KTM 1050 Adventure 2016 vs. BMW R 1200 GS 2015

KTM 1050 Adventure 2016

KTM 1050 Adventure 2016

BMW R 1200 GS 2015

BMW R 1200 GS 2015

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Overview - KTM 1050 Adventure 2016 vs BMW R 1200 GS 2015

The KTM 1050 Adventure 2016 and the BMW R 1200 GS 2015 are both powerful enduro motorcycles with their own unique features and strengths.

Starting with the engine and drive train, the KTM 1050 Adventure has a bore of 103 mm and a stroke of 63 mm, producing 95 horsepower and 107 Nm of torque. It has a chain transmission and features a 2-cylinder engine with a displacement of 1050cc. On the other hand, the BMW R 1200 GS has a slightly smaller bore of 101 mm and a longer stroke of 73 mm, resulting in a higher engine power of 125 horsepower and torque of 125 Nm. It utilizes a prop shaft transmission and also has a 2-cylinder engine, but with a displacement of 1170cc.

In terms of suspension, the KTM 1050 Adventure is equipped with an upside-down telescopic fork in the front, while the BMW R 1200 GS features a strut front suspension. 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 150 mm, while the BMW has a wider rear tire width of 170 mm. The wheelbase of the KTM is slightly longer at 1560 mm compared to the BMW's 1507 mm. Both motorcycles have a seat height of 850 mm.

KTM 1050 Adventure 2016

KTM 1050 Adventure 2016

When it comes to the chassis, the KTM 1050 Adventure has a chromium-molybdenum frame, while the BMW R 1200 GS has a steel frame. The frame type of the KTM is tubular, while the BMW has a twin tube, load-bearing engine frame.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the KTM 1050 Adventure has a kerb weight (with ABS) of 230 kg and a fuel tank capacity of 23 liters. The BMW R 1200 GS is slightly heavier with a kerb weight (with ABS) of 238 kg and has a smaller fuel tank capacity of 20 liters.

Now let's discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each motorcycle. The KTM 1050 Adventure has a powerful and refined engine, with adjustable ergonomics and agile handling. It also has disengageable ABS and adjustable traction control, making it suitable for various riding conditions. The motorcycle has a prestigious look similar to its bigger sisters, adjustable windshield height, and comparatively affordable price. Additionally, it has a low weight, which contributes to its agility.

On the other hand, the BMW R 1200 GS boasts a powerful engine with low fuel consumption. It offers a comfortable seating position and can be used off-road as well. The motorcycle has a high reputation in the market.

BMW R 1200 GS 2015

BMW R 1200 GS 2015

However, the KTM 1050 Adventure does have a few weaknesses. The rev limiter kicks in at 8500 revs, which may limit its performance in certain situations. The chassis is also considered a little too soft for off-road use.

Similarly, the BMW R 1200 GS has some weaknesses. It has a long and expensive surcharge side, which may deter potential buyers. The Telelever front suspension takes some getting used to, and the brake is very sharp.

In conclusion, both the KTM 1050 Adventure 2016 and the BMW R 1200 GS 2015 are powerful and capable enduro motorcycles with their own unique features and strengths. The KTM offers a refined engine, adjustable ergonomics, and a comparatively affordable price, while the BMW boasts low fuel consumption, a comfortable seating position, and off-road capabilities. However, both motorcycles have their own weaknesses, such as the KTM's rev limiter and soft chassis, and the BMW's expensive surcharge side and sharp brake. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications KTM 1050 Adventure 2016 compared to BMW R 1200 GS 2015

KTM 1050 Adventure 2016
BMW R 1200 GS 2015

Engine and Drive Train

BoreBore103 mmBore101 mm
StrokeStroke63 mmStroke73 mm
Engine powerEngine power95 HPEngine power125 HP
TorqueTorque107 NmTorque125 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque5,750 rpmRpm at Torque6,500 rpm
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeAntihopping
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionProp shaft
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
DisplacementDisplacement1,050 ccmDisplacement1,170 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionStrut

Chassis

FrameFrameChromium-molybdenumFrameSteel
Frame typeFrame typeTubularFrame typeTwin Tube, Load-bearing engine

Brakes Front

PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
Shock mountShock mountFixed caliperShock mountFixed caliper

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonDouble piston
Shock mountShock mountFixed caliperShock mountFloating caliper

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width110 mmFront tyre width120 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height70 %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 mmWheelbase1,507 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height850 mmSeat Height850 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)230 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)238 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity23 lFuel Tank Capacity20 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

KTM 1050 Adventure 2016

KTM 1050 Adventure 2016

In my opinion, the KTM 1050 Adventure picks up where the 990 Adventure left off a few years ago: Around 100 hp of power, playful handling and as much or as little electronics as is currently state-of-the-art. The engine is anything but weak, ABS and traction control regulate safely and inconspicuously and the handling is extremely fun-oriented, partly because of the relatively narrow tyres. And all this at a price that is only undercut by a few competitors in the league of big touring enduros. Sad as it may be, the two 1190 Adventures and, above all, the flagship 1290 Super Adventure, have soared in price to very high levels. And that is precisely why the KTM 1050 Adventure is perhaps the most coherent of the four Adventure models.

Powerful, refined engine

disengageable ABS

adjustable traction control

agile handling

adjustable ergonomics

prestigious looks similar to the big sisters

height-adjustable windshield

low weight

comparatively affordable price.

Rev limiter kicks in at 8500 revs

chassis a little too soft for off-road use

BMW R 1200 GS 2015

BMW R 1200 GS 2015

A GS is at home almost anywhere - but only to a limited extent on the racetrack. It's a pleasure to feel the power of the partially water-cooled boxer twin cylinder on the exit of the bend - 125 hp only seems much weaker on paper than 150 or even 160 hp on the competition. With 125 Newton metres of torque, the acceleration from the bottom is superb anyway and the GS, at 238 kilos ready to ride, does not carry too much flab despite its bulky appearance. In very tight corners, the low centre of gravity also has a positive effect - the BMW R 1200 GS is very hard to crack! Even the front telelever suspension, which suppresses the front wheel's tendency to sink in when braking, fits perfectly into the overall package on the GS and can only slightly detract from its sporty character.

Powerful engine

low fuel consumption

comfortable seating position

can also be used off-road

high reputation

Long and expensive surcharge side

Telelever front suspension takes some getting used to

Brake very sharp.

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price KTM 1050 Adventure vs BMW R 1200 GS

There are a few key differences between a KTM 1050 Adventure 2016 and a BMW R 1200 GS 2015. In terms of price, the actual average price of a BMW R 1200 GS 2015 is about 50% higher. A KTM 1050 Adventure 2016 experiences a loss of 1,360 GBP in one year and 2,000 GBP in two years of ownership. This is offset by a loss of 450 GBP and 1,080 GBP for a BMW R 1200 GS 2015. Compared to BMW R 1200 GS 2015 there are less KTM 1050 Adventure 2016 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 5 compared to 47. It takes less time to sell a BMW R 1200 GS with 66 days compared to 96 days for the KTM 1050 Adventure. Since model year 2015 1000PS.de editors have written 8 reviews for the KTM 1050 Adventure and 98 reviews for the BMW R 1200 GS since model year 2005. The first review for the KTM 1050 Adventure was published on 04/11/2014 and now has more than 10,900 views. This compares to more than 19,100 views for the first review on BMW R 1200 GS published on 20/01/2004.

Price KTM 1050 Adventure

Model year
Current average market prices

Price BMW R 1200 GS

Model year
Current average market prices

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