What's best? - BMW R1200GS v KTM 1290 Super Adventure 

I was in the market, took both bikes out for an extensive ride, that KTM engine! Anyway, when all was said and done, I walked out of a KTM Dealership with the KTM 1290 Super Adventure with factory panniers for $16499, the equally equipped BMW GSA with panniers was $26,000 and my local BMW would not budge off that price. My decision was easy!

Absolutely incredible review!!! I was literally in between these two bikes as I am doing research for a long tour...not quite sure where yet. Thank you for the information and I can't wait to check out the rest of your channel!

Great video but you missed 2 important points... range / mpg and price...

The KTM would be like the gal you want to party and have fun all night long, the BMW would be the gal you want to settle down with. Another really nice and interesting review sir! Cheers!

Well done. I would choose the same. Bmw does it for me with regards to comfort/power. I use it almost daily. I look forward to every ride!!

Hi, I’m getting very interested in motorcycling quite late in life. I would like to complement you on the way you present your articles. I’ll keep watching thank you.

First class motorcycle journalism as per usual. Thank you. Your opinion is highly valued.

Another interesting review TMF. Great to meet you at the NEC today in action filming the Yamaha Niken, look forward to your review on that sometime. Cheers

You should enter the items to add points, the reliability, guarantee and prices of the services by the brand

Mr Flyer, great review as always. But in all fairness, your GS (as good as it is) is a 2014 model. That's not fair. The new GS: the gearbox is much better, the shifter/blipper is much better, & the TFT is probably the best screen in the world at the moment. The fact that it doesn't have issues with glare or sun like others. Also, the KTM would be more suited up against the GSA. The big thing that gets me with all riders that say the KTM has more power, & the BMW should get more, is ridiculous. Think about it gentleman. You don't want a motor that eggs you on to blast it when your selecting a touring/cruising bike. For example like the Super Duke, Ducati Monster, & all super-sport bikes. Im a '16 S1000RR rider, and unless your in the 6k, 7k, or 8k zone and up, your not enjoying the bike. This is what their made for, to blast like a bat out of hell. Sport bikes are boring when cruising. So with my "Sports-bike/power on tap" mentality, I was disappointed when I jumped on the GS for a test ride. The "Docile" style motor, the boxer, was not up to it (like the KTM riders say)......Until the penny dropped!!!! I realised the motor wasn't egging me on to blast it all the time. Hence the ride was much more sophisticated, smooth and enjoyable. Then I opened it up, due to a possible emergency situation, (as a moron was about to pull out) and ALAS!!!! She pulled me forward like a sports bike. I then learnt a big lesson gentleman! You want the bike to do what it was made to do, but always have that "power blast" on tap. This is when I realised the "Docile" boxer motor, was a peach. No V-Twin can give you that smooth "Rolls Royce" feeling when cruising. Yes it will have loads of torque & power, but at a sacrifice to sophistication. Although, they are getting better and better in todays fantastic motorcycle industry. So if you want a touring/cruising/off road bike, you cannot beat the GS. If you want that thrill of the motor, then buy a V-Twin-torque blaster like a Monster R, or the Super Duke. And if you can only afford just one bike... then you've got your work cut out for you. But much easier these days with all the technology on tap. Yes its each to their own on selection of bike. But try your best to think of the style of riding you will be wanting to do. The decision might be much easier than you think. And on that note, the GS doesn't need more power. It just needs to be lighter, which in return, will make it faster. Cheers Mr Flyer.....keep groovin' like you have been ;-)

I really liked your review. I’m in the market for one again after selling my 2014 GSA last summer. It was nice seeing an honest non biased review.

excellent reviews and tests, love your channel! due to your test i bought a GS 1200 rally a couple of months ago

Have tried both, and agree both brilliant. The KTM wins with things I don't really need, like better engine and gearbox and great looks, but the BMW wins on things I do need, like comfort, low speed handling, luggage space and easy to push around in the garage and into the back entrance to the hotel-ness. Still don't like the new models enough to spend all that money on a new model though. (That KTM gearbox is very smooth, but will it last as long, and anyone who has taken a GS clutch apart will tell you there's nothing to match it). All right I give in. If you gave me anything else, I'd still buy a GS.

Great review. One thing I have to criticise; kTm has "Favourites" you can "customise" for quick access to your favourite settings. So I can't let you away with that the BMW has the more user friendly controls. 😂 However. If done a similar comparison for myself and for me there is only one winner. Don't get me wrong. The other is a fantastic bike but after riding it all day I can only say "Yes, I rode a motorcycle today" while after getting on an after the second turn I have a massive grin on my face with the winning bike and getting off at night I can only say "that was awesome!". So for me the kTm is the winner and always will be. Even with the looks, as the Beamer looks like the built in flush buttons on my toilet. Which raises for me the question if it was there where the Germans got their inspiration for the design of the BMW? 😂 But I agree. Those two bikes are so damn close, for somone new to adventure bikes, it will be a decision made by the gut. So here I am looking forward to the banter and slagging matches between me and my kTm riding friends and the Beamer riding friends in years to come. 😂😂😂

This was a super review, just more interesting details and points. Where other reviews is like they just read the brochure for comments.... Good Job

thanks pard! i went with the {bmw} because of comfort, drivetrain, ending easy for me to work on ( valve adjust,maintnence) down fall $$$$ dealership shop price etc......both great machines....

when i see pannier reviews, no one ever asks to me the most important question..will it hold a full face helmet?

Another one of your excellent comparison reviews. My only nitpick would be that you're comparing a modern 2018 transmission on the KTM vs the 4 year old transmission on your GS. I'm not talking about the maintenance of the transmission, it's just that I've read quite a bit that BMW has updated lots of the mechanicals of GS for 2017 and 2018. Maybe you've adjusted for that. One more thing. Girls in the USA love BMW bikes, partially because they think you're rich. Maybe the GS and RT are considered to be "old man's bikes," but I haven't experienced that. Of course, I'm old.

That was worth hitting the 'like button' for the 'Mini-me' impression thumbnail alone.

another excellent review from Mr. flyer. very professionally done. top marks. two great bikes, I still love my strom though!

Excellent detailed comparison. However, I wish bike reviewers would begin to address the largest concern for every rider in the UK - security! Can you fit a big chain through the frame or swing arm? What does the bike come with stock to prevent theft? These adventure bikes are HUGE targets for theives.

You'd buy a GSA, unless you bought ......an RT. I watched your 5 things I hate about the GS, and reckoned every issue would be solved by the RT. Maybe another comparison ....I've just got my RT after 37yrs and find it a very easy machine to handle, keeps the weather off too,many people nod at me ;-)

Great review. I have tried the BWM GS Adventure but for my height and the want to be off road sometimes meant that I went with KTM 1290 Adventure R purely based on the quality of the bikes and the type of riding like to do. Even if not off road sometimes, cisyt wise i would still go with the KTM. not sure the BMWs are worth the price difference.

Great review as always! I rented a 2008 GS in australia that had about 150000km on it (and a rental so it had been dropped in all ways possible). It felt like a new bike, engine, brakes everything performed like new I was surprised considering how beat up it looked! My only grip is that it could lose 50lbs...otherwise super comfortable and pleasant to ride.

Have you tried the more sensible 1090 engine? Another factor for me is dealer support, BMW supply spares next day and the coffee is, usually, free. I have never seen a KTM dealer not based in farm buildings, except in Bayreuth where I was visiting last week....

Great comparison. I've got an older GSA (2010) and a new 1290 Super Advanture S, so while I can't make the exact same comparison, I do have reasonable experience of both. I'm not a fan of the quick shifter on the KTM and from what you say I will ask the dealer to check mine! The one thing you leave out entirely is the heat on the KTM. I get loads of heat off the rear cylinder once the whole bike is warm. And I don't mean while sitting in traffic, I mean when running down the motorway, doing normal motorway speeds!! The dealer has tried a few things to improve it but for me its a real problem. By the way, the KTM dealer is good and is definitely not based in an old farm building, plus offers free tea!!

Well done! Keep up the good work. Thanks

Another great video! The latest offerings from KTM are fantastic, but I still feel my GS Adventure is better! Hope to take their adventure series out for a proper comparison next year! (Just reminds me of LWR! Especially as I've just seen Charley at Motorcycle Live!) 😉

Thank you, now I made my choice...KTM for sure

i would like to ask about why you didnt talk about telelever and paralever (bmw certified and copyrighted suspension technology) and the other most important thing is boxer engine which has less consumption and alive with low revolution(torque). and all of these two units we must add the center of the gravity of these two motorcycles which is lower with bmw. best regards ;)

Love this video! Definitely a tough choice between these two icons! Your review touches so many parts of the bikes that genuinely matter to owners!

Great review !! I have both 2008 GS Adventure and a 2016 1290 Adventure. Both great bikes and your spot on when you said you buy with your heart.

Both fantastic bikes, but I got the KTM simply because of the motor. 170hp and a bucket load of torque. Much like a sports bike that doubles as an adventure tourer or vice versa.

My finger was hovering over the unsubscribe button but fortunately the Beemer didn't get trashed. Okay only kidding, if I could afford it I'd have both in my garage. Unfortunately, rego in Australia is more expensive than a gambling addiction, not to mention the service cost on my GS. Well executed comparison, thanks.

Great review again. Personally I’d go for the BMW but can’t afford either so I’ll just keep watching you ride them until that day! Keep flying ❗️

Great video got to the crux of a topic many bikers want to know, many of us aspire to one or the other, must be great to have both in the garage 👍 fyi in general manouverability is key for me cos of limited space, i have to get in and out of my back gate, you are one of the only vloggers who cover this, for instance the new BMWR18 wouldnt fit in my bike store, beautiful bike but only for those with a large drive/garage. Those of us living in more economy properties appreciate your manouverability comments 👍

Thank you! Going to BMW dealer to get GS 2018!

If they think a gs is boring obviously they haven't ridden one and see what it can do.

Great Review! Thanks for this!

I think when the pavement ends your choice would be more clear. I have owned both and when I took the GSA off road I truly felt like a fish out of water with no confidence. Now to be clear it was the GSA not the GS. I also find that all KTM's have a fun factor that the BMW's I have owned did not have. Both bikes are great but an adventure bike is a purpose built machine so a true all around comparison would be great to see. Wait till you give that 1290 a true off road test, it is actually remarkable of how well a 500lb bike does.....I think Chris Birch vids say it all. Great review as always.

I believe the comparison between the GS (not the GSA!) is much more relevant,, when comparing it to its Austrian rival. Personnally sold my 2016 GS to buy the 1190 adventure, which I love much, much more. But i'm not 35 yet...I'm just as happy about my (older) KTM panniers as I was from my Vario panniers (which are excruciatingly expensive). engine on my KTM is much more fun, "accelerates like a rocket" indeed, makes a much nicer noise (certainly with Wings exhaust), has a little less torque low down but more than makes up for it. The only thing where the GS has the KTM, is suspension polyvalence (and much less dive on braking) and yes, the road handling is fantastic and the engine has way sufficient power and low end grunt. I'd also say my long legs (i'm 1.90m) were also a bit better on the GS. Weather protection: get a Vario screen on the KTM and it's much better than the standard GS (which as standard, does get better protection indeed). I'm sick and tired of people buyin' GS's just because of credentials and BMW badge. However, when I tested the new 1290 Superadv S, it had the well known fork clunking (fork cartridge faulty?), which I hated. But my story goes to show you can have shitty GS's and very nice KTM's. He's right about the user-friendlyness of the switchgear, however, my GS switches got sticky after cleaning a few times, which I don't have on my 1190. Fact is, I have been disappointed by the GS. If I was to do it again (well actually, no I just love my 1190 and really don't wanna get rid of it, for once), I'd seriously look at the 1290 or even the 1090 (which I rode and was also great fun, but no match for an 1190). Absurd thing is that, when I got it as a replacement vehicle during maintenance of my LC GS, I just loved the LC RT (noice, performance, comfort)

Have to say the KTM would had found the way to my garage...but in the 1090 form.. What do you have on your garage floor? Great video

You're a lucky boy to have access to such bikes. Nice comparison.

You may not be a motoring journalist but this is one of the best comparison reviews on yt.

Ktm every day

Although, I completely agree with all the points you give to the KTM, I feel that some of them are irrelevant advantages for someone on the market for these big adventure bikes. For example, the nuclear engine the KTM has. Is that really that important for someone who wants a "one bike to do it all", or someone who prioritises touring? The way I see it, the GS wins points where it matters most. For me it's the winner. But with the KTM being an equally excellent bike.

Great video. Would be fantastic if you could do a comparison between the new 1250GS and KTM...

Good non biased review. Very informative.

The GS wins for me, it's so iconic. I'm biased simply because I'm on the lookout for a used one as I write this! I'm sure the KTM is fabulous, but I just can't get past the looks.

Remember when KTM pulled their support for the Long Way Round, and BMW stepped into the breach?...

Thank you for this I’ve been in between on a decision on these two bikes I live in Temecula Southern California we have many areas to ride on and off road I think I’m gonna go with the KTM because the engine will give me what I want out it. I plan to rent one first there places I can rent here in SoCal thanks mate!

Your killing me Mr Flyer...I will be buying a adventure bike in the spring and was hoping there would be a overwhelming winner...Appreciate your honesty...Keep it up.

In 12 out of 10 cases i'll take juicy orange juice over soy latte from starcucks ;

I am a ktm fan boi 😎

Lovely comparison. Love your work, mate.

Excellent review. Great job

Both great bikes. For me the GS wins because it has a shaft drive and the KTM loses because it is chain drive. Chains are a pain...too much PT, mess and fuss (esp when removing the rear wheel...getting greasy and having to retension the chain again). It is a deal-breaker for me.

This could lead to an endless discussion! For me the BMW wins, if only because I am no longer wanting to do daft things on a bike. Comfort and useability for me. Boring!

You are very thorough... I enjoyed every minute of it!

Hi Sir. I would get the BMW because I had one in the past and I loved the way it soaked up the bumps in the road; but now I am leaning toward the simplicity of the retro bikes. Thanks again for a great review.....Sal : )

Oh, and another thing, I'll nod at you! This seems to be a British snooty trait, in "Europe " all bikers appear to acknowledge...

I dont even need to watch the video to no the answer to the question. Obviously the best is......the Triumph Tiger 800 XC hands down.

Really a big help. Well done!

Thank you for your great review. I made the switch from a 2016 BMW R 1200 GS to the KTM 1290 super adventure s in January 2018.

I'll definitely settle for the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R

I question the value of BMW shaft drive advantage, my 2015 had to rebuild the final drive at 15,000 miles because BMW claimed stored on the side stand damaged the bearings cost $1,500 to overhaul, total rubbish bearings, not side stand issue, new final drives are a whopping $3,000 US and not rebuildable. I like the lower maintenance value of the shaft drive over messy chain drive, but at $3,000 plus labor, I'll take KTM chain drive any day. BMW Legendary durability is a total myth, I've owned 3 BMW R1200 GSA Hex head and 1 Water boxer. On the other hand KTM really needs to get its act together regarding comfort, seats are horrible, we laugh saying the reason KTM has such great suspension because it's too painful to sit down, you have to stand after the first hour. The new KTM 790 sets a whole new standard in brick hard seats, with zero attempt to fake comfort.

Excellent review TMF. Always a joy to watch. Seems that personal preferences are the deciding factor on this one, however, I my personal preferences are on par with yours. GSA it is!

coming of a k1200 gt, I'd never own another, that clunky shift drove me loopy you feel like a learner, no way to synch eng rpm with road speed, thanks for this Man

Having owned and ridden both KTM and BMW i can honestly say the BMW is far more comfortable, found my buttocks went numb with 30 minutes of riding my KTM, made it impossible for long rides, might just be me.

One comment: while you will always be able to see old GSs models on the road, the KTMs seem to disappear...they vanish! KTMs do not stand time.

Great video and i agree with your summary. Have you tried the KTM 1090 Adv R, i would be interested in your thoughts. I am sure Jason will loan you one and a ladder !!

I am interested in buying these two bikes and really valued your review. I agree with all of your positions, and incredible it's a draw!

They are so big, bike in that size remind me of a big horse. Why cant they make adventure bikes that are small and light...

i was riding bmw but when i seat on ktm i never again go back to bmw ktm is beast of a motorcycle

Great comparison. I think the GS with the TFT option is pretty unbeatable and as a bike offers more all round use. It makes a great commuter as well brilliant for touring however commuting on the KTM...hmmm not convinced.

This was the most awesome very detailed comparison between these two incredible motorcycles. At age 71, I lean more towards comfort. I rode a very comfortable Harley Davidson Fatboy for several years and I guess that spoiled me. Twenty years ago it would have been KTM all the way. In Maui, Hawaii, I owned a Honda Superhawk with the 996 motor and I couldn't throttle it out on the island as much as I tried...136 on Haleakala Highway's 7 mile straight stretch was the best I could get. For me, the BMW would be my choice. At 5'7" on a KTM I don't think my heels would ever touch the ground at stops unless I lean the bike heavily to one side.

the "GS rider is not a REAL rider" thing is nonsense... I'll be at the NEC show from London no doubt in the freezing rain..when a lot of the "REAL riders" will have tucked up their sports/naked/retro bikes for the winter and will have their bike covers glued to their bikes!

BMW: riders 35+ years old. KTM: riders between 17 and 35 years old.

Very good comparation. I loved to watch

Great review. I liked how you compared bit by bit. I thought you could have covered - dirt road handling - size of tank / fuel economy/ distance can travel between fills - braking - cost of servicing / intervals etc - insurance costs (understand that it also depends on the individual rider etc) - cost to purchase - value for money - reliability - what’s the most important comparison (not all ticks are of the same value (engine v looks I.e.). Not picking and it could go on forever I know - just a couple of important factors. That said I loved the review and subscribed.

Can you also add in a comparison in matainance schedules for the bike's in your future videos? That's a big selling point for me when out for a purchase along with all the other info you covered.

Nice and detailed comparison . Very useful stuff. Yes, as you say it’s very subjective this motorbike thing. We’re a funny lot us bikers but if I was going for one of these machines, your review/ analysis would certainly help at that vital and emotive time of saying, YES, I’ll have it. Great stuff, thanks👍🏻👍🏻

Thanks for the reviews ,personally the fun factor has always been the biggest reason for my bike choice so the Ktm wins for me .If you ever get the chance try a buell uylsees you would really be surprised can and did easily all of what those 2 machines can do even off road . To some a bit agricultural ,others it's charioteer .

Great vid, I own both bikes as well. I made the mistake of watching Long Way Round too many times, fellin love with the concept then test driving a BMW GSA . Purchased a new one the following week, within a few months it felt slow and the speed shifting didnt work. Then I test drove the KTM 1290 SAR and man WOW, this thing is a beast. I prefer much more than the GSA , I am keeping both because I have too much money into the GSA to loose and I have the room. For all those out there, definitely test drive a 1290 before buying a GS!

I had a 2014 KTM Adventure R, I loved that gearbox and engine but it was just too tall for me to live with and I spent most of my time on the blacktop, I now have a 2017 R1200GS Rallye, fantastic bike, amazing suspension, super comfortable goes really well and like he says that wiz wheel for the electronics is brilliant, the engine is clunky and noisy as is the gearbox and I find the bike has no "fizz". I am considering going to the KTM Adventure S and getting the seat rebuilt to make it more comfortable because I really miss that V-twin engine and gearbox package, it just grunts out of corners, no shortage of fizz!

I really do like the looks of the BMW. I also prefer the way it sounds (odd, I know) and I like the customisation options on the BMW with the Nav5/Nav 6. Wicked video. Always good to see the Beemer out and about.

I think riding comfort and power needs will change from one person to another. Compliments to the way you presented this video, good work

The qualifiers “edges out” and “by far” matter in this review; the nuisances sure add up! What I’d also like to know is cost of ownership. I gave up Beemers a few years ago because of the cost of ownership - wondering if it was just my experience or an across the board reality. Also, spent half of my 50 years riding shaft bikes, the other half were chain drive. In my opinion, contemporary chains/sprockets (add a tooth, drop a tooth) are the way to go . . . “by far.” Thanks for another great review.

Great review Thank You.

Fantastic review. During a trip to the Picos, a friend of mine accidentally lathered his KTM rear wheel/tyre in chain lube! It was at that point, I concluded that whatever brand I replace my 2017 GS with .....it will have shaft drive.

Great video dude. I think when an updated GS comes out then it may compare better to the KTM. Also I find the quick shifter to be smooth when going quickly, which is why they call it a quick shifter not a slow shifter.

G'Day TMF, another great review. Here in Oz there are some excellent runout deals on the old KTM Super Adventure 1290 (the one now referred to as the Super Adventure T model - 30 l tank, spoked wheels, no TFT screen). My question is should i consider this older model or in the new one a significant step forward?

Can't Thank you enough... Keeping my KTM-GT which I upgraded from a SD-R. Really Appreciated your Video(s) Immensely.! Big Kudos from Costa Rica

Excellent. I am in the market & am struggling between these two beauties (-: thank you for providing exactly what I was looking for! I’m test riding a 1290 in two days, I can’t wait! I’ve had a GTL for nearly 1200 miles & it is wonderful but not the bike for me. Cheers

Great vid and I agree with your out come to

Very good Review and comparison ! An on the end, as you say... bikes needs to be buy using the heart... we think and think but should be one that we love...

Excellent video, agreed with everything you said. While I did look at the KTM before buying the GS Rallye model it came down to two key things, shaft drive which is essentially maintenance free and dealership network in the US. I guess if I didn’t have the Tuono as a second bike then I may have chosen the KTM as my do it all bike but since the GS was a second bike it really fit the bill for me! I absolutely love it!

Great video, nice review. Be good to see some budget costs for purchase and also servicing. Also dealerships, which sounds daft, but it's pretty important for touring.

Great video as per usual, would love to see a comparison of the forgotten sector of bikes that is the middle weight tourers R1200, FJR, GTR etc. I love touring, but feel almost forced into the adventure touring style of bike (even though I’ll never go off road) as this is the area where all the development seems to be happening. Personally I’m a loyal FJR fan, but it’s old hat compared to say the super adventure. Moan over! Keep up the great work :)

Couple of things you didn’t talk about or I missed , fuel tank sizes and range . Cheers