2018 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S vs 2018 BMW R 1200GS Rallye

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2018 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2018 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Four stroke, 75°V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Power
118 kW / 160 hp @ 8750 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
215 kg / 473.9 lbs
2018 BMW R 1200GS Rallye 2018 BMW R 1200GS Rallye

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
200.0 km/h / 124.3 mph
Weight
537.9 pounds
Full Specifications
General
Comments-Windscreen. Riding Modes Rain and Road.
Year2017 - 18-
Colours-Lupin Blue Metallic/Cordoba Blue/Gold
Make ModelKTM 1290 Super Adventure S-
Dimensions
Seat Height860 mm / 33.5 in850 mm / 33.5 in.
Wheelbase1560±15 mm / 61.4 in1,507 mm / 59.3 in.
Ground Clearance220 mm / 8.7 in-
Height-1,450 mm / 57.1 in.
Length-2,207 mm / 86.9 in.
Width-953 mm / 37.5 in.
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight215 kg / 473.9 lbs-
Fuel Capacity23 Litres / 6 US gal20.00 litres / 5.28 gallons
Wet Weight-244.0 kg / 537.9 lbs
Performance
Top Speed-200.0 km/h / 124.3 mph
Max Power118 kW / 160 hp @ 8750 rpm-
Max Torque140 Nm / 103.7 lb-ft @ 6750rpm125.00 Nm (12.7 kgf-m or 92.2 ft.lbs) @ 6500 Revolutions
Engine
Bore x Stroke (in,)-4.0 x 2.9 inches
Bore x Stroke (mm)-101.0 x 73.0 mm
Engine Type-Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke
Displacement (cc)-1170.00 cc
Displacement (ci)-71.39 cubic inches
CO2-115.1 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Fuel Control-Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
Displacement1301 cc / 79.3 cu-in-
Engine DetailFour stroke, 75°V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinderBalancer shaft
Fuel System-Injection. Electronic intake pipe injection
Bore x Stroke108 x 71 mm-
Compression Ratio13.1:112.5:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooling system, continuous circulation of cooling liquid with water pump-
Emissions-Closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-4
Engine Lubrication-Dry sump
Engine ManagementKeihin EMS with RBW and cruise control, double ignition-
Fuel Consumption-4.96 litres/100 km (20.2 km/l or 47.42 mpg)
Fuel Induction2x Keihin EFI, 52mm throttle bodies-
Fuel Reserve-4.00 litres / 1.06 gallons
IgnitionSystem contactless, controlled, fully electronic ignition system with digital ignition timing adjustment-
LubricationForced oil lubrication with 3 oil pumps-
StarterEletricElectric
Valve Inspection Interval18,600 miles-
Valve System-4
EV Specifics
Battery CapacityBattery: 12V 11.2AH-
Drivetrain
ClutchPASC anti-hopping clutch/ hydraulically operatedOil lubricated clutch, hydraulically operated
Final DriveChain 5/8 x 5/16" X RingShaft drive (cardan)
Gearbox-6-speed
Primary Drive-Constant mesh
Primary Drive Ratios40:76-
Transmission / Drive6-speed-
Chassis
Frame TypeTubular space frame made from chrome molybdenum steel, powder-coated Two-section frame, front- and bolted on rear frame, load-bearing engine
Suspension - FrontWP Semi-active Suspension USD ø 48 mmBMW Motorrad Telelever
Suspension - RearShock absorber WP Semi-active Suspension PDS MonoshockCast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever
Rake-25.5°
Seat-Single Rallye Seat
Steering Head Angle64°-
Trail-100 mm / 3.9 in.
Wheel Travel - Front200 mm / 7.9 in190 mm / 7.5 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear200 mm / 7.9 in200 mm / 7.9 in.
Electrical Systems
Charging System450 watts max.-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)-305 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)-10.9 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)-276 mm
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)-12.0 inches
Brakes - Front2 x 320 mm floating disc, Brembo four-piston brake calipersDouble disc. ABS. Floating discs. Four-piston calipers.
Brakes - RearSingle 267 mm disc, Brembo two-piston brake caliperSingle disc. ABS. Floating disc. Two-piston calipers.
ABSBosch 9ME combined ABS, incl. cornering ABS and offroad mode, disengageable-
Rims-Cross Spoke Wheels
Tyres - Front120/70-ZR19120/70-R19
Tyres - Rear170/60-ZR17170/60-R17

Verdict

Winner on specs

2018 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S

The 2018 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S edges out the 2018 BMW R 1200GS Rallye thanks to its liquid cooling, standard ABS and higher front wheel travel. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2018 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S - Advantages

  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • Standard ABS: A meaningful safety advantage in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
  • More front wheel travel: 200 mm vs 190 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2018 BMW R 1200GS Rallye - Advantages

  • Competitive all-round: The 2018 BMW R 1200GS Rallye matches or exceeds its rival across all measured criteria.

2018 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S vs 2018 BMW R 1200GS Rallye - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2018 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S and 2018 BMW R 1200GS Rallye?
The 2018 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S uses Four stroke, 75°V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, while the 2018 BMW R 1200GS Rallye is powered by Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke.
Does the 2018 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S or 2018 BMW R 1200GS Rallye have ABS?
The 2018 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S is listed with ABS as standard. The 2018 BMW R 1200GS Rallye does not list ABS. ABS provides a meaningful safety benefit in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
Which should I buy, the 2018 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S or the 2018 BMW R 1200GS Rallye?
Both are strong choices. The 2018 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S has the edge in liquid cooling and standard ABS, while the 2018 BMW R 1200GS Rallye offers a compelling alternative. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.