BMW R1250GS vs KTM 1290 Super Adventure
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- Опубликовано: 13 окт 2024
- This is the clash of the titans - the reigning king of the adventure world is the KTM 1290 Super Adventure, but BMW has put a spanner in the works with their new 1250 GS. The question remains, is that spanner big enough? (This is an updated version of the original video published)
I've had a KTM 640 for some years, but now I'm on a 1200 GSA. Basically, I'm riding 90% tarmac and the remainder offroad. The KTM's lack long distance comfort, I don't care how fast you can ride if all you want to do is get off and scratch some circulation back in your bum. If I was younger, the KTM 1290 would be alluring, but I now well know what really works out best for me. Cheers!
Had a Ktm super Duke GT for 2 years, great bike lots of power turns on it ears, embarrassed many sport bike riders.... but there was just something missing. Bought the 1250Gs, I don't miss the Ktm. The BMW is just simply brilliant at everything. I think it's true what they say once you've gone Gs your Gs forever. Try one, you'll get it. !
So you went from a KTM to a Bowel Movement on Wheels ?
@@1-shotslinger108 I had a 1200gs and bought a 2019 ktm1290s.... never ever looked back.
This was not very informative. lol
@D Dubs Dont get me wrong I thought the 1200gs was a great machine. I went from the 1200 to a africa twin then I got the new bmw gs850 rally adventure now the KTM. The KTM has been exceptional for me. Its been a absolute thrill to ride.
I had the 1150GS and absolutely loved it. Fantastic bike. When I decided to upgrade I tried the both the 1200GS and the 1190 Adventure.
The GS is the pretty girl with the shy smile and good manners that asks you on a date and you know mom will love her. The KTM is the pot smoking goth chick with the hourglass figure that comes over, licks your ear and asks if you want to fuck.
You know you shouldn´t, but you do it anyway.
I've tried both, the KTM 1290 SAS and the BMW R1250GS. The BMW is very big for me. Ergonomically the BMW does not fit me, very wide handlebar. However the KTM fits me as if KTM engineers had used me as model for the bike.
Another interesting point that I've noticed is that the BMW feels like if you were inside the bike, meanwhile the KTM feels like you are sat over the bike.
At the end the BMW filters everything, including the emotions and feelings that me as rider like to feel when I ride a bike. Meanwhile the KTM is a fucking adrenaline injection directly to your heart. No doubt, KTM for me.
I love my Super Adventure S. Got a comfortable seat for it and even highway pegs. Also put rox anti vibe handlebar risers on. With all the accessories still cheaper than the beamer. I got mirror extensions so that I can get a good look at all the GS's in my rear view mirror.
Yeah but you'll never go off road.
GS rider: "you have got this fantastic stability and manoeuvrability", just when he was saying it, I've noticed quite a few battle scars on the right cam cover at 11:36
Battle scars means you’re learning from your mistakes.
Yet another review where the bikes are not used like they will be used in real life. These bikes are almost always loaded down with panniers and often a pillion. There was zero effort here to discuss the bike and how it will actually be used by most riders. Is the suspension adequate when loaded? Does the engine have enough grunt with a passenger? Is the back seat large and comfortable for a passenger? How is the passenger leg room? Is the back seat long enough so the the passenger does not intrude on the rider? There are already loads of reviews with the same content here.
Yes...it was just another "my bike's better than your bike" upload with poor content.
KTM for aggressive sporty 'ready to race' riding style. BMW i guess more relaxed, don't rush me, i'll meet you there... KTM-fun . BMW-comfort. However, my 1190 is very comfortable, and fun!
Exactly that's why I am angry 😡
@@ilearner3319 calm down 🤤
Both of these bikes makes for some great tourers, and for the most part of the world it's a bigger genre than off road sport. There are more people who would treat these bikes as road going tourer so why do you think it's not reflecting real world use?
I've owned KTM's and BMW's. Both awesome bikes. It's really about the capability of the rider, their riding style and their preferences. All I can offer to this conversation is - if you want a more forgiving steed, choose the BMW, otherwise both can tear a hole in the space time continuum if you so wished. Happy and Safe riding folks
I am considering both of these bikes and I am leaning towards KTM because of its road presence. I have never had cars get out of my way faster and show me respect than when road testing a KTM 1090. This is a significant safety factor.
This is indeed a great review...but the one we are looking for is KTM ADV 790, TRIUMPH TIGER 800,vs BMW gs 850......great review guys.
SOOOO GLAD that I chose the KTM. Bike is an absolute blast, that engine is exhilarating!
@@wwertyuio1843 Is your comment based on fact or is it just your mindless, pointless, uneducated opinion?
Until something goes wrong, then you wish you hadn’t bought a KTM.
Had to much PROBLEMS with my KTM so i changed it for a BMW R1250GS Adventure.. Have a video of it too..
I did the opposite :X
@@sulos4646 why?
@@rodolfomartins1982 4 times the warning light in 40'000km and the smal valve that controles volume of the Bike in the city has rustet conpletly. The whole thing had to be replaced 1500CHF without work. Edith: And 3 Broken LED lights, by rain/water.
@@sulos4646 :( damn. Really bad experience
@@rodolfomartins1982 and 2 times a cable didnt fit well. Sure some of these are failures of the garage while doing some services. But that should not happens to such a Bike.
They are both nice bikes. It all comes down to personal preference. That’s it! BMW riders will swear by their bikes and KTM riders swear by their bikes. I own the BMW R1250 GS Exclusive. It’s not better than other bikes, it’s just the one I prefer. I’ve owned many Harleys in the past, but now I’m in love with this BMW. I don’t say my bike is better than a Harley, it’s just what I prefer now. I think everyone should try many bikes before they decide which one is for them. I had, at one point, a Yamaha FZ07. That bike was fantastic and for not much money. Maybe down the road I switch to something else. Most bikes these days are pretty damn nice. I like all bikes from Harleys to scooters. I’d love to get a second bike. (That would be the Ducati Supersport!!!).
Being on two wheels is what it is all about!
No dude the R1250 GSA is actually better lol :)
Jay S lol I will just keep loving my 1290 Adventure S
@@paulclontz6560 It is a fun bike! Zoom zoom.
Boxer engine stays cool in summer time, Ktm v twin burns you in summer. Ktm is faster but GS is comfier.
Allow me to disagree. I've had both bikes (admittedly, the 2016 GS 1200, not the 1250 which I only tested once. Same for the 1190 S which I own and traded my GS in for. I regularly have the 1290 as a replacement bike). The new 1290 S caught up in the suspension department and is now very comfortable too. Maybe the GS riding position is even more better for tall people like me, but still. Maybe KTM could do a bit more in the wind protection department. It's just the KTM's engine is much more exciting to me. The 1250 gs is very fast, but linear, so you don't really notice your speed. And it still sounds like a sewing machine. I disagree with the fact the 1250gs is soo much different from the 1200. Riding them back to back maybe, but for me, coming from the 1200, it felt nearly the same, a mild evolution. I always felt the 1200 to be a supple and linear bike, with torque all around the range and that didn't change. But i'll keep my 1190 S ktm and will maybe once trade up for a 1290 s for sure. Heat is only a problem for those not wearing proper motorcycle pants/gear and driving around in cities in very warm countries. Haha loved the conclusion at 14:15 btw. BMW rider is gonna die from boredom :D that's what it is (and what I experienced, plus the stupid ticking noises from engine and shaft drive line lash)
I got a great deal at my local KTM dealer and picked up a SAS... Plus my nearest BMW dealer is 3hrs away. I was interested more in the road handling part of the SAS than the off-road ability, tho I will occasionally go off because I can...
Great bike! However, I found doing a Rotweiller stage 3 intake kit along with the canister delete really smooths the motor out @ low rpm (parking lot driving).
Straight powerhouse tho! Man this bike is fast.
Which services would you prefer to pay for?Check cam clearances.Clean air filter??becomes more interesting.
Having ridden both I think it depends on what floats your boat.
I rode the 1290S and it was great and almost bought one. Then I toured Canada on a R1200GS Rallye and loved it but the engine was a bit underwhelming. Toured with my mate who was on an older 1290 T.
Tested the new R1250GS and ended up buying one, yes the 1290 will have it in a drag race but 1250 engine is a revolution, torque everywhere .
You guys are my favorite reviewers. Entertaining and informative. Thx
I've had my 1290 SE at Buttonwillow raceway in the Advanced group. My 5th track day ever, Continental 90% front tire (yes at the track) over inflated (the tire guys had no idea what to recommend) the thing was SO NATURAL. My friend on his 1290 Duke I passed twice, also a guy on a 400 couldn't catch me in the tightest corners as I'm drifting the rear around (TKC70 rear tire) and not really caring (it's a dirt bike -sort of- and likes to slide around).
And yes, I've taken it specifically up the most technical fire road filled with silt and super steep off camper corners to see if the bike would handle it and YES. In a gear too high as well.
Again, I'm not hero. Far from it. But the KTM just feels RIGHT.
If it can't be done on a 1290, you're not doing it right.
People get so hung up on HP. Would a BMW with 1400 hp be ten times better than a KTM with 140? Its about torque and traction. Anything with 100 hp is more than enough for adventure or dual sport.
Not sure why they think drag racing times are at all import for touring/adventure bikes.
I went to buy a KTM 1290SAS and came home with a new R1250GS exclusive. The reported KTM electronic glitches pushed me to the BMW. Three weeks on and my first service is tomorrow with no issues. However the R1250GS quick shifter is terrible compared to the KTM !
Give it 5,000km and it will work like magic, Let it learn and gearbox breaks in.
I have had both bikes. A few things to bear in mind. As someone already stated, the BMW is indeed expensive, but i keeps it's value, while the KTMs value drops as a stone. The KTM quality is the most horrible I have yet to see and that is also reflected in the second hand value. Some dealers in my country are more than reluctant to even trade in a KTM.
Sporty side: KTM
Touring side: BMW
end of story
tx
I rode my 1290 from Germany to Siberia and back, motocamping along the way for 3 months. It was superb.
I’ve owned 3 Gs’s and I really like them, but it’s simply not true that they are better tourers, let alone better adventure bikes.
I then shipped it to Australia and did 18,000 km all through the outback, fitted with Motoz Tractionator tyres it went everywhere.
Sporty guy =KTM
Fat guy = BMW
Workshop and problem side: KTM
Feel of quality and comfort: BMW
@@Swedeonamotorcycle BMW has a 41% rate of failure within the first 3 years and ranks high on the unreliable manufacturers
@@Chrisloou seriously ? ruclips.net/video/zYp1zXyc0fA/видео.html&feature=emb_logo BAM MIC DROP!!
Initially I was going to buy the BMW but due to the local dealer's terrible presales service I decided to look at options. I am down to 3 bikes - the KTM1290, the BMW R1250 and the Africa twin. I live in Vancouver and service is a big one for me. The local BMW dealer (there is only one) is terrible. Complaints are numerous and they seem more motivated by $$$ than they do in helping customers. They dont even allow test rides. They had the gall to call me a liar when I told them I had previous test rides on other manufacturers.This alone may knock BMW of the running. I am glad I watched this because the BMW is an expensive bike with average performance and the local service is abysmal plus I will never buy a bike I cant test ride.
Ahaaa. Here in the uk one of the mags has just done a what they called a smart money comparison test and the winner was the GS as although it costs more it's actually cheaper to run because depreciation and servicing costs are far higher on the KTM and they said in real world riding over here the GS is often faster because of its midrange grunt. Harry, the GSAP isn't brilliant, but once you get used to it it IS a worthwhile addition (I've had GS' with and without it) at least here in the UK especially when overtaking on our UK roads. Great review as always boys though 😉
No one wants to watch 35 seconds of an intro. Why do RUclipsrs do this? I know you want to show off your amazing video editing skills, but no one is watching your intro.
Magnum Muscle it’s an edited version of their TV show...
When tv media got shit stats and all them shits came to absolute pollute. But they have to keep yt in the family biz.
Agree I always skip it
Agreed. I can understand in this case because they had a TV show (I think). But when normal everyday youtubers do it I am scratching my head trying to understand why they would do that to themselves.
I agree. Get straight to the point
Finally a much better comparison test format, not the tired old "my bike is better than your bike" T*p Gear crap.
Oh wait, in the second half they do the tired old "my bike is better than your bike" T*p Gear crap :-(
having had 11 BMW GSA GS and shift cam they are too heavy now im back to getting a chain maybe a Ducati or KTM waiting for the V4 Duke. But BMW new 2021 range heavier again and build quality is going south!
As an owner of a 1290 SAR it’s a great bike, and that includes off road riding. A mate has an 1190 Adventure, which believe it or not is faster than a mapped 1250 GS flat out through the gears (observed first hand). The GS is lovely, but KTMs are just more fun which is why I ride a bike. I don’t know what the relative reliability is, but on a recent group trip with 3 KTMs and 3 BMWS, it was 2 BMWs that broke down , one with a broken engine that had to be recovered and the rider flown home. The KTMs were all fine.
Damn. Wow. How far was the trip mileage wise?
This just confusing me even more, I love the Bmw but my heart leans with the KTM. I keep prolonging my purchase because of this!
Ben Iriga I love my 1190. Check it out on my channel
I use my GS for big millage commuting. The shaft drive and comfort and gas mileage is perfect for what I use it for. It I wanted something purely to get the pulses racing and a bit more hooliganism I'd pick the ktm
"Last roll of the dice for the boxer engine"? Hahaha! In 2023 the boxer will be 100 years old - plenty of new design life left in the boxer - they'll never kill it! :-D
Its not the design of the engine really its going to die because of the new emissions laws and twins are being hit the hardest
Judging a bike by the tft screen and "how much bike" there is and the buttons is just lazy poor journalism. How did the bike ride and handle? How did it stop and how well made was it? How did both do as tourers? What was the tank range? What is the lean angle like and how do they turn in especially on tight bends? Do the motors cook you in heat? How well equipped as tourers are they? Nothing personal but the ktm fanboy mentality was far from good journalism from Donovan...and that's just so predictable and tired. I've owned ktms and gs and tiger1200 bikes. I ride a gsa today because to live with it...it's still the grandaddy of big adventure bikes. I don't miss the ktm power advantage at all...under any circumstances. .it wasnt comfortable for long stints and cooked your gonads...vibes got tiresom too. Gs is still the best long distance bike and the most comfortable and with more than adequate poke. Talking bs about jackets and style and talking bs about the 1250 being boring just sums up the adolescent mentality of a journo that many will just ignore. Come on Donovan...you're paid to do this...you can do better! Whats boring is the predictable comments telling us no more than you made your mind up before slinging a leg over the bike because you associate the shaft drive beemer with middle aged image...how far have you ridden one?. Odd that the quick shifter drew bad comments..may have been faulty? I rode the s1000r a few weeks back and the bmw qs in that was buttery smooth...my gsa is a little clunky compared with the new one which is way better.
I demo rode a GS this year and it had very strong vibrations above 5K (especially in the foot rests). I assume something must have been out of sync or loose since other GS owners have told me theirs are having no vibrations.
Also the stock windscreen was not doing much on the highway for me (182 cm height) at all.
I'm interested to know why you think the GS is a more comfortable long-distance bike than the Tiger 1200. Not having ridden it, I have heard from reviews that it's extremely comfortable.
@@sv650nyc7 both are good but the gsa1200 I now have has a more comfortable riding position and seat plus you only notice minor vibes through bars....no obvious vibes through pegs on mine. The Tiger isn't as good ergo wise for me. I have grip puppies fitted to the gsa and that almost eliminates what vibes there are. More of a stretch on the Tiger and seat not as comfy plus has less legroom than my gsa1200.
The major problem for me and many others for the tiger is this: firstly...when loaded up, tight switch backs are a nightmare...especially uphill on narrow roads. It feels like it wants to drop all the time. Top heavy weight means it probably will if you're not on guard and wrestling it round tight slow bends. The gs and gsa are fantastic at low speed fully loaded. The balance is spot on and tight slow manouvres are no problem. Secondly, wrestling with the tiger off the bike is also tiring. Its just too darned top heavy.
The standard gs screen I agree is no good. You're better either fitting the lower sports screen off the rallaye or the gsa screen which is taller then add a screen deflector. I use and MRA vario screen which is fab.
The gsa makes a better tourer than the gs imho. Lazier geometry makes it feel more stable, it's higher up, has more tank range and the TE model has the spots and luggage scaffolding. Mine is the best bike I've owned in 35 years of biking.
Tiger engine was peachy smooth and it had an addictive howl once wound up. A road handling was on rails too screen was great too as were backlit switches...better than the bmw in those respects. It had a better pillion seat, better grab rails and a very substantial and well made frame.
Everywhere else it was not as good as the gsa. Quality wasn't as good overall, but the biggest problem was how it carried it's weight. It also cooks you with engine heat when weather picks up warm. Did I mention that weight? You soon tire of wrestling with it...trust me!
Mind you the KTM cooks the gonads too! It's fuelling isnt as good out of the crate as the bmw...the seat is uncomfortable. Its not as relaxed a tourer and just doesnt need that relentless power. Plastics are rubbish on it compared with the beemer...it's viby and electronics are suspect on many. Know a lot of people having issues with theirs. It just doesn't feel as polished or comfortable as the gsa for long distance work. One man's "boring" is another's perfection. Even the gs/gsa1200 get into three figure speeds very rapidly. They waft you up there with no fuss or shouting and low end stomp is amazing. You learn to love them as tourers and all rounders very quickly. I tired of the KTMs one trick pony wheely inducing loud mouthed power, its vibes and it costs more to service. Tyres don't last as long as for the beemer or tiger either and its just not as comfortabke as either if those bikes. These are all things you pick up on long term ownership hence why the gsa to me is king.
Hope that helps.
@@ReferenceFidelityComponents Awesome reply! Much appreciated! I value opinions from long-term, real life owners such as you highly since they're hard to find on RUclips if at all (I guess that's what the forums are for). I see now why the GSA is so popular. I still really don't like its design, especially compared to the Tiger, but I guess you can't have it all.
I had a 1290s a terrible financial mistake. That’s fine. If Donovan likes KTM that’s also fine. He is a breath of fresh air. Quirky. Edgy. Dynamic. Hyper intelligent. So not a grumpy crusty old fart like co host Mat. Long live our Donovan - journalist extrodinaire .
I've been riding both bikes for one season. Both are amazing!
There is no way to say witch one is better. Both have prons and cons. But if I have to chose just one I woud take KTM. The power is awesome.
I need to test ride the KTM but I’ve ridden the 1250 GSA and it was like an aggressive cloud between your legs. If you’re touring long distance comfort to me would be the most important.
I went for the 1290 Adventure and sold it within 4 months. Brakes not good enough. Should have bought the better balanced and the more comfy BMW. If I buy another Adventure it'll be the BM. And to hell with the stigma.
Nothing comes close… Multistrada: hold my beer.
KTM electrics have been and are stinging many, myself included, way more than any issues I've had or heard with the GS. I own a 2016 Super Duke GT, and a 2015 R1200GSA. Other than basic service, the BMW has spent 0 days in the shop. The KTM has spent, literally, 2 months there (two separate occasions), due to two different faulty electrical issues, combined with very flimsy service from my KTM dealer in Phoenix AZ. I love the idea of the 1290 Super Adventure over the 1250GS, but I don't want to deal with the seemingly inevitable KTM headaches, which ruin all the fun.
Test rode both, bought the KTM, just a more exciting ride and that engine is pure heaven, the GS is a good bike just not an exciting bike and here in the uk you can pick up the KTM £13000 with all the extras including heated grips, BMW £17400 !!!!! And let's be honest who in there right mind will go off road on these bikes ?
right, nobody.
yep only very advanced offroad riders should really be alone with these heavy bikes offroad. dropping one on yourself alone in the woods is a serious problem.
@@1compaqedr8 I'm not great off road and did a 3 week tour through the outback of Aus by myself on my KTM 1190 and had no problems. I didn't do hardcore tracks but those outback roads can be narly, lots of sand as well. I droped it over 10 times and sure it gets mighty tough to pickup especially in sand and fully loaded but I did it and I'm average size guy, 5'11 85kgs.. You'd be surprised how many people ride them hard offroad.
WhosThatGuy cool. Yeah I was in serious mud with my 1190 last weekend alone. My new e805 tires are great. I was poking around a construction site though. Me and several guys are going to a huge off-road resort with hardcore trails. I wouldn’t go there alone on my 1190.
@@1compaqedr8 Ha just looked to see if you had some vids of your 1190 and I see you have a MR2.. I actually owned a black MR2 back in 2001, I miss it soooo much.. 1190 and MR2, we share some fine tastes haha.
You have to live with the quickshifter and it doesn’t take long to understand how to use it smoothly. You can’t just smash through it anytime you want. Use it during acceleration and it’s perfect. The downshift requires just the smallest amount of revs to smooth it up. Doesn’t help that there’s a small turn of the accelerator required before anything happens. I think it’s designed like that to stop you blipping the throttle when off road if going over bumps. All in all, the BMW is a do everything, comfortable and incredibly well manufactured and put together machine. KTM versus BMW, is like Range Rover, vs Mercedes AMG G Wagen. 2 very different machines, that happen to do similar things. When the rider in the KTM jacket said he preferred the KTM, well that was always going to be the case and lead to unconscious bias from the start. Get whichever makes you feel best, at this price point, you’re not going to be disappointed with either.
Beautiful jacket Donovan! 😂 Just seems like you formed your opinion before starting the review! I'll keep my GS for now. 😊🇿🇦👌🏼
This battle (between motorcycle brand communities) is ridiculous. The difference between the models is less important than the riding level and the riding style. As a KTM owner, I have no need to reduce the value of BMW. I know both motorcycles are great.
Why nobody show what happened with bmw when tip over at slow speed on rock road as you been. How much to replace the cylinder cap, after push or tow home. :D
Street adv: S1000XR>1290ADV>1200GS
Dirt: KTM 790 ADV
Talk about maintenance and service parts, which is easier to maintain ? and better priced and service intervals ?
Is this a reupload, as I am sure I have seen this before on your channel???
" I'm doing sort of the speed limit" lmao.... Bike life
You said nothing comes close to KTM 1290 SA in the respect of the motor? How about Ducati multistrada 4S?
KTM Guy: Power Power POWER! That's all he cares about. You can't help but notice he is wearing the KTM jacket. Dude is obviously a fan boy.
I don't know how long you had the 1250, but I like the quick shifter as well as the blibber on my 1250R a lot. It works flawless as long as you have your throttle open. While cruising along on low RPM the QS doesn't work that well, but you don't need it then anyways.
where would you put the Multistrada 1260 S - believe I remember you gave it rave reviews "perfect bike." What made you choose the GS over it?
'It's just bike everywhere'. lol !!
I have a 2015 1200 GS Adventure and a 2014 KTM 1190 Adventure R.... Both of these are great bikes, the BM for touring on road and the KTM for offroad touring.... I just cannot see the value in upgrading my bikes to these two...maybe I will skip a generation and go for the next generation?
Why don’t you compare them to the Ducati multistrada 1260 enduro?
Rachad Achkar
Had one
Doesn’t compare to the KTM off road. Great bike on road. Duck holds to much fuel which turns into more weight up top. Also doesn’t like to turn off road. Front end pushes and I’ve tried a few different tires.
@@2loulucas you should check what i do with my enduro 1260 on my channel it will change your opinion
Because it is ugly ?. Front looks like a fiat multipla. 😁😁😁😉😉😉
@@rachad66 Okay, I took you up on your offer and checked out your channel. I am in the market for an ADV bike and have settled on the GS, KTM, Multistrada and the Tiger 1200. I watched three of your videos and you were on wide, flat and easy dirt roads the entire time. I don't have any issue with that because I will use mine the same way, but it's not like your videos are showing any kind of special capabilities. Any of the adventure bikes will be more than able to handle that.
Is it as reliable and quality build etc as a Honda / Japanese bike???
9:28 he fell while saying how safe he felt offroading because he could touch the ground with his feet 😂
😂😂 Yea he did drop it it seems
wath should i buy???
I’ve just watched this. Interesting. The best is our Ktm guy refer to the BMW versus the Ktm as he is explaining the price. Funny guys. Love the vid
these type of reviews are lots to see online. it is very hard these days to judge on such close motorbikes. if you think about the brand and want to show that you have got the best as a brand, yes BMW. if you are so professional to use the motorbike, like Guy Martin, yes go for KTM as has better speed and torque.
in this video, the only bad about KTM was heated grips. i like BMW as i want to buy one but now i am thinking KTM is not bad as it is lighter as well.
Trust me i've owned both and the KTM 1290 S is weigh better...im surprised from the comments!
I like how he puts out his foot on every turn like it's a dirt bike.
Ummmmm what happened to the end of the video??? "our conclusions when we come back" never happens.
Don mixed his words @16:18
One of these guys said "We're professionals" as he puts his feet down as often as any beginner.
The other one is concerned about being mocked for standing up. He should also be more concerned about putting feet down as often as he does. These two guys are going to break a leg if they don't start learning to use their clutches friction zones better than they do.
May i ask what Modular Harry is using in this video?
They really should have got the R model KTM to have apples to apples on the off road test. The correct tires for the terrain make a massive difference. And lets be honest here, you cannot compensate for street tires vs "knobblies" by virtue of being an expert motorcycle journalist. And the KTM rider said the S and the R have the same size tires which is incorrect. The R model uses a 21" front and 18" rear.
I love the GS and have had two. Great ride and for 95% of the time - the only bike you will ever need.
The local dealer is just round the corner and the service and staff are 1st class.
That is until I tried the KTM, bought it and kept it for a few years.
Then I decided to have a test ride on the GS Adventure with the lowered suspension.
I wanted to love this bike but was disappointed with the latest experience.
Yesterday I ordered my 2nd KTM and at £12500 new - no contest.
What gear(s) did you use for the roll-on drag race? Did you match the top speed of the gear(s)? Probably BMW in 5 and KTM in 4? or 4 and 3?
KTM really should supply the Ergo seat as standard or at least for reviews - the HEATED one.
The KTM does have heated grip as a very cheap option. Does the BMW have a heated seat option? ;)
I was really hoping the new SA S was being released this coming year, but I guess it will be 2021.
You ca use 6 gear. It will still dropped the gs.
I completely disagree with your opinion of the BMW quick-shifter. It takes time to learn it, but after 7,000 miles I'd say it's pretty good.
Yeah, I agree, I primarily use it to down shift, and it's smooth as butter. . . .
I have been riding BMWs with Shift Assist since 2009. With the shift assist pro it only got better. You have to be a real baffoon to not use it properly.
its funny, the factory option heated grips on the KTM are actually the hottest heated grips i've ever experience, by a country mile. Sub freezing temps and sometimes the highest setting is still too hot for my hands!
Same with BMW. Was riding -2ºC/ 28ºF this past weekend and had to lift my palms couple of times as it was getting too hot.
Hey Greg I will agree with you, my grips and heated seat past medium almost burns. Have you had any service issues with your KTM? My 2016 has be flawless so far, and I do lots of off road and long trips into the USA from Canada?
The bmw holds its money better, I’ve had both by a long way.
How? What makes it better?
Jannib Andelo Bayutas it doesn’t depreciate as much as the ktm. You do understand what that means ? Regardless of what you pay the ktm will and dies loose more money percentage wise than the Bmw . I’ve owned several of both bikes and believe me ktm louise money like a leaking tap looses water 💦
@@markshirley7639 Ouch, that's an awful fate for any KTM. I wonder why. By the way, if we talk about BMW's cars, I also wonder why they depreciate so damn quickly!
Jannib Andelo Bayutas I think a lot of us is that dealers (ktm) discount there bikes so much so that affects the price of the second hand market .
I just sold my 2016 1290SA 81% of what I bought it for brand new after clocking up 37,000 km. I bought it cheap in the middle of winter in Germany, a week before Christmas. I sold it on the third weekend after starting advertising online.
I've had them both 1290r adventure and 1250 adventure both 20 plates the bmw is a great bike anybody could ride it the ktm 1290r is so much fun you'll always smile the bmw will make u old relaxed and sleepy so comfortable the ktm will keep you awake with its Rock hard seat and fast ride
I bought the KTM last year. Put 20,000 miles in 10 months. Love the bike! That said the GS is a great bike. I chose the 1290 because it is sportier! If the 1290 was not around I would have bought the GS. The Ducati is amazing as well sadly not much dealer support in the area I live. Speaking of that the BMW group is huge where I live. Sometimes I wish I would have got the GS for that reason alone!
what type of warranty did it come with? -1190 adv rider
@@1compaqedr8 2years or 24,000 miles. I didn't buy an extended warranty.
Come on Yamaha!! I have been riding a Yamaha cruiser (Stratoliner) for ten years. Trouble free. Fuel, Oil changes, and tires (yeah, lots of tires). Absolutley the best cruiser ever. In the next year or two I'll be moving to the southwest (US) and want an adventure bike for dirt roads. I know the current Super Tenere will last and last, but give us some more power and new electronics. Buyers are out here.
They can't do that and still offer that bike at "Yamaha prices". These adventure bikes are pricey for a reason. They are packed with all the latest tech and have just about every component a bike can come with. The Tenere will always be a budget option. I wish they would make an nicer one too!
Boys! It would be really nice if you can give price conversion to USD or Euros for your international viewers. Just a suggestion
Does the American reviewers give the value in Rand?
not a fair comparison when you fitted one with offroad tires while the one one with street tires...
Its always interesting watching video's what a job to have... but the adventure market is 'red hot' it seems and so many choices of what to buy. I bought a KTM 1290 T, and so far love it. Riding a BMW is always a top notch experience. Suzuki has a great adventure bike which reviews well too, so many choices?
If you're in a position to think of these 2 bikes as your next purchase. You're winning.
I stroke gold when I subscribed this channel..keep up the good work
What happened to the Ducati Multistrata 1260 best bike no questions?
OMG I laughed soooo hard. The guy on the BMW with the 70's mustache, said after being owned in the drag race, "Not to sound like a poor loser, but is that really what these bikes are about, ultimate performance" Um YES! These are the big dogs. They are the pinnacle of performance, the flagships, two of the titans in the ADV industry. If the rider really believed they aren't about performance then why would he or anyone else ever ride anything bigger than 300-400 cc's?
I like the ktm. I like the bmw. Helpful
Ktm just needs to make a triple black and it would sell tons. That orange is a deal killer sadly.
Would love to see you guys compare the Fat Bob and Low Rider S, please?!! ... these are the two models from H-D that many people I know (myself included) are seriously considering ... tho', the Indian Bobber has me interested, too ... Your FXDR review was really helpful, cheers.
As for ADVs, I'll take an Africa Twin, please ... 😊 Also, as someone who still has their MC22 from the 90s, I'm excited about the new ZX-25R ... and I really hope Honda comes up with a 'direct reply' to it, because I'd love to see a 'modern MC22' ... ! 😎
I agree that the BMW is a lot of bike. I have the 2019 Vstrom 1000 XT and my father in law 2018 GS 1200. I was sitting on KTM on EICMA and I do like less bike like the KTM and when I upgrade KTM will be the one for me.
Did anyone else think "why is Simon Pegg asking them questions?"
He says wearing a branded t-shirt with a branded helmet perched on the desk. and that Boxer engine does nothing for me, rather have a Sportster. Great review.
Ride it for a couple of 1000miles and you will know...
Had a R1150GS for over 3 years. That was enough for me to know. Cheers.
@@splodge5714 a completely different bike.
I'm about to drop 13k flat on a 2019 KTM 1290 Adventure R. 1K miles, full Touratech panniers, Trail Tech navigation, carbon pipe, upgrade skid plate, upgrade knuckle protectors, added engine protection bars, headlight screen, aftermarket seats, Rottweiler mirrors, Touratech chain guard etc. Apparently it's never been on anything more challenging than a short stint on a dirt road. The guy selling it seemingly has taken the hit financially, but I wanted to reach out and get thoughts. Anyone?
I own an 1190 adventure.
It is really fun bike. Very powerful engine. I like it a lot. Very balanced. Suspension is fantastic. Everything is perfect with it.
BUT I rode it in a city roads,as well as for long distances to another countries,like a couple of thousands kilometers traveling. For such a long rides it isn't very comfortable. Seat is too hard,need to replace and vibration is driving you crazy. But I ordered a vibration damper to reduce vibration.. Didn't tried it yet though. If changing of the seat for more comfy one, and installation of vibration damper will solve that issues, i would consider KTM Adventure is THE Best bike.
I actually went in a slightly different direction and went with the 790 Adventure R. Feels a bit naked on the road at high speeds but certainly handes well. Of course off road it is quite capable. Definitely not as smooth nor silky as I had hoped at low RPMs. As soon a you get to around 4K rpm it seems to feel happy. Still enjoy it very much though, and it splits the difference between dirt bike and street bike as optimally as possible for me. It looks like it has single track intentions albeit they’d have to be scaled back in the difficulty spectrum. A seat and windshield may make the difference like you say for long distance road going.
@@saladdays180s9 I'm thinking between 790 and 1290 as a next bike... 790 can literally go anywhere. It's lighter and more agile than 1290. What can you tell about long distance riding on the 790? If you already tried...Do you have annoying vibration in the handlebars or footpegs? Have you tried to ride with a passenger?
TheHigh0ctane All excellent questions. Vibration in the bars if it happens seems to be present at couple harmonic intervals but isn’t too bad. I literally just took my first ride on it a week ago so I’m actively ferreting out issues that might effect or encumber me or when I’m with my wife while traveling.
I have a friend with a 1090 R and am curious how each bike differs in specific situations. Having heard so much about the 790 R he’s quite curious as well, so we’re gong to do some switching here and there. Both are great bikes IMHO so there’ll be no winner nor loser.
BTW- From a comfort level standpoint, the stock seat was reasonably comfortable over the two hour ride that I had taken.
I was going to order the non “R” 790 seat for it with pillion specific rear section being a little more defined etc, but that seat is the most concrete hard, ass numbing, and absolutely ridiculous for any type any of riding seat I’d sling a leg over. I’d like I’d rather sit atop a cactus.
The only two problems with the BMW is if the rider is over 1.9 meters tall. Those opposing cylinders cylinders make mincemeat of your shins when you stop or roll back for any reason.
Believe me it is a horrible thing to experience every time you ride.
The other is that it looks too much like scaffolding around the rear.
I'm 196cm and I have no issues whatsoever with the cylinder heads. But it could be that your legs are longer than mine.
@@sgtunix
Im actually at 2.0 mexactly.
But a couple mates over 1.9 have the same problem I have.
@@hueyvan2007 I see, I didn't realize that. The GS is the most comfortable bike I've ever ridden. It must be related to inseam or maybe shape of legs. What did actually bother me was the crashbars I had put on, slamming into my shins. I removed those and I now have a SW Motech pod protectors only.
@@sgtunix great idea that of replacing bars with pods.
Elke ou met so tiepe bike vir wie ek nog gese het "Kom ry saam offroad" het 'n verskoning gehad. My been is seer, lyk of dit gaan reen ... ;-)
Why didn’t you compare the GS adventure with the KTM adventure, wouldn’t that be fairer?
who would have thought that the guy wearing the KTM jacket would pick the KTM?
I've been through a lot of bikes most of them dirt bikes and I'll stick with that first bike I have is a Harley 80, second one was a Honda sl70 next one after that was a DT 125 Yamaha, after that was an RM 125 after that was the RM250, after that was it dt400 after that was a it 500 after that was a XR 650 and and after that because I am 6 foot 3 260 lb xr650 just got to small two quick now I'm graduating to 1190 R Adventure, sure I can get a 1200 but I'm not and I would challenge anybody to come and play on the dirt roads in Arkansas I promise you'll have a blast there is miles in miles and miles in Miles thousand miles of dirt roads
ADV bikes are dropped a lot on the trail. The boxster engine is difficult to protect
Not really. Put on BMW rollbars and the cylinder protection and you can drop it as much as you want.
ITS READY TO RACE ALL THE WAY: User Manual says: Not made for race tracks :
I really like the 1290, but i dont like that the engine rattles like it
has 100000 miles on it. The crank breather system also make unregular
noises so loud that people ask if the bike is falling apart. Ths would
get on my nerves... Of course it is possible to remove all those breather systems and
exhaust regulating systems, but who wants to spend another fortune in
after market parts (rottweiler among others) just to make the bike sound
normal, like it is not ratteling to pieces...
Realy Cool Review 👍👍👍 i have the ktm 1290 T 2 years and now a drive de 1200gs 2018... i prefer de bmw ... but this 2 bike are Great...
Surely the Jockey on the KTM even the weight out against the heavier GS
While I personally am a KTM fan, I find this kind of comparison with bikes like these an absolute waste. They are so expensive that the priorities that riders have when buying them will be very different to someone looking for a bike for a specific goal. The BMW will always win on comfort and ride smoothness and the BMW brand which attracts buyers like flies to shit or bees to honey, depending on how you see it. The KTM wins for its fun factor and the speed at which the engine spins up, but the price and the people who buy bikes like these - mostly middle aged men - mean that BMW sells more bikes. Take a look at the category of bikes where people want to cross continents and do a fair amount of off-road. Neither of these bikes is really suitable for that due to their weight and complexity if something goes wrong. Semi-active suspension is a liability in Bokfokfontein when it breaks.
Finally an honest review.
Ara G wot? For a “professional journalist “ to say that he had only sat once on a GS and talk shit about it vs his personal KTM leaves me the opposite opinion. It’s a completely biased fanboy review.
Amusing review. I'm a little tight so I will go with the KTM.
Think twice. I owned the KTM and it was indeed a fantastic driving machine. But...and I guess there is always a but...the product quality was a disaster and KTMs aftermarket support simply doesn't exist. A lot of the KTM dealers in my country are considering to drop KTM because of KTMs lousy customer care. The dealers have to pay for warranty repairs themselves if they want to take care of their customers.
Never again a KTM for me.
@@johnhansson8646 dealers have to pay for warranty repairs themselves. ? Really ?
@@theonlyredspecial Yeap. My dealer has a history of taking good care of their customers and, when being denied warranty claims by KTM Scandinavia, they took some of the expenses themselves. This specific case was about wobbly rims that was far outside specification. Naturally that won't work in the long run so they eventually dropped the KTM brand. The KTM was nice when it worked but the quality was sub standard. I switched to BMW and, while they too have problems, they really take care of the customer.
Try touring Europe with a chain. Ive had to do chain repairs on a mountain. Ill stick to shaft for big miles. Weird article this and overall not up to the standards I expect in some areas.
now add the Tenere and the Africa twin. You need torque off road not horsepower
Both (KTM and BMW) have massive amounts of torque.
@@pedroarenalesb.5265 maybe, but he was emphasising HP
Rode the KTM and BMW back to back. KTM: lots of power, mostly unusable. Feels like a dirt bike=not good for long hauls. BMW: feels like home=good for my soul.