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

BMW R 1250 GS 2020

BMW R 1250 GS 2020

KTM 790 Adventure R 2020

KTM 790 Adventure R 2020

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

The BMW R 1250 GS 2020 and the KTM 790 Adventure R 2020 are both enduro motorcycles that offer a range of features and capabilities.

Starting with the engine and drive train, the BMW R 1250 GS 2020 is equipped with a Boxer engine, while the KTM 790 Adventure R 2020 has an in-line engine. The BMW has a larger bore and stroke, resulting in a higher engine power of 136 HP and torque of 143 Nm, compared to the KTM's 95 HP and 88 Nm. Both motorcycles have electric starters, but the BMW has a transmission with a prop shaft, while the KTM has a chain transmission. Both bikes have 2 cylinders, but the BMW has a larger displacement of 1254 ccm, compared to the KTM's 799 ccm.

In terms of suspension, the BMW R 1250 GS 2020 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. The suspension can be adjusted for preload and rebound. On the other hand, the KTM 790 Adventure R 2020 has an upside-down telescopic fork front suspension with a 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. The rear suspension can be adjusted for preload.

BMW R 1250 GS 2020

BMW R 1250 GS 2020

In terms of chassis, the BMW R 1250 GS 2020 has a steel frame with a load-bearing engine. It has a rake of 62.9 degrees and a trail of 109 mm. The KTM 790 Adventure R 2020 has a chromium-molybdenum frame with a tubular load-bearing engine. It has a slightly steeper rake of 63.7 degrees and a trail of 110.4 mm.

Both motorcycles have double disk front brakes, but the BMW R 1250 GS 2020 does not specify the type, while the KTM 790 Adventure R 2020 does.

In terms of advanced rider assistance systems, both motorcycles have ABS and ride by wire. The BMW R 1250 GS 2020 also has anti-slipping control and riding modes, while the KTM 790 Adventure R 2020 has traction control in addition to riding modes.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the BMW R 1250 GS 2020 has a front tyre diameter of 19 inches and a rear tyre width of 170 mm with a diameter of 17 inches. It has a wheelbase of 1525 mm and a seat height of 850 mm. The fuel tank capacity is 20 liters. On the other hand, the KTM 790 Adventure R 2020 has a front tyre diameter of 21 inches and a rear tyre width of 150 mm with a diameter of 18 inches. It has a slightly longer wheelbase of 1528 mm and a higher seat height of 880 mm. The fuel tank capacity is also 20 liters.

KTM 790 Adventure R 2020

KTM 790 Adventure R 2020

In terms of strengths, the BMW R 1250 GS 2020 is praised for its extremely high-torque boxer engine, good sound, comfortable seating position suitable for long distances, stable braking performance, good weather protection, standard color TFT display, and LED headlights. On the other hand, the KTM 790 Adventure R 2020 is praised for its high chassis quality, great running culture of the engine, rich torque, perfectly dimensioned power, easy-to-read display, and practical rally electronics package. Despite its radical chassis, it is also stable, maneuverable, and suitable for everyday use on the road.

In terms of weaknesses, the BMW R 1250 GS 2020 is criticized for its manageable standard equipment and long surcharge list, as well as its jagged appearance with little elegance. The KTM 790 Adventure R 2020 is criticized for not having a standard quickshifter, a slightly fiddly indicator switch, and a seat that is slightly more uncomfortable on long tours compared to the standard model.

Overall, both the BMW R 1250 GS 2020 and the KTM 790 Adventure R 2020 have their own strengths and weaknesses, and it ultimately depends on the rider's preferences and priorities when choosing between the two.

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

BMW R 1250 GS 2020
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, Riding modes, Ride by WireAdvanced 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 2020

BMW R 1250 GS 2020

The BMW R 1250 GS is the logical further development of the R 1200 GS - logical above all because one should not expect such a popular motorbike to be radically changed. Accordingly, the design has been changed cautiously, and the familiar options for the chassis and electronics have been retained. The new name R 1250 GS, however, promises a new engine - and it really is something! 136 hp at 7750 rpm and a whopping 143 Newton metres of maximum torque at 6250 rpm are an absolute blast! BMW has thus renovated the big GS almost perfectly: it remains clearly recognisable, has a little more electronics as standard, a still long list of surcharges (which customers like to tick from A to Z) and a now even better and more sovereign power plant - what more could you want?!

extremely high-torque boxer engine

good sound

comfortable seating position, suitable for long distances

stable braking performance

good weather protection

colour TFT display standard

LED headlights

Manageable standard equipment, long surcharge list

jagged appearance with little elegance

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 2020 and a KTM 790 Adventure R 2020. In terms of price, the actual average price of a BMW R 1250 GS 2020 is about 79% higher. A BMW R 1250 GS 2020 experiences a loss of 590 USD in one year of ownership. This is offset by a loss of 610 USD for a KTM 790 Adventure R 2020. Compared to KTM 790 Adventure R 2020 there are more BMW R 1250 GS 2020 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 71 compared to 12. It takes less time to sell a BMW R 1250 GS with 43 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 9/19/2018 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 10/6/2018.

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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