2006 BMW R 1200GS Adventure vs 2007 KTM 990 Adventure

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2006 BMW R 1200GS Adventure 2006 BMW R 1200GS Adventure

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Twin
Power
73 kW / 98 hp @ 7000 rpm
Top Speed
193 km/h / 120 mph
Weight
564.4 pounds
2007 KTM 990 Adventure 2007 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
Full Specifications
General
Year20062007
Make ModelBMW R 1200GS AdventureKTM 990 Adventure
Dimensions
Seat Height890 - 910 mm / 35.0 - 35.8 in860 mm / 33.8 in
Wheelbase1507 mm / 59.3 in-
Ground Clearance-261 mm / 9.0 in
Height1450 mm / 57.1 in (excl. mirrors)-
Length2210 mm / 87.0 in-
Width915 mm / 36.0 in (incl. mirrors)-
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight223 kg / 492 lbs209 kg / 460.7 lbs
Fuel Capacity33 Litres / 8.7 US gal19.5 Litres / 5.1 gal
Wet Weight256.0 kg / 564.4 lbs-
Performance
Top Speed193 km/h / 120 mph211.0 km/h
Max Power73 kW / 98 hp @ 7000 rpm96.5 hp / 70.5 kW @ 8500 rpm
Max Torque115 Nm / 11.7 kgf-m / 84.8 ft-lbs @ 5500 rpm95 Nm / 70.1 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.4450 HP/kg-
Standing Start 0-1000 m24.7 sec / 190.5 km/h / 1118 mph-
Standing Start ¼ Mile12.9 sec / 170.7 km/h / 106 mph11.7 sec
Engine
Engine TypeTwin-
Fuel ControlSOHC-
Stroke4-
Displacement1170 cc / 71.4 in.999.8 cc / 60.9 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, 4 valves per cylinderFour stroke, 75°V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel SystemInjection-
Bore x Stroke101 x 73 mm101 x 62.4mm
Compression Ratio11.0:111.5;1
Cooling SystemAir/oil cooledLiquid cooling
Engine Oil Specification-Motorex, SAE 10W-50
Exhaust-Twin stainless steel silencer with regulated catalytic converter
Fuel Consumption6.3 L/100 km / 15.7 km/l / 36.9 US mpg15.2 km/lit
Fuel InductionElectronic intake pipe injection/digital engine management: BMS-K with overrun fuel cut off, dual ignitionKeihin Electronic Fuel Injection EMS
Fuel Reserve4L / 1.1 US gal-
IgnitionBMS-KContactless, controlled, fully electronic ignition system with digital ignition timing adjustment
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System4-
EV Specifics
Battery CapacityBattery 12 V / 14 Ah, maintenance-free12 V/11.2 Ah
Drivetrain
ClutchSingle plate dry clutch, ∅180 mm, hydraulically operatedWet Multi-disc hydraulically operated,
Final DriveShaftChain, X-Ring 5/8 x 5/16"
Final Drive Ratio-16:42
Gear Ratios1st 1.583 / 2nd 1.259 / 3rd 1.033 / 4th 0.903 / 5th 0.903 / 6th 0.805:1-
Gearbox6-speed-
Primary Drive-35:67
Transmission / Drive6 Speed 6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeTubular space frame, engine load-bearingTubular cromoly spaced frame. powered coated
Suspension - FrontTelelever, stanchion ∅41mm, central spring strut, spring preload 9 times mechanically adjustable.48mm WP USD forks
Suspension - RearDie-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.WP-PDS rear shock, hydraulic spring preload
Handlebar-Aluminium, tapered, Ø 28/22 mm
Rake26.2°-
Trail101 mm / 4.0 in-
Wheel Travel - Front210 mm / 8.3 in190 mm / 7.5 in
Wheel Travel - Rear220 mm / 8.7 in190 mm / 7.5 in
Electrical Systems
AlternatorAlternator three-phase alternator 720 W-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)305 mm-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)265 mm-
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)12.0 inches-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)10.4 inches-
Brakes - Front2 x 305mm discs, 4 piston caliper2x 300mm discs 2 piston calipers
Brakes - RearSingle 265 mm disc, 2 piston caliperSingle 240mm disc 1 piston caliper
Rims - Front2.50 x 19-
Rims - Rear4.00 x 17-
Tyres - Front110/80 ZR1990/90 -21
Tyres - Rear150/70 ZR17150/70 -R18

Verdict

Winner on specs

2006 BMW R 1200GS Adventure

The 2006 BMW R 1200GS Adventure edges out the 2007 KTM 990 Adventure thanks to its higher torque, dual front discs, 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

2006 BMW R 1200GS Adventure - 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: 220 mm vs 190 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 210 mm vs 190 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2007 KTM 990 Adventure - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 860 mm vs 890 - 910 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.

2006 BMW R 1200GS Adventure vs 2007 KTM 990 Adventure - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2006 BMW R 1200GS Adventure and 2007 KTM 990 Adventure?
The 2006 BMW R 1200GS Adventure uses Twin, while the 2007 KTM 990 Adventure is powered by Four stroke, 75°V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2006 BMW R 1200GS Adventure or the 2007 KTM 990 Adventure?
The 2007 KTM 990 Adventure has the lower seat at 860 mm, making it more accessible. The 2006 BMW R 1200GS Adventure sits higher at 890 - 910 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2006 BMW R 1200GS Adventure or the 2007 KTM 990 Adventure?
Both are strong choices. The 2006 BMW R 1200GS Adventure has the edge in higher torque and dual front discs, while the 2007 KTM 990 Adventure stands out for lower seat height and liquid cooling. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.