2002 BMW R 1150GS vs 2006 KTM 950 Adventure

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles

Differences only

2002 BMW R 1150GS

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine

Two cylinder boxer

Power

62.5 kW / 85 hp @ 6750 rpm (rear tyre 58.9 kW / 79 hp @ 6750 rpm)

Top Speed

195.0 km/h

Weight

249 kg / 549 lbs

2006 KTM 950 Adventure

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine

Four stroke, 75°V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder

Power

98 hp / 71.4 kW @ 8000 rpm

Top Speed

139.9 mph / 225 km/h

Weight

198 kg / 426.5 lbs

Full Specifications

Differs Same

General
Year	2002	2005 - 06
Make Model	BMW R 1150GS	KTM 950 Adventure
Dimensions
Seat Height	850 mm / 33.5 in	880 mm / 34.6 in
Wheelbase	1,501 mm / 59.1 in	1570 mm / 61.8 in
Ground Clearance	-	316 mm / 12.4 in
Height	1,435 mm / 56.5 in	-
Length	2180 mm / 85.8 in	-
Width	980 mm / 38.6 in	950 mm / 37.4 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight	228 kg / 503 lbs	198 kg / 426.5 lbs
Fuel Capacity	22 Litres / 5.8 US gal	22 Litres / 5.8 gal
Wet Weight	249 kg / 549 lbs	-
Performance
Top Speed	193.1 km/h / 120 mph	139.9 mph / 225 km/h
Max Power	62.5 kW / 85 hp @ 6750 rpm (rear tyre 58.9 kW / 79 hp @ 6750 rpm)	98 hp / 71.4 kW @ 8000 rpm
Max Torque	98 Nm / 10.0 kgf-m / 71 lb-ft @ 5250 rpm	95 Nm / 70.1 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio	0.3414 HP/kg	-
Standing Start ¼ Mile	13.3 sec / 160.8 km/h / 99.9 mph	12.1 sec / 115 mph
Engine
Engine Type	Two cylinder boxer	-
Stroke	4	-
Displacement	1130 cc / 69 cu in	942 cc / 57.4 cu-in
Engine Detail	Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, 4 valves per cylinder	Four stroke, 75°V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Bore x Stroke	101 x 70.5 mm	100 x 60 mm
Compression Ratio	10.3:1	11.5:1
Cooling System	Air/Oil cooled	Liquid cooling
Engine Oil Specification	-	Synthetic, 15w-50
Fuel Consumption	5.7 L/100 km / 17.5 km/l / 41.2 US mpg	39.8 mpg
Fuel Induction	Bosch Motronic MA 2.4 Fuel injection	Constant-pressure carburetor Ø 43mm
Fuel Reserve	4.00 litres / 1.06 gallons	-
Ignition	Electronic ignition MA 2.2 Bosch Motronic	Denso battery ignition
Lubrication	Wet sump	Pressure lubrication with 2 Eaton pumps
Spark Plug	-	NGK, NGK CR 8 EK
Starter	Electric	Electric
Valve System	4	-
Drivetrain
Clutch	Single disc dry clutch, hydraulically operated	Adventure - Silver/Black or Orange/Black / Adventure S - Orange/Black
Final Drive	Shaft	Chain, 17-42
Gear Ratios	1st 2.375 / 2nd 1.600 / 3rd 1.267 / 4th 1.038 / 5th 0.900 / 6th 0.800	1st gear 35:12, 2nd gear 32:15, 3rd gear 30:18, 4th gear 27:20, 5th gear 27:2, 6th gear 26:27
Transmission / Drive	6 Speed	6 Speed
Chassis
Frame Type	Three section composite frame consisting of front & rear section, load bearing engine	Chromium-molybdenum tubular space frame, powder-coated
Suspension - Front	Light. Telelever with central spring strut, progressive coil spring, twin-tube gas-filled shock,	WP-Upside-down 48 Multi Adjuster
Suspension - Rear	Patented BMW Paralever swing arm & shaft drive, single shock with variable rebound and damping adjustments	WP - PDS with hydraulic spring preload
Rake	26.2°	26.6°
Trail	121 mm / 4.8 in	119 mm / 4.7 in
Wheel Travel - Front	210 mm / 8.2 in	210 mm / 8.2 in
Wheel Travel - Rear	220 mm / 8.6 in	210 mm / 8.2 in
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front	2 x 304mm discs, 4 piston calipers	2x 300mm discs 2 piston calipers
Brakes - Rear	Single 276mm disc, 2 piston caliper	Single 240mm disc 2 piston caliper
Tyres - Front	110/80 R19	90/90 -21
Tyres - Rear	150/70 R17	150/70 -18
Wheels	Cross spoke wheels	-
Wheels - Front	2.50 x 19	-
Wheels - Rear	4.00 x 17	-

Verdict

Winner on specs

2002 BMW R 1150GS

The 2002 BMW R 1150GS edges out the 2006 KTM 950 Adventure thanks to its lower seat height, fuel injection, dual front discs and larger displacement. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2002 BMW R 1150GS - Advantages

Lower seat height: 850 mm vs 880 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.
Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.
Larger displacement: 1130 cc vs 942 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.

2006 KTM 950 Adventure - Advantages

Lighter: 198 kg vs 249 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.

2002 BMW R 1150GS vs 2006 KTM 950 Adventure - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2002 BMW R 1150GS and 2006 KTM 950 Adventure?

The 2002 BMW R 1150GS uses Two cylinder boxer, while the 2006 KTM 950 Adventure is powered by Four stroke, 75°V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.

Which is lighter, the 2002 BMW R 1150GS or the 2006 KTM 950 Adventure?

The 2006 KTM 950 Adventure is lighter at 198 kg compared to 249 kg for the 2002 BMW R 1150GS - a difference of 51 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.

Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2002 BMW R 1150GS or the 2006 KTM 950 Adventure?

The 2002 BMW R 1150GS has the lower seat at 850 mm, making it more accessible. The 2006 KTM 950 Adventure sits higher at 880 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.

Which should I buy, the 2002 BMW R 1150GS or the 2006 KTM 950 Adventure?

Both are strong choices. The 2002 BMW R 1150GS has the edge in lower seat height and fuel injection, while the 2006 KTM 950 Adventure stands out for lighter kerb weight and liquid cooling. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.

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