BMW R 1150 R versus KTM 1290 Super Duke R

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
BMW

BMW R 1150 R

Naked
KTM

KTM 1290 Super Duke R

Naked

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2005 bis 2006
Built von 2013 bis 2025~
RRP
RRP 20.299 €
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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:
  • Powerful engine
  • Stable chassis
  • Service
  • Electronic helpers
  • Brake
Cons:
  • vulnerable ABS system
  • fiddly battery removal
Cons:
  • Pillion suitability

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.487 mm
Length :
2.170 mm Height : 1.220 mm
Seat :
800 mm
Weight :
238 (max: 450 ) kg
Wheelbase: 1.497 mm
Seat :
835 mm
Weight :
198 (max: 415 ) 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: 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, V2 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: 250 km/h
Performance: 180 HP at 9.500 U/Min
Torque: 140 NM bei 8.000 U/Min
Tank contents: 16 Litre
Consumption:
6 l
Reach:
287 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:
Tubular space frame, powder-coated (chrome-molybdenum)
Front suspension:
WP-USD Ø 48 mm (travel 125 mm)
Rear suspension:
WP-Monoshock via deflection (travel 140 mm)
Rear suspension:
Single-arm swingarm
Tyres at the front: 120/70 ZR17
Rear tyres: 200/55-17

Brakes

Front brake
Four-piston fixed caliper double disc brake ( 320 mm) Rear brake
Two-piston fixed caliper brake ( 276 mm)
Front brake
2 x Brembo Stylema Monoblock four-piston radial fixed caliper, brake discs, floating ( 320 mm) Rear brake
Single disc, Brembo two-piston fixed caliper ( 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.

Price/Availability/Colours/Years of Construction

  • Price new (2003): 9,000€
  • Used (15 years old): 4,500€
  • Years built: 2000 - 2006
  • Colours: black, blue, silver

Where it is, is at the front

So KTM has delivered a cheat pack, because neither is it a beast, nor a duke. What luck. It is a power on the street, but a manageable one. The Super Duke stands for driving fun without end, when the sheer performance counts. It is pure irrationality, a fun bike without high utility value.

If you are looking for something like this, you will be happy here, provided you like the edgy design. But isn't that always the case?

The test bike was provided to us by Bergmann & Söhne in Hamburg.

Price / Availability / Colours / Years of Construction

  • Price: 17.834€
  • Used (3 years old): 9.500€
  • Years of construction: since 2014
  • Availability: very good
  • Colours: black, orange