2023 BMW 1250GS vs KTM 1290 Super Adventure - which is best?

[@OneManTrail]

The dust on the mirrors are “the crumbs of a Pompeiian child” 😂 I wonder how many people totally missed that? Lol

[@valefur72]

I live in the Dolomites and I have had many bikes. The best bikes I have rode on my lovely roads are the KTMs. I have had a 950SM and a 990ADV. Now I have a 1290 SAS. A lot of fun. The only bike that let me down on the road was a BMW K1200S that almost killed me with its stupid ABS FTE.

[@brucecutts8841]

Just exchanged my KTM 1290 SAS V2 for a new GS Trophy (the only decent colour scheme) (not GSA). Loved the 1290 but needed break from 'angry bike' always egging me on! The GS is fast enough and with the Arrow end can there are enough bangs and pops to make me smile too! I agree with all of your comments Tim - the GS feels more solid and I really am appreciating the lack of rattles and the reduction in the sea of plastic. I miss the V twin snarl obvs but I am liking the boxer brutality (enhance by the Arrow!).

[@dougmate2378]

This is exactly the information I've been looking for stuck between buying either or right now for rides from TX to AK, and nation wide.

[@dpinedoblog]

Just did a ride from Dallas, Texas to Louisiana yesterday. In the big city full of freeways, the KTM is outrageous. On a long straight highway, the KTM is outrageous. But on a long straight highway, I don’t need outrageous, I need comfort. Oh well, going 100mpr, getting 32mpg, for three hours straight gets me there faster…then I did the ride back in the afternoon. Toasted. 😂 definitely missed my old GSA or RT or Victory for that matter.

[@dougmate2378]

This is exactly the information I've been looking for stuck between buying either or right now for rides from TX to AK, and nation wide.

[@Swedeonamotorcycle]

So to sum up the BMW is a better bike over all except when driving like a hooligan?... Thats pretty much my conclusion from the test i did also. :)

[@DucatiDale]

If you buy a bike with your heart I don’t think it would ever be the gs it’s generally a bike for old blokes who slap road 6s on and load it up like they’ve just done the big shop to do a 80 mile round trip

[@indiamelia639]

I ride a KTM because I'm not a GS person 😜

[@Inked_CR]

Im 27, now im tempted by both the SAS and 1250GS. As i have a spare change for a weekend toy, I'd say the GS potentially make more sense? Im on the fence.

[@brisprott2451]

Sounds like the GSA wins apart from the "laughing in hemet" test that can never be underestimated. I would hazard a guess that two up touring, the Beemer would win hands done. Great short comparison vid

[@timrodierides]

Yup, the GS is definitely comfier with a pillion - simply because the KTM seat sort of half-forces me to sit on a bit of the pillion seat. For me, the KTM's compromises are made up by the engine and general 'big supermoto' vibe...

[@trailingarm63]

Interesting comparison. If I was still a young man the sheer hooligan element of the KTM would attract me, but at 62 I think I've made the right choice. The RT is fast, comfy, handles like a good un, and the shaft drive is perfect. I'm done with chains.

[@wojciechsochon382]

Ja właśnie kupiłem sobie 1290 super adventure r 2023 ale mam 45 lat 😉 Nigdy nie miałem motocykla chuligana chce zobaczyć jak to jest mam ponad 2m wzrostu i 120kg. Chyba dam radę i wystarczy siły 😊

[@markshirley7639]

Had 17 gs's and just sold my 2023 rally explorer ! Thought the big triumph has it all coveted a good compromise between the gs and the big ktm ! Can you imagine my surprise when I realized the triumph was restricted to ....... 125 mph ! Just picked up my 23 1290 super adventure s (my tenth big ktm) what a revelation! Why did I sell my last one ? Think I'll wait fir the 1300 gs and see if that lifts up my skirt and tickles my bum ! Only the ktm is capable of that at the moment ! The others don't have the same amount of excitement.

[@timrodierides]

Ah excellent! Didn't realise that about the Triumph being restricted. Hope you have many happy miles and accidental wheelies with your KTM!

[@markshirley7639]

@@timrodierides neither did the dealer that sold me it ! Wouldn't have bought it if I'd have known ! Anyway 6000 miles in 9 weeks I gave it a thorough test

[@atishrout7315]

@@markshirley7639try multistrada v4s…u will have more fun in it than ktm

[@markshirley7639]

@@atishrout7315 tried it ! Apart from the appalling fuel consumption I found it less exciting to ride than the ktm tbh , lovely bike just a little zzzzz

[@PGriff]

Tim! Nice comparison - you’re lucky you’re able to make these comparisons, and we’re lucky you bring them to our screens 😁 Have we all missed the more in-depth review of the GS - it’s like you’ve top and tailed the GS story but we’re missing the filling…

[@Fernando90054]

Yes, that’s more like it. The overall behavior and riding experience is the main value we seek, not the power or only the way the engine works, the relevance is on the general feeling of the ride. You got me curious to watch the other mentioned video👌🏻

[@spencersilsbury7318]

What mode is the display in? I thought it was only day and night mode…

[@timrodierides]

On the KTM? I used rally mode nearly the entire time I had that bike and that has its own display

[@spencersilsbury7318]

@@timrodierides ahhhh, fair enough. Thanks. 👍👍👍

[@vishalprajapati8840]

So, if you were to pick one now which one would you and why? :)

[@flapjackbeans]

Im a fat old man having owned 11 GS GSA'S up to 2021. Then i bought my first KTM 1290s wow don't agree with your comments re plastics the KTM has a far stronger feel to the front bulk head than any plastic on the GSA seen them in Berlin and seen KTM in Austria plants and the KTM is IMHO way better built than the current GS the slightest fall on a GS and your into air boxes and stuff I know been there done it! also look under the seat of a GS particularly after a rain fall and then look under your KTM seat.. Anyway they're both amazing bikes but for me the KTM is way more moveable and just to be able to push it around gravel car parks etc due to the low fuel tanks is worth it. THE smile it gives you too the downside is the slimy chain but Ive got used to that again.Ride Safe and let us know about the new Zummo (did you change the KTM mount) ?

[@Neiljitsu]

You outlined all the reasons I bought another gs instead of a ktm sas. I would like to try the new smt, but id miss the practicality of the gsa. And if you are over 6' and you have sympathy for your knees and wrists adventure bikes are kind of the only thing to have.

[@albertlira7443]

It's very cool that you're able to compare them this way.

[@rafaelmunoz974]

Actually:)

[@gerryryan2302]

I’m a fat old man and the GS is perfect ..I’m more interested in being able to walk after a ride so comfort is first and foremost . Also the GS almost rides itself prob not as engaging as the KTM

[@Muebleuve49]

If you're finished, buy the BMW. If you still have blood in your body and without hesitation buy the KTM

[@BN1960]

So will you be buying a GS or GSA? 🤭

[@martyn_g]

I bought a GSA - better back up in Australia- KTM dealers are crap! It’s also more comfortable, ALL the electronics are included in the price (app also doesn’t require a monthly subscription to use turn by turn) bigger range, no chain to check on long trips, access to GS Safaris, ergonomics I could actually go on and on as I why I prefer it. Also, 5 year warranty and 3 years roadside assistance. No brainer.

[@danielszymczewski9637]

Slightly biased for someone who rides the KTM straight out of the BMW offices 😂😂😂🤷‍♂️

[@timrodierides]

Haha, I'm open minded enough to diss my own bikes! I review tonnes of bikes and end up buying my favourites I suppose.

[@johnshropshire3399]

👍👍👏

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

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