kg (BMW S 1000 R) to 209 kg (KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE GT).
  • Displacement spans 1000 cc (BMW S 1000 R) to 1100 cc (KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE GT).
Specification BMW S 1000 R KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE GT
Brand BMW KTM
Model BMW S 1000 R KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE GT
Engine size 1000cc Above 1000cc
Power 165hp 173hp
Torque 114nm. 141nm.
Cylinders / valves 4 cylinders, 16 valves Twin cylinder, 8 valves
Weight 208kg 209kg
Front brake Twin-disc brake with a diameter of 320 mm, four-piston fixed calliper 320mm Brembo four-piston radial fixed calliper, brake disc
Rear brake Single disc brake with a diameter of 220 mm, one-piston floating calliper 240mm Brembo twin-piston fixed calliper, brake disc
Seat height (cm) 83cm 83cm
Front tyre 120/70 ZR 17 120/70 17
Rear tyre 190/55 ZR 17 200/55 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 Semi-active suspension 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 SAT (semi-active technology) shock absorber
Motorcycle type Naked Touring
Top speed 270km/h 260km/h
Fuel capacity / consumption 16.5 L – 7 L/100km 23 L – 6 L/100km
Service network
Service quality
Parts availability
Price $13945 $19799
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

-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 S 1000 R vs 2023 KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE GT: Which One is Better for You?

2023 BMW S 1000 R 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 S 1000 R 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.2023 KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE GT, 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 KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE GT, with its 141Nm 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. 2023 KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE GT 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 (Naked) and 2023 KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE GT (Touring) have very similar maximum speed values. 2023 BMW S 1000 R offers a slight advantage with a top speed of 270 km/h. However, this difference might not be noticeable for most users.

4. Cooling System

2023 BMW S 1000 R 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 S 1000 R and 2023 KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE GT are close in weight, offering similar experiences for different usage scenarios. Both models feature the same seat height, offering similar comfort for riders of different heights.

Conclusion

2023 KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE GT emerges as the winner of this comparison based on total points. 2023 BMW S 1000 R and 2023 KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE GT have nearly identical engine capacities. 2023 KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE GT, with higher torque, excels in rapid acceleration and steep climbs. 2023 BMW S 1000 R and 2023 KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE GT offer very similar top speed values. 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.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the top speed of BMW S 1000 R vs KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE GT?

BMW S 1000 R is listed at 270 km/h vs 260 km/h for KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE GT.

Which has more horsepower, BMW S 1000 R or KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE GT?

KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE GT has 173 hp compared with 165 hp on the BMW S 1000 R.

Which is better, BMW S 1000 R 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.