KTM 790 Adventure 2019 vs. BMW R 1250 GS 2022

KTM 790 Adventure 2019

KTM 790 Adventure 2019

BMW R 1250 GS 2022

BMW R 1250 GS 2022

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Overview - KTM 790 Adventure 2019 vs BMW R 1250 GS 2022

The KTM 790 Adventure model year 2019 and the BMW R 1250 GS model year 2022 are both popular enduro motorcycles known for their off-road capabilities and versatility. While they share some similarities in terms of engine type, displacement, and suspension travel, there are also notable differences between the two models.

In terms of engine specifications, the KTM 790 Adventure is equipped with an in-line twin-cylinder engine with a bore of 88 mm and a stroke of 65.7 mm. It produces 95 horsepower and 88 Nm of torque. On the other hand, the BMW R 1250 GS features a boxer twin-cylinder engine with a larger bore of 102.5 mm and stroke of 76 mm. It delivers a higher power output of 136 horsepower and 143 Nm of torque. The BMW's engine is known for its exceptional torque, providing strong acceleration and effortless power delivery.

Both motorcycles feature electric starters and have a transmission system, but the KTM 790 Adventure utilizes a chain drive while the BMW R 1250 GS employs a prop shaft drive. The chain drive on the KTM may require more frequent maintenance and adjustments compared to the prop shaft drive on the BMW, which offers a smoother and more reliable power transfer.

KTM 790 Adventure 2019

KTM 790 Adventure 2019

In terms of suspension, the KTM 790 Adventure is equipped with an upside-down telescopic fork with a diameter of 43 mm and a travel of 200 mm at the front, and a swing arm with a monoshock and a travel of 200 mm at the rear. The BMW R 1250 GS features a telelever front suspension with a diameter of 37 mm and a travel of 190 mm, and a single swing arm with a monoshock and a travel of 200 mm at the rear. Both motorcycles offer adjustable preload on the rear suspension, allowing riders to fine-tune the suspension settings to their preferences.

In terms of chassis, the KTM 790 Adventure features a chromium-molybdenum frame, while the BMW R 1250 GS utilizes a steel frame. Both frames are load-bearing, meaning the engine acts as a stressed member to enhance rigidity and stability. The KTM has a slightly steeper rake angle of 64.1 degrees compared to the BMW's 62.9 degrees, which may result in slightly different handling characteristics.

When it comes to braking, both motorcycles are equipped with double disc brakes at the front. The KTM 790 Adventure does not specify the size of the front discs, while the BMW R 1250 GS has double disc brakes with a size not mentioned. Both motorcycles offer advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, traction control, and riding modes, ensuring enhanced safety and control in various riding conditions.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the KTM 790 Adventure has a front tire diameter of 21 inches and a rear tire width of 150 mm with a diameter of 18 inches. It has a wheelbase of 1509 mm and a seat height ranging from 830 mm to 850 mm. The BMW R 1250 GS, on the other hand, has a front tire diameter of 19 inches and a rear tire width of 170 mm with a diameter of 17 inches. It has a slightly longer wheelbase of 1525 mm and a seat height ranging from 850 mm to 870 mm. Both motorcycles have a fuel tank capacity of 20 liters, allowing for long-distance riding without frequent refueling.

BMW R 1250 GS 2022

BMW R 1250 GS 2022

In terms of strengths, the KTM 790 Adventure is praised for its engine with manners and character, high chassis stability, excellent brakes, tremendous off-road capabilities, and low average fuel consumption. The BMW R 1250 GS is commended for its extremely torquey boxer engine, comfortable seating position suitable for long distances, great app integration, sophisticated operating concept, great ergonomics, many customization options, great handling with strong confidence in the front, and easy driveability.

However, the KTM 790 Adventure has some weaknesses, including an unattractive surcharge policy and an original seat that is not optimally shaped. On the other hand, the BMW R 1250 GS has weaknesses in terms of awkward shifting at low revs, a seat that is too lax, and brakes and suspension that are no longer on par with the strong competition.

In conclusion, the KTM 790 Adventure and BMW R 1250 GS are both capable enduro motorcycles with their own strengths and weaknesses. The KTM offers a powerful and characterful engine, excellent off-road capabilities, and high chassis stability, while the BMW provides a torquey engine, comfortable seating position, and advanced technology features. Ultimately, the choice between the two models will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications KTM 790 Adventure 2019 compared to BMW R 1250 GS 2022

KTM 790 Adventure 2019
BMW R 1250 GS 2022

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeBoxer
BoreBore88 mmBore102.5 mm
StrokeStroke65.7 mmStroke76 mm
Engine powerEngine power95 HPEngine power136 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power8,000 rpmRpm at Max. Power7,750 rpm
TorqueTorque88 NmTorque143 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,600 rpmRpm at Torque6,250 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio12.7 Compression Ratio12.5
Fuel systemFuel systemInjectionFuel systemInjection
Throttle BoreThrottle Bore46 mmThrottle Bore52 mm
StarterStarterElectricStarterElectric
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeAntihopping
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionProp shaft
Transmission TypeTransmission TypeGearshiftTransmission TypeGearshift
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
Valves per cylinderValves per cylinder4Valves per cylinder4
ValvesValvesDOHCValvesDOHC
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid-air
DisplacementDisplacement799 ccmDisplacement1,254 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionTelelever
DiameterDiameter43 mmDiameter37 mm
TravelTravel200 mmTravel190 mm

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSingle swing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
TravelTravel200 mmTravel200 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreloadAdjustmentPreload, Rebound
MaterialMaterialAluminiumMaterialAluminium

Chassis

FrameFrameChromium-molybdenumFrameSteel
Frame typeFrame typeTubular, Load-bearing engineFrame typeLoad-bearing engine
RakeRake64.1 degreeRake62.9 degree
TrailTrail107.8 mmTrail109 mm

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter320 mmDiameter305 mm
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
ActuationActuationHydraulicActuationHydraulic
TechnologyTechnologyradialTechnologyradial

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter260 mmDiameter276 mm
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonDouble piston

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Riding modes, Ride by Wire, Traction controlAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Anti-slipping control, Hill start assist, Riding modes, Cornering ABS, Ride by Wire, Traction control

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width90 mmFront tyre width120 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height90 %Front tyre height70 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter21 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 diameter18 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
WheelbaseWheelbase1,509 mmWheelbase1,525 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height830 mmSeat Height850 mm
Seat Height up toSeat Height up to850 mmSeat Height up to870 mm
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity20 lFuel Tank Capacity20 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

KTM 790 Adventure 2019

KTM 790 Adventure 2019

In my eyes, the KTM is the sportiest of all mid-range touring enduros. If you are looking for a touring machine that is brutally nippy on road and off-road, you will find it here. At the same time, however, the chassis and engine offer sufficient comfort and good manners to keep the rider from going mad even on longer liaison stages.

Engine with manners AND character

Enormously high chassis stability

Brakes without reproach

Tremendous off-road capabilities

Low average consumption.

Unattractive surcharge policy

original seat not optimally shaped

BMW R 1250 GS 2022

BMW R 1250 GS 2022

The BMW R 1250 GS presents itself as a very complete motorbike even in 2022. Confident and well-balanced, it convinces on intensive rides. The motorbike scores points with its wonderful engine, great ergonomics and practical riding aids including great app integration. However, in direct comparison with other touring enduros in the top league, it is now showing its first weaknesses in terms of equipment and the components installed. However, the 136 hp from the boxer engine is convincing in every situation.

Extremely torquey boxer engine

Comfortable seating position, suitable for long distances

Great app integration

Sophisticated operating concept

Great ergonomics

Many customisation options

Great handling with strong confidence in the front

Easy driveability.

Shifting is awkward at low revs

seat too lax

brakes and suspension no longer on a par with the strong competition.

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price KTM 790 Adventure vs BMW R 1250 GS

There are a few key differences between a KTM 790 Adventure 2019 and a BMW R 1250 GS 2022. In terms of price, the actual average price of a BMW R 1250 GS 2022 is about 129% higher. A KTM 790 Adventure 2019 experiences a loss of 890 USD in one year of ownership. This is offset by a loss of 660 USD for a BMW R 1250 GS 2022. Compared to BMW R 1250 GS 2022 there are less KTM 790 Adventure 2019 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 30 compared to 36. It takes less time to sell a BMW R 1250 GS with 50 days compared to 101 days for the KTM 790 Adventure. Since model year 2019 1000PS.de editors have written 20 reviews for the KTM 790 Adventure and 50 reviews for the BMW R 1250 GS since model year 2019. The first review for the KTM 790 Adventure was published on 10/6/2018 and now has more than 53,600 views. This compares to more than 305,600 views for the first review on BMW R 1250 GS published on 9/19/2018.

Price KTM 790 Adventure

Model year
Current average market prices

Price BMW R 1250 GS

Model year
Current average market prices

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