2015 BMW R 1200R vs 2016 KTM 1290 Super Adventure

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

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

All-Round

Engine
Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
509.3 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
Comments-Small windscreen. Ride-by-wire system. Switchable Bosch ABS.
ColoursBlue, grey, whiteGrey/silver
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (in.)-8.7 inches
Ground Clearance (mm)-220 mm
Seat Heigth -Alternate (in.)-34.4 inches
Seat Heigth -Alternate (mm)-875 mm
Seat Height790 mm / 31.1 in.860 mm / 33.9 in.
Wheelbase1,515 mm / 59.6 in.1,560 mm / 61.4 in.
Height1,300 mm / 51.2 in.-
Length2,165 mm / 85.2 in.-
Width906 mm / 35.7 in.-
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight-229 kg / 504.9 lbs
Fuel Capacity18.00 litres / 4.76 gallons30.00 litres / 7.93 gallons
Wet Weight231.0 kg / 509.3 lbs-
Performance
Max Torque125.00 Nm (12.7 kgf-m or 92.2 ft.lbs) @ 6500 Revolutions-
Power-to-Weight Ratio-0.6987 HP/kg
Engine
CO290.5 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)-
Bore x Stroke (mm)101.0 x 73.0 mm108.0 x 75.0 mm
Bore x Stroke (in,)4.0 x 2.9 inches4.3 x 3.0 inches
Displacement (cc)1170.00 cc1301.00 cc
Displacement (ci)71.39 cubic inches79.39 cubic inches
Engine TypeTwo cylinder boxer, four-strokeV2, four-stroke
Fuel ControlDouble Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)-
Engine Detail-75° V arrangement
Fuel SystemInjection. Electronic intake pipe injection/BMS-K+ digital enfinemanagement with overrun fuel cut-off, twin spark ignitionInjection
Compression Ratio12.0:1-
EmissionsClosed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-3-
Engine LubricationDry sumpForced oil lubrication with 3 pumps
Fuel Consumption3.90 litres/100 km (25.6 km/l or 60.31 mpg)-
Fuel Reserve3.00 litres / 0.79 gallons-
Ignition-Keihin EMS with RBW and cruise control, double ignition
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System4-
Drivetrain
ClutchSingle dry plate clutch, hydraulically operatedPASC slipper clutch, hydraulically actuated
Final DriveShaft drive (cardan)Chain
Gearbox6-speed6-speed
Primary Drive-5/8 x 5/16 X Ring. Primary drive: 40:76.
Chassis
Frame TypeTwo section frame consisting of front and rear sections, load bearing engine-gearbox unitChromium-Molybdenum steel trellis frame, powder coated
Suspension - FrontTelescopic Upside-Down fork; stanchion diameter 45 mmWP Semi-active suspension USD ? 48 mm
Suspension - RearCast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever; WAD strut (travel-related damping), spring pre-load hydraulically adjustable (continuously variable) at handwheel, rebound damping adjustable at handwheelWP Semi-active suspension monoshock
Rake27.7°26.0°
Trail126 mm / 4.9 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 - Front Diameter (mm)320 mm320 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)265 mm267 mm
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)12.6 inches12.6 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)10.4 inches10.5 inches
Brakes - FrontDouble disc. ABS. Floating discs. 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-
Tyres - Rear180/55-ZR17-

Verdict

Winner on specs

2016 KTM 1290 Super Adventure

The 2016 KTM 1290 Super Adventure edges out the 2015 BMW R 1200R 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

2015 BMW R 1200R - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 790 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.

2015 BMW R 1200R vs 2016 KTM 1290 Super Adventure - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2015 BMW R 1200R and 2016 KTM 1290 Super Adventure?
The 2015 BMW R 1200R 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 2015 BMW R 1200R or the 2016 KTM 1290 Super Adventure?
The 2015 BMW R 1200R has the lower seat at 790 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 2015 BMW R 1200R or the 2016 KTM 1290 Super Adventure?
Both are strong choices. The 2015 BMW R 1200R 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.