BMW G 650 GS versus KTM 1290 Super Adventure S

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
BMW

BMW G 650 GS

Adventure
KTM

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S

Adventure

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2011 bis 2016
Built von 2018 bis 2024~
RRP
RRP 21.599 €
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Pros:
  • light and manoeuvrable
  • uncomplicated
  • favorable consumption
  • solid workmanship
  • enough space for passenger
Pros:
  • plenty of power
  • lavish furnishings
  • good usability
  • good travel comfort for driver and pillion passenger
  • successful deitails
  • plenty of accessories available
Cons:
  • radiates little emotion
Cons:
  • high, but not unusual price in this class
  • somewhat idiosyncratic front mask (a matter of taste)
  • for some maybe a bit overloaded with technology

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.477 mm
Length :
2.165 mm
Seat :
780 mm
Weight :
192 kg
Wheelbase: 1.560 mm
Length :
2.250 mm Height : 1.520 mm
Seat :
849 mm until : 869 mm
Weight :
243 (max: 460 ) kg

Engine

Motor type unknown 1 Cylinder
Displacement: 652 ccm
Hub: 83 mm
Hole: 100 mm
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 5
Motor design: 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, V 75° 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.301 ccm
Hub: 71 mm
Hole: 108 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6

Performance

Maximum speed: 170 km/h
Performance: 48 HP at 6.500 U/Min
Torque: 60 NM bei 5.000 U/Min
Tank contents: 14 Litre
Maximum speed: 250 km/h
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

Chassis

Frame type:
Bridges (steel)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm
Frame type:
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

Brakes

Rear brake
Disk
Front brake
Double disc Brembo four-piston radial fixed caliper ( 320 mm) Rear brake
Brembo two-piston fixed caliper ( 267 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.

Price/Availability/Colours/Years of Construction

  • Price: from 18.495 €
  • Years of construction: from 2021
  • Availability: from 2021
  • Colours: orange, black