2021 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT vs 2021 BMW S 1000XR

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2021 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2021 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT

Sport

Engine
75° V twin, 4 stroke, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder, titanium inlet valves
Power
173 hp / 129 kW @
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
225.4 kg / 497 lbs
2021 BMW S 1000XR 2021 BMW S 1000XR

Sport

Engine
In-line four, four-stroke
Power
121 kW / 165 hp @ 11000 rpm
Top Speed
200.0 km/h / 124.3 mph
Weight
498.2 pounds
Full Specifications
General
Comments-Riding Modes Pro (incl. HSC Pro, MSR, ABS Pro and DTC). Integrated Pannier Holders.
Year20212021
Colours-Light White/Racing Blue Metallic/Racing Red, Racing Red/White Aluminum, Ice Grey
Make ModelKTM 1290 Super Duke GTBMW S 1000XR
Dimensions
Storage-Storage compartment underneath seat
Seat Heigth -Alternate (mm)-838 mm
Seat Heigth -Alternate (in.)-33.0 inches
Seat Height835 mm / 32.9 in840 mm / 33.0 in - 790 mm / 31.1 with optional lowered suspension
Wheelbase1482 mm ±15 mm / 58.34 in ± 0.59 in1522 mm / 59.9 in
Ground Clearance140 mm / 5.5 in-
Height-411 mm / 55.5 in
Length-2333 mm / 91.8 in
Width-917 mm / 36.1
Weights & Capacities
Fuel Capacity23 Litres / 6.1 US gal20 Litres / 5.2 US gal
Wet Weight 225.4 kg / 497 lbs226 kg / 498 lbs
Performance
Top Speed-200.0 km/h / 124.3 mph
Max Power173 hp / 129 kW @121 kW / 165 hp @ 11000 rpm
Max Torque141 Nm / 104 lb-ft @114 Nm / 84 lb-ft @ 9250 rpm
Engine
Engine Type-In-line four, four-stroke
CO2-147.6 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Fuel Control-Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
Displacement1301 cc / 79.4 cu in999 cc / 60.9 cu-in
Engine Detail75° V twin, 4 stroke, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder, titanium inlet valvesFour stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, Intake/outlet mm 33.5/27.2
Fuel System-Injection. Electronic Injection
Bore x Stroke108 x 71 mm80 x 49.7 mm
Compression Ratio-12.5:1
Cooling SystemLiquid coolingLiquid/oil cooled
Emissions-Regulated three-way catalytic converter - EURO5
Engine Management-Electronic intake pipe injection
Fuel Consumption-6.36 litres/100 km (15.7 km/l or 36.98 mpg)
Fuel InductionKeihin EFI, throttle body 56 mm-
Fuel Reserve-4.00 litres / 1.06 US gallons
IgnitionKeihin EMS with RBW, dual ignition-
Lubrication-Wet sump
Lubrication SystemPressure lubrication, 3 Eaton pumps-
Mixture Control-Electronic injection, throttle valve 48 mm
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System-4
Drivetrain
ClutchPASC slipper, hydraulically operatedMultiplate clutch in oil bath, slipper clutch, self-reinforcing
Final DriveChainChain drive, 17/45
Gear Ratios-1st 2.647 2nd 2.091 3rd 1.727 4th. 1.476 5th 1.304 lth. 1.167
Gearbox-6-speed
Primary Drive-Chain 17/45
Primary Drive Ratios-1.652
Transmission / Drive6-Speed with up/down quickshifterSix-speed synchromesh gearbox with spur gears
Chassis
Frame TypeChromemoly steel trellisAluminum composite bridge frame, partially self-supporting engine
Suspension - FrontWP Semi-Active, ø 48 mm45mm Upside-down telescopic fork electronic self-adjusting rebound/compression damping (Dynamic ESA)
Suspension - RearLinkage-assisted WP semi-active shockAluminium double-sided swing-arm, central spring strut, electronic preload adjuster, electronic self-adjusting rebound/compression damping (Dynamic ESA)
Rake24.9°24.9°
Steering Head Angle-65.1°
Trail107 mm / 4.2 in116 mm / 4.6 in
Wheel Travel - Front125 mm / 4.9 in150 mm / 5.9 in
Wheel Travel - Rear 129.5 mm / 5.1 in150 mm / 5.9 in
Electronics
Traction control-BMW Motorrad DTC
Electrical Systems
Lighting system-LED lights
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2x 320 mm floating discs, Brembo calipers, ABS2x 320mm floating discs, radial four-piston fixed calipers
Brakes - RearSingle 240 mm disc, Brembo caliper, ABSSingle 265mm disc brake, twin-piston floating caliper
ABS-BMW Motorrad Race ABS, partially integral
Rims-Cast Aluminium
Rims - Front-3.50 x 17
Rims - Rear-6.00 x 17
Tyres - Front120/70 x 17, Pirelli Angel GT120/70 ZR 17
Tyres - Rear190/55 x 17, Pirelli Angel GT190/55 ZR 17
Wheels-Cast aluminum wheels
Wheels - FrontAluminium, 3.50 x 17 in-
Wheels - RearAluminium, 6.00 x 17 in-

Verdict

Winner on specs

2021 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT

The 2021 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT edges out the 2021 BMW S 1000XR thanks to its more peak power, higher torque, larger fuel tank and larger displacement. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2021 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT - Advantages

  • More power: Produces 173 hp vs 121 kW - a meaningful performance advantage.
  • Higher torque: 141 Nm vs 114 Nm - more pulling power across the rev range.
  • Larger fuel tank: More range between stops - an advantage on touring routes and remote roads.
  • Larger displacement: 1301 cc vs 999 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.

2021 BMW S 1000XR - Advantages

  • Standard ABS: A meaningful safety advantage in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
  • More front wheel travel: 150 mm vs 125 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2021 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT vs 2021 BMW S 1000XR - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2021 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT and 2021 BMW S 1000XR?
The 2021 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT uses 75° V twin, 4 stroke, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder, titanium inlet valves, while the 2021 BMW S 1000XR is powered by In-line four, four-stroke.
Which has more power, the 2021 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT or the 2021 BMW S 1000XR?
The 2021 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT produces more peak power at 173 hp, compared to 121 kW for the 2021 BMW S 1000XR.
Which has the larger fuel tank, the 2021 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT or the 2021 BMW S 1000XR?
The 2021 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT has the larger tank at approximately 23 litres vs 20 litres for the 2021 BMW S 1000XR. At 5-6 l/100 km that is roughly 383-460 km vs 333-400 km between stops.
Does the 2021 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT or 2021 BMW S 1000XR have ABS?
The 2021 BMW S 1000XR is listed with ABS as standard. The 2021 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT does not list ABS. ABS provides a meaningful safety benefit in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
Which should I buy, the 2021 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT or the 2021 BMW S 1000XR?
Both are strong choices. The 2021 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT has the edge in more peak power and higher torque, while the 2021 BMW S 1000XR stands out for standard ABS 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.