KTM 1290 Super Adventure S versus BMW R 1250 GS Adventure
KTM 1290 Super Adventure S
BMW R 1250 GS Adventure
Year of construction / RRP / Test report
Competitors
- plenty of power
- lavish furnishings
- good usability
- good travel comfort for driver and pillion passenger
- successful deitails
- plenty of accessories available
- Chassis comfortable and sporty
- Powerful motor
- Pillion comfort
- Security package
- high, but not unusual price in this class
- somewhat idiosyncratic front mask (a matter of taste)
- for some maybe a bit overloaded with technology
- Surcharge policy
Dimensions & Weight
Length : 2.250 mm Height : 1.520 mm
Seat : 849 mm until : 869 mm
Weight : 243 (max: 460 ) kg
Length : 2.270 mm Height : 1.460 mm
Seat : 890 mm
Weight : 268 (max: 485 ) kg
Engine
Displacement: 1.301 ccm
Hub: 71 mm
Hole: 108 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6
Displacement: 1.254 ccm
Hub: 76 mm
Hole: 102 mm
Cooling: Luft-/Flüssigkeitsgekühlt
Drive: Kardan
Aisles: 6
Performance
Performance: 160 HP at 9.000 U/Min
Torque: 138 NM bei 6.750 U/Min Tank contents: 23 Litre
Consumption: 6 l
Reach: 404 km
Performance: 136 HP at 7.750 U/Min
Torque: 143 NM bei 6.250 U/Min Tank contents: 30 Litre
Consumption: 5 l
Reach: 600 km
Chassis
Lattice tube (chromium-molybdenum) Front suspension:
Semi-active WP-USD fork Ø 48 mm (travel 200 mm) Rear suspension:
Semi-active WP Monoshock strut (travel 200 mm)
Rear suspension:
Die-cast two-arm swingarm Tyres at the front: 120/70 ZR19
Rear tyres: 170/60 ZR17
Two-part framework Front suspension:
Telelever 37cm (travel 210 mm) Rear suspension:
WAD mono strut with paralever (travel 220 mm)
Rear suspension:
Aluminum cast single-arm swingarm Tyres at the front: 120/70 R19
Rear tyres: 170/60 R17
Brakes
Double disc Brembo four-piston radial fixed caliper (∅ 320 mm) Rear brake
Brembo two-piston fixed caliper (∅ 267 mm)
Double disc (∅ 305 mm) Rear brake
Single disc brake (∅ 276 mm)
Conclusion - what gets stuck
Well, bad motorcycles aren't actually built in this class any more. So what remains to be said? You have to look for the mistakes with a magnifying glass. But of course we have done this too and therefore mention the following criticisms: The compartment for the mobile phone is unfortunately too small for many models. From the point of view of a travel machine, a gimbal would also be nice – but clearly it's just KTM.
The optics of the front mask in particular are not for everyone – but this really falls under the category of taste question. The purchase price is quite lavish, but even with that the KTM is not alone. So let's return to the entry question of whether the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S is the new benchmark. The new benchmark is perhaps very ambitious. But the KTM can keep up with the big competing machines from this segment. And you almost get the impression that the differences are getting smaller and smaller.
The test machine was provided to us by Motorrad Ruser.
Cheap here is nothing
All this also offers the normal GS. Also the extensive chassis with its complete programs and adjustment possibilities. Do you really need the additional equipment of the adventure? Certainly not, but you might want them. Our fully equipped copy put a lot of money on it at the list price of around 18,000 euros, so that no less than 23,000 euros would eventually be due. Aua.
In the end, however, it could also be argued that in these regions it is no longer important. So, with an additional price of 1,500 euros for the adventure, it remains ultimately a question of taste. And, as you know, everyone is responsible for that themselves.
The test bike was provided to us by Bergmann & Söhne in Pinneberg near Hamburg.
Standard:
Connectivity-TFT / Mountain Start Assistance / "Rain" and "Road" / LED / ASC (traction)
Packages:
Comfort (515€): Heating handles/RDC/chrome exhaust
Touring (€2,140): Dynamic ESA/Keyless Go/Tempomat/LED Position Lights/Navi Preparation/Case Holder
Dynamic (€1,040): Driving modes/QS/day LED blinker/DTC
