BMW R1200GS Adventure vs. KTM 1290 Super Adventure | ON TWO WHEELS

This is still a good overview comparison after all this time. Both bikes are comfortable and capable, so it really does come down to what you particularly want from an ADV platform. If we're taking sides then I'll go with the 1290, but I would never look down on a GS. They're both some of the finest bikes out there.

Had both… BMW is by far the better bike. Better build quality, wind protection and ballance. The Ktm has a very powerfull engine… ( 160 bhp in Europe) but it will roast your legs….

i have put over 7500 miles on rented BMW GS's. I bought a new 2017 KTM 1290 with a 145 miles, dec 2019 got a super deal. I ride it everywhere even off road. I would not do black bear pass in Colorado with it. I prefer the KTM. I do have an XR650L for the more technical off road. Just my .02

Once you try a ktm you will never going to back to a underpowered bike again

How in Gods name did these guys come to that notion, that the KTM is not useable off-road? 😄 … it has plenty more off-road genes than the GS, it’s lighter and works perfectly in light terrain, arguably better than the heavier GS!

The GS is just boring to ride in comparison. Old man’s bike 😅

La KTM es la mas bonita moto fabricada por la casa de Matigoffenn, su diseño y color es ATEMPORAL , y su mecanica muy fiable y probada, para mi una de las mejores motos de la historia.

Bmw would be my pick if it had balls.

So really just get the KTM 1190r.

Both are great bikes ! Buy both !

1290 is a beast...........and an ugly one to boot.

Well, The BMW 1200 has 125hp and the KTM has 160hp

i know its been 5 years but...you saying that a KTM is not suitable for off road, is like saying that a Busa is not suitable for straight line speed.
and you said that without even going off road with it, along with the GS. the comparison of one going off road and one going on road, was really pointless.

c90 vs 1200gs vs 1290 adv

1290 king rode is best

Después de provar BMW R 1200 gs , me quedo con KTM 1290 Super Adventure

The KTM is 160.0 HP not 135.

You can purchase a 1290 Super Adventure S for around 15,000 new. You do not get deals with BMWs. The 2020 GS is around $24,000, without the side cases. I went with the KTM. It's the bomb. It handles great, and in my opinion the greatest motor around. The LC8 twin engine is why you buy this bike. It's a pleasure and a pure joy to ride!!

I would not buy a Ktm just based on Long Way Round.

Five years latter. which bike is still racking miles? Which one has spent less time in the shop? Which one is still bringing a high resale value....?

I wonder what happens to that massive plastic front fairing on the KTM when you tip over and smash it against a rock? Looks like it would explode. Totally unprotected from the side. It's sure to get crushed.
I'm an AT fan...so I have no skin in this one.

GS is a poser bike.

I have this 2016 1290 T and yes I ride off road rallies and highway on it. Plus its a 160HP 140ft/lbs on the KTM. Both are such great Bikes.

Great review boys

So, ultimately the conclusion is, they compared the wrong bike against r1200.

KTM forever

GS 1200 adventure cool very cool, ktm so ugly!

I would turn the other direction once a guy said bigger engine is better.

I have both, and they are both are appealing, but honestly the insane prices for bmw parts is stupid. Just because I can afford them doesn't justify being raped for small parts, for example the clutch master and slave cyls can be rebuilt on ktm CHEAP but BMW, nope, you have to buy the WHOLE assembly for the sake of one frigging seal in the slave $300 + for the slave cyl alone, the master is about $480....the bmw fuel pump assy is double the ktm. I took both bikes in for the approx 12,000 mile service, the bmw was $1400 ish no faults found, all routine, and the KTM was $400.......

Ok ok... I get it. That’s EXACTLY the video I was looking for... thanks :-)

❤👍👌BMW👌👍❤

Whatever the differences - the Shaft Drive does it for me.

Great video with a strong storytelling that makes it pleasant to watch! Even in 2019. ;-) Well done Motorcyclist Magazine!

In indonesia, the price for brand new GS is about 40.000-50.000 dollar with exchange currency 1 dollar is about 14.000-15.000 rupiah

Chris Birch has a different opinion about the KTM. It is the most capable and super of road bike of the bunch. Sorry guys.

KTM all day long on or off road.

But the question is, does the bmw feels better off road than the ktm?

I have both and like them for different reasons, wont sell either one. You list 135 hp on the ktm ? all my specs say 160

wait, what?? did they really said the BMW is better offroad than the KTM???

Awsome Review !

Where good KTM / Pam

Ahem, watching this in the end of 2018 makes me smile :) Ktm grinds beemer in to the ground on offroad

option of buying the KTM from 2013 as a steal price - should I?

the way sitting on KTM seems uncomfortable when long dirving

KTM sounds fun but it just looks UGLY compared to that SEXY GSA. And for me personally, UGLY doesn't get me excited. SEXY is exciting.
There, I tipped the scales in this comparison. YOURE WELCOME 🤓

Might just buy a KLR 650 instead

"You got a grey you supposed to like BMW" ha ha ha

The GS 1200 is an excellent running bike for 3 years, then the warranty expires and the GS begins to fall apart, at this point the GS becomes very very expensive to own!

If u want to travel 2000 km sand dunes and u need to carry food water petrol for 20 days. Which is the bike. Im planning to do canning stock route solo. Longest public track in the world.

I like the guys from MC and their reviews. Watching this, however, was like reading another Car & Driver supercar shootout. It's interesting I guess but I'm never going to own a Lamborghini or a Ferrari no matter which one is better. Same with these two bikes. I'm sure they are both awesome but who can afford a $20,000+ bike in the first place and then take it off-road? Not this rider