In India, the BMW R 1300 GS is the flagship adventure motorcycle one would pick — primarily because there is no competition apart from the Triumph Tiger 1200. Globally, there are other options and one close competitor is the KTM. Now, with KTM having launched its adventure model – the 1290 Super Adventure S – customers have a choice. Here’s how KTM’s flagship adventure tourer for India compares against the finest German adventure touring motorcycle.
KTM 1290 Super Adventure S vs BMW R 1300 GS — A quick introduction
KTM 1290 Super Adventure S (Image: KTM)
The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S was recently launched in India at Rs 22.74 lakh, ex-showroom. The Super Adventure S is a more road-focused tourer and gets a 48mm USD semi-active front suspension and a monoshock at the rear with full adjustability with 200mm travel. The motorcycle gets cast-alloy wheels wrapped in Mitas Terra Force R tyres.
Also ReadAll-new BMW R 1300 GS first ride review — Does the world need a new GS?
The 1290 Super Adventure S gets a host of electronic aids such as traction control, cornering ABS, cruise control, motorcycle stability control, lean-sensitive traction control, a tyre pressure monitoring system, wheelie control, and more. The instrumentation is taken care of by a TFT dash with phone connectivity.
Specifications1290 Super Adventure SR 1300 GSSuspension (F)Adjustable USDTeleleverSuspension (R)MonoshockMonoshockBrakes (F)320 mm Disc310 mm DiscBrakes (R)267 mm Disc285 mm DiscSeat Height849 mm850 mmWheel (F)19-inch19-inchWheel (R)17-inch17-inchDashTFTTFTFuel Capacity23-litres19-litresWeight220 kg237 kgABSDual-Channel, CorneringDual-Channel, CorneringTraction ControlYesYes
The BMW R 1300 GS needs no introduction as the big GS range has been on sale in India for a while now. In its latest 1300 guise, the motorcycle has seen a big change in design and has lost bulk, giving it a sleeker look. The R 1300 GS continues the tradition with its telelever front suspension setup.
Image: BMW
The R 1300 GS is better equipped for off-road as well, with spoke wheels compared to the 1290 Super Adventure’s on-road setup. The GS has the same suspension travel (200mm) and gets a host of electronic aids — from heated grips to a dynamic suspension that automatically lowers the bike when coming to a stop. Both motorcycles are neck and neck with electronic nannies.
KTM 1290 Super Adventure S vs BMW R 1300 GS — Engine specifications
The 1300 GS hides its weight well on the move | Image: Express Drives
Both motorcycles have big engines.
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