2010 BMW R 1200GS Adventure vs 2011 KTM 990 Adventure

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2010 BMW R 1200GS Adventure 2010 BMW R 1200GS Adventure

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Two cylinder boxer, two-stroke
Power
81 kW / 110 hp @ 7750 rpm
Top Speed
193 km/h / 120 mph
Weight
564.4 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
ColoursYellow, gray-
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-
Length2210 mm / 87.0 in-
Width915 mm / 36.0 in-
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight223 kg / 492 lbs209 kg / 460.7 lbs
Fuel Capacity33 L / 8.7 US gal19.5 Litres / 5.1 gal
Wet Weight256 kg / 564 lbs (road ready, fully fueled )-
Performance
Top Speed193 km/h / 120 mph-
Max Power81 kW / 110 hp @ 7750 rpm113.3 hp / 84.5 kW @ 8750 rpm
Max Torque120 Nm / 12.2 kgf-m / 88 lb-ft @ 6000 rpm100 Nm / 73.8 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.4630 HP/kg-
Standing Start ¼ Mile12.6 sec-
Engine
Engine TypeTwo cylinder boxer, two-stroke-
Fuel ControlSOHC-
CO2106.7 CO-
Displacement1170 cc / 71.4 cub in.999.8 cc / 60.9 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinderFour stroke, 75°V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel SystemInjection. Electronic intake pipe injection/BMS-K digital engine management with overrun fuel cut-off, twin spark ignition-
Bore x Stroke101 x 73 mm101 x 62.4mm
Compression Ratio12.0:111.5;1
Cooling SystemAir/oil 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
Exhaust managementFully-controlled three-way catalytic converter-
Fuel Consumption6.3 L/100 km / 15.7 km/l / 36.9 US mpg-
Fuel InductionBMS-K+, 50mm Throttle butterfly diaKeihin Electronic Fuel Injection EMS
Fuel Reserve4L / 1.1 US gal-
IgnitionBMS-K / electricContactless, controlled, fully electronic ignition system with digital ignition timing adjustment
Starter-Electric
Valve System4-
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity-12 V/11.2 Ah
Drivetrain
ClutchSingle-plate dry clutch, ∅180mmWet Multi-disc hydraulically operated,
Final DriveShaftChain, X-Ring 5/8 x 5/16"
Final Drive Ratio-16:42
Gear Ratios1st 2.375 / 2nd 1.696 / 3rd 1.296 / 4th 0.065 / 5th 0.939 / 6th 0.848:1-
Gearbox6-speed-
Primary Drive-35:67
Transmission / Drive6 Speed6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeTubular steel frame, load-bearing power unitTubular 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
Rake25.7°-
Trail101 mm / 3.97 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
Electrical SystemAlternator three-phase alternator 720 W Battery 12 V / 14 Ah, maintenance-free-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)12.0 inches-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)265 mm-
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)305 mm-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)10.4 inches-
Brakes - Front2x ∅305mm Discs, 4 piston caliper, Optional: BMW Motorrad Integral ABS2x 300mm discs 2 piston calipers
Brakes - RearSingle ∅265mm disc, 2 piston caliper, Optional: BMW Motorrad Integral ABSSingle 240mm disc 1 piston caliper
Tyres - Front110/80 ZR1990/90 -21
Tyres - Rear150/70 ZR17150/70 -R18
Wheels - Front2.50 x 19"-
Wheels - Rear4.00 x 17"-

Verdict

Winner on specs

2011 KTM 990 Adventure

The 2011 KTM 990 Adventure edges out the 2010 BMW R 1200GS Adventure thanks to its lighter kerb weight, lower seat height, liquid cooling and fuel injection. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2010 BMW R 1200GS Adventure - Advantages

  • Higher torque: 120 Nm vs 100 Nm - more pulling power across the rev range.
  • 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.

2011 KTM 990 Adventure - Advantages

  • Lighter: 209 kg vs 256 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • 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.
  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.

2010 BMW R 1200GS Adventure vs 2011 KTM 990 Adventure - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2010 BMW R 1200GS Adventure and 2011 KTM 990 Adventure?
The 2010 BMW R 1200GS Adventure uses Two cylinder boxer, two-stroke, while the 2011 KTM 990 Adventure is powered by Four stroke, 75°V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder. This is a fundamental difference - the 2010 BMW R 1200GS Adventure is a two-stroke engine while the 2011 KTM 990 Adventure runs a four-stroke, resulting in very different power delivery, maintenance requirements, and riding character.
Which is lighter, the 2010 BMW R 1200GS Adventure or the 2011 KTM 990 Adventure?
The 2011 KTM 990 Adventure is lighter at 209 kg compared to 256 kg for the 2010 BMW R 1200GS Adventure - a difference of 47 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2010 BMW R 1200GS Adventure or the 2011 KTM 990 Adventure?
The 2011 KTM 990 Adventure has the lower seat at 860 mm, making it more accessible. The 2010 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 2010 BMW R 1200GS Adventure or the 2011 KTM 990 Adventure?
Both are strong choices. The 2010 BMW R 1200GS Adventure has the edge in higher torque and higher rear wheel travel, while the 2011 KTM 990 Adventure stands out for lighter kerb weight and lower seat height. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.