2018 KTM 1090 Adventure vs 2018 BMW R 1200 RS

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2018 KTM 1090 Adventure 2018 KTM 1090 Adventure

All-Round

Engine
Twin, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
451.9 pounds
2018 BMW R 1200 RS 2018 BMW R 1200 RS

All-Round

Engine
Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
520.3 pounds
Full Specifications
General
CommentsSmall windscreen. Ride-by-wire system. Traction control with different modes.Switchable ABS.
ColoursOrange/blackLight Grey Metallic/Magellan Grey Metallic Matt
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)220 mm-
Ground Clearance (in.)8.7 inches-
Seat Height850 mm / 33.5 in.820 mm / 32.3 in.
Wheelbase1,560 mm / 61.4 in.1,527 mm / 60.1 in.
Height-1,273 mm / 50.1 in.
Length-2,202 mm / 86.7 in.
Width-925 mm / 36.4 in.
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight205 kg / 451.9 lbs-
Fuel Capacity23.00 litres / 6.08 gallons18.00 litres / 4.76 gallons
Wet Weight-236.0 kg / 520.3 lbs
Performance
Max Torque-125.00 Nm (12.7 kgf-m or 92.2 ft.lbs) @ 6500 Revolutions
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.6098 HP/kg-
Engine
CO2-106.7 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Fuel Control-Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
Displacement (ci)64.07 cubic inches71.39 cubic inches
Engine TypeTwin, four-strokeTwo cylinder boxer, four-stroke
Displacement (cc)1050.00 cc1170.00 cc
Bore x Stroke (in,)4.1 x 2.5 inches4.0 x 2.9 inches
Bore x Stroke (mm)103.0 x 63.0 mm101.0 x 73.0 mm
Engine Detail75° V arrangement-
Fuel SystemInjectionInjection. Digital engine management with electronic fuel injection
Compression Ratio-12.5:1
Emissions-Closed-?loop 3-?way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-?4
Engine LubricationForced oil lubrication with 3 oil pumpWet sump
Exhaust-Chrome
Fuel Consumption-4.60 litres/100 km (21.7 km/l or 51.13 mpg)
Fuel Reserve-3.00 litres / 0.79 gallons
IgnitionKeihin EMS with RBW, twin ignition-
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System-4
Drivetrain
ClutchPASC slipper clutch, hydraulically actuatedWet eight-disc clutch with anti-hopping function, hyrdaulically operated
Final DriveChainShaft drive (cardan)
Gearbox6-speed6-speed
Primary Drive5/8 x 5/16 X Ring. Primary drive: 40:76.-
Chassis
Frame TypeChromium-Molybdenum steel trellis frame, powder coatedTwo-section frame, front- and bolted on rear frame, load-bearing engine
Suspension - FrontWP upside-down ? 43 mmUpside-down telescopic fork, diameter 45 mm, travel 140 mm, silver-anodized
Suspension - RearWP monoshockBMW Motorrad EVO Paralever
Rake26.0°27.7°
Trail-115 mm / 4.5 in.
Wheel Travel - Front185 mm / 7.3 in.140 mm / 5.5 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear190 mm / 7.5 in.140 mm / 5.5 in.
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)267 mm276 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)10.5 inches10.9 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)320 mm320 mm
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)12.6 inches12.6 inches
Brakes - FrontDouble disc. ABS. Four-piston calipers. Radially mounted. BremboDouble disc. ABS. Four-piston calipers.
Brakes - RearSingle disc. ABS. Two-piston calipers. Brembo.Single disc. ABS. Floating disc. Two-piston calipers.
RimsMetzeler Tourance Next tiresCast aluminium
Tyres - Front110/80-R19120/70-ZR17
Tyres - Rear150/90-R17180/55-ZR17

Verdict

Winner on specs

2018 KTM 1090 Adventure

The 2018 KTM 1090 Adventure edges out the 2018 BMW R 1200 RS thanks to its 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

2018 KTM 1090 Adventure - Advantages

  • 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.

2018 BMW R 1200 RS - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 820 mm vs 850 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.

2018 KTM 1090 Adventure vs 2018 BMW R 1200 RS - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2018 KTM 1090 Adventure and 2018 BMW R 1200 RS?
The 2018 KTM 1090 Adventure uses Twin, four-stroke, while the 2018 BMW R 1200 RS is powered by Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2018 KTM 1090 Adventure or the 2018 BMW R 1200 RS?
The 2018 BMW R 1200 RS has the lower seat at 820 mm, making it more accessible. The 2018 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.
Which should I buy, the 2018 KTM 1090 Adventure or the 2018 BMW R 1200 RS?
Both are strong choices. The 2018 KTM 1090 Adventure has the edge in higher rear wheel travel and higher front wheel travel, while the 2018 BMW R 1200 RS stands out for lower seat height. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.