2016 KTM 1290 Super Adventure vs 2015 BMW R 1200 RS

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
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
2015 BMW R 1200 RS 2015 BMW R 1200 RS

All-Round

Engine
Two cylinder boxer, two-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
520.3 pounds
Full Specifications
General
CommentsSmall windscreen. Ride-by-wire system. Switchable Bosch ABS.-
ColoursGrey/silverBlue/grey, grey
Dimensions
Seat Heigth -Alternate (mm)875 mm-
Seat Heigth -Alternate (in.)34.4 inches-
Ground Clearance (mm)220 mm-
Ground Clearance (in.)8.7 inches-
Seat Height860 mm / 33.9 in.820 mm / 32.3 in.
Wheelbase1,560 mm / 61.4 in.1,527 mm / 60.1 in.
Height-1,273 mm / 50.1 in.
Length-2,202 mm / 86.7 in.
Width-925 mm / 36.4 in.
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight229 kg / 504.9 lbs198 kg / 436.5 lbs
Fuel Capacity30.00 litres / 7.93 gallons18.00 litres / 4.76 gallons
Wet Weight-236.0 kg / 520.3 lbs
Performance
Max Torque-125.00 Nm (12.7 kgf-m or 92.2 ft.lbs) @ 6500 Revolutions
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.6987 HP/kg0.6231 HP/kg
Engine
Engine TypeV2, four-strokeTwo cylinder boxer, two-stroke
Displacement (ci)79.39 cubic inches71.39 cubic inches
Bore x Stroke (in,)4.3 x 3.0 inches4.0 x 2.9 inches
Bore x Stroke (mm)108.0 x 75.0 mm101.0 x 73.0 mm
Displacement (cc)1301.00 cc1170.00 cc
Fuel Control-Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
CO2-95.1 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Engine Detail75° V arrangement-
Fuel SystemInjectionInjection. Electronic intake pipe injection
Compression Ratio-12.5:1
Engine LubricationForced oil lubrication with 3 pumpsDry sump
Fuel Consumption-4.10 litres/100 km (24.4 km/l or 57.37 mpg)
Fuel Reserve-3.00 litres / 0.79 gallons
IgnitionKeihin EMS with RBW and cruise control, double ignition-
StarterElectricElectric
Drivetrain
ClutchPASC slipper clutch, hydraulically actuatedOil lubricated clutch, hydraulically operated
Final DriveChainShaft drive (cardan)
Gearbox6-speed6-speed
Primary Drive5/8 x 5/16 X Ring. Primary drive: 40:76.Constant mesh
Chassis
Frame TypeChromium-Molybdenum steel trellis frame, powder coatedTwo-section frame, front- and bolted on rear frame, load-bearing engine
Suspension - FrontWP Semi-active suspension USD ? 48 mmTelescopic Upside-Down fork
Suspension - RearWP Semi-active suspension monoshockCast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever
Rake26.0°27.7°
Trail-115 mm / 4.5 in.
Wheel Travel - Front200 mm / 7.9 in.140 mm / 5.5 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear200 mm / 7.9 in.140 mm / 5.5 in.
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)320 mm320 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)267 mm276 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)10.5 inches10.9 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)12.6 inches12.6 inches
Brakes - FrontDouble disc. ABS. Four-piston calipers. Radially mounted.Double disc. Floating discs. Four-piston calipers.
Brakes - RearSingle disc. ABS. Two-piston calipers.Single disc. Floating disc. Two-piston calipers.
Tyres - Front-120/70-17
Tyres - Rear-180/55-17

Verdict

Winner on specs

2016 KTM 1290 Super Adventure

The 2016 KTM 1290 Super Adventure edges out the 2015 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

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.

2015 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 vs 2015 BMW R 1200 RS - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2016 KTM 1290 Super Adventure and 2015 BMW R 1200 RS?
The 2016 KTM 1290 Super Adventure uses V2, four-stroke, while the 2015 BMW R 1200 RS is powered by Two cylinder boxer, two-stroke. This is a fundamental difference - the 2016 KTM 1290 Super Adventure is a four-stroke engine while the 2015 BMW R 1200 RS runs a two-stroke, resulting in very different power delivery, maintenance requirements, and riding character.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2016 KTM 1290 Super Adventure or the 2015 BMW R 1200 RS?
The 2015 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 2016 KTM 1290 Super Adventure or the 2015 BMW R 1200 RS?
Both are strong choices. The 2016 KTM 1290 Super Adventure has the edge in higher rear wheel travel and higher front wheel travel, while the 2015 BMW R 1200 RS stands out for lower seat height. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.