KTM 1090 Adventure 2018 vs. BMW F 850 GS Adventure 2019

KTM 1090 Adventure 2018

KTM 1090 Adventure 2018

BMW F 850 GS Adventure 2019

BMW F 850 GS Adventure 2019

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Overview - KTM 1090 Adventure 2018 vs BMW F 850 GS Adventure 2019

The KTM 1090 Adventure 2018 and the BMW F 850 GS Adventure 2019 are both powerful enduro motorcycles designed for adventure riding. However, there are several key differences between the two models.

In terms of engine specifications, the KTM 1090 Adventure 2018 is equipped with a V-twin engine with a displacement of 1050cc, producing 125 horsepower and 109 Nm of torque. On the other hand, the BMW F 850 GS Adventure 2019 features an inline twin engine with a displacement of 853cc, delivering 95 horsepower and 92 Nm of torque. While the KTM has a larger engine and more power, the BMW offers a smoother and more refined engine performance.

Both motorcycles come with advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, riding modes, and traction control. However, the BMW F 850 GS Adventure 2019 also includes anti-slipping control and ride by wire technology, providing additional safety and control.

KTM 1090 Adventure 2018

KTM 1090 Adventure 2018

In terms of suspension, the KTM 1090 Adventure 2018 features an upside-down telescopic fork with a diameter of 43mm and a travel of 185mm in the front, and a swing arm with a monoshock and a travel of 190mm in the rear. The BMW F 850 GS Adventure 2019 also has an upside-down telescopic fork with a diameter of 43mm, but offers a longer travel of 230mm in the front, and a swing arm with a monoshock and a travel of 215mm in the rear. This gives the BMW better off-road capabilities and improved suspension travel.

In terms of chassis, the KTM 1090 Adventure 2018 features a chromium-molybdenum frame, while the BMW F 850 GS Adventure 2019 has a steel frame. Both motorcycles have tubular frame types, but the BMW's frame is load-bearing, which contributes to its stability and durability.

BMW F 850 GS Adventure 2019

BMW F 850 GS Adventure 2019

When it comes to dimensions and weights, the BMW F 850 GS Adventure 2019 has a slightly longer wheelbase of 1593mm compared to the KTM's 1560mm. The seat height of the BMW is also higher at 875mm, while the KTM offers a seat height of 850mm. In terms of weight, the BMW is slightly heavier with a kerb weight of 244kg, while the KTM weighs 228kg with ABS.

In terms of weaknesses, the KTM 1090 Adventure 2018 has an outdated appearance compared to the newer 1290 Super Adventures. Additionally, its suspension fork is not adjustable. On the other hand, the BMW F 850 GS Adventure 2019 has a high price with additional equipment, lacks emotional engine characteristics, and its fork is also not adjustable. However, it offers top-notch ergonomics and comfort, making it suitable for long-distance touring.

Overall, the KTM 1090 Adventure 2018 is a powerful and agile adventure motorcycle with adjustable ergonomics and a comparatively lower price. On the other hand, the BMW F 850 GS Adventure 2019 offers a smoother engine, excellent touring capabilities, and advanced rider assistance systems.

Technical Specifications KTM 1090 Adventure 2018 compared to BMW F 850 GS Adventure 2019

KTM 1090 Adventure 2018
BMW F 850 GS Adventure 2019

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeVEngine typeIn line
BoreBore103 mmBore84 mm
StrokeStroke63 mmStroke77 mm
Engine powerEngine power125 HPEngine power95 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power8,500 rpmRpm at Max. Power8,250 rpm
TorqueTorque109 NmTorque92 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,500 rpmRpm at Torque6,250 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio13 Compression Ratio12.7
Fuel systemFuel systemInjectionFuel systemInjection
Throttle BoreThrottle Bore52 mmThrottle Bore48 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
LubricationLubricationForcedLubricationDry sump
DisplacementDisplacement1,050 ccmDisplacement853 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
DiameterDiameter43 mmDiameter43 mm
TravelTravel185 mmTravel230 mm

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
Shock mountShock mountDeflectionShock mountdirect
TravelTravel190 mmTravel215 mm
MaterialMaterialAluminiumMaterialAluminium

Chassis

FrameFrameChromium-molybdenumFrameSteel
Frame typeFrame typeTubularFrame typeTubular, Load-bearing engine
RakeRake64 degreeRake62 degree
TrailTrail120 mmTrail124.6 mm

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter320 mmDiameter305 mm
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonDouble piston
Shock mountShock mountFixed caliperShock mountFloating caliper
ActuationActuationHydraulicActuationHydraulic

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter267 mmDiameter265 mm
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonSingle 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 width90 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height80 %Front tyre height90 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter19 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 diameter17 inch
WheelbaseWheelbase1,560 mmWheelbase1,593 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height850 mmSeat Height875 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)228 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)244 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity23 lFuel Tank Capacity23 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

KTM 1090 Adventure 2018

KTM 1090 Adventure 2018

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 F 850 GS Adventure 2019

BMW F 850 GS Adventure 2019

Packed with technical features and additional equipment, the "small" Adventure is a high-tech machine. The many functions work well, and our testers were particularly impressed by the electronic chassis and the silky-smooth running of the engine. The Asian origin of the engine is not noticeable. The larger tank of the Adventure version and all the accessories drive up both the weight and the price. At 244 kg, the BMW F 850 GS Adventure is a bulky lump, which doesn't please everyone. But the ergonomics are top-notch, and the seating position in the wide fairing conveys a feeling of safety and protection.

Silky-smooth engine

top ergonomics and comfort

absolutely suitable for touring

suitable for off-road

technically very mature

High price with additional equipment

engine exudes little emotion

fork not adjustable

quite high weight

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price KTM 1090 Adventure vs BMW F 850 GS Adventure

There are a few key differences between a KTM 1090 Adventure 2018 and a BMW F 850 GS Adventure 2019. In terms of price, the actual average price of a BMW F 850 GS Adventure 2019 is about 15% higher. A KTM 1090 Adventure 2018 experiences a loss of 990 USD in one year and 490 USD in two years of ownership. This is offset by a loss of 0 USD and 1,240 USD for a BMW F 850 GS Adventure 2019. Compared to BMW F 850 GS Adventure 2019 there are more KTM 1090 Adventure 2018 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 7 compared to 5. It takes less time to sell a KTM 1090 Adventure with 101 days compared to 138 days for a BMW F 850 GS Adventure. Since model year 2017 1000PS.de editors have written 7 reviews for the KTM 1090 Adventure and 12 reviews for the BMW F 850 GS Adventure 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 33,200 views for the first review on BMW F 850 GS Adventure published on 11/6/2018.

Price KTM 1090 Adventure

Model year
Current average market prices

Price BMW F 850 GS Adventure

Model year
Current average market prices

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