2020 BMW R 1250RS vs 2019 KTM 1090 Adventure

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2020 BMW R 1250RS 2020 BMW R 1250RS

Sport touring

Engine
Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke
Power
136 hp / 100 kW @ 7750 rpm
Top Speed
201.2 km/h / 125.0 mph
Weight
535.7 pounds
2019 KTM 1090 Adventure 2019 KTM 1090 Adventure

Sport touring

Engine
V2, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
451.9 pounds
Full Specifications
General
CommentsAdjustable Windshield. 2 Ride Modes (Rain/Road). Automatic Stability Control.-
Year2020-
ColoursBlack Storm Metallic, Style Sport, Style Exclusive, Sparkling Bronze MetallicBlack/Orange
Make ModelBMW R 1250RS-
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (in.)-8.7 inches
Ground Clearance (mm)-220 mm
Seat Height820 mm / 32.3 in OE low seat: 760 mm / 29.9 in OE sport seat: 840 mm / 33.0 in850 mm / 33.5 in.
Wheelbase1530 mm / 60.2 in1560 mm / 61.4 in.
Height1255 mm / 49.4 in minimum-
Length2202 mm / 86.6 in-
Width925 mm / 36.4 in-
Weights & Capacities
Oil Capacity (l)4.00 litres-
Oil Capacity (Quarts)4.23 US quarts-
Dry Weight-205 kg / 451.9 lbs
Fuel Capacity18 Litres / 4.7 US gal23.00 litres / 6.08 US gallons
Coolant Capacity2.00 litres (0.53 US gallons)-
Wet Weight243 kg / 535.7 lbs-
Performance
Top Speed201.2 km/h / 125.0 mph-
Max Power136 hp / 100 kW @ 7750 rpm-
Max Torque143 Nm / 105.4 lb-ft @ 6250 rpm-
Power-to-Weight Ratio-0.6018 HP/kg
Engine
Engine TypeTwo cylinder boxer, four-strokeV2, four-stroke
CO2109.0 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)129.9 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Displacement (ci)-66.51 cubic inches
Bore x Stroke (in,)-4.1 x 2.5 inches
Bore x Stroke (mm)-103.0 x 63.0 mm
Fuel ControlDouble Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)-
Displacement (cc)-1090.0 cc
Displacement1254 cc / 76.5 cu-in-
Engine DetailFour stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, with two overhead, spur gear driven camshafts , a counterbalance shaft and variable intake camshaft control system BMW ShiftCam, 4 valves per cylinder-
Fuel SystemInjection. Electronic fuel injection with ride-by-wire throttle system-
Bore x Stroke102.5 x 76 mm-
Compression Ratio12.5:1-
Cooling SystemLiquid / Air cooled-
EmissionsClosed-loop three-way catalytic converter, exhaust standard , Euro 4-
Engine LubricationDry sump-
Engine ManagementBMS-O-
Fuel Consumption4.70 litres/100 km (21.3 km/l or 50.05 mpg)5.60 litres/100 km (17.9 km/l or 42.00 mpg)
Fuel InductionElectronic intake pipe injection, 52mm Ø throttle valve -
Fuel Reserve4.00 litres / 1.06 US gallons-
Fuel TypeUnleaded super, octane number 95 (RON) adapive fuel quality regulation (91 to 98 RON)-
Idle Speed1050 +/- 100 RPM-
Ignition-Digetal
StarterElectric 900WElectric
Valve System4-
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity12V/12Ah-
Drivetrain
ClutchWet clutch with anti-hopping function, hydraulically activatedSlipper clutch
Final DriveShaft-
Gearbox6-speed-
Primary DriveConstant mesh-
Transmission / DriveConstant mesh 6-speed gearbox with helical gearing system-
Chassis
Frame TypeTwo-section frame concept consisting of main frame with bolt-on rear frame, load-bearing engineChromium-Molybdenum steel trellis frame, powder coated
Suspension - FrontTelescopic Upside-Down fork; stanchion diameter 45 mmWP upside-down Ø 43 mm
Suspension - RearCast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever; WAD strut (travel- related damping), spring pre-load hydraulically adjustable (continuously variable) at handwheel, rebound damping adjustable at handwheelWP monoshock
Rake25.5°-
Steering Angle62.3°-
Trail110.9 mm / 4.3 in-
Wheel Travel - Front140 mm / 5.5 in185 mm / 7.3 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear140 mm / 5.5 in190 mm / 7.5 in.
Electrical Systems
AlternatorThree-phase alternator 508 W (nominal power)-
Lighting systemLED-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2x 320mm floating discs, 4-piston radial brake calipersDouble disc. Brembo four-piston radial fixed calliper
Brakes - RearSingle 276mm disc, 2-piston floating caliperSingle disc. Brembo twin-piston fixed calliper, brake disc
ABSBMW Motorrad Integral ABS (part integral), disengageable-
Brake Fluid TypeDOT 4-
Tyre Pressure - Front36 PSI (2.5 Bar or 250 kPa)-
Tyre Pressure - Rear42 PSI (2.9 Bar or 290 kPa)-
Tyres - Front120/70 ZR17-
Tyres - Rear180/55 ZR17-
WheelsCast aluminium wheels-
Wheels - Front3.50 x 17 in-
Wheels - Rear5.50 x 17 in-

Verdict

Winner on specs

2019 KTM 1090 Adventure

The 2019 KTM 1090 Adventure edges out the 2020 BMW R 1250RS thanks to its lighter kerb weight, dual front discs, 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

2020 BMW R 1250RS - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 820 mm vs 850 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.
  • Standard ABS: A meaningful safety advantage in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.

2019 KTM 1090 Adventure - Advantages

  • Lighter: 205 kg vs 243 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.
  • More rear wheel travel: 190 mm vs 140 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 185 mm vs 140 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2020 BMW R 1250RS vs 2019 KTM 1090 Adventure - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2020 BMW R 1250RS and 2019 KTM 1090 Adventure?
The 2020 BMW R 1250RS uses Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke, while the 2019 KTM 1090 Adventure is powered by V2, four-stroke.
Which is lighter, the 2020 BMW R 1250RS or the 2019 KTM 1090 Adventure?
The 2019 KTM 1090 Adventure is lighter at 205 kg compared to 243 kg for the 2020 BMW R 1250RS - a difference of 38 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2020 BMW R 1250RS or the 2019 KTM 1090 Adventure?
The 2020 BMW R 1250RS has the lower seat at 820 mm, making it more accessible. The 2019 KTM 1090 Adventure sits higher at 850 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Does the 2020 BMW R 1250RS or 2019 KTM 1090 Adventure have ABS?
The 2020 BMW R 1250RS is listed with ABS as standard. The 2019 KTM 1090 Adventure does not list ABS. ABS provides a meaningful safety benefit in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
Which should I buy, the 2020 BMW R 1250RS or the 2019 KTM 1090 Adventure?
Both are strong choices. The 2020 BMW R 1250RS has the edge in lower seat height and liquid cooling, while the 2019 KTM 1090 Adventure stands out for lighter kerb weight and dual front discs. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.