KTM 790 Duke 2018 vs. BMW R 1250 GS 2023

KTM 790 Duke 2018

BMW R 1250 GS 2023

Technical Specifications KTM 790 Duke 2018 compared to BMW R 1250 GS 2023

KTM 790 Duke 2018

BMW R 1250 GS 2023

KTM 790 Duke 2018

BMW R 1250 GS 2023

Engine and Drive Train

Engine type	Engine type	In line	Engine type	Boxer
Bore	Bore	88 mm	Bore	102.5 mm
Stroke	Stroke	65.7 mm	Stroke	76 mm
Engine power	Engine power	105 HP	Engine power	136 HP
Fuel system	Fuel system	Injection	Fuel system	Injection
Starter	Starter	Electric	Starter	Electric
Clutch Type	Clutch Type	Multiplate in oil-bath	Clutch Type	Antihopping
Transmission	Transmission	Chain	Transmission	Prop shaft
Transmission Type	Transmission Type	Gearshift	Transmission Type	Gearshift
Number of gears	Number of gears	6	Number of gears	6
Cylinders	Cylinders	2	Cylinders	2
Strokes	Strokes	4-Stroke	Strokes	4-Stroke
Valves per cylinder	Valves per cylinder	4	Valves per cylinder	4
Valves	Valves	DOHC	Valves	DOHC
Cooling	Cooling	liquid	Cooling	liquid-air
Displacement	Displacement	799 ccm	Displacement	1,254 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspension	Front suspension	Upside-Down telescopic fork	Front suspension	Telelever
Diameter	Diameter	43 mm	Diameter	37 mm
Travel	Travel	140 mm	Travel	190 mm

Suspension Rear

Suspension	Suspension	Swing arm	Suspension	Single swing arm
Shock absorber	Shock absorber	Monoshock	Shock absorber	Monoshock
Travel	Travel	150 mm	Travel	200 mm
Adjustment	Adjustment	Preload	Adjustment	Preload, Rebound
Material	Material	Aluminium	Material	Aluminium

Chassis

Frame	Frame	Chromium-molybdenum	Frame	Steel
Frame type	Frame type	Tubular	Frame type	Load-bearing engine
Rake	Rake	66 degree	Rake	62.9 degree

Brakes Front

Type	Type	Double disk	Type	Double disk
Diameter	Diameter	300 mm	Diameter	305 mm
Piston	Piston	Four pistons	Piston	Four pistons
Actuation	Actuation	Hydraulic	Actuation	Hydraulic
Technology	Technology	radial	Technology	radial

Brakes Rear

Type	Type	Disc	Type	Disc
Diameter	Diameter	240 mm	Diameter	276 mm
Piston	Piston	Double piston	Piston	Double piston

Assistance Systems

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

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre width	Front tyre width	120 mm	Front tyre width	120 mm
Front tyre height	Front tyre height	70 %	Front tyre height	70 %
Front tyre diameter	Front tyre diameter	17 inch	Front tyre diameter	19 inch
Rear tyre width	Rear tyre width	180 mm	Rear tyre width	170 mm
Rear tyre height	Rear tyre height	55 %	Rear tyre height	60 %
Rear tyre diameter	Rear tyre diameter	17 inch	Rear tyre diameter	17 inch
Wheelbase	Wheelbase	1,475 mm	Wheelbase	1,525 mm
Seat Height	Seat Height	825 mm	Seat Height	850 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity	Fuel Tank Capacity	14 l	Fuel Tank Capacity	20 l
License compliancy	License compliancy	A	License compliancy	A

Equipment

Equipment	Equipment	Windscreen adjustable	Equipment	Cornering lights, LED-Headlights, Windscreen adjustable

Pros and Cons in comparison

KTM 790 Duke 2018

The KTM 790 Duke L is an absolutely sporty naked bike with a high fun factor. Whether a beginner rider can handle it depends very much on his or her personality and riding behaviour. There are certainly motorbikes better suited for learning, but sporty radius hunters will hardly be satisfied with anything else. The 790 Duke L is also rather unenthusiastic about everyday rides in the city. On the country road, however, it's a blast, even with only 48 hp. Simply a fun bike as it is written in the book.

Lively, high-revving engine with powerful acceleration

optimally tuned chassis for sporty riding

awesome sound even with series muffler

many electronic gimmicks and functions

extremely precise quickshifter that makes fast riding even easier

comfortable seating position

Rough handling at low revs

bitchy in city traffic

sometimes fiddly-looking switches on the handlebars

oil leak at the engine block on many 790 Dukes

BMW R 1250 GS 2023

The BMW R 1250 GS presents itself as a very complete motorbike even in 2022. Confident and well-balanced, it convinces on intensive rides. The motorbike scores points with its wonderful engine, great ergonomics and practical riding aids including great app integration. However, in direct comparison with other touring enduros in the top league, it is now showing its first weaknesses in terms of equipment and the components installed. However, the 136 hp from the boxer engine is convincing in every situation.

Extremely torquey boxer engine

Comfortable seating position, suitable for long distances

Great app integration

Sophisticated operating concept

Great ergonomics

Many customisation options

Great handling with strong confidence in the front

Easy driveability.

Shifting is awkward at low revs

seat too lax

brakes and suspension no longer on a par with the strong competition.

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price KTM 790 Duke vs BMW R 1250 GS

Price KTM 790 Duke

Model year

Average market price

Current average market prices

Price BMW R 1250 GS

Model year

Average market price

Current average market prices