BMW R 1250 GS 2021 vs. KTM 1090 Adventure 2017

In terms of engine and drive train, the BMW R 1250 GS 2021 is equipped with a Boxer engine, while the KTM 1090 Adventure 2017 features a V engine. The bore of the BMW is 102.5 mm, while the KTM has a bore of 103 mm. The stroke of the BMW is 76 mm, while the KTM has a stroke of 63 mm. The BMW has a higher engine power of 136 HP compared to the KTM's 125 HP. The torque of the BMW is also higher at 143 Nm compared to the KTM's 109 Nm. Both motorcycles have an electric starter, but the BMW has a transmission with a prop shaft, while the KTM has a chain transmission. Both motorcycles have 2 cylinders, but the BMW has a larger displacement of 1254 ccm compared to the KTM's 1050 ccm.

In terms of suspension, the BMW R 1250 GS 2021 has a front suspension with Telelever and a diameter of 37 mm. The travel of the front suspension is 190 mm. The rear suspension is a single swing arm with a monoshock and a travel of 200 mm. On the other hand, the KTM 1090 Adventure 2017 has an upside-down telescopic fork front suspension with a diameter of 43 mm and a travel of 185 mm. The rear suspension is a swing arm with a monoshock and a travel of 190 mm.

In terms of chassis, the BMW R 1250 GS 2021 has a steel frame with a load-bearing engine. The rake of the chassis is 62.9 degrees and the trail is 109 mm. The KTM 1090 Adventure 2017 has a chromium-molybdenum frame with a tubular design. The rake of the chassis is 64 degrees and the trail is 120 mm.

BMW R 1250 GS 2021

Both motorcycles have double disk brakes at the front. In terms of advanced rider assistance systems, both motorcycles are equipped with ABS, riding modes, and traction control. The BMW R 1250 GS 2021 also has additional features such as anti-slipping control, hill start assist, cornering ABS, ride by wire, and cornering lights. The KTM 1090 Adventure 2017 has the advantage of being able to switch off the ABS.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the BMW R 1250 GS 2021 has a front tire diameter of 19 inches, a rear tire width of 170 mm, and a rear tire diameter of 17 inches. The wheelbase is 1525 mm and the seat height is 850 mm. The kerb weight with ABS is 249 kg and the fuel tank capacity is 20 liters. On the other hand, the KTM 1090 Adventure 2017 has a front tire diameter of 19 inches, a rear tire width of 150 mm, and a rear tire diameter of 17 inches. The wheelbase is 1560 mm and the seat height is 850 mm. The kerb weight with ABS is 228 kg and the fuel tank capacity is 23 liters.

KTM 1090 Adventure 2017

In terms of equipment, both motorcycles have an adjustable windscreen. The BMW R 1250 GS 2021 also features cornering lights and LED headlights, while the KTM 1090 Adventure 2017 does not have these features.

In terms of strengths, the BMW R 1250 GS 2021 offers great ride comfort and ergonomics, a powerful engine, a great connectivity app, an easy-to-read display, a confident feel in the saddle, practical riding aids, and a versatile chassis that can accommodate every route. It is also described as easy to ride. On the other hand, the KTM 1090 Adventure 2017 has a very powerful and cultivated engine with a wide rev range, performance modes, the ability to switch off ABS, adjustable traction control, agile and safe handling, adjustable ergonomics, a height-adjustable windshield, low weight, and a comparatively low price.

In terms of weaknesses, the BMW R 1250 GS 2021 has a rough overall appearance and gearshifts at low revs can be somewhat clumsy. The KTM 1090 Adventure 2017 is criticized for its outdated optics compared to the new 1290 Super Adventures and its non-adjustable suspension fork.