MotoSpecs

2005 BMW R 1200GS vs 2006 KTM 950 Adventure

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2005 BMW R 1200GS 2005 BMW R 1200GS

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Two cylinder boxer
Power
72 kW / 98 hp @ 7000 rpm
Top Speed
213 km/h / 132 mph
Weight
496.0 pounds
2006 KTM 950 Adventure 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
General
Year20052005 - 06
Make ModelBMW R 1200GSKTM 950 Adventure
Dimensions
Seat Height895 - 915 mm / 35.2 - 36.0 in880 mm / 34.6 in
Wheelbase1507 mm / 59.3 in1570 mm / 61.8 in
Ground Clearance-316 mm / 12.4 in
Height1450 mm / 57.1 in (excl. mirrors)-
Length2210 mm / 87.0 in-
Width915 mm / 36.0 in (incl. mirrors)950 mm / 37.4 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight199 kg / 439 lbs198 kg / 426.5 lbs
Fuel Capacity20 Litres / 5.2 US gal22 Litres / 5.8 gal
Wet Weight225 kg / 496 lbs-
Performance
Top Speed213 km/h / 132 mph139.9 mph / 225 km/h
Max Power72 kW / 98 hp @ 7000 rpm98 hp / 71.4 kW @ 8000 rpm
Max Torque115 Nm / 11.7 kgf-m / 84.8 ft-lbs @ 5500 rpm95 Nm / 70.1 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.4852 HP/kg-
Standing Start 0-1000 m23.3 sec / 207 km/h / 129 mph-
Standing Start ¼ Mile12.3 sec / 181.5 km/h / 112.8 mph12.1 sec / 115 mph
Engine
Engine TypeTwo cylinder boxer-
Stroke4-
Fuel ControlSOHC-
Displacement1170 cc / 71.4 in.942 cc / 57.4 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, 4 valves per cylinderFour stroke, 75°V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel SystemInjection. Electronic intake pipe injection/digital engine management: BMS-K with overrun fuel cut-off, dual ignition-
Bore x Stroke101 x 73 mm100 x 60 mm
Compression Ratio11.0:111.5:1
Cooling SystemAir/oil cooledLiquid cooling
Engine Oil Specification-Synthetic, 15w-50
Fuel Consumption5.5 L/100 km / 18.0 km/l / 42.4 US mpg39.8 mpg
Fuel InductionElectronic intake pipe injection/digital engine management: BMS-K with overrun fuel cut off, dual ignitionConstant-pressure carburetor Ø 43mm
Fuel Reserve4L / 1.1 US gal-
IgnitionBMS-KDenso battery ignition
Lubrication-Pressure lubrication with 2 Eaton pumps
Spark Plug-NGK, NGK CR 8 EK
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System4-
EV Specifics
Battery CapacityBattery 12 V / 14 Ah, maintenance-free-
Drivetrain
ClutchSingle plate dry clutch, ∅180 mm, hydraulically operatedAdventure - Silver/Black or Orange/Black / Adventure S - Orange/Black
Final DriveShaftChain, 17-42
Gear Ratios1st 1.583 / 2nd 1.259 / 3rd 1.033 / 4th 0.903 / 5th 0.903 / 6th 0.805:11st gear 35:12, 2nd gear 32:15, 3rd gear 30:18, 4th gear 27:20, 5th gear 27:2, 6th gear 26:27
Gearbox6-speed-
Transmission / Drive6 Speed 6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeTubular space frame, engine load-bearingChromium-molybdenum tubular space frame, powder-coated
Suspension - FrontTelelever, stanchion ∅41mm, central spring strut, spring preload 9 times mechanically adjustable.WP-Upside-down 48 Multi Adjuster
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 with hydraulic spring preload
Rake27.1°26.6°
Trail101 mm / 4.0 in119 mm / 4.7 in
Wheel Travel - Front190 mm / 7.5 in.210 mm / 8.2 in
Wheel Travel - Rear200 mm / 7.9 in.210 mm / 8.2 in
Electrical Systems
AlternatorAlternator three-phase alternator 720 W-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)12.0 inches-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)265 mm-
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)305 mm-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)10.4 inches-
Brakes - Front2 x ∅305mm discs, 4 piston caliper2x 300mm discs 2 piston calipers
Brakes - RearSingle ∅265 mm disc, 2 piston caliperSingle 240mm disc 2 piston caliper
Tyres - Front110/80 ZR1990/90 -21
Tyres - Rear150/70 ZR17150/70 -18

Verdict

Winner on specs

2006 KTM 950 Adventure

The 2006 KTM 950 Adventure edges out the 2005 BMW R 1200GS thanks to its more peak power, lighter kerb weight, liquid cooling and higher front wheel travel. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2005 BMW R 1200GS - Advantages

  • Higher torque: 115 Nm vs 95 Nm - more pulling power across the rev range.
  • 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: 1170 cc vs 942 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.

2006 KTM 950 Adventure - Advantages

  • More power: Produces 98 hp vs 72 kW - a meaningful performance advantage.
  • Lighter: 198 kg vs 225 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • More front wheel travel: 210 mm vs 190 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2005 BMW R 1200GS vs 2006 KTM 950 Adventure - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2005 BMW R 1200GS and 2006 KTM 950 Adventure?
The 2005 BMW R 1200GS 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 2005 BMW R 1200GS or the 2006 KTM 950 Adventure?
The 2006 KTM 950 Adventure is lighter at 198 kg compared to 225 kg for the 2005 BMW R 1200GS - a difference of 27 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which has more power, the 2005 BMW R 1200GS or the 2006 KTM 950 Adventure?
The 2006 KTM 950 Adventure produces more peak power at 98 hp, compared to 72 kW for the 2005 BMW R 1200GS.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2005 BMW R 1200GS or the 2006 KTM 950 Adventure?
The 2006 KTM 950 Adventure has the lower seat at 880 mm, making it more accessible. The 2005 BMW R 1200GS sits higher at 895 - 915 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which has the larger fuel tank, the 2005 BMW R 1200GS or the 2006 KTM 950 Adventure?
The 2006 KTM 950 Adventure has the larger tank at approximately 22 litres vs 20 litres for the 2005 BMW R 1200GS. At 5-6 l/100 km that is roughly 366-440 km vs 333-400 km between stops.
Which should I buy, the 2005 BMW R 1200GS or the 2006 KTM 950 Adventure?
Both are strong choices. The 2005 BMW R 1200GS has the edge in higher torque and fuel injection, while the 2006 KTM 950 Adventure 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.

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