BMW R 1200 GS (K50) versus Yamaha MT-09 SP

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
BMW

BMW R 1200 GS (K50)

Adventure
Yamaha

Yamaha MT-09 SP

Naked

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2013 bis 2018
Built von 2018 bis 2024~
RRP 15.300 €
RRP 13.199 €
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Pros:
  • has neat Wums
  • extensive electronic helpers
  • significantly more off-road capability than the standard version of the GS
Pros:
Cons:
  • Price mainly with full equipment
Cons:

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.507 mm
Length :
2.207 mm Height : 1.412 mm
Seat :
850 mm
Weight :
244 (max: 460 ) kg
Wheelbase: 1.440 mm
Length :
2.090 mm Height : 1.190 mm
Seat :
825 mm
Weight :
190 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: 3-cylinder, 4-stroke 3 Cylinder
Displacement: 890 ccm
Hub: 62 mm
Hole: 78 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: 225 km/h
Performance: 119 HP at 10.000 U/Min
Torque: 93 NM bei 7.000 U/Min
Tank contents: 14 Litre
Consumption:
5 l
Reach:
254 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:
Bridge tube frame (aluminum)
Front suspension:
USD 41mm, fully adjustable (travel 130mm)
Rear suspension:
Coil spring/Gas-hydraulic damper (travel 122 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm
Tyres at the front: 120/70ZR17M/C (58W) (Tubeless)
Rear tyres: 180/55ZR17M/C (73W) (Tubeless)

Brakes

Front brake
Double disc ( 305 mm) Rear brake
Disc ( 376 mm)
Front brake
Double disc ( 298 mm) Rear brake
Single disc ( 245 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 - what gets stuck

Back to the exit question: Is the 1,800 Euro surcharge for the SP worthwhile? Jein, one might say. The SP is the slightly more noble and chassis-technically better machine, but if you don't have it so thick, we think you can also use the standard MT-09.
 
However, the competition for the naked bikes of the upper middle class is tough: KTM 890 Duke R, Kawasaki Z900, Ducati Monster, Aprilia Tuono 660, Triumph Speed Triple RS - these are all also great machines. In the end, many potential buyers will probably depend on the engine: it's just a character question whether you're on Twin, Triple or In-line fours.
 
In any case, the MT-09 SP does quite a lot of right and actually nothing wrong - except for the company operation, which is, however, similarly murky among the competitors. But as a couple you don't really want to ride these bikes, don't you?
 
The test bike was provided to us by Tecius & Reimers in Hamburg Eidelstedt - thank you.

Price/Availability/Colours/Years of Construction

  • Price: 11,599
  • Used (3 years old): 10,000€
  • Years of construction: from 2018
  • Colours: blue-black