BMW S 1000 R versus KTM 890 Adventure

BMW S 1000 R

Naked

KTM 890 Adventure

Adventure

Performance AND control: BMW's Power-Naked shows how it's done.

With the new BMW S1000R model year 2021, BMW deliberately refrains from increasing performance. The machine still delivers with 165 hp with more than enough power, the changes compared to the predecessor are more in the areas... weiter

BMW S 1000 R im Test

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 2014 bis 2024~

Built von 2021 bis 2024~

RRP 16.000 €

RRP 15.190 €

Ausführliches Test-Video von Motorradtest.de

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Competitors

Pros:

Full of performance ...
.. but still easy to control
high-quality workmanship
cool sound

Pros:

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

Cons:

Pillion operation only for emergencies
Sitting position for some people probably too sporty

Cons:

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

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.450 mm
Length : 2.090 mm Height : 1.115 mm
Seat : 814 mm until : 830 mm
Weight : 199 (max: 407 ) kg

Wheelbase: 1.528 mm
Seat : 850 mm
Weight : 196 kg

Engine

Motor design: In-line four-cylinder 4-stroke 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: 261 km/h
Performance: 165 HP at 11.000 U/Min
Torque: 114 NM bei 9.250 U/Min

Tank contents: 17 Litre
Consumption: 6 l
Reach: 266 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:
Telescopic fork (travel 120 mm)

Rear suspension:
Central strut (travel 117 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 (∅ 320 mm) Rear brake
Disc (∅ 220 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 sticks

The S 1000 R is basically a double R, from which the fairing has been removed and the torque curve on country roads has been optimised. It is super sporty, which can be an disadvantage and a disadvantage at the same time. If you want to sit upright on your streetfighter, you are out of place here. If you are looking for proximity to the front wheel and asphalt, you will find it here!

In any case, we had tons of driving fun and did not feel overwhelmed despite the immense performance. This is exactly why you have to compliment BMW: Not all manufacturers succeed in putting such a grenade on the wheels for (almost) everyone. To anticipate misunderstandings: Of course, this motorcycle is not a beginner's machine!

The test machine was kindly provided by Bergmann & Söhne in Pinneberg - thank you!

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.