BMW R 1200 R versus KTM 890 Adventure

BMW R 1200 R

Naked

KTM 890 Adventure

Reise-Enduro

BMW R 1200 R: The all-purpose weapon from BMW

The BMW R 1200 R (K27) from 2011 tested here still has the 110 hp boxer engine with air/oil cooling. This model was built from 2006 to 2014 and replaced the successful R 1150 R. In contrast to its predecessor, the 1200 is much more powerful and sporty on the road, without... weiter

BMW R 1200 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 2007 bis 2017

Built von 2021 bis 2024~

RRP 13.100 €

RRP 15.190 €

Ausführliches Test-Video von Motorradtest.de
Weiteres Video von Motorradtest.de

Ausführliches Test-Video von Motorradtest.de

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Competitors

Pros:

relatively light for a boxer machine
powerful engine with character
upgradeable as an agile tourer
no technical overload
safe driving experience

Pros:

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

Cons:

not cheap
Windbreak underground

Cons:

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

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.515 mm
Length : 2.165 mm Height : 1.300 mm
Seat : 790 mm
Weight : 232 (max: 450 ) 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: 220 km/h
Performance: 125 HP at 7.750 U/Min
Torque: 125 NM bei 6.500 U/Min

Tank contents: 18 Litre
Consumption: 5 l
Reach: 363 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:
two-part frame concept consisting of the main frame and the rear frame bolted to it, supporting engine (steel)

Front suspension:
Upside-down 45 mm (travel 140 mm)

Rear suspension:
Mono strut (travel 140 mm)
Rear suspension:
Paralever

Tyres at the front: 120/70 ZR 17
Rear tyres: 180/55 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 (∅ 276 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

Wonderful, this BMW R1200 R. Not only beautiful, fast and safe, but also potent enough for an Alpine tour. Of course, this requires a suitcase system, which goes quite well into the money at BMW. And just a touring disc, which is to be used in the secondary market (e.B. MRA) for about 150 euros. In the mountains you should ride the other bikers quite nicely around the ears, because the 1200s brings everything you need: strength, agility, agility and above all the feeling of security that you can't really do much with this 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.