2010 BMW F 650GS vs 2011 KTM 990 Adventure

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2010 BMW F 650GS 2010 BMW F 650GS

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Twin, four-stroke
Power
52 kW / 71 hp @ 7000 rpm
Top Speed
191.7 km/h / 119 mph
Weight
438.7 pounds
2011 KTM 990 Adventure 2011 KTM 990 Adventure

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Four stroke, 75°V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Power
113.3 hp / 84.5 kW @ 8750 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
209 kg / 460.7 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year20102011
ColoursOrange, white, blue-
Make ModelBMW F 650GSKTM 990 Adventure
Dimensions
Seat Height820 mm / 32.3 in - 790 mm / 31.1 in860 mm / 33.8 in
Wheelbase1575 mm / 62.0 in-
Ground Clearance-261 mm / 9.0 in
Height1,240 mm / 48.8 in (excl. mirrors)-
Length2280 mm / 89.8 in-
Width890 mm / 35.0 in (incl. mirrors)-
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight171 kg / 377 lbs209 kg / 460.7 lbs
Fuel Capacity16 L / 4.2 US gal19.5 Litres / 5.1 gal
Wet Weight198 kg / 436.5 lbs-
Performance
Top Speed191.7 km/h / 119 mph-
Max Power52 kW / 71 hp @ 7000 rpm113.3 hp / 84.5 kW @ 8750 rpm
Max Torque75 Nm / 55 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm100 Nm / 73.8 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.3896 HP/kg-
Standing Start ¼ Mile12.8 sec-
Engine
CO285.8 CO-
Engine TypeTwin, four-stroke-
Displacement798 cc / 47.7 cub- in999.8 cc / 60.9 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, parallel twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinderFour stroke, 75°V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel SystemInjection. Electronic intake pipe injection / digital engine management (BMS-K)-
Bore x Stroke82 x 75.8 mm101 x 62.4mm
Compression Ratio12.0:111.5;1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledLiquid cooling
Engine Oil Specification-Motorex, SAE 10W-50
ExhaustClosed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-3Twin stainless steel silencer with regulated catalytic converter
Fuel Consumption5 l/100 km / 46.6 US mpg.-
Fuel InductionElectronic intake injection, 45mm throttle bodiesKeihin Electronic Fuel Injection EMS
Fuel Range317 km / 197 miles-
Fuel Reserve4.00 litres / 1.06 gallons-
IgnitionKnock control and oxygen sensors Contactless, controlled, fully electronic ignition system with digital ignition timing adjustment
LubricationDry sump-
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System4-
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity-12 V/11.2 Ah
Drivetrain
ClutchMultiplate-plate in oil bathWet Multi-disc hydraulically operated,
Final DriveChainChain, X-Ring 5/8 x 5/16"
Final Drive Ratio-16:42
Gear Ratios1st 2.46 / 2nd 1.75 / 3rd 1.38 / 4th 1.17 / 5th 1.04 / 6th 0.96:1-
Gearbox6-speed-
Primary Drive-35:67
Transmission / Drive6 Speed 6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeTubular frame in steal partly carrying the engineTubular cromoly spaced frame. powered coated
Suspension - Front41mm telescopic fork48mm WP USD forks
Suspension - RearDouble strut swing arm aluminium coast in one pieceWP-PDS rear shock, hydraulic spring preload
Handlebar-Aluminium, tapered, Ø 28/22 mm
Rake26.0°-
Trail92 mm / 3.6 in-
Wheel Travel - Front180 mm / 7.1 in190 mm / 7.5 in
Wheel Travel - Rear170 mm / 6.7 in190 mm / 7.5 in
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)11.8 inches-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)265 mm-
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)300 mm-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)10.4 inches-
Brakes - FrontSingle 300mm disc, 2 piston caliper2x 300mm discs 2 piston calipers
Brakes - RearSingle 265mm disc, 1 piston caliperSingle 240mm disc 1 piston caliper
Tyres - Front110/80-R19 90/90 -21
Tyres - Rear140/80-R17 150/70 -R18
WheelsCast aluminium-
Wheels - Front2.50 x 19-
Wheels - Rear3.50 x 17-

Verdict

Too close to call

The 2010 BMW F 650GS and the 2011 KTM 990 Adventure 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

2010 BMW F 650GS - Advantages

  • Lighter: 198 kg vs 209 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Lower seat height: 820 mm vs 860 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.

2011 KTM 990 Adventure - Advantages

  • Higher torque: 100 Nm vs 75 Nm - more pulling power across the rev range.
  • 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.

2010 BMW F 650GS vs 2011 KTM 990 Adventure - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2010 BMW F 650GS and 2011 KTM 990 Adventure?
The 2010 BMW F 650GS uses Twin, four-stroke, while the 2011 KTM 990 Adventure is powered by Four stroke, 75°V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Which is lighter, the 2010 BMW F 650GS or the 2011 KTM 990 Adventure?
The 2010 BMW F 650GS is lighter at 198 kg compared to 209 kg for the 2011 KTM 990 Adventure - a difference of 11 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2010 BMW F 650GS or the 2011 KTM 990 Adventure?
The 2010 BMW F 650GS has the lower seat at 820 mm, making it more accessible. The 2011 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 2010 BMW F 650GS or the 2011 KTM 990 Adventure?
Both are strong choices. The 2010 BMW F 650GS has the edge in lighter kerb weight and lower seat height, while the 2011 KTM 990 Adventure stands out for higher torque and higher rear wheel travel. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.