2019 BMW R 1200 RS vs 2016 KTM 1290 Super Adventure

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2019 BMW R 1200 RS 2019 BMW R 1200 RS

All-Round

Engine
Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
520.3 pounds
2016 KTM 1290 Super Adventure 2016 KTM 1290 Super Adventure

All-Round

Engine
V2, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
504.9 pounds
Full Specifications
General
CommentsSwitchable ABS.Small windscreen. Ride-by-wire system. Switchable Bosch ABS.
ColoursLight Grey Metallic/Magellan Grey Metallic MattGrey/silver
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)-220 mm
Ground Clearance (in.)-8.7 inches
Seat Heigth -Alternate (in.)-34.4 inches
Seat Heigth -Alternate (mm)-875 mm
Seat Height820 mm / 32.3 in.860 mm / 33.9 in.
Wheelbase1527 mm / 60.1 in.1,560 mm / 61.4 in.
Height1250 mm / 49.2 in.-
Length2202 mm / 86.7 in.-
Width925 mm / 36.4 in.-
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight-229 kg / 504.9 lbs
Fuel Capacity18.00 litres / 4.76 US gallons30.00 litres / 7.93 gallons
Wet Weight236.0 kg / 520.3 lbs-
Performance
Max Torque125.0 Nm (12.7 kgf-m or 92.2 ft.lbs) @ 6500 Revolutions"-
Power-to-Weight Ratio-0.6987 HP/kg
Engine
CO2106.7 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)-
Bore x Stroke (in,)4.0 x 2.9 inches4.3 x 3.0 inches
Fuel ControlDouble Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)-
Engine TypeTwo cylinder boxer, four-strokeV2, four-stroke
Displacement (ci)71.39 cubic inches79.39 cubic inches
Displacement (cc)1170.0 cc1301.00 cc
Bore x Stroke (mm)101.0 x 73.0 mm108.0 x 75.0 mm
Engine Detail-75° V arrangement
Fuel SystemInjection. Digital engine management with electronic fuel injectionInjection
Compression Ratio12.5:1-
EmissionsClosed-­loop 3-­way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-­4-
Engine LubricationWet sumpForced oil lubrication with 3 pumps
ExhaustChrome-
Fuel Consumption4.60 litres/100 km (21.7 km/l or 51.13 mpg)-
Fuel Reserve3.00 litres / 0.79 US gallons-
Ignition-Keihin EMS with RBW and cruise control, double ignition
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System4-
Drivetrain
ClutchWet eight-disc clutch with anti-hopping function, hyrdaulically operatedPASC slipper clutch, hydraulically actuated
Final DriveShaft drive (cardan)   (final drive)Chain
Gearbox6-speed6-speed
Primary Drive-5/8 x 5/16 X Ring. Primary drive: 40:76.
Chassis
Frame TypeTwo-section frame, front- and bolted on rear frame, load-bearing engineChromium-Molybdenum steel trellis frame, powder coated
Suspension - FrontUpside-down telescopic fork, diameter 45 mm, travel 140 mm, silver-anodizedWP Semi-active suspension USD ? 48 mm
Suspension - RearBMW Motorrad EVO ParaleverWP Semi-active suspension monoshock
Rake27.7°26.0°
Trail115 mm / 4.5 in.-
Wheel Travel - Front140 mm / 5.5 in.200 mm / 7.9 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear140 mm / 5.5 in.200 mm / 7.9 in.
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)-10.5 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)-12.6 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)-320 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)-267 mm
Brakes - FrontDouble disc. ABS. Four-piston calipers.Double disc. ABS. Four-piston calipers. Radially mounted.
Brakes - RearSingle disc. ABS. Floating disc. Two-piston calipers.Single disc. ABS. Two-piston calipers.
RimsCast aluminium-
Tyres - Front120/70-ZR17-

Verdict

Winner on specs

2016 KTM 1290 Super Adventure

The 2016 KTM 1290 Super Adventure edges out the 2019 BMW R 1200 RS thanks to its higher rear wheel travel and higher front wheel travel. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2019 BMW R 1200 RS - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 820 mm vs 860 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.

2016 KTM 1290 Super Adventure - Advantages

  • More rear wheel travel: 200 mm vs 140 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 200 mm vs 140 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2019 BMW R 1200 RS vs 2016 KTM 1290 Super Adventure - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2019 BMW R 1200 RS and 2016 KTM 1290 Super Adventure?
The 2019 BMW R 1200 RS uses Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke, while the 2016 KTM 1290 Super Adventure is powered by V2, four-stroke.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2019 BMW R 1200 RS or the 2016 KTM 1290 Super Adventure?
The 2019 BMW R 1200 RS has the lower seat at 820 mm, making it more accessible. The 2016 KTM 1290 Super Adventure sits higher at 860 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2019 BMW R 1200 RS or the 2016 KTM 1290 Super Adventure?
Both are strong choices. The 2019 BMW R 1200 RS has the edge in lower seat height, while the 2016 KTM 1290 Super Adventure stands out for higher rear wheel travel and higher front wheel travel. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.