BMW R 1200 GS 2012 vs. KTM 1090 Adventure 2017

BMW R 1200 GS 2012

BMW R 1200 GS 2012

KTM 1090 Adventure 2017

KTM 1090 Adventure 2017

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Overview - BMW R 1200 GS 2012 vs KTM 1090 Adventure 2017

The BMW R 1200 GS 2012 and the KTM 1090 Adventure 2017 are both enduro motorcycles that offer a range of features and capabilities for off-road riding. While they have some similarities, there are also key differences that set them apart.

In terms of engine and drive train, the BMW R 1200 GS 2012 is equipped with a Boxer engine, while the KTM 1090 Adventure 2017 has a V-type engine. The BMW has a larger bore at 101 mm compared to the KTM's 103 mm, but the KTM has a shorter stroke at 63 mm compared to the BMW's 73 mm. The KTM also has a higher engine power at 125 HP compared to the BMW's 110 HP, but the BMW has a higher torque at 120 Nm compared to the KTM's 109 Nm. The BMW has a prop shaft transmission, while the KTM has a chain transmission. Both motorcycles have 2 cylinders, but the BMW has a larger displacement at 1170 ccm compared to the KTM's 1050 ccm.

BMW R 1200 GS 2012

BMW R 1200 GS 2012

In terms of suspension, the BMW R 1200 GS 2012 has a strut front suspension and a single swing arm rear suspension. On the other hand, the KTM 1090 Adventure 2017 has an upside-down telescopic fork front suspension and a swing arm rear suspension. The BMW has a load-bearing engine frame type, while the KTM has a tubular frame type. Both motorcycles have double disk front brakes. The BMW has a rear tire width of 110 mm, while the KTM has a wider rear tire width at 150 mm. The BMW has a slightly shorter wheelbase at 1507 mm compared to the KTM's 1560 mm. Both motorcycles have a seat height of 850 mm and a fuel tank capacity of 20 l for the BMW and 23 l for the KTM.

In terms of strengths, the BMW R 1200 GS 2012 offers optimal wind protection, a comfortable seat, and a good posture for the rider. It also has positive ergonomics and is weather robust. Additionally, the BMW has a quiet chassis, which can contribute to a more enjoyable riding experience.

On the other hand, the KTM 1090 Adventure 2017 has a very powerful and cultivated engine with a wide rev range. It also offers performance modes, allowing riders to customize their riding experience. The KTM has the ability to switch off the ABS, which can be useful for more experienced riders. It also has adjustable traction control, providing added safety and control. The KTM is known for its agile and safe handling, making it a popular choice for off-road enthusiasts. Additionally, the KTM offers adjustable ergonomics, including a height-adjustable windshield, allowing riders to find their optimal riding position. The KTM is also relatively lightweight and has a comparatively low price, making it an attractive option for those on a budget.

KTM 1090 Adventure 2017

KTM 1090 Adventure 2017

In terms of weaknesses, the BMW R 1200 GS 2012 has a seat that some riders may find a little too low. On the other hand, the KTM 1090 Adventure 2017 may be seen as having outdated optics compared to the newer 1290 Super Adventures. Additionally, the suspension fork on the KTM is not adjustable, which may limit customization options for riders.

Overall, both the BMW R 1200 GS 2012 and the KTM 1090 Adventure 2017 have their own strengths and weaknesses. Depending on the rider's preferences and priorities, either motorcycle could be a suitable choice for off-road adventures.

Technical Specifications BMW R 1200 GS 2012 compared to KTM 1090 Adventure 2017

BMW R 1200 GS 2012
KTM 1090 Adventure 2017

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeBoxerEngine typeV
BoreBore101 mmBore103 mm
StrokeStroke73 mmStroke63 mm
Engine powerEngine power110 HPEngine power125 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power7,750 rpmRpm at Max. Power8,500 rpm
TorqueTorque120 NmTorque109 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,000 rpmRpm at Torque6,500 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio12 Compression Ratio13
Clutch TypeClutch TypeToughened, DryClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
TransmissionTransmissionProp shaftTransmissionChain
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
CoolingCoolingOil-airCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement1,170 ccmDisplacement1,050 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionStrutFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSingle swing armSuspensionSwing arm

Chassis

Frame typeFrame typeLoad-bearing engineFrame typeTubular

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
Shock mountShock mountFixed caliperShock mountFixed caliper

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonDouble piston
Shock mountShock mountFloating caliperShock mountFixed caliper

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width110 mmFront tyre width110 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height80 %Front tyre height80 %
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width110 mmRear tyre width150 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height80 %Rear tyre height70 %
WheelbaseWheelbase1,507 mmWheelbase1,560 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height850 mmSeat Height850 mm
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity20 lFuel Tank Capacity23 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

BMW R 1200 GS 2012

BMW R 1200 GS 2012

Either it was a stroke of luck or the best developers were at work - handlebars, geometry, seat, knee angle, footrests - it just fits really well for the majority of Central Europeans. All in all, there is still no motorbike that can kill the GS.

Optimal wind protection

comfortable seat

good posture

positive ergonomics

weather robust

quiet chassis.

Seat a little too low.

KTM 1090 Adventure 2017

KTM 1090 Adventure 2017

The KTM 1090 Adventure is a huge step away from its predecessor, the 1050 Adventure, towards its bigger sisters. The electronics package with adjustable riding modes, traction control and ABS remains at the already high level, but the engine now has 125 hp, around a third (!) more than the 1050. Almost more importantly, it can now rev freely to over 10,000 rpm and thus offers a more usable rev band. You will hardly find a more balanced bike in the class of still reasonably priced large touring enduros.

Very powerful, cultivated engine with wide rev range

performance modes

ABS can be switched off

adjustable traction control

agile and safe handling

adjustable ergonomics

height-adjustable windshield

low weight

comparatively low price.

Optics seem outdated by the new 1290 Super Adventures

suspension fork not adjustable

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price BMW R 1200 GS vs KTM 1090 Adventure

There are a few key differences between a BMW R 1200 GS 2012 and a KTM 1090 Adventure 2017. In terms of price, the actual average price of a BMW R 1200 GS 2012 is about 12% higher. Compared to KTM 1090 Adventure 2017 there are more BMW R 1200 GS 2012 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 23 compared to 8. It takes less time to sell a BMW R 1200 GS with 58 days compared to 77 days for a KTM 1090 Adventure. Since model year 2005 1000PS.de editors have written 98 reviews for the BMW R 1200 GS and 7 reviews for the KTM 1090 Adventure since model year 2017. The first review for the BMW R 1200 GS was published on 20/01/2004 and now has more than 19,100 views. This compares to more than 32,200 views for the first review on KTM 1090 Adventure published on 12/10/2016.

Price BMW R 1200 GS

Model year
Current average market prices

Price KTM 1090 Adventure

Model year
Current average market prices

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