BMW R 1250 GS 2021 vs. KTM 890 Adventure R 2023

BMW R 1250 GS 2021

BMW R 1250 GS 2021

KTM 890 Adventure R 2023

KTM 890 Adventure R 2023

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Overview - BMW R 1250 GS 2021 vs KTM 890 Adventure R 2023

The BMW R 1250 GS 2021 and the KTM 890 Adventure R 2023 are both powerful and versatile enduro motorcycles. However, they have some key differences in terms of their technical specifications and strengths.

In terms of engine and drive train, the BMW R 1250 GS 2021 features a Boxer engine with a bore of 102.5 mm and a stroke of 76 mm. It has an engine power of 136 HP and a torque of 143 Nm. The starter is electric and it has a transmission system of prop shaft. On the other hand, the KTM 890 Adventure R 2023 has an in-line engine with a bore of 90.7 mm and a stroke of 68.8 mm. It has a slightly lower engine power of 105 HP and a torque of 100 Nm. The starter is also electric, but it has a chain transmission system.

In terms of suspension, the BMW R 1250 GS 2021 has a front suspension of Telelever with a diameter of 37 mm and a travel of 190 mm. The rear suspension is a single swing arm with a monoshock and a travel of 200 mm. The KTM 890 Adventure R 2023, on the other hand, has an upside-down telescopic fork front suspension with a diameter of 48 mm and a travel of 240 mm. The rear suspension is a swing arm with a monoshock and a travel of 240 mm. Both motorcycles have adjustable suspension settings.

BMW R 1250 GS 2021

BMW R 1250 GS 2021

In terms of chassis, the BMW R 1250 GS 2021 has a steel frame with a load-bearing engine design and a rake of 62.9 degrees. The KTM 890 Adventure R 2023 has a chromium-molybdenum frame with a tubular, load-bearing engine design and a slightly steeper rake of 63.7 degrees.

Both motorcycles have double disk front brakes and advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, and traction control. The BMW R 1250 GS 2021 also has additional features like hill start assist and cornering lights. The KTM 890 Adventure R 2023 has additional features like connectivity, LED daytime running lights, and a TFT display.

In terms of dimensions and weights, both motorcycles have a fuel tank capacity of 20 liters. The BMW R 1250 GS 2021 has a front tire diameter of 19 inches and a rear tire width of 170 mm with a diameter of 17 inches. It has a wheelbase of 1525 mm and a seat height of 850 mm. The KTM 890 Adventure R 2023 has a slightly larger front tire diameter of 21 inches and a rear tire width of 150 mm with a diameter of 18 inches. It has a slightly longer wheelbase of 1528 mm and a higher seat height of 880 mm.

In terms of strengths, the BMW R 1250 GS 2021 offers great ride comfort and ergonomics, a powerful engine, a great connectivity app, an easy-to-read display, and a confident feel in the saddle. It also has practical riding aids and a versatile chassis that can accommodate every route. Overall, it is easy to ride.

KTM 890 Adventure R 2023

KTM 890 Adventure R 2023

On the other hand, the KTM 890 Adventure R 2023 has strengths such as an off-road capable chassis, harmonious ergonomics (especially for tall pilots), agile handling, a powerful engine, and a comprehensive electronics package. It also has cornering ABS including an off-road mode as standard, finely controllable brakes, and traction control that adjusts depending on the lean angle.

In terms of weaknesses, the BMW R 1250 GS 2021 has a rough overall appearance and its gearshifts at low revs can be somewhat clumsy. The KTM 890 Adventure R 2023 has a standard seat that is rather hard padded, a seat height that can be challenging for small riders, and some useful features such as Quickshifter+ are only available at an extra cost.

In conclusion, both the BMW R 1250 GS 2021 and the KTM 890 Adventure R 2023 are capable enduro motorcycles with their own strengths and weaknesses. The BMW offers a comfortable and easy-to-ride experience with a powerful engine and practical features, while the KTM excels in off-road capabilities and has a more comprehensive electronics package. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications BMW R 1250 GS 2021 compared to KTM 890 Adventure R 2023

BMW R 1250 GS 2021
KTM 890 Adventure R 2023

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeBoxerEngine typeIn line
BoreBore102.5 mmBore90.7 mm
StrokeStroke76 mmStroke68.8 mm
Engine powerEngine power136 HPEngine power105 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power7,750 rpmRpm at Max. Power8,000 rpm
TorqueTorque143 NmTorque100 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,250 rpmRpm at Torque6,500 rpm
Fuel systemFuel systemInjectionFuel systemInjection
Throttle BoreThrottle Bore52 mmThrottle Bore46 mm
StarterStarterElectricStarterElectric
Clutch TypeClutch TypeAntihoppingClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
TransmissionTransmissionProp shaftTransmissionChain
Transmission TypeTransmission TypeGearshiftTransmission TypeGearshift
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
Valves per cylinderValves per cylinder4Valves per cylinder4
ValvesValvesDOHCValvesDOHC
CoolingCoolingliquid-airCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement1,254 ccmDisplacement889 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionTeleleverFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
DiameterDiameter37 mmDiameter48 mm
TravelTravel190 mmTravel240 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreloadAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSingle swing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
TravelTravel200 mmTravel240 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreload, ReboundAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound
MaterialMaterialAluminiumMaterialAluminium

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameChromium-molybdenum
Frame typeFrame typeLoad-bearing engineFrame typeTubular, Load-bearing engine
RakeRake62.9 degreeRake63.7 degree

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter305 mmDiameter320 mm
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
ActuationActuationHydraulicActuationHydraulic
TechnologyTechnologyradialTechnologyradial

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter276 mmDiameter260 mm
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonDouble piston

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Anti-slipping control, Hill start assist, Riding modes, Cornering ABS, Ride by Wire, Traction controlAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Riding modes, Cornering ABS, Ride by Wire, Traction control

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width120 mmFront tyre width90 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height70 %Front tyre height90 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter19 inchFront tyre diameter21 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width170 mmRear tyre width150 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height60 %Rear tyre height70 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter18 inch
WheelbaseWheelbase1,525 mmWheelbase1,528 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height850 mmSeat Height880 mm
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity20 lFuel Tank Capacity20 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA
RangeRange421 kmRange444 km
Combined CO2 emissionsCombined CO2 emissions110 g/kmCombined CO2 emissions105 g/km
Combined fuel consumptionCombined fuel consumption4.75 l/100kmCombined fuel consumption4.5 l/100km
Stationary noiseStationary noise88 dBStationary noise88 dB

Equipment

EquipmentEquipmentCornering lights, LED-Headlights, Windscreen adjustableEquipmentConnectivity, LED daytime running lights, LED-Headlights, TFT display

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

BMW R 1250 GS 2021

BMW R 1250 GS 2021

The GS also impressed us with its versatility during the test in November 2021. We rode the bike on a wide variety of terrain and were once again very satisfied. The motorbike convinces in every situation with its easy handling and practicality. On the other hand, it can also be ridden delightfully irrationally.

Great ride comfort and great ergonomics

Powerful engine

Great connectivity app

Easy-to-read display

Confident feel in the saddle

Practical riding aids

Versatile chassis accommodates every route

Easy to ride

Rough overall appearance

gearshifts at low revs somewhat clumsy

KTM 890 Adventure R 2023

KTM 890 Adventure R 2023

If you can't get to a place on the 890 Adventure R, you probably can't get there at all on a touring enduro. It is the right choice when things get really rough. Long suspension travel and a high seat underline the serious visual appearance, the 890 Adventure R is no dazzler offroad. All the more surprising, then, that it also cuts a very good figure on the road.

Off-road capable chassis

harmonious ergonomics (especially for tall pilots)

agile handling

powerful engine

comprehensive electronics package

cornering ABS incl. off-road mode standard

finely controllable brakes

Traction control depending on lean angle

Standard seat rather hard padded

Seat height challenging for small riders

Useful features such as Quickshifter+ at extra cost

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price BMW R 1250 GS vs KTM 890 Adventure R

There are a few key differences between a BMW R 1250 GS 2021 and a KTM 890 Adventure R 2023. In terms of price, the actual average price of a BMW R 1250 GS 2021 is about 38% higher. Compared to KTM 890 Adventure R 2023 there are more BMW R 1250 GS 2021 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 66 compared to 53. It takes less time to sell a BMW R 1250 GS with 55 days compared to 65 days for a KTM 890 Adventure R. Since model year 2019 1000PS.de editors have written 50 reviews for the BMW R 1250 GS and 10 reviews for the KTM 890 Adventure R since model year 2021. The first review for the BMW R 1250 GS was published on 9/19/2018 and now has more than 305,600 views. This compares to more than 31,600 views for the first review on KTM 890 Adventure R published on 10/6/2020.

Price BMW R 1250 GS

Model year
Current average market prices

Price KTM 890 Adventure R

Model year
Current average market prices

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