BMW F 850 GS Adventure 2019 vs. KTM 790 Adventure R 2019

The BMW F 850 GS Adventure 2019 and the KTM 790 Adventure R 2019 are both enduro motorcycles that offer a range of features and capabilities for riders.

Starting with the engine and drive train, both motorcycles have an in-line engine configuration with 2 cylinders. The BMW F 850 GS Adventure has a bore of 84 mm and a stroke of 77 mm, while the KTM 790 Adventure R has a bore of 88 mm and a stroke of 65.7 mm. Both motorcycles have an engine power of 95 HP, but the BMW F 850 GS Adventure has a torque of 92 Nm compared to the KTM 790 Adventure R's torque of 88 Nm. Both motorcycles have an electric starter and use a chain transmission. The BMW F 850 GS Adventure has a displacement of 853 ccm, while the KTM 790 Adventure R has a displacement of 799 ccm.

In terms of suspension, both motorcycles have upside-down telescopic forks at the front. The BMW F 850 GS Adventure has a fork diameter of 43 mm and a travel of 230 mm, while the KTM 790 Adventure R has a fork diameter of 48 mm and a travel of 240 mm. Both motorcycles have a swing arm suspension at the rear, with the BMW F 850 GS Adventure having a monoshock with a travel of 215 mm and the KTM 790 Adventure R having a monoshock with a travel of 240 mm. The BMW F 850 GS Adventure offers adjustment options for preload and rebound, while the KTM 790 Adventure R only offers preload adjustment.

BMW F 850 GS Adventure 2019

In terms of chassis, the BMW F 850 GS Adventure has a steel frame, while the KTM 790 Adventure R has a chromium-molybdenum frame. Both motorcycles have a tubular, load-bearing engine design. The BMW F 850 GS Adventure has a rake of 62 degrees and a trail of 124.6 mm, while the KTM 790 Adventure R has a rake of 63.7 degrees and a trail of 110.4 mm.

For braking, both motorcycles have double disk brakes at the front. In terms of advanced rider assistance systems, both motorcycles offer ABS, riding modes, and ride by wire. The BMW F 850 GS Adventure also offers anti-slipping control, while the KTM 790 Adventure R offers traction control.

In terms of dimensions and weights, both motorcycles have a front tyre diameter of 21 inches and a rear tyre width of 150 mm. However, the KTM 790 Adventure R has a rear tyre diameter of 18 inches, while the BMW F 850 GS Adventure has a rear tyre diameter of 17 inches. The BMW F 850 GS Adventure has a wheelbase of 1593 mm, while the KTM 790 Adventure R has a wheelbase of 1528 mm. The seat height of the BMW F 850 GS Adventure is 875 mm, while the seat height of the KTM 790 Adventure R is 880 mm. The BMW F 850 GS Adventure has a fuel tank capacity of 23 liters, while the KTM 790 Adventure R has a fuel tank capacity of 20 liters.

KTM 790 Adventure R 2019

In terms of strengths, the BMW F 850 GS Adventure is praised for its silky-smooth engine, top ergonomics and comfort, suitability for touring and off-road, and technical maturity. On the other hand, the KTM 790 Adventure R 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, the KTM 790 Adventure R is also noted to be stable, maneuverable, and suitable for everyday use on the road.

However, the BMW F 850 GS Adventure does have some weaknesses. It is considered to have a high price with additional equipment, an engine that lacks emotion, a non-adjustable fork, and a relatively high weight. The KTM 790 Adventure R, on the other hand, is noted to not have 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 F 850 GS Adventure 2019 and the KTM 790 Adventure R 2019 offer unique features and capabilities for riders, with the BMW F 850 GS Adventure being more suitable for touring and the KTM 790 Adventure R offering a wider range of use with its high chassis quality and rally electronics package.