How does the BMW R 1300 GS Trophy compare to the KTM 1390 Super Adventure R?
Regarding ultra-large displacement off-road machinery, there are only two names to pick from locally. We take a look at the spec sheets of the BMW GS and the KTM Super Adventure to see how they stack up
Sitting at the peak of size and performance off the beaten path, large-displacement adventure bikes rule the roost. Two of the biggest are the BMW R1300 GS Trophy and the soon-to-be-released KTM 1390 Super Adventure R. These bikes represent the absolute pinnacle of brute power for hardcore overland adventure.
Related: BMW GS model launch (2024) First Ride Review
With both manufacturers claiming the lion's share of the South African motorcycle market, it's plain to see that these two models are the end game for many adventure riders looking for total power and top-end premium features. Let's take a look at how these two monoliths compare.
KTM 1290 Super Adventure R (2023) Review
Specifications
| BMW R 1300 GS Trophy | KTM 1390 Super Adventure R | |
| Engine | 1300cc, Air/liquid-cooled 4-stroke flat twin engine with double overhead and chain-driven camshafts (BMW ShiftCam) and balance gear wheels | 1350cc, 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, V 75° CAMSHIFT™ variable valve timing |
| Transmission | 6-Speed sequential with quickshifter | 6-Speed sequential with quickshift |
| Power figures | 107kW / 149Nm | 127kW / 145Nm |
| Top speed | 200km/h | 250km/h |
| Frame | Two-part frame concept consisting of the main frame and the rear frame bolted to it, co-supporting engine | Chromium-Molybdenum-Steel trellis frame, powder-coated |
| Suspension Front | BMW Motorrad EVO-Telelever, handlebar tilting decoupeled via flex element, central shock absorber, 190mm travel | WP XPLOR-USD, Ø 48 mm, fully adjustable, 220mm travel |
| Suspension Rear | BMW Motorrad EVO-Paralever, cast aluminium single-sided swingarm, transversal connected swing arm bearings, central WAD spring strut, spring preload fully adjustable, 200mm travel | WP XPLOR shock absorber with PDS, 220mm travel, adjustable |
| Brakes Front | Twin disc brake, semi-floating brake discs, diameter 310 mm, 4-piston radial brake calliper | 2 x Brembo 4-piston, radially mounted calliper, brake disc Ø 320 mm |
| Brakes Rear | Single disc brake, diameter 285 mm, 2-piston floating calliper | Brembo 2-piston, fixed calliper, brake disc Ø 267 mm |
| Fuel Tank (litres) | 19 | 23 |
| Tech & Features | BMW Motorrad Full Integral ABS Pro, four riding modes (Eco, Rain, Road, Enduro, Dynamic Cruise Control (DCC), and Active Cruise Control with radar sensors. TFT display, smartphone charging, heated grips and seating, and keyless ride. | 8.0-inch vertical touchscreen dash with anti-glare and anti-fingerprint coatings, enhanced rider modes (Street, Sport, Rain, Offroad, and optional Rally mode), and a new keyless-go system with an Anti Relay Attack (ARA) security feature. Rallye Mode, Keyless ride |
| Fuel Consumption(claimed) | 4.8 L/100km | 6.1 L/100km |
| Weight | 237kg | 231kg |
| Seat Height | 850mm | 880mm |
| Price | Starting at R 375 050 | Releasing in 2026 |
| Warranty | 2 Years | 2 Years |
Verdict
