BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019 vs. KTM 890 Adventure R 2023

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019

KTM 890 Adventure R 2023

KTM 890 Adventure R 2023

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Overview - BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019 vs KTM 890 Adventure R 2023

The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019 and the KTM 890 Adventure R 2023 are both enduro motorcycles that offer impressive features and capabilities.

Starting with the engine and drive train, the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019 is equipped with a Boxer engine, while the KTM 890 Adventure R 2023 has an in-line engine. The BMW has a larger bore and stroke (102.5 mm and 76 mm) compared to the KTM's (90.7 mm and 68.8 mm), resulting in higher engine power and torque for the BMW (136 HP and 143 Nm) compared to the KTM (105 HP and 100 Nm). Both motorcycles have an electric starter, but the BMW has a transmission with a prop shaft, while the KTM has a chain transmission.

In terms of suspension, the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019 features a telelever front suspension with a diameter of 37 mm and a travel of 210 mm. The rear suspension is a single swing arm with a monoshock and a travel of 220 mm. On the other hand, the KTM 890 Adventure R 2023 has an upside-down telescopic fork front suspension with a larger 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 offer adjustment options for preload, rebound, and compression.

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019

In terms of chassis, the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019 has a steel frame with a load-bearing engine design and a rake of 65.1 degrees. The KTM 890 Adventure R 2023, on the other hand, features a chromium-molybdenum frame with a tubular load-bearing engine design and a slightly smaller rake of 63.7 degrees.

When it comes to brakes, both motorcycles have double disk front brakes. The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019 offers advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, anti-slipping control, riding modes, and ride by wire. The KTM 890 Adventure R 2023 also has ABS, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, and traction control.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019 has a front tire diameter of 19 inches and a rear tire diameter of 17 inches, with a wheelbase of 1504 mm. The seat height is 890 mm, and the fuel tank capacity is 30 liters. On the other hand, the KTM 890 Adventure R 2023 has a front tire diameter of 21 inches and a rear tire diameter of 18 inches, with a slightly longer wheelbase of 1528 mm. The seat height is 880 mm, and the fuel tank capacity is 20 liters.

KTM 890 Adventure R 2023

KTM 890 Adventure R 2023

In terms of equipment, both motorcycles offer LED headlights. The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019 also has an adjustable windscreen, while the KTM 890 Adventure R 2023 offers additional features such as connectivity, LED daytime running lights, and a TFT display.

In terms of strengths, the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019 offers great ride comfort, extreme range, good ergonomics, excellent weather protection, bulbous torque, clean response, and generally good rideability due to its low center of gravity. It also provides customization options. On the other hand, the KTM 890 Adventure R 2023 excels in off-road capabilities, harmonious ergonomics (especially for tall pilots), agile handling, powerful engine, comprehensive electronics package, and finely controllable brakes. It also comes with cornering ABS, including an off-road mode, as standard, and traction control depending on the lean angle.

However, both motorcycles have their weaknesses. The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019 has a high weight that may be noticeable in the braking zone, and it also comes with a high price tag. The KTM 890 Adventure R 2023 has a standard seat that is rather hard padded, which may not be comfortable for some riders. Additionally, the seat height may be challenging for small riders. Some useful features, such as Quickshifter+, are available at an extra cost.

Technical Specifications BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019 compared to KTM 890 Adventure R 2023

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019
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
TravelTravel210 mmTravel240 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreloadAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSingle swing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
TravelTravel220 mmTravel240 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreload, ReboundAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound
MaterialMaterialAluminiumMaterialAluminium

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameChromium-molybdenum
Frame typeFrame typeLoad-bearing engineFrame typeTubular, Load-bearing engine
RakeRake65.1 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, Riding modes, Ride by WireAdvanced 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
WheelbaseWheelbase1,504 mmWheelbase1,528 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height890 mmSeat Height880 mm
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity30 lFuel Tank Capacity20 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Equipment

EquipmentEquipmentLED-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 Adventure 2019

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019

The all-purpose weapon from Bavaria that can also handle ambitious off-road rides with ease. Thanks to an extra 2 centimetres of suspension travel and 10 litres more fuel in the tank, no tour is too far and no challenge too great. The comparatively low centre of gravity helps with handling and the more powerful engine brings it much closer to the normal R 1250 GS in terms of riding dynamics. In the new 1250 model generation, it offers not only the revised engine, which brings even better rideability, but also a plus in standard equipment and safety. The fiercest competitor for the Adventure is nevertheless lurking in its own house, because even the conventional, less expensive GS is already a fine all-rounder.

Great ride comfort

extreme range

good ergonomics

excellent weather protection

bulbous torque

clean response

generally good rideability due to low centre of gravity

customisation options.

High weight noticeable in the braking zone

high price

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 Adventure vs KTM 890 Adventure R

There are a few key differences between a BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019 and a KTM 890 Adventure R 2023. In terms of price, the actual average price of a BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019 is about 38% higher. Compared to KTM 890 Adventure R 2023 there are less BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 24 compared to 53. It takes less time to sell a BMW R 1250 GS Adventure with 51 days compared to 65 days for a KTM 890 Adventure R. Since model year 2019 1000PS.de editors have written 30 reviews for the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure and 10 reviews for the KTM 890 Adventure R since model year 2021. The first review for the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure was published on 11/6/2018 and now has more than 43,300 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 Adventure

Model year
Current average market prices

Price KTM 890 Adventure R

Model year
Current average market prices

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