BMW F 850 GS 2018 vs. KTM 790 Adventure R 2020

The BMW F 850 GS 2018 and the KTM 790 Adventure R 2020 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, both motorcycles have an in-line 2-cylinder engine with similar power outputs of 95 HP. However, the BMW F 850 GS has a slightly higher torque of 92 Nm compared to the KTM 790 Adventure R's 88 Nm. Both motorcycles have an electric starter and use a chain transmission. The BMW F 850 GS has a displacement of 853 ccm, while the KTM 790 Adventure R has a slightly smaller displacement of 799 ccm.

In terms of suspension, both motorcycles have upside-down telescopic forks at the front and a swing arm suspension at the rear. However, the KTM 790 Adventure R has a larger front fork diameter of 48 mm compared to the BMW F 850 GS's 43 mm. The KTM also offers a slightly longer travel for both the front and rear suspension, with 240 mm compared to the BMW's 204 mm front travel and 219 mm rear travel. The KTM 790 Adventure R also has a preload adjustment for the rear suspension, while the BMW F 850 GS has both preload and rebound adjustments.

BMW F 850 GS 2018

In terms of chassis, the BMW F 850 GS 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 KTM 790 Adventure R has a slightly steeper rake angle of 63.7 degrees compared to the BMW F 850 GS's 62 degrees. The KTM also has a shorter trail of 110.4 mm compared to the BMW's 126 mm.

Both motorcycles have double disk brakes at the front. The KTM 790 Adventure R offers additional advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, riding modes, ride by wire, and traction control. The BMW F 850 GS only has ABS as an advanced rider assistance system.

In terms of dimensions and weights, both motorcycles have a 21-inch front tire diameter and a 150 mm rear tire width. However, the KTM 790 Adventure R has a slightly larger 18-inch rear tire diameter compared to the BMW F 850 GS's 17 inches. The KTM also has a larger fuel tank capacity of 20 liters compared to the BMW's 15 liters. The BMW F 850 GS has a longer wheelbase of 1593 mm compared to the KTM 790 Adventure R's 1528 mm. The seat height is also slightly higher on the KTM, with 880 mm compared to the BMW's 860 mm.

KTM 790 Adventure R 2020

In terms of strengths, the BMW F 850 GS offers a superior engine, adequate braking system, very good seating position, easy handling, extensive range of accessories, riding modes, traction control, and off-road capability. The KTM 790 Adventure R has strengths such as high chassis quality that ensures a wide range of use, an engine that offers great running culture, rich torque, and perfectly dimensioned power, an easy-to-read display, and a practical rally electronics package. Despite its radical chassis, the KTM is also stable, maneuverable, and suitable for everyday use on the road.

In terms of weaknesses, the BMW F 850 GS has a disc that is too low and the sound could be better. The KTM 790 Adventure R's weaknesses include the lack of a standard quickshifter, a slightly fiddly indicator switch, and a seat that may be more uncomfortable on long tours compared to the standard model.

Overall, both the BMW F 850 GS 2018 and the KTM 790 Adventure R 2020 offer a range of features and capabilities for enduro riding, with each motorcycle having its own strengths and weaknesses.