Quick Analysis
BMW M 1000 RR
9.5 pts
Unweighted: 8 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S
22.0 pts
Unweighted: 13 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Cooling System | Liquid-cooled | Liquid cooled |
| Displacement | 999 cc | 1301 cc |
| Engine Type | 4-cylinder, four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder | 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, V 75° |
| Power | 212 hp at 14,500 rpm | 160 PS @ 8750 rpm |
| Torque | 113 Nm at 11,000 rpm | 140 Nm @ 6500 rpm |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 16.5 L | 23 L |
| Mileage | 15.3 kmpl | 17.5 kmpl |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | 192 | 250 |
| Seat Height | 832 | 849/869 |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | Dual-channel ABS | Dual Channel |
| Front Brake | Disc 320 mm Caliper - Front 4 Piston | Disc 320 mm |
| Front Suspension | Upside-down telescopic fork with a diameter of 45 mm | WP SAT (semi-active technology) Upside-Down Ø 48 mm |
| Rear Brake | Disc 220 mm Caliper - Rear 2 Piston | Disc 267 mm |
| Rear Suspension | Monoshock, Full Floater Pro, 117mm Travel, Fully Adjustable | WP SAT (semi-active technology) shock absorber |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | 120/70 - ZR17 | 120/70 - ZR19 |
| Rear Tyre | 200/55 - ZR17 | 170/60 - ZR17 |
| Tyre Type | Tubeless | Tubeless |
| Wheel Type | Alloy | Alloy |
Features & Technology |
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| Headlight | LED | LED Headlight |
Other Specifications |
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| Battery | 12 V / 5 Ah, Lithium-ion | — |
| Bike Image 1 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot_2026-03-19_190742-removebg-preview.png | — |
| Cluster | — | Scratch-resistant 7-inch TFT display |
| Color Options | Light white | #F4F4F4, #16588E Blackstorm Metallic | #121212, #16588E | Orange | #FF6600, #000000 |
| Cons | Extremely high ownership costs Poor real-world fuel efficiency Aggressive, tiring ergonomics Complex, dealer-dependent electronics Steep maintenance and servicing costs | High Price & Running Cost: As a premium big adventure bike, the 1290 SAS is expensive to buy and maintain. Complex Electronics: The rich electronics package may be overwhelming for some riders and can lead to occasional software glitches. Reliability Concerns: Some owners report electrical issues (e.g., MTC error, key fob issues) and other rare faults. Seat Comfort: The stock seat is criticized by several users for being hard, especially on long rides. Weight: With a kerb weight of around 250 kg, it’s a heavy machine, which can make it less agile in certain situations, particularly off-road. Heat & Engine Complexity: The powerful V-twin can generate noticeable heat, and servicing its complex components (like twin plugs, semi-active suspension, etc.) can be demanding. |
| Detailed Overview | The BMW M 1000 RR is built around a 999cc water and oil-cooled inline four-cylinder four-stroke engine, sharing its basic architecture with the S 1000 RR but with meaningful internal differences. The cylinder heads are revised with larger 52mm throttle bodies, and the ShiftCam variable intake camshaft system is carried over. The result is 212 hp at 14,500 rpm and 113 Nm of torque at 11,000 rpm, delivered through a six-speed gearbox with a slip-and-assist clutch and a bidirectional quickshifter as standard. Fuel is fed via electronic injection with a variable intake pipe, requiring a minimum of 98 RON premium unleaded petrol. The chassis is a bridge-type cast aluminium frame with the engine serving as a structural element, wrapped around M Carbon wheels, a notable distinction from the standard S 1000 RR’s cast aluminium units. These carbon wheels contribute to the bike’s 192 kg kerb weight, one of the lowest figures in its class. Suspension is handled by a fully adjustable 45mm upside-down fork at the front with 120mm of travel, and a fully adjustable monoshock at the rear with 117mm of travel. Braking is taken care of by twin 320mm discs at the front with four-piston fixed calipers, and a single 220mm disc at the rear with a two-piston fixed caliper, supported by Race ABS Pro as standard. The bike rolls on 120/70 ZR17 front and 200/55 ZR17 rear tubeless radial tyres. Seat height is 832mm with a 16.5-litre fuel tank. The electrical system uses BMW’s M Lightweight lithium-ion battery at 12V / 5Ah, paired with a 450W alternator. The instrument cluster is a 6.5-inch TFT display with full LED lighting and electric start. Electronics include the full Riding Modes Pro suite with Launch Control, Wheelie Control, Pit Lane Limiter, Brake Slide Assist, Slide Control, and a steering angle sensor. The Competition variant adds the M GPS Laptrigger with data logging capability, a lighter anodised swingarm, DLC-coated M Endurance chain, and M milled parts. In India, it was offered in two variants, Standard at ₹49 lakh and Competition at ₹55 lakh ex-showroom, both now discontinued. | The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S is the thrilling apex of KTM’s travel bike lineup, blending raw power with modern electronics and long-distance capability to deliver a truly versatile adventure machine. At the core of the bike lies its mighty 1,301 cc LC8 V-twin engine, which churns out around 160 PS of power and 140 Nm of torque. This translates into effortless rapid acceleration, strong highway performance, and the brute force needed to carry luggage or cruise with a pillion. Whether you’re blasting down twisty mountain roads or towing through open terrain, the 1290 SAS feels like a bike that can do it all. One of the standout features of the Super Adventure S is its adaptive cruise control (ACC) – a rare find in this segment. With its radar-based system, riders can maintain a set distance from the vehicle in front, reducing fatigue during long rides. This, combined with a rich electronics suite that includes Motorcycle Stability Control (MSC), cornering ABS, traction control (MTC), quickshifter+, and multiple riding modes (Rain, Street, Off-road, Rally), gives you confidence and control no matter where you’re headed. The 7-inch TFT display serves as the cockpit brain, presenting ride data, navigation details, and vital alerts with clarity. In terms of handling and comfort, the 1290 SAS strikes a remarkable balance. Equipped with semi-active WP suspension, the bike dynamically adjusts damping based on ride conditions, ensuring a smooth ride over broken tarmac while maintaining tight control when pushing hard. The trellis frame is rigid yet light enough to make the weight (over 250 kg) feel manageable. The ergonomics are well thought out – the adjustable windshield, comfortable seat, and raised handlebars make for a relaxed riding posture that’s ideal for long touring. Fuel capacity is another strong point. With its 23-litre tank, the Super Adventure S offers excellent range, making it ideal for epic road trips. For riders planning multi-day journeys or even cross-country routes, fuel stops are less of a chore, and the engine’s broad torque curve ensures manageable fuel consumption even under load. However, it’s not all smooth sailing. The Super Adventure S’s powerful V-twin can generate noticeable heat, especially in heavy traffic or warm climates. The price tag is also quite premium, reflecting its status as a high-spec adventure bike with semi-active suspension and advanced electronics. As with any complex, electronics-loaded machine, maintenance and service costs are higher than simpler bikes. Despite these trade-offs, the 1290 Super Adventure S excels at its intended purpose: it’s a performance-focused travel machine that doesn’t compromise on comfort or high-speed capability. For riders who crave an adventure bike that feels equally at home on high-speed highways, winding backroads, or loose terrain, the 1290 SAS is one of the most compelling choices. It combines KTM’s racing pedigree with real-world usability, making long-distance touring not just practical but exhilarating. In summary, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S is a high-performance, high-comfort adventure bike that brings together advanced technology, raw power, and touring durability. If you’re looking for an adventure motorcycle that doesn’t feel like you’re making too many compromises power-wise or comfort-wise, the 1290 SAS delivers a premium, capable, and thrilling ride. |
| Expert Review | The M 1000 RR is BMW Motorrad's most extreme road-legal offering, extracting 212 hp from a revised version of the familiar 999cc ShiftCam inline-four. The M Carbon wheels and 192 kg kerb weight give it a noticeably sharp, responsive character, and the Race ABS Pro electronics suite functions cohesively at pace. On track, it is difficult to fault. In India however, the fully committed riding position, heat buildup in traffic, and the bike's narrow performance window make everyday use genuinely demanding. At ₹49–55 lakh ex-showroom, ownership costs, limited trained technicians, and growing parts availability concerns add further weight to the ownership equation., 3.9, MotoAutiv Team | The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S is a large touring-focused bike built around a 1301cc V-twin engine that produces strong power and feels smooth even at highway speeds. Despite its size, the bike feels quite balanced once it is moving, and the riding position is upright, which helps on long rides. It comes with electronic suspension, ride modes, traction control, and cruise control, which allow the rider to adjust the bike based on road and riding conditions. The suspension handles most road surfaces well, though its size can feel noticeable in tight city spaces. The windscreen and overall design offer good protection from wind, making long-distance riding easier. The TFT display is clear and shows a lot of information, but it may take some time to get used to all the settings and controls., 4.4, MotoAutiv Team |
| FAQ (Manual Override) | Q: Is the BMW M 1000 RR still available to buy in India? A: No. The M 1000 RR has been discontinued by BMW Motorrad and is no longer available through authorized dealerships in India. It can only be found through the used motorcycle market. Q: What is the difference between the Standard and Competition variant? A: Both share the same engine and core hardware. The Competition variant adds the M GPS Laptrigger with data logging software, a lighter anodised swingarm, DLC-coated M Endurance chain, M milled parts package, and M Carbon components, all oriented toward track use. Q: How practical is it for daily use in Indian cities? A: Very limited. The fully committed riding position, significant heat buildup in traffic, 832mm seat height, and track-tuned suspension make city commuting physically demanding and uncomfortable, especially in Indian summer conditions. Q: How does it differ from the standard S 1000 RR? A: The M 1000 RR gets revised cylinder heads with larger 52mm throttle bodies, M Carbon wheels, carbon fibre aerodynamic winglets generating significantly more downforce, M-spec brakes, a lighter overall package, and 2 additional hp, all developed specifically for homologation racing purposes. | Q: What is the engine specification of the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S? A: It uses a 1,301 cc V-twin (LC8) engine with 75° configuration. Q: How much power and torque does KTM 1290 Super Adventure S deliver? A: The motor produces 160 PS (118 kW) and 140 Nm of torque. Q: What is the fuel capacity and mileage of KTM 1290 Super Adventure S? A: It has a 23-litre fuel tank. According to Autocar India, the claimed fuel efficiency is 17.5 km/l. Q: What type of brakes and ABS does this bike use? A: The 1290 Super Adventure S features 320 mm front discs and 267 mm rear discs, backed by Bosch combined ABS with cornering ABS and an off-road ABS mode. Q: What suspension setup is on the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S? A: It comes with WP semi-active suspension (SAT), a 48 mm upside-down fork in the front and a semi-active rear shock absorber. Q: What is the seat height and ground clearance of KTM 1290 Super Adventure S? A: The seat height is 849 mm, adjustable up to 869 mm, and ground clearance is 223 mm. Q: What instrument cluster does KTM 1290 Super Adventure S come with? A: It features a 7-inch TFT display, which supports angle adjustment, navigation via KTM Connect, and can show ride data. Q: Is the 1290 Super Adventure S good for touring? A: Yes, with its large fuel tank, long travel suspension, and comfort-oriented electronics (like ACC and adjustable windscreen), it's well-suited for long-distance touring. Q: What is the kerb / dry weight of the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S? A: The kerb weight is approximately 220 kg (per 91Wheels). |
| Fuel System | Electronic fuel injection | Fuel Injection |
| Price Variants | Standard | 4900000 Competition | 5500000 | STD | 2273900 |
| Pros | Monstrous, thrilling engine performance Comprehensive, race-grade electronics suite Lightweight, razor-sharp handling Powerful, fade-free braking Premium carbon-fibre build quality Highly adjustable suspension and ergonomics | Massive Power & Torque: Powered by a 1,301cc LC8 V-twin engine, the 1290 SAS delivers 160 PS and 140 Nm of torque, great for both highway cruising and spirited rides. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): Comes with radar-based ACC, which allows you to lock on to a vehicle ahead and maintain a safe distance automatically, a big plus for long touring. Advanced Rider Electronics: Features such as Motorcycle Stability Control (MSC), cornering ABS, traction control (MTC), quickshifter+, and multiple riding modes add a high level of safety and versatility. Semi-Active WP Suspension: The WP semi-active suspension adjusts damping dynamically, offering comfort, sporty control, or off-road capability depending on the mode. Long Range Fuel Tank: With a 23-liter fuel tank, it gives a very decent range for touring or long rides. Premium Build & Components: The build quality is high, with a strong trellis frame, durable engine internals (like DLC coatings), and overall excellent material quality. Comfort & Ergonomics: Adjustable windshield, adjustable seat height, and rider-focused ergonomics make it comfortable for long-distance journeys. |
| Starter | Electric | Electric starter |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual | 6 Speed Manual |
