2020 BMW S 1000XR vs 2020 KTM 790 Duke

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2020 BMW S 1000XR 2020 BMW S 1000XR

Sport

Engine
In-line four, four-stroke
Power
121 kW / 165 hp @ 11000 rpm
Top Speed
200.0 km/h / 124.3 mph
Weight
498.2 pounds
2020 KTM 790 Duke 2020 KTM 790 Duke

Sport

Engine
Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder
Power
78 kW / 105 hp @ 9000 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
169 kg / 372.5 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year20202020
ColoursRacing Red uni/White Aluminium metallic matt, Ice Grey uni-
Make ModelBMW S 1000XRKTM 790 Duke
Dimensions
StorageStorage compartment underneath seat-
Seat Height840 mm / 33.0 in825 mm / 32.4 in
Wheelbase1552 mm / 61.1 in1475 ± 15 mm / 58 in
Ground Clearance-186 mm / 7.3 in
Height1411 mm / 55.6 in.1059 mm / 41.7 in
Length2333 mm / 91.8 in2062 mm / 81.2 in
Width850 mm / 33.4 in with mirrors904 mm / 35.6 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight205 kg / 451.9 lbs169 kg / 372.5 lbs
Fuel Capacity20 Litres / 5.2 US gal14 Litres / 3.7 US gal
Wet Weight226 kg / 498 lbs-
Performance
Top Speed200.0 km/h / 124.3 mph-
Max Power121 kW / 165 hp @ 11000 rpm78 kW / 105 hp @ 9000 rpm
Max Torque114 Nm / 84 lb-ft @ 9250 rpm87 Nm / 63.4 lb-ft @ 8,000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.7915 HP/kg-
Engine
Fuel ControlDouble Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)-
Engine TypeIn-line four, four-stroke-
CO2143.8 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)-
Displacement999 cc / 60.9 cu-in799 cc / 48.7 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, valve actuation via single rocker arms , 4 valves per cylinder, Intake/outlet mm 33.5/27.2Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder
Fuel SystemInjection. Electronic Injection-
Bore x Stroke80 x 49.7 mm88 mm x 65.7 mm
Compression Ratio12.5:112.7:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledLiquid cooled
EmissionsClosed-loop three-way catalytic converter-
Engine ManagementBMS-X-
Exhaust-Stainless steel primary and secondary silencer
Fuel Consumption6.20 litres/100 km (16.1 km/l or 37.94 mpg)-
Fuel Induction-Dell'Orto fuel-Injection
Fuel Reserve4.00 litres / 1.06 US gallons-
Ignition-Bosch EMS with RBW
LubricationWet sumpForced oil lubrication with 2 oil pumps
Mixture ControlElectronic injection, throttle valve 48 mm-
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System4-
Drivetrain
ClutchSelf-reinforcing multi-plate anti-hopping wet clutch, mechanically activatedPASC antihopping clutch, mechanically operated
Final DriveChainChain 520 X-Ring
Gear Ratios1st 2.647 2nd 2.091 3rd 1.727 4th. 1.476 5th 1.304 lth. 1.167-
Gearbox6-speed-
Primary DriveChain 17/4539:75
Primary Drive Ratios1.652-
Secondary Drive Ratio-16:41
Transmission / DriveConstant -mesh 6-speed gearbox, straight-toothed6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeConstruction type aluminium perimeter frame, engine self-supportingChromium-Molybdenum-Steel frame using the engine as stressed element, powder coated
Suspension - Front43mm Upside-down telescopic fork, slide tube, Dynamic ESA, damping electronically adjustable43mm WP upside-down
Suspension - RearAluminium underslung double-sided swinging arm with central spring strut, Dynamic ESA, damping electronically adjustableWP shock absorber with preload adjuster
Rake25.5°24°
Steering Head Angle64.5°66°
Trail116 mm / 4.6 in98 mm / 3.8 in
Wheel Travel - Front150 mm / 5.9 in140 mm / 5.5 in
Wheel Travel - Rear150 mm / 5.9 in150 mm / 5.9 in
Electronics
Traction controlBMW Motorrad DTC-
Electrical Systems
Electrical SystemAlternator W 493 Battery V/Ah 12 / 9, maintenance-free Headlamp W LED low beam twin headlamp with projection module LED high beam with projection module Starter kW 0.8-
Lighting systemLED lights-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2X 320mm discs floating, radial 4-piston fixed calipers2x 300mm discs
Brakes - RearSingle 220 mm disc, 1 piston floating caliperSingle 240mm disc
ABSBMW Motorrad ABS ProBosch 9MP two-channel ABS (incl. Supermoto mode, diesengageable)
RimsCast Aluminium-
Tyres - Front120/70 ZR17120/70-17
Tyres - Rear190/55 ZR17180/55-17
Wheels-Cast aluminium
Wheels - Front-3.50 x 17 in
Wheels - Rear-5.50 x 17 in

Verdict

Winner on specs

2020 BMW S 1000XR

The 2020 BMW S 1000XR edges out the 2020 KTM 790 Duke thanks to its more peak power, higher torque, larger fuel tank, higher front wheel travel and larger displacement. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2020 BMW S 1000XR - Advantages

  • More power: Produces 121 kW vs 78 kW - a meaningful performance advantage.
  • Higher torque: 114 Nm vs 87 Nm - more pulling power across the rev range.
  • Larger fuel tank: More range between stops - an advantage on touring routes and remote roads.
  • Larger displacement: 999 cc vs 799 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.
  • More front wheel travel: 150 mm vs 140 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2020 KTM 790 Duke - Advantages

  • Lighter: 169 kg vs 226 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.

2020 BMW S 1000XR vs 2020 KTM 790 Duke - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2020 BMW S 1000XR and 2020 KTM 790 Duke?
The 2020 BMW S 1000XR uses In-line four, four-stroke, while the 2020 KTM 790 Duke is powered by Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder.
Which is lighter, the 2020 BMW S 1000XR or the 2020 KTM 790 Duke?
The 2020 KTM 790 Duke is lighter at 169 kg compared to 226 kg for the 2020 BMW S 1000XR - a difference of 57 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which has more power, the 2020 BMW S 1000XR or the 2020 KTM 790 Duke?
The 2020 BMW S 1000XR produces more peak power at 121 kW, compared to 78 kW for the 2020 KTM 790 Duke.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2020 BMW S 1000XR or the 2020 KTM 790 Duke?
The 2020 KTM 790 Duke has the lower seat at 825 mm, making it more accessible. The 2020 BMW S 1000XR sits higher at 840 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 2020 BMW S 1000XR or the 2020 KTM 790 Duke?
The 2020 BMW S 1000XR has the larger tank at approximately 20 litres vs 14 litres for the 2020 KTM 790 Duke. At 5-6 l/100 km that is roughly 333-400 km vs 233-280 km between stops.
Which should I buy, the 2020 BMW S 1000XR or the 2020 KTM 790 Duke?
Both are strong choices. The 2020 BMW S 1000XR has the edge in more peak power and higher torque, while the 2020 KTM 790 Duke stands out for 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.