BMW R 1200 GS (K50) versus KTM 1190 Adventure

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
BMW

BMW R 1200 GS (K50)

Adventure
KTM

KTM 1190 Adventure

Adventure

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2013 bis 2018
Built von 2013 bis 2016
RRP 15.300 €
RRP 13.995 €
waveform
waveform
Pros:
  • has neat Wums
  • extensive electronic helpers
  • significantly more off-road capability than the standard version of the GS
Pros:
  • Sporty engine
  • Chassis tuning
  • Sound
  • Long-distance suitability
Cons:
  • Price mainly with full equipment
Cons:
  • Weight
  • Off-road capability

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.507 mm
Length :
2.207 mm Height : 1.412 mm
Seat :
850 mm
Weight :
244 (max: 460 ) kg
Wheelbase: 1.560 mm
Length :
2.255 mm Height : 1.485 mm
Seat :
860 mm
Weight :
238 (max: 440 ) kg

Engine

Motor design: Boxer 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.170 ccm
Hub: 73 mm
Hole: 101 mm
Cooling: Luft
Drive: Kardan
Aisles: 6
Motor design: V2 LC8 4-stroke 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.195 ccm
Hub: 69 mm
Hole: 105 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: X-Ring Kette
Aisles: 6

Performance

Maximum speed: 219 km/h
Performance: 125 HP at 7.700 U/Min
Torque: 125 NM bei 6.500 U/Min
Tank contents: 20 Litre
Consumption:
5 l
Reach:
403 km
Maximum speed: 246 km/h
Performance: 150 HP at 9.500 U/Min
Torque: 125 NM bei 7.500 U/Min
Tank contents: 23 Litre
Consumption:
6 l
Reach:
411 km

Chassis

Frame type:
Bridges, motor supporting (steel)
Front suspension:
Telescopic fork 37 mm (travel 190 mm)
Front suspension:
Shock
Rear suspension:
Mono strut (travel 200 mm)
Rear suspension:
Single-arm swingarm
Tyres at the front: 120/70 R 19
Rear tyres: 170/60 R 17
Frame type:
Tubular space frame (chrome-molybdenum steel)
Front suspension:
Upside-down fork, Ø 48 mm (travel 190 mm)
Rear suspension:
Central strut, directly hinged (travel 190 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm made of aluminium
Tyres at the front: 120/70 ZR 19
Rear tyres: 170/60 ZR 17

Brakes

Front brake
Double disc ( 305 mm) Rear brake
Disc ( 376 mm)
Front brake
Double disc, radially bolted 4-piston fixed caliper, Brembo, floating brake calipers ( 320 mm) Rear brake
Single disc with two-piston fixed caliper ( 267 mm)

Conclusion - what gets stuck

No, our high expectations were by no means disappointed – not even a bit! The R 1200 GS Rally not only made us very good, but it makes it really difficult for us to find criticisms. Well, it's quite expensive. But quality has a price. And if you look at the prices on the second-hand market, you have to say that gs keeps its value quite long. In addition, it is of course up to everyone to decide whether they really need all the equipment packages. Clearly all do their tasks reliably and well, however, drive up the price again neatly. And already in the basic equipment we have to deal with a mature, great bike!

Price/Availability/Colours/Years of Construction

  • Price: 15,000-20,000€ depending on the equipment
  • used so far only marginally cheaper
  • Years built: 2017-2018
  • Availability: from 12/2017
  • Colors: Rally design in blue, silver, red, black

Conclusion

The KTM 1190 Adventure is rather the craftsman among the adventure bikes. Practical, useful, but not suitable for opera. It has a lot of Ducati's Multistrada, more so than from the BMW GS series. Because of the very special engine design, it is not the ideal all-rounder, nor does it want to be.
If you are looking for a sporty, rough adventure bike and bring the physical prerequisites, you have a good alternative to the model student from Germany and certainly does nothing wrong.

The test bike was provided to us by Motorrad Ruser.

Price / Availability / Colours / Years of Construction

  • Price (test bike): 8.990€
  • Used (6 years old): 8,000€
  • Years built: 2013-2016
  • Availability: good
  • Colours: orange, black, grey