BMW F 850 GS 2018 vs. KTM 790 Adventure R 2020

BMW F 850 GS 2018

BMW F 850 GS 2018

KTM 790 Adventure R 2020

KTM 790 Adventure R 2020

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Overview - BMW F 850 GS 2018 vs KTM 790 Adventure R 2020

The BMW F 850 GS 2018 and the KTM 790 Adventure R 2020 are both enduro motorcycles that offer a range of features and capabilities for off-road and on-road riding.

Starting with the engine and drive train, both motorcycles have an in-line 2-cylinder engine with similar power outputs of 95 HP. However, the BMW F 850 GS has a slightly higher torque of 92 Nm compared to the KTM 790 Adventure R's 88 Nm. Both motorcycles have an electric starter and use a chain transmission. The BMW F 850 GS has a displacement of 853 ccm, while the KTM 790 Adventure R has a slightly smaller displacement of 799 ccm.

In terms of suspension, both motorcycles have upside-down telescopic forks at the front and a swing arm suspension at the rear. However, the KTM 790 Adventure R has a larger front fork diameter of 48 mm compared to the BMW F 850 GS's 43 mm. The KTM also offers a slightly longer travel for both the front and rear suspension, with 240 mm compared to the BMW's 204 mm front travel and 219 mm rear travel. The KTM 790 Adventure R also has a preload adjustment for the rear suspension, while the BMW F 850 GS has both preload and rebound adjustments.

BMW F 850 GS 2018

BMW F 850 GS 2018

In terms of chassis, the BMW F 850 GS has a steel frame, while the KTM 790 Adventure R has a chromium-molybdenum frame. Both motorcycles have a tubular, load-bearing engine design. The KTM 790 Adventure R has a slightly steeper rake angle of 63.7 degrees compared to the BMW F 850 GS's 62 degrees. The KTM also has a shorter trail of 110.4 mm compared to the BMW's 126 mm.

Both motorcycles have double disk brakes at the front. The KTM 790 Adventure R offers additional advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, riding modes, ride by wire, and traction control. The BMW F 850 GS only has ABS as an advanced rider assistance system.

In terms of dimensions and weights, both motorcycles have a 21-inch front tire diameter and a 150 mm rear tire width. However, the KTM 790 Adventure R has a slightly larger 18-inch rear tire diameter compared to the BMW F 850 GS's 17 inches. The KTM also has a larger fuel tank capacity of 20 liters compared to the BMW's 15 liters. The BMW F 850 GS has a longer wheelbase of 1593 mm compared to the KTM 790 Adventure R's 1528 mm. The seat height is also slightly higher on the KTM, with 880 mm compared to the BMW's 860 mm.

KTM 790 Adventure R 2020

KTM 790 Adventure R 2020

In terms of strengths, the BMW F 850 GS offers a superior engine, adequate braking system, very good seating position, easy handling, extensive range of accessories, riding modes, traction control, and off-road capability. The KTM 790 Adventure R has strengths such as high chassis quality that ensures a wide range of use, an engine that offers great running culture, rich torque, and perfectly dimensioned power, an easy-to-read display, and a practical rally electronics package. Despite its radical chassis, the KTM is also stable, maneuverable, and suitable for everyday use on the road.

In terms of weaknesses, the BMW F 850 GS has a disc that is too low and the sound could be better. The KTM 790 Adventure R's weaknesses include the lack of a standard quickshifter, a slightly fiddly indicator switch, and a seat that may be more uncomfortable on long tours compared to the standard model.

Overall, both the BMW F 850 GS 2018 and the KTM 790 Adventure R 2020 offer a range of features and capabilities for enduro riding, with each motorcycle having its own strengths and weaknesses.

Technical Specifications BMW F 850 GS 2018 compared to KTM 790 Adventure R 2020

BMW F 850 GS 2018
KTM 790 Adventure R 2020

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeIn line
BoreBore84 mmBore88 mm
StrokeStroke77 mmStroke65.7 mm
Engine powerEngine power95 HPEngine power95 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power8,250 rpmRpm at Max. Power8,000 rpm
TorqueTorque92 NmTorque88 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,250 rpmRpm at Torque6,600 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio12.7 Compression Ratio12.7
Fuel systemFuel systemInjectionFuel systemInjection
Throttle BoreThrottle Bore48 mmThrottle Bore46 mm
StarterStarterElectricStarterElectric
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
Transmission TypeTransmission TypeGearshiftTransmission TypeGearshift
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
Valves per cylinderValves per cylinder4Valves per cylinder4
ValvesValvesDOHCValvesDOHC
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid
LubricationLubricationDry sumpLubricationForced
DisplacementDisplacement853 ccmDisplacement799 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
DiameterDiameter43 mmDiameter48 mm
TravelTravel204 mmTravel240 mm

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
Shock mountShock mountdirectShock mountdirect
TravelTravel219 mmTravel240 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreload, ReboundAdjustmentPreload
MaterialMaterialAluminiumMaterialAluminium

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameChromium-molybdenum
Frame typeFrame typeTubular, Load-bearing engineFrame typeTubular, Load-bearing engine
RakeRake62 degreeRake63.7 degree
TrailTrail126 mmTrail110.4 mm

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter305 mmDiameter320 mm
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonFour pistons
ActuationActuationHydraulicActuationHydraulic

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter265 mmDiameter260 mm
PistonPistonSingle pistonPistonDouble piston

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABSAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Riding modes, Ride by Wire, Traction control

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width90 mmFront tyre width90 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height90 %Front tyre height90 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter21 inchFront tyre diameter21 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width150 mmRear tyre width150 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height70 %Rear tyre height70 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter18 inch
WheelbaseWheelbase1,593 mmWheelbase1,528 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height860 mmSeat Height880 mm
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity15 lFuel Tank Capacity20 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

BMW F 850 GS 2018

BMW F 850 GS 2018

You might not see it at first glance on the new BMW F 850 GS, but it really is a completely new design. Both the steel chassis and the drivetrain have been changed, the engine enlarged to 853 cubic capacity and designed to be even more powerful with the 90-degree crankpin offset. As a result, the new F 850 GS presents itself more sovereign than excited and is convincing both on the road and off-road. The very special thing about the BMW is the ability to tailor it exactly to your personal needs thanks to the extensive range of accessories - there is actually no feature currently available that you can't get on your F 850 GS. However, this also drives up the price.

superior engine

adequate braking system

very good seating position

easy handling

extensive range of accessories

riding modes

traction control

off-road capable

Disc too low

sound could be better

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 F 850 GS vs KTM 790 Adventure R

There are a few key differences between a BMW F 850 GS 2018 and a KTM 790 Adventure R 2020. In terms of price, the actual average price of a BMW F 850 GS 2018 is about 12% higher. A BMW F 850 GS 2018 experiences a loss of 2,480 GBP in one year and 2,790 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 less BMW F 850 GS 2018 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 5 compared to 12. It takes less time to sell a KTM 790 Adventure R with 101 days compared to 112 days for the BMW F 850 GS. Since model year 2018 1000PS.de editors have written 31 reviews for the BMW F 850 GS and 9 reviews for the KTM 790 Adventure R since model year 2019. The first review for the BMW F 850 GS was published on 21/11/2017 and now has more than 69,800 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 F 850 GS

Model year
Current average market prices

Price KTM 790 Adventure R

Model year
Current average market prices

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