General topics » R1250RS vs. SDGT

R1200RS + R1250RS Forum � 1250 RS technology � General topics � R1250RS vs. SDGT

Topic settings

Jump to forum

RS-Forum New Member Introductions Forum operation, design and help guest area My ride tour reports in planning training and coaching 1200 RS technology General topics Exhausts and Engine Tyres, Brakes and Suspension Tuning and modding Electronics Warranty stuff 1250 RS technology General topics Exhausts and Engine Tyres, Brakes and Suspension Tuning and modding Electronics Warranty stuff RS equipment Navigation accessories clothing and helmet What have you done to bike Knowledge Base Knowledge Base - how it works Knowledge Base Meeting Thread RS worldwide regions Africa Asia Australia Canada Europe Europe UK Middle East South America USA Midwest USA Northeast USA Southeast USA Southwest USA West RS Lounge Area Off Topic Other Bikes buy and sell forum rules

#1 | R1250RS vs. SDGT datum

Tue Jul 30, 2019 5:05 pm

Hello all,
Im coming up on the time where Im tired of my current bike(2013 HD Fatbob) and am looking for something a little bit more fun, comfortable and do-it-all.

I had been heavily considering the R1200RS over the past couple years but just couldnt pull the trigger because of a few things. Well, those things all got sorted out on the new model and I love it. However, Im in bit of a conundrum.

I have also been in love with the SuperDukeR since it came out. Then the 19 SDGT rectified everything I didnt like about the previous generation.

So, now Im really debating between both of these bikes. Both have super big positives all in the right places.

I know this is the BMW forum, but honest opinions to anyone who has owned, or ridden the KTM already, and can compare to the new RS as which one you would probably go for.

Thanks.

reply

#2 | RE: R1250RS vs. SDGT datum

Tue Jul 30, 2019 8:26 pm

I would not attempt to compare them in a few sentences. They have different riding positions and very different engine characteristics. Both are massively different to what you are used to.

Firstly sit on them. That might rule out one or both. Then ride them. Then decide. Take your pillion if you have one.

You might want both, so consider a pair of used bikes. This was my solution as I like my R1200RS but also like my S1000XR so I have 2016 versions of each.

If you do decide you prefer the KTM, go ride a S1000XR and then decide if the KTM is still favourite.

Oh, and also consider the availability of dealers. I do not like my local (if 10 miles is local) KTM dealer and the next nearest ones are too far away. My local BMW dealer is 2 miles away and is very good.

reply

#3 | RE: R1250RS vs. SDGT datum

Tue Jul 30, 2019 8:38 pm

Zitat von wessie im Beitrag #2
I would not attempt to compare them in a few sentences. They have different riding positions and very different engine characteristics. Both are massively different to what you are used to.

Firstly sit on them. That might rule out one or both. Then ride them. Then decide. Take your pillion if you have one.

You might want both, so consider a pair of used bikes. This was my solution as I like my R1200RS but also like my S1000XR so I have 2016 versions of each.

If you do decide you prefer the KTM, go ride a S1000XR and then decide if the KTM is still favourite.

Oh, and also consider the availability of dealers. I do not like my local (if 10 miles is local) KTM dealer and the next nearest ones are too far away. My local BMW dealer is 2 miles away and is very good.

Thanks for your reply. I took out an R1200RS a couple years ago and really liked the seating position. Ive only sat on a SDR and the seating position seems pretty similar to me. Both upright with comfortable peg reach. Not much pressure on the wrists.

I like the Torque of the Beemer, the weight being down low, and the shaft drive. I like the handling of the KTM, dealer 20 minutes away and is closer by 20 minutes over the BMW dealer. Second KTM dealer is same distance opposite direction. Next closest BMW dealer over hour and half away. Everyone I talk to is telling me to get the KTM. I think reliability is equal on both. Both have top notch electronics, LED lights, big TFT screen.

The main reasons Im leaning towards the 1250 is its way better looking and I prefer torque over hp. Accessories are a lot cheaper for the KTM though.

reply

#4 | RE: R1250RS vs. SDGT datum

Tue Jul 30, 2019 9:04 pm

It was the looks that sucked me into the showroom to see a R1200RS after getting disillusioned with the brand after the reliability woes of the original R1200RS. I'd had a R1150GS for over a decade but had a couple of very nice Yamahas from 2011 to 2016.

The RS is certainly the easier bike to live with if using it daily due to the shaft plus the tyres probably last longer.

A friend has had a series of KTMs, including a SDR and now the latest GT thing. With 180bhp on tap he tends to go for sports tyres that last under 3000 miles. I run sport tour tyres on my RS and they last 7000 miles or more in the case of the latest Avon Storm 3D. He tends to change the bike before the warranty ends, which tells you all you need to know about how he views having a KTM out of warranty.

I don't tend to buy OEM accessories as we have loads of aftermarket alternatives in Europe, which can save a packet and are often better quality. I believe KTM have yet to make (buy in) waterproof luggage.

I'll stop now as you aren't likely to find many KTM fanbois here so I need to leave room for others to say how wonderful the RS is and/or diss KTM

reply

#5 | RE: R1250RS vs. SDGT datum

Tue Jul 30, 2019 11:44 pm

Last year I looked at the super duke GT. No question it is a very nice bike. I like my RS better.

Here are the reasons
SDGT is tall, a large bike more like the BMW GS than the RS. I like the lower center of gravity of the RS, the lower seat hight.
The SDGT has a lot of engine. Good for when you feel like getting it on....not so sure it would be much of a pleasure putting thru town at 30,,,,ie strong neck jerking torque reaction. This was a real downer for me when I rented a multi strada in europe for a coupe weeks. In this regard the RS engine pulls smoothly and strongly from 2000 revs....much nicer as a daily driver.
The RS is just a smoother more mature ride, vs the "let's race" attitude and tune of the 1290GT.

I've sort of been looking if KTM would do a 790 GT....a smaller, lighter, hopefully smoother/more refined version of the 1290 GT

Both great bikes....It is up to what you want in a bike.

both a a huge way from the Fat Bob ( sort of my namesake)

ride them both enjoy

reply

#6 | RE: R1250RS vs. SDGT datum

Tue Jul 30, 2019 11:50 pm

If I am trying to decide between two similar motorcycles, I usually make my decision based upon how the dealership treats its customers. In my experience, BMW shops seem to provide the best customer service and are the most knowledgeable regarding the brand.

Current motorcycle collection: 2002 Yamaha FZ1; 2005 Triumph Bonneville T-100; 2011 Royal Enfield Bullet 500; 2009 BMW F650GS; 2016 BMW R1200RS; 2018 Zero S 16.6 kWh

reply

#7 | RE: R1250RS vs. SDGT datum

Wed Jul 31, 2019 12:01 am

Zitat von Richard230 im Beitrag #6
If I am trying to decide between two similar motorcycles, I usually make my decision based upon how the dealership treats its customers. In my experience, BMW shops seem to provide the best customer service and are the most knowledgeable regarding the brand.

I bought the two bikes(S1000RR and Diavel) before my current bike from my BMW rep. I trust her more than any other salesperson Ive met. The KTM salesperson is a typical salesperson.

I think what it might come down to is also who gives me what for my Fatbob. If I have to sell it on my own that could delay any new bike.

reply

Video review by The Missenden Flyer � � Swap bags from 1200RS to 1250RS??