2008 KTM 990 Adventure vs 2008 BMW F 650GS

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2008 KTM 990 Adventure 2008 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
2008 BMW F 650GS 2008 BMW F 650GS

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Twin
Power
N/A
Top Speed
185.0 km/h / 115.0 mph
Weight
438.7 pounds
Full Specifications
General
Year2008-
Make ModelKTM 990 Adventure-
Dimensions
Seat Height860 mm / 33.8 in820 mm / 32.3 in.
Wheelbase-1,575 mm / 62.0 in.
Ground Clearance261 mm / 9.0 in-
Height-1,915 mm / 75.4 in.
Length-2,280 mm / 89.8 in.
Width-872 mm / 34.3 in.
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight209 kg / 460.7 lbs179 kg / 394.6 lbs
Fuel Capacity19.5 Litres / 5.1 gal16.00 litres / 4.23 gallons
Wet Weight-199.0 kg / 438.7 lbs
Performance
Top Speed211.0 km/h185.0 km/h / 115.0 mph
Max Power96.5 hp / 70.5 kW @ 8500 rpm-
Max Torque95 Nm / 70.1 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm75.00
Power-to-Weight Ratio-0.3896 HP/kg
Standing Start ¼ Mile11.7 sec-
Engine
Fuel Control-DOHC
Engine Type-Twin
Bore x Stroke (in,)-3.2 x 3.0 inches
Stroke-4
Displacement (ci)-48.69 cubic inches
Bore x Stroke (mm)-82.0 x 75.6 mm
Displacement (cc)-798.00 cc
Displacement999.8 cc / 60.9 cu-in-
Engine DetailFour stroke, 75°V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder-
Fuel System-Injection
Bore x Stroke101 x 62.4mm-
Compression Ratio11.5;112.0:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooling-
Engine Oil SpecificationMotorex, SAE 10W-50-
ExhaustTwin stainless steel silencer with regulated catalytic converter-
Fuel Consumption15.2 km/lit-
Fuel InductionKeihin Electronic Fuel Injection EMS-
Fuel Reserve-2.00 litres / 0.53 gallons
IgnitionContactless, controlled, fully electronic ignition system with digital ignition timing adjustment-
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System-4
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity12 V/11.2 Ah-
Drivetrain
ClutchWet Multi-disc hydraulically operated,Multiple-disc clutch in oil bath, mechanically operated
Final DriveChain, X-Ring 5/8 x 5/16"Chain
Final Drive Ratio16:42-
Gearbox-6-speed
Primary Drive35:67-
Transmission / Drive6 Speed -
Chassis
Frame TypeTubular cromoly spaced frame. powered coatedTubular steel space frame, load-bearing engine
Suspension - Front48mm WP USD forksTelescopic fork, 41 mm
Suspension - RearWP-PDS rear shock, hydraulic spring preloadCast aluminium dual swing arm, central spring strut, spring pre-load hydraulically adjustable (continuously variable) at handwheel, rebound damping adjustable
HandlebarAluminium, tapered, Ø 28/22 mm-
Rake-26.0°
Trail-92 mm / 3.6 in.
Wheel Travel - Front190 mm / 7.5 in180 mm / 7.1 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear190 mm / 7.5 in170 mm / 6.7 in.
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)-10.4 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)-11.8 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)-300 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)-265 mm
Brakes - Front2x 300mm discs 2 piston calipersSingle disc. Optional ABS
Brakes - RearSingle 240mm disc 1 piston caliperSingle disc. Optional ABS
Tyres - Front90/90 -21110/80-19
Tyres - Rear150/70 -R18140/80-17

Verdict

Winner on specs

2008 KTM 990 Adventure

The 2008 KTM 990 Adventure edges out the 2008 BMW F 650GS thanks to its liquid cooling, 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

2008 KTM 990 Adventure - Advantages

  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • More rear wheel travel: 190 mm vs 170 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 190 mm vs 180 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2008 BMW F 650GS - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 820 mm vs 860 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.

2008 KTM 990 Adventure vs 2008 BMW F 650GS - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2008 KTM 990 Adventure and 2008 BMW F 650GS?
The 2008 KTM 990 Adventure uses Four stroke, 75°V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, while the 2008 BMW F 650GS is powered by Twin.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2008 KTM 990 Adventure or the 2008 BMW F 650GS?
The 2008 BMW F 650GS has the lower seat at 820 mm, making it more accessible. The 2008 KTM 990 Adventure sits higher at 860 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2008 KTM 990 Adventure or the 2008 BMW F 650GS?
Both are strong choices. The 2008 KTM 990 Adventure has the edge in liquid cooling and higher rear wheel travel, while the 2008 BMW F 650GS 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.