BMW S 1000 XR versus KTM 890 Adventure

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
BMW

BMW S 1000 XR

Crossover
KTM

KTM 890 Adventure

Reise-Enduro

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2015 bis 2025~
Built von 2021 bis 2025~
RRP 19.480 €
RRP 15.190 €
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Pros:
  • Silky smooth, powerful motor with performance in all situations
  • Really good QuickShifter
  • Very finely balanced machine
  • Brakes extremely well and can be controlled
  • every conceivable accessory available
  • hissing and at the same time hoarse sound
Pros:
  • Brakes and chassis
  • not too heavy
  • Technically well equipped
  • great engine with neat bums
  • handy thanks to low center of gravity
Cons:
  • Vibrations at higher speeds
  • The driver always has one foot in prison
  • QuickShifter, heated grips and cruise control not standard
Cons:
  • Tank polarizes optically
  • Turbulence and noise on the helmet
  • Cruise control switch available, but function must be activated (extra charge)

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.541 mm
Length :
2.156 mm Height : 1.460 mm
Seat :
850 mm
Weight :
227 (max: 450 ) kg
Wheelbase: 1.528 mm
Seat :
850 mm
Weight :
196 kg

Engine

Motor design: Number 4 Cylinder
Displacement: 999 ccm
Hub: 50 mm
Hole: 80 mm
Cooling: flüssig
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: 250 km/h
Performance: 170 HP at 11.000 U/Min
Torque: 114 NM bei 9.250 U/Min
Tank contents: 20 Litre
Consumption:
6 l
Reach:
323 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:
Aluminium composite bridge frame, motor supporting (aluminium)
Front suspension:
Upside-down telescopic fork, diameter 45 mm, rebound and compression damping electronically controlled (Dynamic ESA) (travel 150 mm)
Rear suspension:
Dynamic "Electronic Suspension Adjustment", spring preload electronically adjustable, rebound and compression damping electronically controlled (suspension travel 150 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm
Tyres at the front: 120/70 ZR 17
Rear tyres: 190/55 ZR 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 brake, 4-piston fixed caliper ( 320 mm) Rear brake
Single disc brake, 2-piston floating caliper ( 265 mm)
Front brake
Four-piston radial fixed caliper, double disc ( 320 mm) Rear brake
Brembo two-piston floating caliper, single disc ( 260 mm)

Result

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The machine was made available to us by Bergmann & Söhne in Neumünster. If you really want to experience something, go there and dare to take a test drive. Every test driver is guaranteed not to forget them.

Price/availability/colours/years of manufacture

  • Price: 19.480€
  • Used (3 years old): 15.000€
  • Availability: XRs since 2015
  • Colors: Black, Blue, Red-White-Blue

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