Ktm Adventure 1290 R vs Bmw R 1250 Gs Adventure
Side-by-side comparison for used motorcycle buyers
Performance at a Glance
Green = winner per metric · Bars are relative to the higher value
Ktm Adventure 1290 R
Bmw R 1250 Gs Adventure
Horsepower (hp)
160 hp
136 hp
Torque (Nm)
138 Nm
143 Nm
Top Speed (km/h)
220 km/h
200 km/h
Weight (kg) — lower is better
228 kg
268 kg
Type
Adventure
Adventure
Horsepower
160 hp @ 8,500 rpm
136 hp @ 7,750 rpm
Torque
138 Nm @ 6,500 rpm
143 Nm @ 6,250 rpm
Top Speed
220 km/h (estimated; note: electronically influenced)
200 km/h
Weight
228 kg (wet/curb weight)
268 kg (wet/curb weight)
Fuel
6.5 L/100km (approximately 15.4 km/L, real-world average)
5.5–6.5 L/100km (approx. 15–18 km/L real-world average)
Fairing
Yes
Yes
Individual Reviews
Ktm Adventure 1290 R
8.5/10
"Brilliant but unforgiving — buy a well-serviced example or walk away."
Pros
+Savage, characterful V-twin engine
+Genuinely capable off-road suspension
+Best-in-class electronics suite
Cons
−Expensive maintenance when neglected
−Known early throttle-by-wire issues
−Plastic repair costs are brutal
Bmw R 1250 Gs Adventure
8.5/10
"The benchmark adventure bike that genuinely earns its premium price tag."
Pros
+ShiftCam engine remarkably torque-rich
+Electronics genuinely class-leading
+Tank range exceeds 300 miles
Cons
−Tall seat intimidates shorter riders
−Dealer servicing costs bite hard
−Electronics failures get expensive fast