KTM 1090 Adventure 2017 vs. BMW R 1250 GS 2020

KTM 1090 Adventure 2017

KTM 1090 Adventure 2017

BMW R 1250 GS 2020

BMW R 1250 GS 2020

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Overview - KTM 1090 Adventure 2017 vs BMW R 1250 GS 2020

The KTM 1090 Adventure 2017 and the BMW R 1250 GS 2020 are both powerful and capable enduro motorcycles. However, there are several key differences between the two models.

In terms of engine and drivetrain, the KTM 1090 Adventure 2017 features a V-twin engine with a displacement of 1050cc, producing 125 horsepower and 109 Nm of torque. It has a chain transmission and an electric starter. On the other hand, the BMW R 1250 GS 2020 is equipped with a boxer engine with a displacement of 1254cc, delivering 136 horsepower and 143 Nm of torque. It has a prop shaft transmission and an electric starter. The BMW has a slightly higher power output and torque compared to the KTM.

When it comes to suspension, the KTM 1090 Adventure 2017 has an upside-down telescopic fork with a diameter of 43mm and a travel of 185mm in the front, while the rear suspension consists of a swing arm with a monoshock and a travel of 190mm. On the other hand, the BMW R 1250 GS 2020 features a telelever front suspension with a diameter of 37mm and a travel of 190mm, and a single swing arm rear suspension with a monoshock and a travel of 200mm. Both motorcycles offer a good amount of travel for off-road adventures, but the BMW has a slightly longer rear suspension travel.

In terms of chassis, the KTM 1090 Adventure 2017 has a chromium-molybdenum frame, while the BMW R 1250 GS 2020 has a steel frame. Both frames are sturdy and provide good stability and handling. The KTM has a rake of 64 degrees and a trail of 120mm, while the BMW has a slightly smaller rake of 62.9 degrees and a trail of 109mm.

KTM 1090 Adventure 2017

KTM 1090 Adventure 2017

When it comes to brakes, both motorcycles are equipped with double disc brakes in the front. The KTM 1090 Adventure 2017 does not specify the size of the front discs, while the BMW R 1250 GS 2020 has double disc brakes with an unspecified size. Both motorcycles offer stable braking performance.

In terms of advanced rider assistance systems, both motorcycles are equipped with ABS. The KTM 1090 Adventure 2017 also offers riding modes and traction control, while the BMW R 1250 GS 2020 adds anti-slipping control and ride by wire.

In terms of dimensions and weights, both motorcycles have a front tire diameter of 19 inches and a rear tire diameter of 17 inches. The KTM has a rear tire width of 150mm, while the BMW has a wider rear tire width of 170mm. The KTM has a wheelbase of 1560mm, while the BMW has a slightly shorter wheelbase of 1525mm. Both motorcycles have a seat height of 850mm. The KTM weighs 228kg (with ABS), while the BMW is slightly heavier at 249kg (with ABS). The KTM has a larger fuel tank capacity of 23 liters, compared to the BMW's 20 liters.

BMW R 1250 GS 2020

BMW R 1250 GS 2020

In terms of equipment, both motorcycles offer adjustable windshields. The BMW R 1250 GS 2020 also features LED headlights and a color TFT display as standard.

In terms of strengths, the KTM 1090 Adventure 2017 is praised for its powerful and refined engine, adjustable ergonomics, agile and safe handling, and comparatively low price. The BMW R 1250 GS 2020 is praised for its extremely high-torque boxer engine, comfortable seating position suitable for long distances, stable braking performance, good weather protection, and LED headlights.

In terms of weaknesses, the KTM 1090 Adventure 2017 is criticized for its outdated appearance compared to the newer KTM 1290 Super Adventures and its non-adjustable suspension fork. The BMW R 1250 GS 2020 is criticized for its manageable standard equipment and a jagged appearance with little elegance.

Overall, both the KTM 1090 Adventure 2017 and the BMW R 1250 GS 2020 are capable and powerful enduro motorcycles, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. The choice between the two would depend on individual preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications KTM 1090 Adventure 2017 compared to BMW R 1250 GS 2020

KTM 1090 Adventure 2017
BMW R 1250 GS 2020

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeVEngine typeBoxer
BoreBore103 mmBore102.5 mm
StrokeStroke63 mmStroke76 mm
Engine powerEngine power125 HPEngine power136 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power8,500 rpmRpm at Max. Power7,750 rpm
TorqueTorque109 NmTorque143 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,500 rpmRpm at Torque6,250 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio13 Compression Ratio12.5
Fuel systemFuel systemInjectionFuel systemInjection
Throttle BoreThrottle Bore52 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
DisplacementDisplacement1,050 ccmDisplacement1,254 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionTelelever
DiameterDiameter43 mmDiameter37 mm
TravelTravel185 mmTravel190 mm

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSingle swing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
TravelTravel190 mmTravel200 mm
MaterialMaterialAluminiumMaterialAluminium

Chassis

FrameFrameChromium-molybdenumFrameSteel
Frame typeFrame typeTubularFrame typeLoad-bearing engine
RakeRake64 degreeRake62.9 degree
TrailTrail120 mmTrail109 mm

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter320 mmDiameter305 mm
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
ActuationActuationHydraulicActuationHydraulic
TechnologyTechnologyradialTechnologyradial

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter267 mmDiameter276 mm
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonDouble piston
Shock mountShock mountFixed caliperShock mountFloating caliper

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Riding modes, Traction controlAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Anti-slipping control, Riding modes, Ride by Wire

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width110 mmFront tyre width120 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height80 %Front tyre height70 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter19 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 diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
WheelbaseWheelbase1,560 mmWheelbase1,525 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height850 mmSeat Height850 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)228 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)249 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity23 lFuel Tank Capacity20 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Equipment

EquipmentEquipmentWindscreen adjustableEquipmentLED-Headlights, Windscreen adjustable

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

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

BMW R 1250 GS 2020

BMW R 1250 GS 2020

The BMW R 1250 GS is the logical further development of the R 1200 GS - logical above all because one should not expect such a popular motorbike to be radically changed. Accordingly, the design has been changed cautiously, and the familiar options for the chassis and electronics have been retained. The new name R 1250 GS, however, promises a new engine - and it really is something! 136 hp at 7750 rpm and a whopping 143 Newton metres of maximum torque at 6250 rpm are an absolute blast! BMW has thus renovated the big GS almost perfectly: it remains clearly recognisable, has a little more electronics as standard, a still long list of surcharges (which customers like to tick from A to Z) and a now even better and more sovereign power plant - what more could you want?!

extremely high-torque boxer engine

good sound

comfortable seating position, suitable for long distances

stable braking performance

good weather protection

colour TFT display standard

LED headlights

Manageable standard equipment, long surcharge list

jagged appearance with little elegance

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price KTM 1090 Adventure vs BMW R 1250 GS

There are a few key differences between a KTM 1090 Adventure 2017 and a BMW R 1250 GS 2020. In terms of price, the actual average price of a BMW R 1250 GS 2020 is about 93% higher. Compared to BMW R 1250 GS 2020 there are less KTM 1090 Adventure 2017 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 8 compared to 71. It takes less time to sell a BMW R 1250 GS with 43 days compared to 77 days for the KTM 1090 Adventure. Since model year 2017 1000PS.de editors have written 7 reviews for the KTM 1090 Adventure and 50 reviews for the BMW R 1250 GS since model year 2019. The first review for the KTM 1090 Adventure was published on 10/12/2016 and now has more than 32,200 views. This compares to more than 305,600 views for the first review on BMW R 1250 GS published on 9/19/2018.

Price KTM 1090 Adventure

Model year
Current average market prices

Price BMW R 1250 GS

Model year
Current average market prices

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