BMW S 1000 R versus KTM 1290 Super Duke GT

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
BMW

BMW S 1000 R

Naked
KTM

KTM 1290 Super Duke GT

Sporttourer

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2014 bis 2024~
Built von 2016 bis 2024~
RRP 16.000 €
RRP 22.499 €
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Pros:
  • Full of performance ...
  • .. but still easy to control
  • high-quality workmanship
  • cool sound
Pros:
  • Tourable seating position & adjustable windscreen
  • Bearish engine
  • Wide range of accessories
  • Very good standard equipment
  • Semi-active, electronic WP chassis
Cons:
  • Pillion operation only for emergencies
  • Sitting position for some people probably too sporty
Cons:
  • QuickShifter only for an extra charge
  • Tight seat
  • Engine needs some speed to feel good

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.450 mm
Length :
2.090 mm Height : 1.115 mm
Seat :
814 mm until : 830 mm
Weight :
199 (max: 407 ) kg
Wheelbase: 1.482 mm
Seat :
835 mm
Weight :
234 (max: 460 ) kg

Engine

Motor design: In-line four-cylinder 4-stroke 4 Cylinder
Displacement: 999 ccm
Hub: 50 mm
Hole: 80 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
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: 261 km/h
Performance: 165 HP at 11.000 U/Min
Torque: 114 NM bei 9.250 U/Min
Tank contents: 17 Litre
Consumption:
6 l
Reach:
266 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:
Aluminium composite bridge frame, motor supporting (aluminium)
Front suspension:
Telescopic fork (travel 120 mm)
Rear suspension:
Central strut (travel 117 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm
Tyres at the front: 120/70 ZR 17
Rear tyres: 190/55 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
Double disc ( 320 mm) Rear brake
Disc ( 220 mm)
Front brake
Double disc ( 320 mm) Rear brake
Disc ( 240 mm)

Conclusion - what sticks

The S 1000 R is basically a double R, from which the fairing has been removed and the torque curve on country roads has been optimised. It is super sporty, which can be an disadvantage and a disadvantage at the same time. If you want to sit upright on your streetfighter, you are out of place here. If you are looking for proximity to the front wheel and asphalt, you will find it here!

In any case, we had tons of driving fun and did not feel overwhelmed despite the immense performance. This is exactly why you have to compliment BMW: Not all manufacturers succeed in putting such a grenade on the wheels for (almost) everyone. To anticipate misunderstandings: Of course, this motorcycle is not a beginner's machine!
 
The test machine was kindly provided by Bergmann & Söhne in Pinneberg - thank you!

Price/Availability/Colours/Years of construction

  • Price: from 14.740 €
  • Used (7 years old): 8.000€
  • Years of construction: since 2014
  • Colours: red, grey-yellow, white-blue-red

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.

Price/availability/colours/years of construction

  • Price: 20.349 €
  • Used (3 years old): 10.500€
  • Years of construction: since 2016
  • last facelift: 2022
  • Colors: orange, orange & orange