BMW F 850 GS versus KTM 890 Adventure

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
BMW

BMW F 850 GS

Adventure
KTM

KTM 890 Adventure

Adventure
Much more grown-up and not far from the big boxer sister.
The manufacturer BMW is obviously convinced of its F 850 GS and recommends the machine... "... People for whom no destination is too far and no distance too remote. Experience the world with a companion that is so reliable, robust and powerful that it can even work with your... weiter
BMW F 850 GS
Gallery
More steam, more technology, more fun?
The Standard 890 Adventure tested here was not presented by KTM until the beginning of 2021 after the R and the Rally. It is designed for the road rather than for the terrain and, at 13,295 euros, is also cheaper than its... weiter
KTM 890 Adventure im Test
Gallery

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2018 bis 2023
Built von 2021 bis 2024~
RRP 13.000 €
RRP 15.190 €
Ausführliches Test-Video von Motorradtest.de
Ausführliches Test-Video von Motorradtest.de
waveform
waveform

Competitors

Pros:
  • raised seating position
  • good handling on and off-road
  • Wide range of extras and accessories
  • successful appearance
Pros:
  • Brakes and chassis
  • not too heavy
  • Technically well equipped
  • great engine with neat bums
  • handy thanks to low center of gravity
Cons:
  • Windscreen could be slightly larger
  • Price skyrockets with extras
  • not quite as manoeuvrable
Cons:
  • Tank polarizes optically
  • Turbulence and noise on the helmet
  • Cruise control switch available, but function must be activated (extra charge)

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.593 mm
Length : 2.305 mm Height : 1.356 mm
Seat : 860 mm until : 880 mm
Weight : 229 (max: 445 ) kg
Wheelbase: 1.528 mm
Seat : 850 mm
Weight : 196 kg

Engine

Motor design: Number 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 853 ccm
Hub: 77 mm
Hole: 84 mm
Cooling: wassergekühlt
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6
Motor design: Row, four-stroke 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 889 ccm
Hub: 69 mm
Hole: 91 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6

Performance

Maximum speed: 204 km/h
Performance: 95 HP at 8.250 U/Min
Torque: 92 NM bei 6.250 U/Min
Tank contents: 15 Litre
Consumption: 4 l
Reach: 341 km
Maximum speed: 239 km/h
Performance: 105 HP at 8.000 U/Min
Torque: 100 NM bei 6.500 U/Min
Tank contents: 20 Litre
Consumption: 5 l
Reach: 444 km

Chassis

Frame type:
 Steel bridge frame in shell construction (steel)
Front suspension:
 Upside-down fork, Ø 43 mm (travel 204 mm)
Rear suspension:
 Mono strut (travel 219 mm)
Rear suspension:
 Two-arm swingarm
Tyres at the front: 90/90 21
Rear tyres: 150/70 R17
Frame type:
 Chrome-molybdenum steel frame, motor is structural component, powder coated (steel)
Front suspension:
 WP APEX USD 43mm (travel 200 mm)
Rear suspension:
 WP APEX Monoshock (travel 200 mm)
Rear suspension:
 Aluminum two-arm swingarm
Tyres at the front: 21 inches
Rear tyres: 18 inches

Brakes

Front brake
 Double disc (∅ 305 mm) Rear brake
 Disc (∅ 265 mm)
Front brake
 Four-piston radial fixed caliper, double disc (∅ 320 mm) Rear brake
 Brembo two-piston floating caliper, single disc (∅ 260 mm)

Conclusion - what's stuck?

More steam, more technology, more fun? After our test, we can answer yes to this initial question. However, owners of a 790 Adventure don't have to go straight to the KTM dealer and buy an 890. The differences between these two bikes are not as great as KTM likes to portray. Nevertheless, the 890 Adventure is the better motorcycle.
 
Competitors are the Triumph Tiger 900, the Suzuki V-Strom 1050 and the Ducati Multistrada 950 - the travel enduros of the upper middle class. The difference from the upper-class thick ships such as the BMW GS 1250 and 1290 SAS is clearly noticeable, but as described above, both advantages and disadvantages are noticeable.
 
The test motorcycle was kindly provided to us by Motorrad-Ruser from Haseldorf - thank you very much.

Price/Availability/Colours/Years of Construction

  • Price: €13,295
  • Availability: from 2021
  • Colours: orange, black