2007 KTM 990 Adventure vs 2007 BMW R 1200GS

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2007 KTM 990 Adventure 2007 KTM 990 Adventure

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Four stroke, 75°V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Power
96.5 hp / 70.5 kW @ 8500 rpm
Top Speed
211.0 km/h
Weight
209 kg / 460.7 lbs
2007 BMW R 1200GS 2007 BMW R 1200GS

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Two cylinder boxer
Power
72 kW / 98 hp @ 7000 rpm
Top Speed
213 km/h / 132 mph
Weight
225 kg / 496 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year20072007
Colours-Desert Yellow Metallic, Rock Red Metallic, Ocean Blue Metallic, Granite Grey Metallic
Make ModelKTM 990 AdventureBMW R 1200GS
Dimensions
Seat Height860 mm / 33.8 in895 - 915 mm / 35.2 - 36.0 in
Wheelbase-1507 mm / 59.3 in
Ground Clearance261 mm / 9.0 in-
Height-1450 mm / 57.1 in (excl. mirrors)
Length-2210 mm / 87.0 in
Width-915 mm / 36.0 in (incl. mirrors)
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight209 kg / 460.7 lbs199 kg / 439 lbs
Fuel Capacity19.5 Litres / 5.1 gal20 Litres / 5.2 US gal
Wet Weight-225 kg / 496 lbs
Performance
Top Speed211.0 km/h213 km/h / 132 mph
Max Power96.5 hp / 70.5 kW @ 8500 rpm72 kW / 98 hp @ 7000 rpm
Max Torque95 Nm / 70.1 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm115 Nm / 11.7 kgf-m / 84.8 ft-lbs @ 5500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio-0.5126 HP/kg
Standing Start 0-1000 m-23.3 sec / 207 km/h / 129 mph
Standing Start ¼ Mile11.7 sec12.3 sec / 181.5 km/h / 112.8 mph
Engine
Stroke-4
Engine Type-Two cylinder boxer
Displacement999.8 cc / 60.9 cu-in1170 cc / 71.4 in.
Engine DetailFour stroke, 75°V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinderFour stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel System-Injection. Electronic fuel injection
Bore x Stroke101 x 62.4mm101 x 73 mm
Compression Ratio11.5;111.0:1
Cooling SystemLiquid coolingAir/oil cooled
Engine Oil SpecificationMotorex, SAE 10W-50-
ExhaustTwin stainless steel silencer with regulated catalytic converter-
Fuel Consumption15.2 km/lit5.5 L/100 km / 18.0 km/l / 42.4 US mpg
Fuel InductionKeihin Electronic Fuel Injection EMSElectronic intake pipe injection/digital engine management: BMS-K with overrun fuel cut off, dual ignition
Fuel Reserve-4L / 1.1 US gal
IgnitionContactless, controlled, fully electronic ignition system with digital ignition timing adjustmentBMS-K
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System-4
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity12 V/11.2 AhBattery 12 V / 14 Ah, maintenance-free
Drivetrain
ClutchWet Multi-disc hydraulically operated,Single plate dry clutch, ∅180 mm, hydraulically operated
Final DriveChain, X-Ring 5/8 x 5/16"Shaft
Final Drive Ratio16:42-
Gear Ratios-1st 1.583 / 2nd 1.259 / 3rd 1.033 / 4th 0.903 / 5th 0.903 / 6th 0.805:1
Gearbox-6-speed
Primary Drive35:67-
Transmission / Drive6 Speed 6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeTubular cromoly spaced frame. powered coatedTubular space frame, engine load-bearing
Suspension - Front48mm WP USD forksTelelever, stanchion ∅41mm, central spring strut, spring preload 9 times mechanically adjustable.
Suspension - RearWP-PDS rear shock, hydraulic spring preloadDie-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.
HandlebarAluminium, tapered, Ø 28/22 mm-
Trail-101 mm / 4.0 in
Wheel Travel - Front190 mm / 7.5 in190 mm / 7.5 in
Wheel Travel - Rear190 mm / 7.5 in200 mm / 7.9 in
Electrical Systems
Alternator-Alternator three-phase alternator 720 W
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)-10.4 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)-12.0 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)-305 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)-265 mm
Brakes - Front2x 300mm discs 2 piston calipers2 x ∅305mm discs, 4 piston caliper
Brakes - RearSingle 240mm disc 1 piston caliperSingle ∅265 mm disc, 2 piston caliper
Tyres - Front90/90 -21110/80 ZR19
Tyres - Rear150/70 -R18150/70 ZR17

Verdict

Winner on specs

2007 KTM 990 Adventure

The 2007 KTM 990 Adventure edges out the 2007 BMW R 1200GS thanks to its lighter kerb weight, lower seat height and liquid cooling. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2007 KTM 990 Adventure - Advantages

  • Lighter: 209 kg vs 225 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Lower seat height: 860 mm vs 895 - 915 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.

2007 BMW R 1200GS - Advantages

  • Higher torque: 115 Nm vs 95 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.

2007 KTM 990 Adventure vs 2007 BMW R 1200GS - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2007 KTM 990 Adventure and 2007 BMW R 1200GS?
The 2007 KTM 990 Adventure uses Four stroke, 75°V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, while the 2007 BMW R 1200GS is powered by Two cylinder boxer.
Which is lighter, the 2007 KTM 990 Adventure or the 2007 BMW R 1200GS?
The 2007 KTM 990 Adventure is lighter at 209 kg compared to 225 kg for the 2007 BMW R 1200GS - a difference of 16 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2007 KTM 990 Adventure or the 2007 BMW R 1200GS?
The 2007 KTM 990 Adventure has the lower seat at 860 mm, making it more accessible. The 2007 BMW R 1200GS sits higher at 895 - 915 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2007 KTM 990 Adventure or the 2007 BMW R 1200GS?
Both are strong choices. The 2007 KTM 990 Adventure has the edge in lighter kerb weight and lower seat height, while the 2007 BMW R 1200GS stands out for higher torque 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.