BMW R 1250 GS 2021 vs. KTM 790 Adventure R 2020

BMW R 1250 GS 2021

BMW R 1250 GS 2021

KTM 790 Adventure R 2020

KTM 790 Adventure R 2020

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Overview - BMW R 1250 GS 2021 vs KTM 790 Adventure R 2020

The BMW R 1250 GS 2021 and the KTM 790 Adventure R 2020 are both powerful and versatile enduro motorcycles. However, they have some notable differences in terms of their technical specifications and strengths.

Starting with the technical specifications, the BMW R 1250 GS 2021 is equipped with a Boxer engine, while the KTM 790 Adventure R 2020 has an inline engine. The BMW has a larger bore of 102.5 mm compared to the KTM's 88 mm, which indicates that the BMW engine may have better performance in terms of power and torque. The BMW also has a higher engine power of 136 HP and torque of 143 Nm, compared to the KTM's 95 HP and 88 Nm.

In terms of suspension, the BMW R 1250 GS 2021 features a Telelever front suspension with a diameter of 37 mm and a travel of 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 790 Adventure R 2020 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. These specifications suggest that the KTM may offer better off-road performance and handling due to its longer suspension travel.

In terms of chassis, the BMW R 1250 GS 2021 has a steel frame with a load-bearing engine design. The KTM 790 Adventure R 2020, on the other hand, has a chromium-molybdenum frame with a tubular, load-bearing engine design. Both frames are sturdy and provide stability, but the KTM's frame material may offer better strength-to-weight ratio.

BMW R 1250 GS 2021

BMW R 1250 GS 2021

Both motorcycles are equipped with advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, riding modes, ride by wire, and traction control. However, the BMW R 1250 GS 2021 also offers additional features like anti-slipping control, hill start assist, cornering ABS, and a connectivity app. These features enhance the overall riding experience and safety.

In terms of dimensions and weights, both motorcycles have a similar fuel tank capacity of 20 liters. The BMW R 1250 GS 2021 has a front tire diameter of 19 inches and a rear tire diameter of 17 inches, while the KTM 790 Adventure R 2020 has a front tire diameter of 21 inches and a rear tire diameter of 18 inches. The KTM's larger front tire diameter may provide better off-road performance and stability.

In terms of strengths, the BMW R 1250 GS 2021 offers great ride comfort and ergonomics, thanks to its versatile chassis and practical riding aids. The powerful engine provides a confident feel in the saddle, and the easy-to-read display and connectivity app enhance the overall riding experience.

KTM 790 Adventure R 2020

KTM 790 Adventure R 2020

On the other hand, the KTM 790 Adventure R 2020 is praised for its high chassis quality, which allows for a wide range of use. The engine offers great running culture, rich torque, and perfectly dimensioned power. The practical rally electronics package and easy-to-read display further enhance the riding experience. Despite its radical chassis design, the KTM remains stable, maneuverable, and suitable for everyday use on the road.

However, both motorcycles have some weaknesses. The BMW R 1250 GS 2021 has a rough overall appearance, which may not appeal to some riders. Additionally, the gearshifts at low revs can be somewhat clumsy.

The KTM 790 Adventure R 2020 does not come standard with a quickshifter, which may be a drawback for riders who prefer quick and seamless gear changes. The indicator switch is also considered a little fiddly, and the seat may be slightly more uncomfortable on long tours compared to the standard model.

In conclusion, the BMW R 1250 GS 2021 and the KTM 790 Adventure R 2020 are both capable enduro motorcycles with their own strengths and weaknesses. The BMW offers great ride comfort, a powerful engine, and practical riding aids, while the KTM excels in chassis quality, engine performance, and off-road capabilities. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the rider's preferences and intended use.

Technical Specifications BMW R 1250 GS 2021 compared to KTM 790 Adventure R 2020

BMW R 1250 GS 2021
KTM 790 Adventure R 2020

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeBoxerEngine typeIn line
BoreBore102.5 mmBore88 mm
StrokeStroke76 mmStroke65.7 mm
Engine powerEngine power136 HPEngine power95 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power7,750 rpmRpm at Max. Power8,000 rpm
TorqueTorque143 NmTorque88 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,250 rpmRpm at Torque6,600 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio12.5 Compression Ratio12.7
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 ccmDisplacement799 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionTeleleverFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
DiameterDiameter37 mmDiameter48 mm
TravelTravel190 mmTravel240 mm

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSingle swing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
TravelTravel200 mmTravel240 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreload, ReboundAdjustmentPreload
MaterialMaterialAluminiumMaterialAluminium

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameChromium-molybdenum
Frame typeFrame typeLoad-bearing engineFrame typeTubular, Load-bearing engine
RakeRake62.9 degreeRake63.7 degree
TrailTrail109 mmTrail110.4 mm

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, Hill start assist, Riding modes, Cornering ABS, Ride by Wire, Traction controlAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Riding modes, 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
WheelbaseWheelbase1,525 mmWheelbase1,528 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height850 mmSeat Height880 mm
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity20 lFuel Tank Capacity20 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

BMW R 1250 GS 2021

BMW R 1250 GS 2021

The GS also impressed us with its versatility during the test in November 2021. We rode the bike on a wide variety of terrain and were once again very satisfied. The motorbike convinces in every situation with its easy handling and practicality. On the other hand, it can also be ridden delightfully irrationally.

Great ride comfort and great ergonomics

Powerful engine

Great connectivity app

Easy-to-read display

Confident feel in the saddle

Practical riding aids

Versatile chassis accommodates every route

Easy to ride

Rough overall appearance

gearshifts at low revs somewhat clumsy

KTM 790 Adventure R 2020

KTM 790 Adventure R 2020

The Adventure R goes one step further than the standard model. Here, the WP guys were finally allowed to draw on their full resources and show what they can do. The higher-quality chassis compensates for the disadvantages of the long suspension travel on the road, but scores points off-road with massive reserves. The surcharge is more than justified. The seat height will probably restrict the clientele somewhat.

High chassis quality ensures a wide range of use

Engine offers great running culture, rich torque and perfectly dimensioned power

Easy-to-read display

Practical rally electronics package

Despite radical chassis also stable, manoeuvrable and suitable for everyday use on the road

Quickshifter not standard

indicator switch a little fiddly

seat a little more uncomfortable on long tours than on standard model

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

There are a few key differences between a BMW R 1250 GS 2021 and a KTM 790 Adventure R 2020. In terms of price, the actual average price of a BMW R 1250 GS 2021 is about 88% higher. A BMW R 1250 GS 2021 experiences a loss of 350 GBP in one year and 300 GBP in two years of ownership. This is offset by a loss of 610 GBP and 980 GBP for a KTM 790 Adventure R 2020. Compared to KTM 790 Adventure R 2020 there are more BMW R 1250 GS 2021 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 66 compared to 12. It takes less time to sell a BMW R 1250 GS with 55 days compared to 101 days for a KTM 790 Adventure R. Since model year 2019 1000PS.de editors have written 50 reviews for the BMW R 1250 GS and 9 reviews for the KTM 790 Adventure R since model year 2019. The first review for the BMW R 1250 GS was published on 19/09/2018 and now has more than 305,600 views. This compares to more than 53,600 views for the first review on KTM 790 Adventure R published on 06/10/2018.

Price BMW R 1250 GS

Model year
Current average market prices

Price KTM 790 Adventure R

Model year
Current average market prices

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