BMW S 1000 R versus KTM 1290 Super Duke R

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
BMW

BMW S 1000 R

Naked
KTM

KTM 1290 Super Duke R

Naked

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2014 bis 2024~
Built von 2013 bis 2024~
RRP 16.000 €
RRP 20.299 €
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Pros:
  • Full of performance ...
  • .. but still easy to control
  • high-quality workmanship
  • cool sound
Pros:
  • Powerful engine
  • Stable chassis
  • Service
  • Electronic helpers
  • Brake
Cons:
  • Pillion operation only for emergencies
  • Sitting position for some people probably too sporty
Cons:
  • Pillion suitability

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: 1.497 mm
Seat :
835 mm
Weight :
198 (max: 415 ) 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: 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: 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: 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:
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:
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
Double disc ( 320 mm) Rear brake
Disc ( 220 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 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

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