2012 BMW R 1200GS vs 2012 KTM 990 Adventure

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2012 BMW R 1200GS 2012 BMW R 1200GS

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Two cylinder boxer, two-stroke
Power
81 kW / 110 hp @ 7750 rpm
Top Speed
206.8 km/h / 129 mph.
Weight
504.9 pounds
2012 KTM 990 Adventure 2012 KTM 990 Adventure

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Four stroke, 75°V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Power
113.3 hp / 84.5 kW @ 8750 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
209 kg / 460.7 lbs
Full Specifications
General
CommentsBlata is from the Czech Republic.-
Year20122012
ColoursTitan silver, blue-
Make ModelBMW R 1200GSKTM 990 Adventure
Dimensions
Seat Heigth -Alternate (mm)765 mm-
Seat Heigth -Alternate (in.)30.1 inches-
Seat Height850 mm - 870 mm / 33.4 in - 34.2 in860 mm / 33.8 in
Wheelbase1507 mm / 59.3 in-
Ground Clearance-261 mm / 9.0 in
Height1450 mm / 57.1 in-
Length2210 mm / 87.0 in-
Width953 mm / 37.5 in-
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight205 kg / 452 lbs209 kg / 460.7 lbs
Fuel Capacity20 Litres / 5.2 US gal19.5 Litres / 5.1 gal
Wet Weight238 kg / 525 lbs-
Performance
Top Speed206.8 km/h / 129 mph.-
Acceleration (0-100 km/h)4.4 sec-
Max Power81 kW / 110 hp @ 7750 rpm113.3 hp / 84.5 kW @ 8750 rpm
Max Torque120 Nm / 12.2 kgf-m / 88 lb-ft @ 6000 rpm100 Nm / 73.8 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.2365 HP/kg-
Standing Start 0-1000 m23.4 sec / 203.3 km/h / 126.3 mph-
Standing Start 0-140 km/h7.9 sec-
Standing Start 0-200 km/h19.6 sec-
Standing Start ¼ Mile12.3 sec / 186.5 km/h / 115.9 mph-
Engine
Engine TypeTwo cylinder boxer, two-stroke-
CO299.8 CO-
Fuel ControlDOHC-
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
ExhaustFully-controlled three-way catalytic converterTwin stainless steel silencer with regulated catalytic converter
Fuel Consumption4.30 litres/100 km (23.3 km/l or 54.70 mpg)-
Fuel InductionBMS-K+, ∅50mm throttle butterflyKeihin Electronic Fuel Injection EMS
Fuel Reserve4L / 1.1 US gal-
IgnitionBMS-K Contactless, 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 Drive-35:67
Transmission / Drive6 Speed 6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeTubular steel frame, load-bearing power unitTubular cromoly spaced frame. powered coated
Suspension - FrontTelelever, stanchion diameter ∅41mm, central spring strut, spring preload 9 times mechanically adjustable48mm 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°-
Trail101 mm / 4.0 in.-
Wheel Travel - Front190 mm / 7.5 in190 mm / 7.5 in
Wheel Travel - Rear200 mm / 7.9 in190 mm / 7.5 in
Electrical Systems
Lighting system12V 55W headlight-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)305 mm-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)10.4 inches-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)265 mm-
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)12.0 inches-
Brakes - Front2 x ∅305mm discs, 4 piston caliper. Optional: BMW Motorrad Integral ABS2x 300mm discs 2 piston calipers
Brakes - RearSingle ∅265mm disc 2 piston caliper. Optional: BMW Motorrad Integral ABSSingle 240mm disc 1 piston caliper
RimsCast aluminium-
Tyres - Front110/80 ZR1990/90 -21
Tyres - Rear150/70 ZR17150/70 -R18

Verdict

Winner on specs

2012 KTM 990 Adventure

The 2012 KTM 990 Adventure edges out the 2012 BMW R 1200GS thanks to its lighter kerb weight, liquid cooling and fuel injection. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2012 BMW R 1200GS - Advantages

  • Higher torque: 120 Nm vs 100 Nm - more pulling power across the rev range.
  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.
  • More rear wheel travel: 200 mm vs 190 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.

2012 KTM 990 Adventure - Advantages

  • Lighter: 209 kg vs 238 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.

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

What are the engine differences between the 2012 BMW R 1200GS and 2012 KTM 990 Adventure?
The 2012 BMW R 1200GS uses Two cylinder boxer, two-stroke, while the 2012 KTM 990 Adventure is powered by Four stroke, 75°V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder. This is a fundamental difference - the 2012 BMW R 1200GS is a two-stroke engine while the 2012 KTM 990 Adventure runs a four-stroke, resulting in very different power delivery, maintenance requirements, and riding character.
Which is lighter, the 2012 BMW R 1200GS or the 2012 KTM 990 Adventure?
The 2012 KTM 990 Adventure is lighter at 209 kg compared to 238 kg for the 2012 BMW R 1200GS - a difference of 29 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which should I buy, the 2012 BMW R 1200GS or the 2012 KTM 990 Adventure?
Both are strong choices. The 2012 BMW R 1200GS has the edge in higher torque and dual front discs, while the 2012 KTM 990 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.