BMW R 1150 R versus KTM 1290 Super Duke GT

BMW R 1150 R

Naked

KTM 1290 Super Duke GT

Sporttourer

Is it still worth buying a BMW R 1150 R today?

The BMW R 1150 R was built from 2000 to 2006 and is therefore anything but a modern motorcycle. Nevertheless, it is worth taking a look at this beautiful machine - especially since there is hardly any other boxer model from BMW that is available used at a similarly low price.... weiter

BMW R 1150 R im Test

Gallery

The comfortable intercontinental ballistic missile from Austria put to the test

KTM refers to its revised 1290 Super Duke GT as an "intercontinental ballistic missile". This may be a somewhat inappropriate comparison in these times, but in terms of content it is true. Even after the Euro-5 homologation, the GT is always... weiter

KTM 1290 Super Duke GT im Test

Gallery

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2005 bis 2006

Built von 2016 bis 2024~

RRP

RRP 22.499 €

Ausführliches Test-Video von Motorradtest.de

waveform

Competitors

Pros:

easy and manoeuvrable to drive despite size and weight
used relatively cheap
is also suitable as a tourer
wonderful boxer with sound
sufficient power, powerful torque

Pros:

Tourable seating position & adjustable windscreen
Bearish engine
Wide range of accessories
Very good standard equipment
Semi-active, electronic WP chassis

Cons:

vulnerable ABS system
fiddly battery removal

Cons:

QuickShifter only for an extra charge
Tight seat
Engine needs some speed to feel good

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.487 mm
Length : 2.170 mm Height : 1.220 mm
Seat : 800 mm
Weight : 238 (max: 450 ) kg

Wheelbase: 1.482 mm
Seat : 835 mm
Weight : 234 (max: 460 ) kg

Engine

Motor design: Boxer 4-stroke 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.130 ccm
Hub: 71 mm
Hole: 101 mm
Cooling: Öl-Luft
Drive: Kardan
Aisles: 6

Motor design: V2 cylinder, 4-stroke, 75° 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.301 ccm
Hub: 71 mm
Hole: 108 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6

Performance

Maximum speed: 197 km/h
Performance: 85 HP at 6.750 U/Min
Torque: 98 NM bei 5.250 U/Min

Tank contents: 21 Litre
Consumption: 5 l
Reach: 446 km

Maximum speed: 260 km/h
Performance: 175 HP at 9.750 U/Min
Torque: 141 NM bei 7.000 U/Min

Tank contents: 23 Litre
Consumption: 6 l
Reach: 400 km

Chassis

Frame type:
Three-part frame concept consisting of front and rear frame with supporting engine (steel)

Front suspension:
BMW Motorrad Telelever; Standpipe diameter 35 mm (travel 120 mm)

Rear suspension:
Central strut (travel 135 mm)
Rear suspension:
Aluminum cast single-arm swingarm with Paralever

Tyres at the front: 120/70 ZR 17
Rear tyres: 170/60 ZR 17

Frame type:
Lattice tube (chromium-molybdenum)

Front suspension:
Semi-active WP-USD fork Ø 48 mm (travel 125 mm)

Rear suspension:
Mono strut (travel 156 mm)
Rear suspension:
Single-arm swingarm

Tyres at the front: 120/70 ZR17
Rear tyres: 190/55 ZR17

Brakes

Front brake
Four-piston fixed caliper double disc brake (∅ 320 mm) Rear brake
Two-piston fixed caliper brake (∅ 276 mm)

Front brake
Double disc (∅ 320 mm) Rear brake
Disc (∅ 240 mm)

Conclusion - what gets stuck

The BMW R 1150 R is a grateful bike that offers riders a confident and safe riding experience even with high mileage. There are many used machines of this type, most fortunately in uncrafted original condition. But old machines are not really cheap either: 1150s are hardly available in good condition under 4,000 euros. To answer the opening question: Yes, it is still worth buying a 15-year-old motorcycle today. At least if it is a BMW R 1150 R.

Conclusion - what sticks

The new 1290 Super Duke GT has actually gotten even better. The many Tec updates may not be everyone's cup of tea or absolutely necessary, but they all work splendidly. The brakes are very good and the range of about 400 km is suitable for touring. The GT lives up to its name and, thanks to its seating position, is also suitable for longer tours. Nevertheless, the sporty character is always present, Ready to Race everywhere, just typical KTM!

The test bike was provided by Motorrad Ruser . This dealer based in Haseldorf near Hamburg has all sorts of KTM and Yamaha bikes in stock as demonstrators and the country roads around Haseldorf invite you to a magnificent test lap. So, let's go to Haseldorf. Please send greetings from us to Jessi and Hermann, and do not miss the new coffee machine. We recommend cappuccino or latte macchiato.