2011 BMW R 1200GS Adventure vs 2012 KTM 990 Adventure R

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2011 BMW R 1200GS Adventure 2011 BMW R 1200GS Adventure

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Two cylinder boxer, two-stroke
Power
81 kW / 110 hp @ 7750 rpm
Top Speed
193 km/h / 120 mph
Weight
564.4 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-
Year20112012
ColoursYellow, grey-
Make ModelBMW R 1200GS AdventureKTM 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 Height890 - 910 mm / 35.0 - 35.8 in895 mm / 35.2 in
Wheelbase1507 mm / 59.3 in1570 mm / 61.8 in
Ground Clearance-296 mm / 11.6 in
Height1450 mm / 57.1 in-
Length2210 mm / 87.0 in-
Width915 mm / 36.0 in-
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight223 kg / 492 lbs207 kg / 456.34 lbs
Fuel Capacity33 L / 8.7 US gal19.5 Litres / 5.1 gal
Wet Weight256 kg / 564 lbs (road ready, fully fueled )-
Performance
Top Speed193 km/h / 120 mph210.7 km/h
Max Power81 kW / 110 hp @ 7750 rpm116 hp / 85 kW @ 9000 pm
Max Torque120 Nm / 12.2 kgf-m / 88 lb-ft @ 6000 rpm100 Nm / 73.8 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.4871 HP/kg-
Standing Start ¼ Mile12.6 sec12.0 sec
Engine
CO2106.7 CO-
Fuel ControlDOHC-
Engine TypeTwo cylinder boxer, two-stroke-
Displacement1170 cc / 71.4 cub in.999.8 cc / 60.9 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinderFour stroke, 75°V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel SystemInjection. Electronic intake pipe injection/BMS-K digital engine management with overrun fuel cut-off, twin spark ignition-
Bore x Stroke101 x 73 mm101 x 62.4mm
Compression Ratio12.0:111.5;1
Cooling SystemAir/oil cooledLiquid 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
Exhaust managementFully-controlled three-way catalytic converter-
Fuel Consumption6.3 L/100 km / 15.7 km/l / 36.9 US mpg17.2 km/lit
Fuel InductionBMS-K+, 50mm Throttle butterfly diaKeihin Electronic Fuel Injection EMS
Fuel Reserve4L / 1.1 US gal-
IgnitionBMS-K / electricContactless, controlled, fully electronic ignition system with digital ignition timing adjustment
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System4-
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity-12 V/11.2 Ah
Drivetrain
ClutchSingle-plate dry clutch, ∅180mmWet Multi-disc hydraulically operated,
Final DriveShaftChain, X-Ring 5/8 x 5/16"
Final Drive Ratio-16:42
Gear Ratios1st 2.375 / 2nd 1.696 / 3rd 1.296 / 4th 0.065 / 5th 0.939 / 6th 0.848:1-
Gearbox6-speed-
Primary DriveAutomatic CVT with EBS, Hi/Lo Range and Reverse. 2/4 WD + Diff Lock35:67
Transmission / Drive6 Speed6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeTubular steel frame, load-bearing power unitTubular cromoly spaced frame. powered coated
Suspension - FrontTelelever, stanchion ∅41mm, central spring strut, spring preload 9 times mechanically adjustable.48mm WP USD forks
Suspension - RearDie-cast aluminium single-sided swinging arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever, WAD strut (travel-related damping), spring pre-load hydraulically adjustable to continuously variable levels by means of handwheel, rebound damping adjustable.WP-PDS rear shock, hydraulic spring preload
Handlebar-Aluminium, tapered, Ø 28/22 mm
Rake25.7°26.6°
SeatRemovable Passenger Seat and Optional 3-in-1 Versatility-
Steering Head Angle-63.4°
Trail101 mm / 3.97 in119 mm / 4.68 in
Wheel Travel - Front210 mm / 8.3 in248 mm / 9.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear220 mm / 8.7 in248 mm / 9.7 in
Electrical Systems
Electrical SystemAlternator three-phase alternator 720 W Battery 12 V / 14 Ah, maintenance-free-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)305 mm-
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)12.0 inches-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)10.4 inches-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)265 mm-
Brakes - Front2x ∅305mm Discs, 4 piston caliper, Optional: BMW Motorrad Integral ABS2x 300mm Brembo discs 2 piston calipers
Brakes - RearSingle ∅265mm disc, 2 piston caliper, Optional: BMW Motorrad Integral ABSSingle 240mm Brembo disc 1 piston caliper
RimsCross-spoke wheels-
Tyres - Front110/80 ZR1990/90 -21
Tyres - Rear150/70 ZR17150/70 -R18
Wheels - Front2.50 x 19"2.15 x 21'';
Wheels - Rear4.00 x 17"4.25 x 18''

Verdict

Winner on specs

2012 KTM 990 Adventure R

The 2012 KTM 990 Adventure R edges out the 2011 BMW R 1200GS Adventure thanks to its more peak power, lighter kerb weight, liquid cooling, fuel injection, greater ground clearance, higher rear wheel travel 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 R 1200GS Adventure - Advantages

  • Higher torque: 120 Nm vs 100 Nm - more pulling power across the rev range.

2012 KTM 990 Adventure R - Advantages

  • More power: Produces 116 hp vs 81 kW - a meaningful performance advantage.
  • Lighter: 207 kg vs 256 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.
  • More ground clearance: 296 mm vs 1,278 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.
  • More rear wheel travel: 248 mm vs 220 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 248 mm vs 210 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2011 BMW R 1200GS Adventure vs 2012 KTM 990 Adventure R - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2011 BMW R 1200GS Adventure and 2012 KTM 990 Adventure R?
The 2011 BMW R 1200GS Adventure uses Two cylinder boxer, two-stroke, while the 2012 KTM 990 Adventure R is powered by Four stroke, 75°V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder. This is a fundamental difference - the 2011 BMW R 1200GS Adventure is a two-stroke engine while the 2012 KTM 990 Adventure R runs a four-stroke, resulting in very different power delivery, maintenance requirements, and riding character.
Which is lighter, the 2011 BMW R 1200GS Adventure or the 2012 KTM 990 Adventure R?
The 2012 KTM 990 Adventure R is lighter at 207 kg compared to 256 kg for the 2011 BMW R 1200GS Adventure - a difference of 49 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which has more power, the 2011 BMW R 1200GS Adventure or the 2012 KTM 990 Adventure R?
The 2012 KTM 990 Adventure R produces more peak power at 116 hp, compared to 81 kW for the 2011 BMW R 1200GS Adventure.
Which should I buy, the 2011 BMW R 1200GS Adventure or the 2012 KTM 990 Adventure R?
Both are strong choices. The 2011 BMW R 1200GS Adventure has the edge in higher torque, while the 2012 KTM 990 Adventure R stands out for more peak power and lighter kerb weight. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.