KTM 1290 Super Adventure S vs BMW Motorrad R1300GS
Prices ex-showroom Delhi, checked 2026-09. On-road and running costs estimated for Delhi.
KTM 1290 Super Adventure S and BMW Motorrad R1300GS are both adventure bikes and turn up together on most shortlists. They are priced within ₹76,045 of each other, so this comes down to what each does with the money.
The R1300GS takes 3 of the 6 categories we score, so this is close and comes down to what you weight. Our overall ratings are 6/10 for the 1290 Super Adventure S and 6.5/10 for the R1300GS.
Category by category
Price
1290 Super Adventure S
The 1290 Super Adventure S starts ₹76,045 lower (₹22,73,900 against ₹23,49,945), about ₹2,410 a month less on a standard loan.
Running cost
R1300GS
R1300GS claims 21 kmpl against 17.5 kmpl. That is roughly ₹8,450 a year in fuel at 30 km a day.
Performance
1290 Super Adventure S
1290 Super Adventure S has the better power-to-weight ratio: 632 against 612 bhp per tonne. It will feel quicker with a pillion and on overtakes.
Safety kit
Tie
Braking and safety equipment are matched.
City manners
R1300GS
R1300GS is 13 kg lighter and lower in the seat (850 mm), which you feel in traffic and when parking.
Warranty
R1300GS
R1300GS comes with 3 years of standard warranty against 2 on the 1290 Super Adventure S.
Which one should you buy?
Buy the 1290 Super Adventure S if
- you want the lower purchase price and EMI
- you ride two-up or on highways and want the stronger engine
- you live where KTM's bigger service network matters
- your priority is long-distance touring
Buy the R1300GS if
- mileage matters more to you than outright performance
- you are a new rider or shorter and want the lighter bike
- a longer standard warranty gives you peace of mind
- your priority is broken roads and touring
What each really costs
Base variants, Delhi, 30 km a day. Servicing and insurance are class-typical estimates.
| Cost | 1290 Super Adventure S | R1300GS |
|---|---|---|
| Ex-showroom | ₹22,73,900 | ₹23,49,945 |
| On-road, Delhi | ₹25,54,314 | ₹26,15,366 |
| Fuel, 5 years | ₹2,53,520 | ₹2,11,270 |
| Servicing, 5 years | ₹35,000 | ₹35,000 |
| Insurance renewals | ₹1,22,608 | ₹1,25,536 |
| Five-year total | ₹29,65,442 | ₹29,87,172 |
Full specification comparison
Better figure in each row is shown in green.
| Spec | KTM1290 Super Adventure S | BMW MotorradR1300GS |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ||
| Starting ex-showroom | ₹22,73,900 | ₹23,49,945 |
| Rough EMI / month | ₹72,110 | ₹74,520 |
| Engine | ||
| Engine | 1301 cc | 1300 cc |
| Engine type | 2 Cylinder, Liquid Cooled, 4 Valves | 2 Cylinder, Air/Liquid Cooled, 4 Valves |
| Power | 158 bhp | 145 bhp |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 149 Nm |
| Claimed mileage | 17.5 kmpl | 21 kmpl |
| Cooling | Liquid-cooled | Liquid-cooled |
| Transmission | 6 Speed | 6 Speed |
| Electric | ||
| Top speed | 230 km/h | 225 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Kerb weight | 250 kg | 237 kg |
| Fuel tank | 23 L | 19 L |
| Seat height | 869 mm | 850 mm |
| Ground clearance | 223 mm | — |
| Wheelbase | 1557 mm | 1518 mm |
| Length | — | 2212 mm |
| Width | — | 1000 mm |
| Height | — | 1406 mm |
| Brakes & suspension | ||
| Front brake | Disc, 320 mm, 4 piston caliper | Disc, 310 mm, 4 piston caliper |
| Rear brake | Disc, 267 mm, 2 piston caliper | Disc, 285 mm, 2 piston caliper |
| ABS / CBS | Dual Channel ABS | Dual Channel ABS |
| Front suspension | WP SAT (semi-active technology) Upside-Down Ø 48 mm | Central Shock Absorber |
| Rear suspension | WP SAT (semi-active technology) shock absorber | Single-sided Swingarm |
| Tyres | ||
| Front tyre | 120/70-ZR19 | 120/70-R19 |
| Rear tyre | 170/60-ZR17 | 170/60-R17 |
1290 Super Adventure S vs R1300GS: questions people ask
- Which is cheaper, the 1290 Super Adventure S or the R1300GS?
- The 1290 Super Adventure S is cheaper by ₹76,045 at the base variant (₹22,73,900 against ₹23,49,945 ex-showroom Delhi).
- Which gives better mileage, the 1290 Super Adventure S or the R1300GS?
- The R1300GS claims 21 kmpl against 17.5 kmpl. Real-world figures for both will be lower.
- What is the on-road price difference between the 1290 Super Adventure S and R1300GS in Delhi?
- About ₹61,052: roughly ₹25,54,314 for the 1290 Super Adventure S and ₹26,15,366 for the R1300GS, base variants, including road tax, registration and insurance.
- Which costs less to own over five years?
- Our estimate for five years at 30 km a day in Delhi is ₹29,65,442 for the 1290 Super Adventure S and ₹29,87,172 for the R1300GS, including purchase, fuel, servicing and insurance renewals. The 1290 Super Adventure S comes out ₹21,730 ahead.
