2016 BMW R 1200 RS vs 2017 KTM 1090 Adventure

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2016 BMW R 1200 RS 2016 BMW R 1200 RS

All-Round

Engine
Two cylinder boxer, two-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
520.3 pounds
2017 KTM 1090 Adventure 2017 KTM 1090 Adventure

All-Round

Engine
Twin, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
451.9 pounds
Full Specifications
General
CommentsSwitchable ABS.Small windscreen. Ride-by-wire system. Traction control with different modes.
ColoursLupin Blue/Light Metallic Grey, Granite Grey Metallic MatteOrange/black
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (in.)-8.7 inches
Ground Clearance (mm)-220 mm
Seat Height820 mm / 32.3 in.850 mm / 33.5 in.
Wheelbase1,527 mm / 60.1 in.1,560 mm / 61.4 in.
Height1,273 mm / 50.1 in.-
Length2,202 mm / 86.7 in.-
Width925 mm / 36.4 in.-
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight198 kg / 436.5 lbs205 kg / 451.9 lbs
Fuel Capacity18.00 litres / 4.76 gallons23.00 litres / 6.08 gallons
Wet Weight236.0 kg / 520.3 lbs-
Performance
Max Torque125.00 Nm (12.7 kgf-m or 92.2 ft.lbs) @ 6500 Revolutions-
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.6231 HP/kg0.6098 HP/kg
Engine
Displacement (cc)-1050.00 cc
Displacement (ci)-64.07 cubic inches
Bore x Stroke (mm)101.0 x 73.0 mm103.0 x 63.0 mm
CO295.1 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)-
Fuel ControlDouble Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)-
Bore x Stroke (in,)4.0 x 2.9 inches4.1 x 2.5 inches
Engine TypeTwo cylinder boxer, two-strokeTwin, four-stroke
Engine Detail-75° V arrangement
Fuel SystemInjection. Electronic intake pipe injectionInjection
Compression Ratio12.5:1-
Engine LubricationWet sumpForced oil lubrication with 3 oil pump
Fuel Consumption4.10 litres/100 km (24.4 km/l or 57.37 mpg)-
Fuel Reserve3.00 litres / 0.79 gallons-
Ignition-Keihin EMS with RBW, twin ignition
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System4-
Drivetrain
ClutchOil lubricated clutch, hydraulically operatedPASC slipper clutch, hydraulically actuated
Final DriveShaft drive (cardan)Chain
Gearbox6-speed6-speed
Primary DriveConstant mesh5/8 x 5/16 X Ring. Primary drive: 40:76.
Chassis
Frame TypeTwo-section frame, front- and bolted on rear frame, load-bearing engineChromium-Molybdenum steel trellis frame, powder coated
Suspension - FrontTelescopic Upside-Down forkWP upside-down ? 43 mm
Suspension - RearCast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad ParaleverWP monoshock
Rake27.7°26.0°
Trail115 mm / 4.5 in.-
Wheel Travel - Front140 mm / 5.5 in.185 mm / 7.3 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear140 mm / 5.5 in.190 mm / 7.5 in.
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)12.6 inches12.6 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)320 mm320 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)10.9 inches10.5 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)276 mm267 mm
Brakes - FrontDouble disc. Floating discs. Four-piston calipers.Double disc. ABS. Four-piston calipers. Radially mounted. Brembo
Brakes - RearSingle disc. Floating disc. Two-piston calipers.Single disc. ABS. Two-piston calipers. Brembo.
RimsCast aluminum wheelsMetzeler Tourance Next tires
Tyres - Front120/70-17-
Tyres - Rear180/55-17-

Verdict

Winner on specs

2017 KTM 1090 Adventure

The 2017 KTM 1090 Adventure edges out the 2016 BMW R 1200 RS thanks to its 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

2016 BMW R 1200 RS - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 820 mm vs 850 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.

2017 KTM 1090 Adventure - Advantages

  • More rear wheel travel: 190 mm vs 140 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 185 mm vs 140 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2016 BMW R 1200 RS vs 2017 KTM 1090 Adventure - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2016 BMW R 1200 RS and 2017 KTM 1090 Adventure?
The 2016 BMW R 1200 RS uses Two cylinder boxer, two-stroke, while the 2017 KTM 1090 Adventure is powered by Twin, four-stroke. This is a fundamental difference - the 2016 BMW R 1200 RS is a two-stroke engine while the 2017 KTM 1090 Adventure runs a four-stroke, resulting in very different power delivery, maintenance requirements, and riding character.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2016 BMW R 1200 RS or the 2017 KTM 1090 Adventure?
The 2016 BMW R 1200 RS has the lower seat at 820 mm, making it more accessible. The 2017 KTM 1090 Adventure sits higher at 850 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2016 BMW R 1200 RS or the 2017 KTM 1090 Adventure?
Both are strong choices. The 2016 BMW R 1200 RS has the edge in lower seat height, while the 2017 KTM 1090 Adventure stands out for higher rear wheel travel and higher front wheel travel. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.