2008 KTM 990 Adventure vs 2008 BMW R 1200GS

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 R 1200GS 2008 BMW R 1200GS

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Two cylinder boxer
Power
77 kW / 105 hp @ 7500 rpm
Top Speed
208.4 km/h / 129.5 mph
Weight
504.9 pounds
Full Specifications
General
Year20082008
Make ModelKTM 990 AdventureBMW R 1200GS
Dimensions
Seat Height860 mm / 33.8 in850 mm - 870 mm / 33.4 in - 34.2 in
Wheelbase-1506 mm / 59.3 in
Ground Clearance261 mm / 9.0 in-
Height-1450 mm / 57.1 in
Length-2210 mm / 87.0 in
Width-915 mm / 36.0 in
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-229 kg / 505 lbs
Performance
Top Speed211.0 km/h208.4 km/h / 129.5 mph
Acceleration (0-100 km/h)-3.6 sec
Acceleration (100-140 km/h)-4.1 sec
Acceleration (140-180 km/h)-4.8 sec
Acceleration (60-100 km/h)-4.0 sec
Acceleration (60-140 km/h)-8.1 sec
Max Power96.5 hp / 70.5 kW @ 8500 rpm77 kW / 105 hp @ 7500 rpm
Max Torque95 Nm / 70.1 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm115 Nm / 11.7 kgf-m / 84.8 ft/lb @ 5750 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio-0.5086 HP/kg
Standing Start 0-140 km/h-5.9 sec
Standing Start 0-200 km/h-16.0 sec
Standing Start ¼ Mile11.7 sec12.3 sec
Engine
Engine Type-Two cylinder boxer
Fuel Control-SOHC
Stroke-2
Displacement999.8 cc / 60.9 cu-in1170 cc / 71.4 cub 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 intake pipe injection/BMS-K digital engine management with overrun fuel cut-off, twin spark ignition
Bore x Stroke101 x 62.4mm101 x 73 mm
Compression Ratio11.5;112.0:1
Cooling SystemLiquid coolingAir/oil cooled
Engine Oil SpecificationMotorex, SAE 10W-50-
ExhaustTwin stainless steel silencer with regulated catalytic converter-
Fuel Consumption15.2 km/lit5.8 L/100 km / 17.2 km/l / 40.5 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 2.37 / 2nd 1.64 / 3rd 1.29 / 4th 1.06 / 5th 0.93 / 6th 0.84:1
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 diameter 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-
Rake-25.7°
Trail-101 mm / 3.97 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-Three-phase alternator 720W
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 305 mm 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

Too close to call

The 2008 KTM 990 Adventure and the 2008 BMW R 1200GS 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

2008 KTM 990 Adventure - Advantages

  • Lighter: 209 kg vs 229 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.

2008 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.

2008 KTM 990 Adventure vs 2008 BMW R 1200GS - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2008 KTM 990 Adventure and 2008 BMW R 1200GS?
The 2008 KTM 990 Adventure uses Four stroke, 75°V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, while the 2008 BMW R 1200GS is powered by Two cylinder boxer.
Which is lighter, the 2008 KTM 990 Adventure or the 2008 BMW R 1200GS?
The 2008 KTM 990 Adventure is lighter at 209 kg compared to 229 kg for the 2008 BMW R 1200GS - a difference of 20 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which should I buy, the 2008 KTM 990 Adventure or the 2008 BMW R 1200GS?
Both are strong choices. The 2008 KTM 990 Adventure has the edge in lighter kerb weight and liquid cooling, while the 2008 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.