R1200GS vs. KTM 1290 Super Adventure vs. Triumph Tiger 1200 | 2018 Comparison Review 

Having owned all 3 bikes I was interested to see your comparison. The comment about the heat from the Triumph Tiger's engine was baffling considering the vastly worse experience I had on a KTM 1290 Super Adventure T. I only once noticed the heat on my Tiger when stuck in heavy traffic in 25 degree Celcius heat. But I had to purchase "heat deflector panels" for the KTM which made only a very slight difference. The KTM is definitely by far the most powerful engine but it did not like cold weather starts. (Check out any of the KTM owner websites and it is a frequent topic as well as suspension issues). Regarding the GS, I never liked the BMW boxer engine - I tried a GS LC and a GSA but found they vibrated and at motorway speeds the engine sounded like it was really struggling or going to explode. So for the vast majority of people who ride adventure bikes to commute in the city, weekend rideouts and on the occasional green lane/gravel path, the Tiger is by far the best choice. It is much smoother in the city than the big v-twin KTM, much better on motorways than the BMW and of course well equipped tecnologically, shaft-driven and better suspension than its rivals. Just my honest opinion.

I tested all 3 and multistrada. I bought the tiger 1200, I do no real offroad, while it can be extremely comfortable, in sportsmode it’s the one who feels most like a supernaked. Fine, sharp, very good road feeling in corners, very linear trottle. I found the gs and superadv numb in corners compared to the tiger,o uras quick, but less talkative. Actually my runner up was the s1000xr from a on road a & b road feeling. If you like the 1290 engine buy a superduke r or gt, much nicer drive, much more capable to make the best of this engine, on the road at least. Tiger engine heat is true, feels like riding a radiator, with jeans uncomfortably hot.

Can’t wait for the 2020 models... Triumph will have a built-in cappuccino maker KTM will have turbo-boost and oil-slick And BMW will come with a personal butler

Ridden them all plus the multistrada 1200 ,triumph tiger is the best by far for long distance touring 2 up with full panniers and for day rides, it's not the best off rd , I have bought 2 triumph tiger and I do 20,000 mile a year all over Europe ,its bulletproof

Nothing beats that Tiger 1200.... Hands down.

The thing I like best about the KTM is that it’s the only one truly designed up from a real off rd bike, while for power they just used their biggest knarliest sport bike engine. All while managing to be considerably lighter then most of their competition.

Well filmed and well edited review - it is a pleasure to watch. I have owned the BMW R 1200 GS for two years and test riden the new 1250 GS for two days. I have had my KTM 1290 Super Adventure S now for just over a year and put over 20,000 km on it. For me it is the sportier bike of the two - definitly a lot more punch in the engine department even compared to the new 1250 GS. The suspension of the BMW is great but it is optimized for touring and therefore A LOT softer than even in its hardest (dynamic) setting than the KTM 1290 SAS. I also do not get the "wobbly" suspension comment on the KTM - it is much more planted on the road than the BMW and flies around corners for a bike of this size and weight. Just my 2 cents - keep up the good quality content ;-)

I’ve just ridden my 1290SA (original version, 30L tank, spoke wheels) from Germany to St Petersburg and Moscow, it’s sensational. I don’t understand what he says about the suspension being a bit wobbly...the roads in Lithuania and rural Russia are really, really bad but the suspension has been fantastic. Maybe he didn’t adjust it? The KTM fuelling is sensational...it plods around at idle, and is super smooth, and as everyone knows it pulls like a jet. It’s absolutely nothing to overtake 3-4 semi trailer trucks in a row, it takes a few seconds. As for the brakes, I’ve not noticed any weaknesses but I use the massive torquey engine and slipper clutch to take off speed, not only brakes. I’ve owned 3 Gs, and I like the telever and paralever, but the semi active KTM suspension is very good. I spent a lot of time cruising at 160 km/h, with cruise control on, and it’s an absolute beast. I only use it in sport mode, full power, quick action throttle, it’s supremely rideable even in heavy rain. I run K60 Scouts, which match the bike well, but you need to be a little careful in the rain (perhaps I should use rain mode?). I love the Gs...love the boxer, but I’m very happy with my 1290SA, and with a few mods, and Trax Adventure cases, Ortlieb bag, LED DRLs, etc, it gets a lot of favourable comments.

Hey Guys. Having ridden thousands of miles on the GS and now the Tiger 1200 XCA, I can tell you (in case anyone is wondering) that while the BMW is of course a more refined, OLDER design, the new Tiger wins hands down via the engine and handling. It's sportier than the GS, and you dont end up hitting the rev governor at 8k all the time like the GS when riding at altitude. The front-end ride of the GS is phenomenal however, as it literally soaks up anything (better than the Tiger). Like most things, depends on your priorities.

One week on a new Vstrom 1000 XT with remus exhaust. For me perfect balance price, handling, users friendly, power, light to ride. I love it.

I’ve watched like a hundred reviews for the 2018 triumph 1200 xca and this is definitely one of the best.

BMW GS❤❤❤

...I forgot to add that I’ve not oiled or cleaned my chain in the last 7000 km on this trip, so don’t be put off by KTM not having a drive shaft. I use a pro Oiler micro pump with GPS sender, so an (adjustable at handlebar) dose of oil is delivered to the chain/sprocket according to the distance travelled. These setups regularly achieve 100,000 km chain life with zero cleaning required.

I would like to add that the servicing costs are more expensive on the KTM than on the BMW, a friend of mine serviced his 1290 (Adventure S) at a cost of approx R17 000, about $1400 US. This service included replacement parts for repairs being made. He uses it for commuting and longer trips during the holidays. I believe. At the end of the day, I believe both BMW and KTM mak similar profits from these premium bikes

I was not able to decide between BMW and KTM but when I have found out KTM does not have a decent diagnostic tool on the market and BMW has a perfect scanner I went with the BMW because I plan on keeping it way after the warranty is expired so I can maintain it on my own without pricey dealer fees.

That KTM is a beast when you crank it and rather refined when you want to chill. I love mine.

Looking for a bigger Pan European touring bike, I tested also the vibrating 20.000 Euro-BMW GS with it´s impertient cheap and uncomfortable seat, the rummbling and permanent demanding KTM and some others...at the end I bought a Triumph Tiger 1200 XRT because of it`s incredible linear powerfull and torquey engine, the phantastic ergonimics, the functionality and it´s great building quality. Maybe not the most first-view-exciting bike in this trio but sure the one with the best long term value for the driver. I am sure, a lot of those bearded, round bodied GS-Drivers would have chosen it, if they had tried it only once... But you can also drive it sporty if you are slim and shaved ;-)

All I hear is Steve Martin saying "We are wild and craaaaazy guys!"

Would love any of the three... Looks like i'd go with KTM in my 20's , 30's Triupmh, 40's BMW. And that's how I usually feel between the three brands!

Great review! I purchased my first GS 8 months ago and it really is an amazing all around do everything bike. What surprised me the most is how well it handles in the twisties, nearly as nimble as my Tuono, I kid you not!

Nice test. Where is rider nr 3? Did you kill him? :)

I chose the KTM over the GS because of the price mostly. I could only get the GS pricing I wanted by looking for a used bike. The KTM dealer offered a $2700 discount off MSRP so I said yes

Please do a review about the 2018 Yamaha Tracer 900 GT. Thank you Drivemag Riders.

Triumph tiger ! 💪💪💪

As a 2014 R1200GS owner looking for an upgrade the choice is still kinda obvious for me unfortunately. My personal perception is that KTM has excessive power for my everyday riding needs plus I don't want to go back to chain drive yet I really like the 220/220mm of travel. The 890mm seat heght is a concern on such a heavy machine for me as well. Looks are kinda meh, but I could get over it easily. Triumph has amazing engine, it's not as aggressive as KTM, has great torque and lovely voice, I love the looks but the bike is still heavier than GS by quite a bit. They say it's lighter now but a dry XR weights 242kg which is equal to a wet R1200GS, such a shame. I had a fair share of Triumphs in my days yet this particular Tiger leaves me kinda puzzled looking at the specs sheet. Maybe it's better when you try it out in person but I can't really afford spending so much money to be a test pilot. I'm in no way a BMW fan, but right now all I'd like to try out is R1200GS Adventure. 263kg wet is extremely nice considering you get 10 more kilos of gasoline, additional engine protection and rear rack you'd still install on your usual GS, so the real weight difference is actually somewhere around 7-8 kg. Travel is almost as good as KTM with 210/220mm. Seat is 890mm but you can easily go way lower with a few minor tweaks. Not a big fan of engine / gearbox combo but everything else is extremely nice and is proven to be working properly.

So we sit through a 25 minute long review/shoot out of the best adventure touring bikes, to find out the one which WHEELIES best WINS. He previously described the Triumph as an Old Man's bike ( because he couldn't get the wheel UP?!!) It strikes me one reviewer is looking for a Goldwing, the other for a Tuono, neither is even slightly bothered about carrying a pillion, carrying more luggage than the average plane ticket allows a globetrotting couple, or tearing up the sand dunes in the Sahara quicker than a Camel can get the hump!! Perhaps someone more mature would make for a better review?! Either that or the likes of itchy boots, someone with more 🎱⚾ for adventure!!

I have a Harley but now watching you guys define these machines makes me want to up grade to one of these machines. I thank you for giving an honest review.. Regards..Ride hard and safe

9:47 That scoff at the Triumph made me stop watching your video unfortunately, because I know it to be good.

I’m thinking you had the Tiger in the wrong riding mode. Change those modes and it’s a monster.

Based on this review... I just bought a Tiger1200. Much appreciated!

I bought myself a 2018 GSA. Coming from Super Sports bikes, this world of bikes is so different (in a good way). I never test rode KTM, Triumph or Ducati as the first time I rode a GS, it just felt right. I'm sure all of these bikes are pretty solid. Hope I made the right decision though :D

They are all fantastic bikes, pick your colour and away you go, if I had to pick one it would be the GS not only for the bike but also the dealership, bmw in my experience are great when things go wrong.

I really like your videos guys. The production quality is excellent, the information is insightful, and your English is better than mine...and I'm English! Thank you.

I’d have to pick between the GS and the Tiger by virtue of their shaft drive.

Good review very nice video! I Think that of the BMW ha the most appreciate bike all over the review in all countries and journalist the reason is its "balancing" it has the right power not too much not low ...right handling right feeling ...right confort right emotion ...it is a all round bike to go in office and to dream the Dakar...sometimes other bikes miss this facinous ...and the big double boxer helps this unique facinating taste! I Think....but I ride a GS!!!!

Triumph all the way! 3 cyl engine love

How much are bmw paying you?

I'm the odd man out I love my 2015 tiger explore It's more of a raw experience then any of the newer bikes just because it is all manual suspension and controls the only thing electronic is a switchable ABS traction control and cruise control. When I take my stuff off road I don't wanna break 5 different little electric motors when it goes down I'd rather just replace a plastic knob

Um, you didn’t really clarify whether the KTM needs better brakes OR if it simply needs more brake pressure applied to the levers. This is often easily remedied by replacing the pads. For example, ceramic brakes usually need more brake pressure applied BUT are considered better because they continue to work without fading even after extremes and continuous use such as a steep and aggressive descent down a mountain. Just because the brakes require more force doesn’t mean they are worse. Otherwise, you guys did a good job running through all the pros and cons. I own a 2011 Tiger 800XC and yes, it does heat up a bit too much. I imagine this is true for the current models because the engine is virtually unchanged. Based on your review, I think I would go with the BMW. I might be upgrading at some point because I want a good 2 up adventure tourer for my camping trips with the wife. The 800XC works well for solo riding with gear but is a bit under sprung and under powered for 2 up camping trips with gear. I can do it, I just can’t push the bike very hard with my wife on the back. And all that gear and I bottom out during corners because the suspension is too soft even in the stiffest preload setting. I love your videos and the beautiful scenery (reminds me of Lithuania). Keep it up and bravo!

Can’t make up my mind GSA or 1290s..I think the big KTM is just edging it for my next bike in September...

11:00 I can't stop laughing when he said the guy with KTM

I have ridden all 3 and finally I own a Tiger 1200XCA. I am loving it than the other two in many ways. Suspension is so smooth and riding on highways are stable and comfortable. Its a GLOBE TOTTER. Beautiful exhaust note from the triple. smooth gear shift, easy handling even though its huge, wont feel like on the fly. A small correction on the mode change - You don't have to stop the vehicle - Just cut the throttle to change the mode. BMW changing gear is so annoying. Feels like HD. Other than that yes the bike is fully loaded with lots of tech. KTM is powerful and aggressive. When it come to the using the modes and the display, using the switches - its a bit confusing.

The GS has soft, hard and normal suspention settings, which one did you test?

I had an opportunity to ride the KTM for a day this past Saturday, I rode primarily in the sport mode. Very nice in every aspect, roomy, controllable smooth power, one finger braking and loved the clutchless shifting, both up and down. The suspension was every bit as nice as the Multistrada I currently ride. My only concerns were the noticeably hot seat and the “crank the knob” method of moving up or down the wind screen. It’s nice, but not nice enough to get me off my Ducati.

Great review, although I'm not sure if it's fair to pitch the KTM 1290 'S' for the road review, and the 'R' for off-road, as the GS and Triumph are essentially competing against two different models which have been configured for each specific task?

KTM a bit wobbly in turns??? Did you check the suspension mode??? Not confident in turns? Not a KTM problem my friend.... More braking power on the KTM??? give me a break !!!

Just sold my 10 month old GS. Hated the twin vibration and wind even with a big screen

I always dreamed to buy a GS When I had the money I tried besides several GS (new, older, adventure etc) the ktm 1290s... and everything changed. The 1290 is by far better. Great for long trips, just pure fun if you like to accelerate... GS has bigger marketing, that’s why some reviews highlight the GS. If you have tried both you know the answer by your self.... : )

All 3 bikes are fantastic bikes, no doubt. But coming from experience here, unless you are a serious off road rider, there is such a thing as too much power. I know people will agree with me and people will disagree with me on that. But these bikes have different modes for a reason. Rain mode, things like that. Back in the late 70s when I was a young teen, I rode with a bunch of guys here and there. I rode a Husqvarna 250cc two stroke dirt bike. I didn’t ride it long. But there were guys in my group who wouldn’t even sit on that thing, much less ride it. They saw me take it up some old mountain roads, gravel roads, and go uphill doing about 30-40 mph and with a slight crack of the throttle, that thing came out from under me so fast all I saw was it bouncing on up the road on the back tire as I ate gravel for 20 feet, sliding up hill. Thank God I had on full gear. But that bike was just too much for me. Others could handle it like it was a mini bike, but I was never that good. So yes, it was WAY too much power for me. Not everyone needs, or wants, that kind of power. If you do, well there is a bike on this list for you. But just because the other bikes cannot do what the KTM can do, does not mean they are inferior. As most of the riders choose the BMW anyway as their best choice, and it has the least power. So pick the one you like and ride it like you stole it. I’d ride either one of them, but for me to shell out money on one, I’d pick the BMW every time, every day, hands down, no questions asked. I wouldn’t even consider the other two, great as they are. I’ve ridden the BMW and with 46 years of riding experience, I know what I like. And if you chose a different one, I’ll be as happy for you as a buzzard on a gut truck.

Thanks mate, looking to buy a KTM 1290 SAR ;)

1290 Super Adventure has a safety flaw in its design, the motorcycle has a major safety problem. I bought mine six month ago and since day one I have been experiencing head wobble at speed ranging from 100 to 120 mph. I contacted the dealer and they said “there is a software upgrade regarding the head wobble” I took the motorcycle to the dealer, after the software upgrade I discovered that the four setting for the damping is not working any more there is not difference in the performance between sports, street, comfort or off-road.

Good review, I love my 1290 R, it's fast a hell!

It's a hard decision to make even couple of years later. The result in the video is spot on! And kids don't forget, KTM is for men only ;))

I found that the brakes on my 1290S weren’t as good as my Rallye initially, but have since learnt to brake with front and rear if I want to scrub speed off quickly, and now would say the brakes are as good as the GS.

All your reviews are so great! Thank you guys

Comments are as a bad as a Ford/dodge/gmc comment section.

You have to push the Triumph a little more, to keep up with the others?! A bike that has more HP than the BMW?! And less One kg?! Are you jocking?! Come on behalf serious!!!

It's incomplete without Ducati multistrada

I love your objective reporting, and your English is great!👍

On the ktm what mode was the suspension in ? If you are going to be "pussing" the bike the suspension needs to be set to sport

Test fleet bikes seldom are broken in correctly, especially the brakes. I can tell you first hand that my KTM Adventure has fantastic brakes that were bedded correctly.

Umm..so cornering abs, shaft drive and creature comforts like keyless go, handle lock and electronically adjustable windscreen does not elevate the Tiger as a more superior adventure touring bike ? The KTM has foregone some of these and other features for few more ponies, which if you ask me, gives it an identity crisis. Can't comment on the BMW as I have never ridden it...

Tiger is the best

Among those 3 bikes which one is best can u tell me 🤔

You guys never discuss the ease or scheduled maintenance on any of the bikes . And it's something that's always needed on long trips .

Tiger is Awesome...

Nice comprehensive review guys...

You can't beat the legendary triple, just accept it.

Thanks for the reviews. Seriously good vids too.

Triumph carrying capacity

BMW for the most bland, vanilla twin-cylinder engine note in the world (along with all 360° firing interval twins). Triples are very cool, but the Tiger 1215cc triple is more tractor than sportbike. KTM just holds all the character and beastly cards with the 1301 vtwin, no matter what bike that engine is put into.

+1You had indeed pushed the ktm and you find lack of solid behaviour under cornering and poor braking.The same with me that I tested both on track and road.I would finally choose between the touring capabilities of bmw and sportiness touring of multistrada.Keep on the good work!

Thks again guys.

This old man will send you to Valhalla !!!

Great review guys. I brought a 2017 GSA after test riding the KTM 1290 Adventure R, the Triumph 1200 and the Honda Africa Twin. The right bike for me in the end. The KTM was good but got very hot under the seat on tge test ride. I also didn't like the fiddly controls but the engine oh boy! The Africa Twin was nice but the older 2017 throtle was to jerky and the frobt end has a bad dive under braking. The Triumph......nah.

Where is the Yamaha Tracer 9 GT + Bridgestone T32 GT ?

The problem with these reviewers is that they r reviewing these bikes as if they are sports bikes n meant for track use....I believe people who are seasonal adventure tourers should review these bikes and that too in there natural habitat that is adventurous rds....!!

Tiger is excellent than gas 12p0 and KTM because it have a good comfort than the other 2 bike

So this is where google got that tune from

GS looks really badass; I want one but I don't have the required height for it. :p

Hi. Where is the Yamaha Super Tenere 1200?

Honestly, and simply, if you don't like the brake bite of a particular bike, change the brake pads, it's that simple. How a "Sport Rider" can pick a BMW over a KTM is amazing to me. Did BMW pay you guys for this review, you couldn't find one single fault with a motorcycle that had 35hp less than it's competitor? Here's a fault for you, in this company, the BMW is simply underpowered!

Your videos are always good. There's real reviewing in them, the cinematography is fantastic and the overall package delivers. However, you guys never introduce yourselves! Why not give a quick introduction like "Hi I'm ___ and this is ___ and today we're reviewing the 2018 big adventure bikes". Small thing but makes it more personal and relatable IMO.

r1200gs is deceptively nimble for a machine its size.

When on dirt and rocks, effective brakes might be a bad thing. KTM might know this.

Where are you guys from? I really enjoyed listening to you. 2020 KTM Super Adventure S owner....

Before watching I am going to say these boys get a hard on for the BMW as they always pick bmw bikes as the winners.

KTM is not really in the same category as the other two... it's ADV-Sport with bikes like the Multistrada. The beemer and Triumph would be better compared to the smaller KTM's that are a bit more dirt biased than the SA.

LOVE TRIUMPH

Perfect test, as always.

saludos mis panas, great review excellent, and what kind of brand you use for your suits jakets, pants and boats, and where i kind buy it please, keep posting cheers from Merida, venezuela ¡¡¡

I paid $13,500 for my Tiger 1200 XCX and couldn't touch a BMW for under $22,000 where I live. Not worth an extra $8000.00. Tiger all the way.

as always, a very thorough review I really enjoy the back-and-forth conversation you always have because you don't just tell us what you think but you discuss it, and that means something to those of us who watch. We really enjoy your channel even here on the West Coast of Florida in the United States and can't wait for your next video thanks my current bike is a 2018 GS adventure, Rallye edition... And I love it but to enjoy all aspects of motorcycling you would have to own at least five different bikes you guys will help me decide which one is next

Always great reviews, I tested drove them this weekend and you are spot on. KTM is a beast and the BMW is all round smooth. Triumph is best looking but bland riding....but well thought out street bike.

It really helped me in choosing my bike, I'm going for BMW yup costly but I liked things it provides

Hi , In my opinion, it lacks just a few more horses (15 or 20 HP?) for GS To make it perfect!

I can only agree with your conclusion since, after owning both, came to the same conclusion. The BMW is indeed for older professionals as the stigma goes, and that is by no means a bad thing. I count myself in that bracket and would not choose to be anything else. You even get that same perception from motorists and fellow motorcyclists while commuting on the big GS, and that too is a very good thing. The KTM does however give the impression to observers of being ridden by a free spirited 27 year old with ADHD. Again, not a bad thing and if you like 30 something girls smiling at you looking for a break from their husbands (and who doesn't), the KTM is the way to go.

Tried them all, owned the Triumph and the Beemer, next time, another GS, it’s the low speed balance and such a great package...but too popular😉.

I like very much your Italian Accent. Your analysis is valuable. I bought a Tiger Alpine Edition and that's a pure dream after my Guzzi Norge. Amazing in terms of comfort, agility, power. The best compromise for a touring use, to ride with my lover, and a very competitive prize with all equipments included. The BMW becomes so common, we see them everywhere. And the price is definitely out of range, too expensive ! With my Triumph it's more classy, distinguished, and people notice it. I don't like at all the sportive style and the shape of the KTM ptransformers design which is nevertheless a very good motorbike. With a fabulous engine, I share the opinion, vs the Triumph which is not so pushy.

I'm looking at the triumph xrt and the adventure s. Which is better for sporty riding. I like a more flickable bike through corners. I am heavy so don't mind the weight difference regardless. I am mainly focusing on reliability. I want to do some long 1000+ road trips. I don't feel like the ktm has a massive hp difference,but I haven't ridden either. I have owned a fz1, vfr800, and cruiser bike.