2012 BMW R 1200GS Adventure vs 2013 KTM 1190 Adventure R

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2012 BMW R 1200GS Adventure 2012 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
2013 KTM 1190 Adventure R 2013 KTM 1190 Adventure R

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Four stroke, 75°V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Power
147.5 hp / 107.7 kW @ 9500 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
217 kg / 478.4 lb
Full Specifications
General
CommentsBlata is from the Czech Republic.-
Year20122013
ColoursMagma red-
Make ModelBMW R 1200GS AdventureKTM 1190 Adventure R
Dimensions
Seat Heigth -Alternate (mm)765 mm-
Seat Heigth -Alternate (in.)30.1 inches-
Seat Height890 - 910 mm / 35.0 - 35.8 in.890 mm / 35 in
Wheelbase1507 mm / 59.3 in1580 mm / 62.2 in
Ground Clearance-250 mm / 9.8 in (unloaded)
Height1450 mm / 57.1 in.-
Length2210 mm / 87.0 in.-
Width915 mm / 36.0 in.-
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight223 kg / 492 lbs217 kg / 478.4 lb
Fuel Capacity33 L / 8.7 US gal23 Litres / 6.08 gal
Wet Weight256 kg / 564 lbs (road ready, fully fueled )-
Performance
Top Speed193 km/h / 120 mph-
Max Power81 kW / 110 hp @ 7750 rpm147.5 hp / 107.7 kW @ 9500 rpm
Max Torque120 Nm / 12.2 kgf-m / 88 lb-ft @ 6000 rpm92.2 lb-ft / 124.8 Nm @ 7500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.2152 HP/kg-
Standing Start ¼ Mile12.6 sec-
Engine
Fuel ControlDOHC-
Engine TypeTwo cylinder boxer, two-stroke-
CO2106.7 CO-
Displacement1170 cc / 71.4 cub in.1195 cc / 72.9 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 mm105 x 69 mm
Compression Ratio12.0:112.5:1
Cooling SystemAir/oil cooledLiquid cooling
EmissionsClosed-loop 3-way catalytic converter-
Engine LubricationDry sump-
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 diaEFI, ride by wire
Fuel Reserve4L / 1.1 US gal-
IgnitionBMS-K Contactless, controlled, fully electronic ignition system with digital ignition timing adjustment
Lubrication-Forced oil lubrication with 3 rotor pumps
StarterElectricElectric
Drivetrain
ClutchSingle-plate dry clutch, ∅180mmWet multi-disc clutch, hydraulically operated
Final DriveShaftChain 5/8 x 5/16" X Ring
Gear Ratios1st 2.375 / 2nd 1.696 / 3rd 1.296 / 4th 0.065 / 5th 0.939 / 6th 0.848:1-
Gearbox6-speed-
Primary Drive Ratios-40:76
Secondary Drive Ratio-17:42
Transmission / Drive6 Speed6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeTubular steel frame, load-bearing power unitTubular space frame made from chrome molybdenum steel, powder-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.
Rake25.7°26.0°
SeatTwo section dual seat with variable height riders seat-
Steering Head Angle-64°
Trail101 mm / 3.97 in.129.5 mm / 5.1 in.
Wheel Travel - Front210 mm / 8.3 in.220 mm / 8.6 in
Wheel Travel - Rear220 mm / 8.7 in.220 mm / 8.6 in
Electrical Systems
Electrical SystemAlternator three-phase alternator 720 W Battery 12 V / 14 Ah, maintenance-free-
Lighting system12V 55W headlight-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)12.0 inches-
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)305 mm-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)10.4 inches-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)265 mm-
Brakes - Front2 x ∅305mm Discs, 4 piston caliper, Optional: BMW Motorrad Integral ABS2x 320mm discs 4 piston calipers
Brakes - RearSingle ∅265mm disc, 2 piston caliper, Optional: BMW Motorrad Integral ABSSingle 267mm disc 2 piston caliper
RimsCross-spoke wheels-
Tyres - Front110/80 ZR1990 / 90 ZR21
Tyres - Rear150/70 ZR17150/60 ZR18
Wheels - Front2.50 x 19"-
Wheels - Rear4.00 x 17"-

Verdict

Winner on specs

2013 KTM 1190 Adventure R

The 2013 KTM 1190 Adventure R edges out the 2012 BMW R 1200GS Adventure thanks to its lighter kerb weight, liquid cooling and fuel injection. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2012 BMW R 1200GS Adventure - Advantages

  • Larger fuel tank: More range between stops - an advantage on touring routes and remote roads.
  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.

2013 KTM 1190 Adventure R - Advantages

  • Lighter: 217 kg vs 256 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.

2012 BMW R 1200GS Adventure vs 2013 KTM 1190 Adventure R - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2012 BMW R 1200GS Adventure and 2013 KTM 1190 Adventure R?
The 2012 BMW R 1200GS Adventure uses Two cylinder boxer, two-stroke, while the 2013 KTM 1190 Adventure R is powered by Four stroke, 75°V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder. This is a fundamental difference - the 2012 BMW R 1200GS Adventure is a two-stroke engine while the 2013 KTM 1190 Adventure R runs a four-stroke, resulting in very different power delivery, maintenance requirements, and riding character.
Which is lighter, the 2012 BMW R 1200GS Adventure or the 2013 KTM 1190 Adventure R?
The 2013 KTM 1190 Adventure R is lighter at 217 kg compared to 256 kg for the 2012 BMW R 1200GS Adventure - a difference of 39 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which has the larger fuel tank, the 2012 BMW R 1200GS Adventure or the 2013 KTM 1190 Adventure R?
The 2012 BMW R 1200GS Adventure has the larger tank at approximately 33 litres vs 23 litres for the 2013 KTM 1190 Adventure R. At 5-6 l/100 km that is roughly 550-660 km vs 383-460 km between stops.
Which should I buy, the 2012 BMW R 1200GS Adventure or the 2013 KTM 1190 Adventure R?
Both are strong choices. The 2012 BMW R 1200GS Adventure has the edge in larger fuel tank and dual front discs, while the 2013 KTM 1190 Adventure R stands out for lighter kerb weight 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.