2021 BMW F 850GS vs 2021 KTM 890 Adventure R

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2021 BMW F 850GS 2021 BMW F 850GS

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Twin, four-stroke
Power
90 hp / 66 kW @ 8000 rpm
Top Speed
201.2 km/h / 125.0 mph
Weight
504.9 pounds
2021 KTM 890 Adventure R 2021 KTM 890 Adventure R

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Power
78.3 kW / 105 hp @ 8000 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
210 kg / 463 lbs
Full Specifications
General
CommentsAutomatic Stability Control. Riding modes Rain/Road. High Windshield.-
Year20212021
ColoursBlack Storm Metallic/yellow, Racing Red, Racing Blue Metallic-
Make ModelBMW F 850GSKTM 890 Adventure R
Dimensions
Seat Heigth -Alternate (in.)35.0 inches-
Seat Heigth -Alternate (mm)889 mm-
Seat Height860 mm / 33.8 in - OE suspension lowering kit: 815 mm / 32 in - OE low seat: 835 mm / 32.8 in - OE comfort seat: 875 mm / 34.4 in - OA rallye seat: 890 mm / 35 in879 mm / 34.6 in
Wheelbase1593 mm / 62.7 in1529 mm / 60.2 in
Ground Clearance-264 mm / 10.4 in
Height1356 mm / 53.3 in (excl mirrors)-
Length2305 mm / 90.7 in-
Width922 mm / 36.3 in (incl mirrors)-
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight216 kg / 476.2 lbs-
Fuel Capacity15 Litres / 4.0 US gal20 Litres / 5.3 US gal
Wet Weight233 kg / 513.6 lbs210 kg / 463 lbs
Performance
Top Speed201.2 km/h / 125.0 mph-
Max Power90 hp / 66 kW @ 8000 rpm78.3 kW / 105 hp @ 8000 rpm
Max Torque86 Nm / 63.4 lb-ft @ 6250 rpm100 Nm / 73.7 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.4167 HP/kg-
Engine
Fuel ControlDouble Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)-
Engine TypeTwin, four-stroke-
CO295.1 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)-
Displacement853 cc / 52 ci-in889 cc / 54.3 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, parallel twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinderFour stroke, parallel twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel SystemInjection-
Bore x Stroke84 x 77mm90.7 x 68.8 mm
Compression Ratio12.7:113.5:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledLiquid cooled with water/oil heat exchanger
EmissionsClosed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-5Euro 5
Engine LubricationDry sump-
Engine Management-Bosch EMS with RBW
Exhaust-Stainless-steel
Fuel Consumption4.10 litres/100 km (24.4 km/l or 57.37 mpg)-
Fuel InductionElectronic intake injectionDKK Dell'Orto with 46mm throttle body
Fuel Reserve3.50 litres / 0.92 US gallons-
IgnitionKnock control and oxygen sensors. -
LubricationDry sumpPressure lubrication with 2 oil pumps
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System4-
Drivetrain
ClutchMultiplate wet clutch (anti-hopping), mechanically controlledPASC antihopping clutch, mechanically operated
Final DriveEndless O-ring chain with shock damping in rear wheel hubChain 520 X-Ring
Gearbox6-speed-
Primary DriveEndless O-ring chain with shock damping in rear wheel hub-
Transmission / DriveConstant mesh 6-speed gearbox integrated in crankcase6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeSteel bridge frame in monocoque design, load-bearing engineChromium-Molybdenum-Steel frame using the engine as stressed element, powder coated
Suspension - Front43 mm USD forks48mm Fully adjustable WP Xplor inverted forks
Suspension - RearCast aluminium dual swing arm, central WAD spring strut, spring pre-load hydraulically adjustable, rebound damping adjustableLinkage-free spring-preload adjustable WP Xplor PDS shock
Rake28.0°26.3°
Steering Head Angle62°63.7°
Trail126 mm / 4.9 in-
Wheel Travel - Front230 mm / 9 in - OE: suspension lowering kit 210 mm / 8.2 in240 mm / 9.4 in
Wheel Travel - Rear215 mm / 8.4 in - OE: suspension lowering kit 195 mm / 7.6 in240 mm / 9.4 in
Electrical Systems
Lighting systemLED headlamps-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2 x 305mm floating discs, 2 piston floating calipers2x 320mm discs with 4-piston radially mounted calipers
Brakes - RearSingle 265mm disc,1 piston floating caliperSingle 260mm disc
ABSBMW Motorrad ABS (disengageable)Bosch 9.1 MP incl. Cornering-ABS and offroad mode, disengageable
RimsWire spoke wheels-
Tyres - Front90/90 21 90/90 x 21 Continental Twinduro TKC 80
Tyres - Rear150/70 R17 150/70 x 18 Continental Twinduro TKC 80
Wheels-Wire-spoked
Wheels - FrontCross-spoke 21 x 2.15 in2.50 x 21
Wheels - RearCross-spoke 17 x 4.25 in4.50 x 18

Verdict

Winner on specs

2021 KTM 890 Adventure R

The 2021 KTM 890 Adventure R edges out the 2021 BMW F 850GS thanks to its higher torque, lighter kerb weight, larger fuel tank and higher rear wheel travel. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2021 BMW F 850GS - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 860 mm vs 879 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.
  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.

2021 KTM 890 Adventure R - Advantages

  • Higher torque: 100 Nm vs 86 Nm - more pulling power across the rev range.
  • Lighter: 210 kg vs 233 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Larger fuel tank: More range between stops - an advantage on touring routes and remote roads.
  • More rear wheel travel: 240 mm vs 215 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.

2021 BMW F 850GS vs 2021 KTM 890 Adventure R - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2021 BMW F 850GS and 2021 KTM 890 Adventure R?
The 2021 BMW F 850GS uses Twin, four-stroke, while the 2021 KTM 890 Adventure R is powered by Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Which is lighter, the 2021 BMW F 850GS or the 2021 KTM 890 Adventure R?
The 2021 KTM 890 Adventure R is lighter at 210 kg compared to 233 kg for the 2021 BMW F 850GS - a difference of 23 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2021 BMW F 850GS or the 2021 KTM 890 Adventure R?
The 2021 BMW F 850GS has the lower seat at 860 mm, making it more accessible. The 2021 KTM 890 Adventure R sits higher at 879 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which has the larger fuel tank, the 2021 BMW F 850GS or the 2021 KTM 890 Adventure R?
The 2021 KTM 890 Adventure R has the larger tank at approximately 20 litres vs 15 litres for the 2021 BMW F 850GS. At 5-6 l/100 km that is roughly 333-400 km vs 250-300 km between stops.
Which should I buy, the 2021 BMW F 850GS or the 2021 KTM 890 Adventure R?
Both are strong choices. The 2021 BMW F 850GS has the edge in lower seat height and fuel injection, while the 2021 KTM 890 Adventure R stands out for higher torque and lighter kerb weight. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.