2024 BMW R 1300GS vs 2023 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2024 BMW R 1300GS 2024 BMW R 1300GS

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, with two overhead spur gear driven camshafts, a counterbalance shaft and variable intake camshaft control system BMW ShiftCam, 4 valves per cylinder, intake 40mm, outlet 34 mm
Power
108kW / 145hp @ 7750 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
237 kg / 523 lbs
2023 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2023 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 @ 9000 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
220 kg / 485 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year20242023
Make ModelBMW R 1300GSKTM 1290 Super Adventure S
Dimensions
Seat Height850 mm / 33.5849 mm / 33.4 in
Wheelbase1518 mm / 59.8 in1580 mm / 62.2 in
Ground Clearance-223 mm / 8.7 in
Length2212 mm / 87.1 in-
Width1000 mm / 39.4 in-
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight-220 kg / 485 lbs
Fuel Capacity19 Litres / 5.0 US gal23 Litres / 6 US gal
Max Load465 kg / 1025 lbs-
Wet Weight237 kg / 523 lbs-
Performance
Max Power108kW / 145hp @ 7750 rpm118 kW / 160 hp @ 9000 rpm
Max Torque149 Nm / 110 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm138 Nm / 101.7 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm
Engine
Displacement1300 cc / 79 cu-in1301 cc / 79.3 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, with two overhead spur gear driven camshafts, a counterbalance shaft and variable intake camshaft control system BMW ShiftCam, 4 valves per cylinder, intake 40mm, outlet 34 mmFour stroke, 75°V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Bore x Stroke106.5 x 73 mm108 x 71 mm
Compression Ratio13.3:113.1:1
Cooling SystemLiquid / Air cooledLiquid cooling system, continuous circulation of cooling liquid with water pump
EmissionsClosed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, EU5Euro 5
Engine ManagementBMS-OKeihin EMS with RBW and ACC (adaptive cruise control), double ignition, MTC (lean-angle sensitive, 4 modes, disengageable)
Fuel InductionElectronic intake pipe injection, 52mm Ø throttle valve 2x Keihin EFI, 52mm throttle bodies
Fuel TypeUnleaded super, octane number 95 (RON)-
Ignition-System contactless, controlled, fully electronic ignition system with digital ignition timing adjustment
Lubrication-Forced oil lubrication with 3 oil pumps
StarterElectricEletric
Valve Inspection Interval-18,600 miles
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity12 V / 10Ah, maintenance-free-
Drivetrain
ClutchWet clutch with anti-hopping function, hydraulically activatedPASC anti-hopping clutch/ hydraulically operated
Final DriveShaftChain 525 X Ring
Gear Ratios1st 2.438 2nd 1.714 3rd. 1.296 4th 1.059 5th 0.906 6th 0.795-
Primary Drive Ratios1.479-
Secondary Drive Ratio2.910-
Transmission / DriveClaw-shift constant mesh 6-speed gearbox6-speed
Chassis
Frame TypeSteel, two-section with bolt on rear frame, load bearing engineTubular space frame made from chrome molybdenum steel, powder-coated
Suspension - FrontEVO Telelever, central spring strut48 mm WP SAT (semi-active technology) Upside-Down forks
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 SAT (semi-active technology) shock absorber
Steering Angle63.8°-
Steering Head Angle-65.3°
Trail112 mm / 4.0 in-
Wheel Travel - Front192 mm / 7.5 in200 mm / 7.9 in
Wheel Travel - Rear200 mm / 7.8 in200 mm / 7.9 in
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2x 310mm floating discs, 4-piston radial brake calipers2 x 320 mm floating disc, Brembo four-piston brake calipers
Brakes - RearSingle 285mm disc, 2-piston semi-floating caliperSingle 267 mm disc, Brembo two-piston brake caliper
ABSBMW Motorrad Integral ABS Pro (part-integral, slant-layer-optimized)Bosch 10.3ME Combined-ABS (incl. Cornering-ABS and offroad mode)
Tyres - Front120/70 R19120/70-ZR19
Tyres - Rear170/60 R17170/60-ZR17
WheelsCast aluminium wheels-
Wheels - Front3.00 x 19″-
Wheels - Rear4.50 x 17″-

Verdict

Winner on specs

2023 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S

The 2023 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S edges out the 2024 BMW R 1300GS thanks to its more peak power, lighter kerb weight, larger fuel tank and dual front discs. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2024 BMW R 1300GS - Advantages

  • Higher torque: 149 Nm vs 138 Nm - more pulling power across the rev range.

2023 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S - Advantages

  • More power: Produces 118 kW vs 108kW - a meaningful performance advantage.
  • Lighter: 220 kg vs 237 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Larger fuel tank: More range between stops - an advantage on touring routes and remote roads.
  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.

2024 BMW R 1300GS vs 2023 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2024 BMW R 1300GS and 2023 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S?
The 2024 BMW R 1300GS uses Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, with two overhead spur gear driven camshafts, a counterbalance shaft and variable intake camshaft control system BMW ShiftCam, 4 valves per cylinder, intake 40mm, outlet 34 mm, while the 2023 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S is powered by Four stroke, 75°V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Which is lighter, the 2024 BMW R 1300GS or the 2023 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S?
The 2023 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S is lighter at 220 kg compared to 237 kg for the 2024 BMW R 1300GS - a difference of 17 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which has more power, the 2024 BMW R 1300GS or the 2023 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S?
The 2023 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S produces more peak power at 118 kW, compared to 108kW for the 2024 BMW R 1300GS.
Which has the larger fuel tank, the 2024 BMW R 1300GS or the 2023 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S?
The 2023 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S has the larger tank at approximately 23 litres vs 19 litres for the 2024 BMW R 1300GS. At 5-6 l/100 km that is roughly 383-460 km vs 316-380 km between stops.
Which should I buy, the 2024 BMW R 1300GS or the 2023 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S?
Both are strong choices. The 2024 BMW R 1300GS has the edge in higher torque, while the 2023 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S stands out for more peak power and lighter kerb weight. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.