BMW R 1200 GS (K50) versus KTM 890 Adventure

BMW R 1200 GS (K50)

Adventure

KTM 890 Adventure

Adventure

The rally version of the BMW 1200 GS - not just pretty to look at.

Wild Bavarian woman in a smart rally dirndl The BMW R 1200 GS was a particularly eagerly awaited test object for us. And not only because the GS gave hope for numerous interested parties for our test report due to its popularity. No, above all, we were all really keen on... weiter

BMW R 1200 GS Rallye

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 2013 bis 2018

Built von 2021 bis 2024~

RRP 15.300 €

RRP 15.190 €

Ausführliches Test-Video von Motorradtest.de

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Competitors

Pros:

has neat Wums
extensive electronic helpers
significantly more off-road capability than the standard version of the GS

Pros:

Brakes and chassis
not too heavy
Technically well equipped
great engine with neat bums
handy thanks to low center of gravity

Cons:

Price mainly with full equipment

Cons:

Tank polarizes optically
Turbulence and noise on the helmet
Cruise control switch available, but function must be activated (extra charge)

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.507 mm
Length : 2.207 mm Height : 1.412 mm
Seat : 850 mm
Weight : 244 (max: 460 ) kg

Wheelbase: 1.528 mm
Seat : 850 mm
Weight : 196 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: Row, four-stroke 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 889 ccm
Hub: 69 mm
Hole: 91 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: 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: 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:
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:
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 (∅ 376 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 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!

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.