KTM 890 SMT 2023 vs. BMW R 1200 RS 2018

KTM 890 SMT 2023

KTM 890 SMT 2023

BMW R 1200 RS 2018

BMW R 1200 RS 2018

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Overview - KTM 890 SMT 2023 vs BMW R 1200 RS 2018

The KTM 890 SMT 2023 and the BMW R 1200 RS 2018 are both sport touring motorcycles that offer a combination of sporty performance and touring capabilities. However, there are several key differences between the two models.

In terms of engine and drive train, the KTM 890 SMT 2023 features an in-line engine with 105 HP of power and 100 Nm of torque. It has a 4-stroke, 2-cylinder engine with a displacement of 889cc. The transmission is chain-driven. On the other hand, the BMW R 1200 RS 2018 has a boxer engine with 125 HP of power and 125 Nm of torque. It also has a 4-stroke, 2-cylinder engine but with a larger displacement of 1170cc. The transmission is a prop shaft.

KTM 890 SMT 2023

KTM 890 SMT 2023

When it comes to suspension, the KTM 890 SMT 2023 has an upside-down telescopic fork at the front and a swing arm suspension at the rear. The frame is made of chromium-molybdenum and is of the tubular, load-bearing engine type. The BMW R 1200 RS 2018, on the other hand, has a telescopic fork at the front and a paralever suspension at the rear. The frame is made of steel and is also of the load-bearing engine type.

Both motorcycles have double disk brakes at the front with radial technology. They also have the same tire dimensions, with a front tire width of 120mm and a rear tire width of 180mm. The wheelbase of the KTM 890 SMT 2023 is slightly shorter at 1502mm compared to the BMW R 1200 RS 2018's 1530mm. The seat height of the KTM is higher at 860mm compared to the BMW's 820mm. The fuel tank capacity of the KTM is 15.8 liters, while the BMW has a larger capacity of 18 liters.

In terms of strengths, the KTM 890 SMT 2023 boasts a powerful engine with linear power delivery, a snappy braking system, and playful handling. It also offers comfortable ergonomics and moderate fuel consumption. The BMW R 1200 RS 2018, on the other hand, is praised for its precise and stable handling, comfortable seating position, great wind protection, and sporty look with the Wunderlich conversion.

BMW R 1200 RS 2018

BMW R 1200 RS 2018

However, the KTM 890 SMT 2023 does have some weaknesses. Important features may cost extra, and its sharp design may not appeal to everyone. The BMW R 1200 RS 2018's only weakness mentioned is that the knee angle may be somewhat compact for riders with long legs.

In conclusion, the KTM 890 SMT 2023 and the BMW R 1200 RS 2018 are both capable sport touring motorcycles with their own set of strengths and weaknesses. The KTM offers a powerful engine and comfortable ergonomics, while the BMW provides precise handling and a sporty look. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications KTM 890 SMT 2023 compared to BMW R 1200 RS 2018

KTM 890 SMT 2023
BMW R 1200 RS 2018

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeBoxer
BoreBore90.7 mmBore101 mm
StrokeStroke68.8 mmStroke73 mm
Engine powerEngine power105 HPEngine power125 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power8,000 rpmRpm at Max. Power7,750 rpm
TorqueTorque100 NmTorque125 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,500 rpmRpm at Torque6,500 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio13.5 Compression Ratio12.5
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeAntihopping
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionProp shaft
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingAir
DisplacementDisplacement889 ccmDisplacement1,170 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionTelescopic fork

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionParalever

Chassis

FrameFrameChromium-molybdenumFrameSteel
Frame typeFrame typeTubular, Load-bearing engineFrame typeLoad-bearing engine

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
TechnologyTechnologyradialTechnologyradial

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonDouble piston

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width120 mmFront tyre width120 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height70 %Front tyre height70 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter17 inchFront tyre diameter17 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width180 mmRear tyre width180 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height55 %Rear tyre height55 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
WheelbaseWheelbase1,502 mmWheelbase1,530 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height860 mmSeat Height820 mm
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity15.8 lFuel Tank Capacity18 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

KTM 890 SMT 2023

KTM 890 SMT 2023

Anyone who thought the new 8980 SMT would play an unnecessary supporting role between the 890 Adventure and 890 Duke models was probably mistaken. Rarely before has a motorbike managed to do so much what it suggests on the outside with its looks. So the 890 SMT wants to be moved in a sporty way - and can do that particularly well. However, with the fairing, the well-padded saddle and the upright seating position, even long distances are easy to master. The brakes have a firm grip and the handling feels extremely agile, even in tight corners. The motto of the 890 SMT is clearly travelling AND racing!

Powerful engine with linear power delivery

snappy braking system

playful handling, delightful angularity

reasonable touring suitability

comfortable ergonomics

universally usable

moderate fuel consumption.

Important features cost extra

sharp design does not appeal to everyone

BMW R 1200 RS 2018

BMW R 1200 RS 2018

Wunderlich has optimised the already great R 1200 RS with pinpoint accuracy and turned it into a real dream machine. The straight handlebars fit the sports tourer really well. The bike's sporty look is justified. Anyone who tries this Wunderlich machine sets the bar incredibly high for their next motorbike. A real dream bike.

Precise and stable handling

comfortable seating position

great wind protection

with the Wunderlich conversion, a very sporty and sleek look overall.

Knee angle somewhat compact with long legs

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price KTM 890 SMT vs BMW R 1200 RS

There are a few key differences between a KTM 890 SMT 2023 and a BMW R 1200 RS 2018. In terms of price, the actual average price of a BMW R 1200 RS 2018 is about 7% higher. Compared to BMW R 1200 RS 2018 there are more KTM 890 SMT 2023 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 91 compared to 12. It takes less time to sell a KTM 890 SMT with 37 days compared to 89 days for a BMW R 1200 RS. Since model year 2023 1000PS.de editors have written 6 reviews for the KTM 890 SMT and 13 reviews for the BMW R 1200 RS since model year 2015. The first review for the KTM 890 SMT was published on 10/18/2021 and now has more than 38,000 views. This compares to more than 28,300 views for the first review on BMW R 1200 RS published on 9/30/2014.

Price KTM 890 SMT

Model year
Current average market prices

Price BMW R 1200 RS

Model year
Current average market prices

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