BMW R 1200 GS (K50) versus KTM 990 Duke
BMW R 1200 GS (K50)
Adventure
KTM 990 Duke
Naked
Year of construction / RRP / Test report
Built von 2013 bis 2018
Built von 2024 bis 2025~
RRP 15.300 €
RRP 14.490 €
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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:
- Engine with endless power
- nice babbling sound
- Precise chassis
- Logically structured operating concept
- technically very well equipped
Cons:
- Price mainly with full equipment
Cons:
- QuickShifter only at extra cost
- Ambitious price
- Brake needs some force
Dimensions & Weight
Wheelbase: 1.507 mm
Length : 2.207 mm Height : 1.412 mm
Seat : 850 mm
Weight : 244 (max: 460 ) kg
Length : 2.207 mm Height : 1.412 mm
Seat : 850 mm
Weight : 244 (max: 460 ) kg
Wheelbase: 1.476 mm
Length : 2.090 mm Height : 1.128 mm
Seat : 825 mm
Weight : 190 (max: 390 ) kg
Length : 2.090 mm Height : 1.128 mm
Seat : 825 mm
Weight : 190 (max: 390 ) kg
Engine
Motor design: Boxer 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.170 ccm
Hub: 73 mm
Hole: 101 mm
Cooling: Luft
Drive: Kardan
Aisles: 6
Displacement: 1.170 ccm
Hub: 73 mm
Hole: 101 mm
Cooling: Luft
Drive: Kardan
Aisles: 6
Motor design: 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, in-line engine 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 947 ccm
Hub: 70 mm
Hole: 93 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6
Displacement: 947 ccm
Hub: 70 mm
Hole: 93 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
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: 240 km/h
Performance: 123 HP at 9.500 U/Min
Torque: 103 NM bei 6.750 U/Min Tank contents: 15 Litre
Consumption: 5 l
Reach: 315 km
Performance: 123 HP at 9.500 U/Min
Torque: 103 NM bei 6.750 U/Min Tank contents: 15 Litre
Consumption: 5 l
Reach: 315 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
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 43, fully adjustable (travel 140 mm) Rear suspension:
WP Apex monoshock shock, spring preload and rebound adjustable (travel 150 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm Tyres at the front: 120 / 70 ZR 17
Rear tyres: 180 / 55 ZR 17
Chrome-molybdenum steel frame, motor is structural component, powder coated (steel) Front suspension:
WP APEX 43, fully adjustable (travel 140 mm) Rear suspension:
WP Apex monoshock shock, spring preload and rebound adjustable (travel 150 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm Tyres at the front: 120 / 70 ZR 17
Rear tyres: 180 / 55 ZR 17
Brakes
Front brake
Double disc (∅ 305 mm) Rear brake
Disc (∅ 376 mm)
Double disc (∅ 305 mm) Rear brake
Disc (∅ 376 mm)
Front brake
Double disc, 2 x radially mounted four-piston caliper (∅ 300 mm) Rear brake
Single disc, 2-piston caliper (∅ 240 mm)
Double disc, 2 x radially mounted four-piston caliper (∅ 300 mm) Rear brake
Single disc, 2-piston caliper (∅ 240 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 on the new Duke 990
The new KTM 990 Duke packs a punch. The rascal twin has become even more powerful, especially in the mid-rev range. Equipment, quality and finish are superb. Above all, the operation has benefited from the new switches and the new cockpit. All in all, a real fun rocket at an ambitious price.The test bike was kindly provided to us by Motorrad Ruser from Haseldorf. There is the new Duke as a presenter - and not only him. The new giant hall of Motorrad Ruser (near Hamburg) is full of the most beautiful KTM's and Yamaha's, a visit is always worthwhile. If only because of the equally excellent coffee machine. Tip: Cappuccino. Let's go to Haseldorf !
