BMW R 1250 GS 2021 vs. KTM 1090 Adventure 2018

BMW R 1250 GS 2021

BMW R 1250 GS 2021

KTM 1090 Adventure 2018

KTM 1090 Adventure 2018

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Overview - BMW R 1250 GS 2021 vs KTM 1090 Adventure 2018

The BMW R 1250 GS 2021 and the KTM 1090 Adventure 2018 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, the BMW R 1250 GS 2021 is equipped with a Boxer engine that has a bore of 102.5 mm and a stroke of 76 mm. It delivers a powerful engine power of 136 HP and a torque of 143 Nm. The starter is electric, and the transmission is a prop shaft. The bike has 2 cylinders and a displacement of 1254 ccm. On the other hand, the KTM 1090 Adventure 2018 features a V engine with a bore of 103 mm and a stroke of 63 mm. It has an engine power of 125 HP and a torque of 109 Nm. The starter is electric, and the transmission is a chain. Similar to the BMW, it also has 2 cylinders but has a smaller displacement of 1050 ccm.

In terms of suspension, the BMW R 1250 GS 2021 has a front suspension with a telelever system, 37 mm diameter, and 190 mm travel. The rear suspension is a single swing arm with a monoshock and 200 mm travel. The chassis is made of steel and has a load-bearing engine frame. The rake is 62.9 degrees, and the trail is 109 mm. On the other hand, the KTM 1090 Adventure 2018 features an upside-down telescopic fork front suspension with a diameter of 43 mm and a travel of 185 mm. The rear suspension is a swing arm with a monoshock and 190 mm travel. The chassis is made of chromium-molybdenum and has a tubular frame. The rake is 64 degrees, and the trail is 120 mm.

Both motorcycles are equipped with advanced rider assistance systems. The BMW R 1250 GS 2021 offers ABS, anti-slipping control, hill start assist, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, and traction control. The KTM 1090 Adventure 2018 offers ABS, riding modes, and traction control.

BMW R 1250 GS 2021

BMW R 1250 GS 2021

In terms of dimensions and weights, the BMW R 1250 GS 2021 has a front tire diameter of 19 inches, rear tire width of 170 mm, rear tire diameter of 17 inches, wheelbase of 1525 mm, seat height of 850 mm, kerb weight (with ABS) of 249 kg, and a fuel tank capacity of 20 liters. On the other hand, the KTM 1090 Adventure 2018 has a front tire diameter of 19 inches, rear tire width of 150 mm, rear tire diameter of 17 inches, wheelbase of 1560 mm, seat height of 850 mm, kerb weight (with ABS) of 228 kg, and a fuel tank capacity of 23 liters.

In terms of equipment, the BMW R 1250 GS 2021 offers cornering lights, LED headlights, and an adjustable windscreen. The KTM 1090 Adventure 2018 also has an adjustable windscreen.

The BMW R 1250 GS 2021 has several strengths. It offers great ride comfort and ergonomics, a powerful engine, a great connectivity app, an easy-to-read display, and a confident feel in the saddle. It also has practical riding aids and a versatile chassis that accommodates every route. Additionally, it is easy to ride.

KTM 1090 Adventure 2018

KTM 1090 Adventure 2018

The KTM 1090 Adventure 2018 also has several strengths. It features a very powerful and cultivated engine with a wide rev range, performance modes, the ability to switch off ABS, adjustable traction control, and agile and safe handling. It also has adjustable ergonomics, a height-adjustable windshield, low weight, and a comparatively low price.

However, the BMW R 1250 GS 2021 does have a couple of weaknesses. Its rough overall appearance may not appeal to some riders, and the gearshifts at low revs can be somewhat clumsy.

Similarly, the KTM 1090 Adventure 2018 has a few weaknesses. Its optics may seem outdated compared to the newer 1290 Super Adventures, and the suspension fork is not adjustable.

In conclusion, both the BMW R 1250 GS 2021 and the KTM 1090 Adventure 2018 offer a range of features and capabilities for enduro riding. The BMW has a more powerful engine and a wider range of advanced rider assistance systems. It also offers a more comfortable and versatile chassis. On the other hand, the KTM offers a powerful engine with performance modes and the ability to switch off ABS. It also has adjustable ergonomics and a lower weight. However, it may not have the same level of refinement and modern design as the BMW. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications BMW R 1250 GS 2021 compared to KTM 1090 Adventure 2018

BMW R 1250 GS 2021
KTM 1090 Adventure 2018

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeBoxerEngine typeV
BoreBore102.5 mmBore103 mm
StrokeStroke76 mmStroke63 mm
Engine powerEngine power136 HPEngine power125 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power7,750 rpmRpm at Max. Power8,500 rpm
TorqueTorque143 NmTorque109 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,250 rpmRpm at Torque6,500 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio12.5 Compression Ratio13
Fuel systemFuel systemInjectionFuel systemInjection
Throttle BoreThrottle Bore52 mmThrottle Bore52 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 ccmDisplacement1,050 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionTeleleverFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
DiameterDiameter37 mmDiameter43 mm
TravelTravel190 mmTravel185 mm

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSingle swing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
TravelTravel200 mmTravel190 mm
MaterialMaterialAluminiumMaterialAluminium

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameChromium-molybdenum
Frame typeFrame typeLoad-bearing engineFrame typeTubular
RakeRake62.9 degreeRake64 degree
TrailTrail109 mmTrail120 mm

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter305 mmDiameter320 mm
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
ActuationActuationHydraulicActuationHydraulic
TechnologyTechnologyradialTechnologyradial

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter276 mmDiameter267 mm
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonDouble piston
Shock mountShock mountFloating caliperShock mountFixed caliper

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, Traction control

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width120 mmFront tyre width110 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height70 %Front tyre height80 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter19 inchFront tyre diameter19 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 diameter17 inch
WheelbaseWheelbase1,525 mmWheelbase1,560 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height850 mmSeat Height850 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)249 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)228 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity20 lFuel Tank Capacity23 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Equipment

EquipmentEquipmentCornering lights, LED-Headlights, Windscreen adjustableEquipmentWindscreen adjustable

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 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

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price BMW R 1250 GS vs KTM 1090 Adventure

There are a few key differences between a BMW R 1250 GS 2021 and a KTM 1090 Adventure 2018. In terms of price, the actual average price of a BMW R 1250 GS 2021 is about 76% higher. A BMW R 1250 GS 2021 experiences a loss of 350 USD in one year and 290 USD in two years of ownership. This is offset by a loss of 990 USD and 490 USD for a KTM 1090 Adventure 2018. Compared to KTM 1090 Adventure 2018 there are more BMW R 1250 GS 2021 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 66 compared to 7. It takes less time to sell a BMW R 1250 GS with 55 days compared to 101 days for a KTM 1090 Adventure. Since model year 2019 1000PS.de editors have written 50 reviews for the BMW R 1250 GS and 7 reviews for the KTM 1090 Adventure since model year 2017. 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 32,200 views for the first review on KTM 1090 Adventure published on 10/12/2016.

Price BMW R 1250 GS

Model year
Current average market prices

Price KTM 1090 Adventure

Model year
Current average market prices

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