2019 KTM 1090 Adventure vs 2018 BMW R 1200RT LC

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
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
2018 BMW R 1200RT LC 2018 BMW R 1200RT LC

Sport touring

Engine
Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer with balancer shaft, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Power
92 kW / 125 hp @ 7750 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
274 kg / 604 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year-201
ColoursBlack/Orange-
Make Model-BMW R 1200RT LC
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (in.)8.7 inches-
Ground Clearance (mm)220 mm-
Seat Height850 mm / 33.5 in.805 mm / 31.5 in - 825 mm / 32.5 in Variable seat heights available between 760mm / 29.9 in and 850mm / 33.5 in
Wheelbase1560 mm / 61.4 in.1485 mm / 58.5 in
Height-1416 mm / 55.7 in
Length-2222 mm / 87.5 in
Width-983 mm / 38.7 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight205 kg / 451.9 lbs-
Fuel Capacity23.00 litres / 6.08 US gallons25 Litres / 6.6 US gal
Wet Weight-274 kg / 604 lbs
Performance
Max Power-92 kW / 125 hp @ 7750 rpm
Max Torque-125 Nm / 92 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.6018 HP/kg-
Engine
Bore x Stroke (in,)4.1 x 2.5 inches-
Bore x Stroke (mm)103.0 x 63.0 mm-
CO2129.9 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)-
Displacement (cc)1090.0 cc-
Displacement (ci)66.51 cubic inches-
Engine TypeV2, four-stroke-
Displacement-1170 cc / 71.4 cu-in
Engine Detail-Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer with balancer shaft, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Bore x Stroke-101 x 73 mm
Cooling System-Air/Liquid cooled
Emissions-Euro 3
Exhaust management-Fully-controlled three-way catalytic converter
Fuel Consumption5.60 litres/100 km (17.9 km/l or 42.00 mpg)-
Fuel Induction-Electronic fuel injection with ride-by-wire throttle system, 52mm throttle valve Emission control Closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter
Fuel Reserve-4 Litres / 1 US gal
IgnitionDigetalDigital engine management
Lubrication-Wet sump
StarterElectricElectric
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity-12 V / 16 Ah, maintenance-free
Drivetrain
ClutchSlipper clutchMulti-plate wet clutch, hydraulically operated
Final Drive-Shaft
Gear Ratios-1st 2.438 / 2nd 1.714 / 3rd 1.296 / 4th 1.059 / 5th 0.943 / 6th 0.848:1
Primary Drive Ratios-1.65
Transmission / Drive-6 Speed, constant-mesh gearbox with helical cut gears
Chassis
Frame TypeChromium-Molybdenum steel trellis frame, powder coatedContinuous tubular steel bridge-type frame
Suspension - FrontWP upside-down Ø 43 mmBMW Telelever, 37 mm central spring strut
Suspension - RearWP monoshockCast aluminum single-sided swing arm with BMW EVO Paralever; WAD strut (travel-related damping), spring pre-load hydraulically adjustable (continuously variable) via handwheel, rebound damping adjustable via handwheel
Steering Head Angle-63.6°
Wheel Travel - Front185 mm / 7.3 in.120 mm / 4.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear190 mm / 7.5 in.136 mm / 5.4 in
Electrical Systems
Alternator-Three-phase 540 W generator
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - FrontDouble disc. Brembo four-piston radial fixed calliper2 x 320mm Discs, 4 piston callipers
Brakes - RearSingle disc. Brembo twin-piston fixed calliper, brake discSingle 276mm disc, 2 piston floating caliper
ABS-BMW Motorrad Integral ABS (part-integral)
Rims - Front-3.50 x 17
Tyres - Front-120/70 ZR17
Tyres - Rear-180/55 ZR17
Wheel Caster-116 mm / 4.6 in

Verdict

Too close to call

The 2019 KTM 1090 Adventure and the 2018 BMW R 1200RT LC are evenly matched across the key measurable criteria. Your decision comes down to personal preference, riding style, and which brand's dealer network best suits your location.

Key Differences

2019 KTM 1090 Adventure - Advantages

  • Lighter: 205 kg vs 274 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • More rear wheel travel: 190 mm vs 136 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 185 mm vs 120 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2018 BMW R 1200RT LC - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 805 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 vs 2018 BMW R 1200RT LC - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2019 KTM 1090 Adventure and 2018 BMW R 1200RT LC?
The 2019 KTM 1090 Adventure uses V2, four-stroke, while the 2018 BMW R 1200RT LC is powered by Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer with balancer shaft, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Which is lighter, the 2019 KTM 1090 Adventure or the 2018 BMW R 1200RT LC?
The 2019 KTM 1090 Adventure is lighter at 205 kg compared to 274 kg for the 2018 BMW R 1200RT LC - a difference of 69 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2019 KTM 1090 Adventure or the 2018 BMW R 1200RT LC?
The 2018 BMW R 1200RT LC has the lower seat at 805 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 2019 KTM 1090 Adventure or 2018 BMW R 1200RT LC have ABS?
The 2018 BMW R 1200RT LC 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 2019 KTM 1090 Adventure or the 2018 BMW R 1200RT LC?
Both are strong choices. The 2019 KTM 1090 Adventure has the edge in lighter kerb weight and higher rear wheel travel, while the 2018 BMW R 1200RT LC stands out for lower seat height 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.