2011 BMW F 650GS vs 2012 KTM 990 Adventure R

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2011 BMW F 650GS 2011 BMW F 650GS

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Twin, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
185.0 km/h / 115.0 mph
Weight
438.7 pounds
2012 KTM 990 Adventure R 2012 KTM 990 Adventure R

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Four stroke, 75°V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Power
116 hp / 85 kW @ 9000 pm
Top Speed
210.7 km/h
Weight
207 kg / 456.34 lbs
Full Specifications
General
CommentsPower Steering-
Year-2012
ColoursWhite, orange, blue-
Make Model-KTM 990 Adventure R
Dimensions
StorageFront Rack Capacity 100 lbs / 45.4 kg. Rear Rack Capacity 50 lbs / 22.7 kg. Towing Capacity 1,050 lbs / 476.3 kg-
Ground Clearance (mm)1,278 mm-
Ground Clearance (in.)50.3 inches-
Seat Height820 mm / 32.3 in.895 mm / 35.2 in
Wheelbase1,575 mm / 62.0 in.1570 mm / 61.8 in
Ground Clearance-296 mm / 11.6 in
Height1,240 mm / 48.8 in.-
Length2,280 mm / 89.8 in.-
Width890 mm / 35.0 in.-
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight179 kg / 394.6 lbs207 kg / 456.34 lbs
Fuel Capacity16.00 litres / 4.23 gallons19.5 Litres / 5.1 gal
Wet Weight199.0 kg / 438.7 lbs-
Performance
Top Speed185.0 km/h / 115.0 mph210.7 km/h
Max Power-116 hp / 85 kW @ 9000 pm
Max Torque75.00 Nm (7.6 kgf-m or 55.3 ft.lbs) @ 4500100 Nm / 73.8 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.3896 HP/kg-
Standing Start ¼ Mile-12.0 sec
Engine
CO285.8 CO-
Fuel ControlDOHC-
Displacement (ci)48.69 cubic inches-
Bore x Stroke (mm)82.0 x 75.6 mm-
Bore x Stroke (in,)3.2 x 3.0 inches-
Engine TypeTwin, four-stroke-
Displacement (cc)798.00 cc-
Displacement-999.8 cc / 60.9 cu-in
Engine Detail-Four stroke, 75°V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel SystemInjection. Electronic intake pipe injection / digital engine management (BMS-K)-
Bore x Stroke-101 x 62.4mm
Compression Ratio12.0:111.5;1
Cooling System-Liquid cooling
EmissionsClosed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-3-
Engine LubricationDry sump-
Engine Oil Specification-Motorex, SAE 10W-50
ExhaustClosed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-3Twin stainless steel silencer with regulated catalytic converter
Fuel Consumption3.70 litres/100 km (27.0 km/l or 63.57 mpg)17.2 km/lit
Fuel Induction-Keihin Electronic Fuel Injection EMS
Fuel Reserve4.00 litres / 1.06 gallons-
Ignition-Contactless, controlled, fully electronic ignition system with digital ignition timing adjustment
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System4-
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity-12 V/11.2 Ah
Drivetrain
ClutchMultiple-disc clutch in oil bath, mechanically operatedWet Multi-disc hydraulically operated,
Final DriveChainChain, X-Ring 5/8 x 5/16"
Final Drive Ratio-16:42
Gearbox6-speed-
Primary DriveEndless O-ring chain with shock damping in rear wheel hub35:67
Transmission / Drive-6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeTubular steel space frame, load-bearing engineTubular cromoly spaced frame. powered coated
Suspension - FrontTelescopic fork, 41 mm48mm WP USD forks
Suspension - RearDouble sided aluminium swing arm, central spring strut, spring pre-load hydraulically adjustable (continuously variable) at handwheelWP-PDS rear shock, hydraulic spring preload
Handlebar-Aluminium, tapered, Ø 28/22 mm
Rake26.0°26.6°
SeatRemovable Passenger Seat and Optional 3-in-1 Versatility-
Steering Head Angle-63.4°
Trail92 mm / 3.6 in.119 mm / 4.68 in
Wheel Travel - Front180 mm / 7.1 in.248 mm / 9.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear254 mm / 10.0 in.248 mm / 9.7 in
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)300 mm-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)10.4 inches-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)265 mm-
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)11.8 inches-
Brakes - FrontSingle disc2x 300mm Brembo discs 2 piston calipers
Brakes - RearSingle discSingle 240mm Brembo disc 1 piston caliper
RimsCast aluminium-
Tyres - Front110/80-H1990/90 -21
Tyres - Rear140/80-H17150/70 -R18
Wheels - Front-2.15 x 21'';
Wheels - Rear-4.25 x 18''

Verdict

Winner on specs

2012 KTM 990 Adventure R

The 2012 KTM 990 Adventure R edges out the 2011 BMW F 650GS thanks to its liquid cooling, greater ground clearance and higher front wheel travel. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2011 BMW F 650GS - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 820 mm vs 895 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.

2012 KTM 990 Adventure R - Advantages

  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • More ground clearance: 296 mm vs 1,278 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.
  • More front wheel travel: 248 mm vs 180 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2011 BMW F 650GS vs 2012 KTM 990 Adventure R - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2011 BMW F 650GS and 2012 KTM 990 Adventure R?
The 2011 BMW F 650GS uses Twin, four-stroke, while the 2012 KTM 990 Adventure R is powered by Four stroke, 75°V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2011 BMW F 650GS or the 2012 KTM 990 Adventure R?
The 2011 BMW F 650GS has the lower seat at 820 mm, making it more accessible. The 2012 KTM 990 Adventure R sits higher at 895 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2011 BMW F 650GS or the 2012 KTM 990 Adventure R?
Both are strong choices. The 2011 BMW F 650GS has the edge in lower seat height, while the 2012 KTM 990 Adventure R stands out for liquid cooling and greater ground clearance. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.