KTM 790 Adventure 2019 vs. BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023

KTM 790 Adventure 2019

KTM 790 Adventure 2019

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023

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Overview - KTM 790 Adventure 2019 vs BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023

The KTM 790 Adventure 2019 and the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023 are both powerful and capable enduro motorcycles, but they have some notable differences in terms of specifications and strengths.

Starting with the engine and drive train, the KTM 790 Adventure 2019 features a 2-cylinder in-line engine with a displacement of 799cc. It produces 95 horsepower and 88 Nm of torque, providing a good balance of power and performance. The engine is paired with a chain transmission, offering a direct and responsive riding experience.

On the other hand, the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023 is equipped with a 2-cylinder boxer engine with a displacement of 1254cc. It delivers a higher power output of 136 horsepower and 143 Nm of torque, providing strong acceleration even at low revs. The engine is mated to a prop shaft transmission, which offers a smooth and reliable power delivery.

In terms of suspension, the KTM 790 Adventure 2019 features an upside-down telescopic fork at the front with a diameter of 43mm and a travel of 200mm. The rear suspension consists of a swing arm with a monoshock and offers the same travel distance. The suspension can be adjusted for preload.

KTM 790 Adventure 2019

KTM 790 Adventure 2019

On the other hand, the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023 is equipped with a telelever front suspension with a diameter of 37mm and a travel of 210mm. The rear suspension features a single swing arm with a monoshock and offers a slightly higher travel distance of 220mm. The suspension can be adjusted for preload and rebound.

In terms of chassis, the KTM 790 Adventure 2019 features a chromium-molybdenum frame that is tubular and load-bearing, providing excellent stability and durability. It has a rake of 64.1 degrees and a trail of 107.8mm, contributing to its high chassis stability.

On the other hand, the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023 has a steel frame that is also load-bearing, offering a strong and rigid structure. It has a slightly steeper rake of 65.1 degrees and a shorter trail of 95.4mm, which may contribute to its more accessible maneuverability.

Both motorcycles are equipped with double disk brakes at the front, providing strong and reliable stopping power. They also feature advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, riding modes, ride by wire, and traction control, ensuring a safe and controlled riding experience.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the KTM 790 Adventure 2019 has a front tire diameter of 21 inches and a rear tire width of 150mm with a diameter of 18 inches. It has a wheelbase of 1509mm and a seat height that can be adjusted from 830mm to 850mm. It also has a fuel tank capacity of 20 liters.

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023

On the other hand, the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023 has a slightly smaller front tire diameter of 19 inches and a wider rear tire with a width of 170mm and a diameter of 17 inches. It has a slightly shorter wheelbase of 1504mm but a higher seat height that can be adjusted from 890mm to 910mm. It also has a larger fuel tank capacity of 30 liters, providing a longer range.

In terms of strengths, the KTM 790 Adventure 2019 is praised for its engine with manners and character, high chassis stability, excellent brakes, tremendous off-road capabilities, and low average consumption. On the other hand, the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023 is commended for its high-torque engine, low center of gravity for maneuverability, practical details for frequent riders, gigantic range of 600km, low consumption, good wind and weather protection, great ride comfort, powerful engine, great electronics, easy-to-read display, confident feeling in the saddle, practical riding aids, and great ergonomics for tall people.

However, both motorcycles have their weaknesses. The KTM 790 Adventure 2019 is criticized for its unattractive surcharge policy and the original seat not being optimally shaped. On the other hand, the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023 is noted for its high weight, somewhat clumsy gearshifts at low revs, jagged appearance with little elegance, and high price with full equipment.

In summary, the KTM 790 Adventure 2019 and the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023 are both impressive enduro motorcycles with their own set of strengths and weaknesses. The KTM offers a balanced and capable performance, while the BMW provides a more powerful and refined riding experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications KTM 790 Adventure 2019 compared to BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023

KTM 790 Adventure 2019
BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeBoxer
BoreBore88 mmBore102.5 mm
StrokeStroke65.7 mmStroke76 mm
Engine powerEngine power95 HPEngine power136 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power8,000 rpmRpm at Max. Power7,750 rpm
TorqueTorque88 NmTorque143 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,600 rpmRpm at Torque6,250 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio12.7 Compression Ratio12.5
Fuel systemFuel systemInjectionFuel systemInjection
Throttle BoreThrottle Bore46 mmThrottle Bore52 mm
StarterStarterElectricStarterElectric
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeAntihopping
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionProp shaft
Transmission TypeTransmission TypeGearshiftTransmission TypeGearshift
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
Valves per cylinderValves per cylinder4Valves per cylinder4
ValvesValvesDOHCValvesDOHC
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid-air
DisplacementDisplacement799 ccmDisplacement1,254 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionTelelever
DiameterDiameter43 mmDiameter37 mm
TravelTravel200 mmTravel210 mm

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSingle swing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
TravelTravel200 mmTravel220 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreloadAdjustmentPreload, Rebound
MaterialMaterialAluminiumMaterialAluminium

Chassis

FrameFrameChromium-molybdenumFrameSteel
Frame typeFrame typeTubular, Load-bearing engineFrame typeLoad-bearing engine
RakeRake64.1 degreeRake65.1 degree
TrailTrail107.8 mmTrail95.4 mm

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter320 mmDiameter305 mm
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
ActuationActuationHydraulicActuationHydraulic
TechnologyTechnologyradialTechnologyradial

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter260 mmDiameter276 mm
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonDouble piston

Assistance Systems

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

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width90 mmFront tyre width120 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height90 %Front tyre height70 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter21 inchFront tyre diameter19 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width150 mmRear tyre width170 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height70 %Rear tyre height60 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter18 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
WheelbaseWheelbase1,509 mmWheelbase1,504 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height830 mmSeat Height890 mm
Seat Height up toSeat Height up to850 mmSeat Height up to910 mm
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity20 lFuel Tank Capacity30 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

KTM 790 Adventure 2019

KTM 790 Adventure 2019

In my eyes, the KTM is the sportiest of all mid-range touring enduros. If you are looking for a touring machine that is brutally nippy on road and off-road, you will find it here. At the same time, however, the chassis and engine offer sufficient comfort and good manners to keep the rider from going mad even on longer liaison stages.

Engine with manners AND character

Enormously high chassis stability

Brakes without reproach

Tremendous off-road capabilities

Low average consumption.

Unattractive surcharge policy

original seat not optimally shaped

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023

The big GS Adventure is and remains a great motorbike for any terrain - even for tight corners. The low centre of gravity of the boxer engine, the longitudinally mounted crankshaft, the upright seating position and the powerful but easily controllable torque from far below are simply a force. Although the Adventure version has a higher seat with more weight, which is a decisive hindrance when turning or manoeuvring, in terms of performance the engine also has so much punch in the big GS Adventure that you can let it rip. The BMW's braking system is stable and excellently controllable, and the equipment and electronics can be upgraded considerably - as long as you tick the boxes on the order list. Of course, this pushes up the price, but the many fans of the fat GS Adventure obviously don't mind.

High-torque engine that accelerates strongly from low revs

low centre of gravity ensures surprisingly accessible manoeuvrability

practical details for frequent riders on board

gigantic range of 600 km

amazingly low consumption

good wind and weather protection

great ride comfort

powerful engine

great electronics

easy-to-read display

confident feeling in the saddle

practical riding aids

great ergonomics for tall people.

High weight

gearshifts at low revs somewhat clumsy

jagged appearance with little elegance

high-priced with full equipment

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

There are a few key differences between a KTM 790 Adventure 2019 and a BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023. In terms of price, the actual average price of a BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023 is about 149% higher. Compared to BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023 there are less KTM 790 Adventure 2019 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 30 compared to 47. It takes less time to sell a BMW R 1250 GS Adventure with 64 days compared to 101 days for the KTM 790 Adventure. Since model year 2019 1000PS.de editors have written 20 reviews for the KTM 790 Adventure and 30 reviews for the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure since model year 2019. The first review for the KTM 790 Adventure was published on 10/6/2018 and now has more than 53,600 views. This compares to more than 43,300 views for the first review on BMW R 1250 GS Adventure published on 11/6/2018.

Price KTM 790 Adventure

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Current average market prices

Price BMW R 1250 GS Adventure

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Current average market prices

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