At the end of the day...
So Cam, which one wins? “It’s tough, it’s really tough,” he says. “They’re both so good but I think it probably comes down to what you want to do with the bike. If you want to put your partner on the back, take lots of luggage, go touring and do some really big miles, you’d want to take the BMW.”
I can’t argue with that. The R1200GS’S seat is definitely plusher and more comfortable. The wind protection at motorway speeds is better, especially when it comes to keeping turbulence off your shoulders, and the screen is easier to adjust on the move. Fuel economy is better: an average of 53mpg over the test compared to the KTM’S 50mpg. Shaftdrive – the lack of which is still a dealbreaker for some – means no chain adjustment or lube to interrupt the fun. And the boxer engine’s smoother low-rev manners are more use when you’re two-up and loaded than the KTM’S extra power.
There are other detail differences too. The BMW’S fuel range countdown is more consistent and trustworthy, whereas the KTM’S best guess jumps around more wildly. The BMW’S size-adjustable Vario panniers are a great touch too and, expanded, they’re actually slightly larger (despite any claims) than the KTM’S boxes – I can fit my peaked Shoei in the BMW’S left side, but have to detach the peak to squeeze it in the KTM’S equivalent.
“But if I was looking for a bike to go for a long ride with my mates,” Cam continues, ”maybe like a trip to the Isle of Man – I’d definitely want to take the KTM. I really like the looks – I think the BMW’S looking slightly dated now. I prefer its clocks too, plus it’s got more personality, more spirit. And it really goes.”
I concur. The 1290 makes every single journey feel like an event, with its crisper engine, its incredible (and incredibly accessible) performance, and its more contemporary presence. In terms of sheer riding pleasure, the KTM wins hands down. And on top of that, it’s a complete, incredibly-capable all-rounder.
So, come on Cam, which is it? Which one would you have? “It’s so difficult… they’re so close. But for me, and for what I use my bike for… I’d buy the KTM.” Me too.
This is not to say the R1200GS ‘loses’ this test. Cam’s first point is the most important: it all depends on how you use your bike. Not every GS owner will prefer the new 1290 Super Adventure S – in fact, I’ll bet the vast majority would still prefer to stick with the smoother bottom-end, better seat padding and shaftdrives. But for some – like Cam – the KTM’S equally vast versatility and technology, combined with a more vibrant personality, could be enough to tempt them away from their beloved boxer.
So, has the BMW met its match? You bet it has.
“The 1290 Super Adventure S makes every single journey feel like an event”