2010 BMW R 1200GS vs 2011 KTM 990 Adventure

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

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

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Two cylinder boxer, two-stroke
Power
77 kW / 105 hp @ 7500 rpm
Top Speed
208.4 km/h / 129.5 mph
Weight
504.9 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
ColoursBlack, gray, white, red-
Make ModelBMW R 1200GSKTM 990 Adventure
Dimensions
Seat Height850 mm - 870 mm / 33.4 in - 34.2 in860 mm / 33.8 in
Wheelbase1506 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 Weight199 kg / 439 lbs209 kg / 460.7 lbs
Fuel Capacity20 Litres / 5.2 US gal19.5 Litres / 5.1 gal
Wet Weight229 kg / 505 lbs-
Performance
Top Speed208.4 km/h / 129.5 mph-
Acceleration (0-100 km/h)3.6 sec-
Acceleration (100-140 km/h)4.1 sec-
Acceleration (140-180 km/h)4.8 sec-
Acceleration (60-100 km/h)4.0 sec-
Acceleration (60-140 km/h)8.1 sec-
Max Power77 kW / 105 hp @ 7500 rpm113.3 hp / 84.5 kW @ 8750 rpm
Max Torque115 Nm / 11.7 kgf-m / 84.8 ft/lb @ 5750 rpm100 Nm / 73.8 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.5086 HP/kg-
Standing Start 0-140 km/h5.9 sec-
Standing Start 0-200 km/h16.0 sec-
Standing Start ¼ Mile12.3 sec-
Engine
Fuel ControlSOHC-
Engine TypeTwo cylinder boxer, two-stroke-
CO299.8 CO-
Displacement1170 cc / 71.4 cub 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. 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
Fuel Consumption5.8 L/100 km / 17.2 km/l / 40.5 US mpg-
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 2.37 / 2nd 1.64 / 3rd 1.29 / 4th 1.06 / 5th 0.93 / 6th 0.84:1-
Gearbox6-speed-
Primary Drive-35:67
Transmission / Drive6 Speed6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeTubular space frame, engine load-bearingTubular cromoly spaced frame. powered coated
Suspension - FrontTelelever, stanchion diameter 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 - Front190 mm / 7.5 in190 mm / 7.5 in
Wheel Travel - Rear200 mm / 7.9 in190 mm / 7.5 in
Electrical Systems
AlternatorThree-phase alternator 720W-
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 305 mm discs, 4 piston caliper2x 300mm discs 2 piston calipers
Brakes - RearSingle 265 mm disc, 2 piston caliperSingle 240mm disc 1 piston caliper
Tyres - Front110/80 ZR1990/90 -21
Tyres - Rear150/70 ZR17150/70 -R18

Verdict

Too close to call

The 2010 BMW R 1200GS and the 2011 KTM 990 Adventure are evenly matched across the key measurable criteria. Your decision comes down to personal preference, riding style, and which brand's dealer network best suits your location.

Key Differences

2010 BMW R 1200GS - Advantages

  • Higher torque: 115 Nm vs 100 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: 200 mm vs 190 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.

2011 KTM 990 Adventure - Advantages

  • Lighter: 209 kg vs 229 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.

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

What are the engine differences between the 2010 BMW R 1200GS and 2011 KTM 990 Adventure?
The 2010 BMW R 1200GS 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 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 or the 2011 KTM 990 Adventure?
The 2011 KTM 990 Adventure is lighter at 209 kg compared to 229 kg for the 2010 BMW R 1200GS - a difference of 20 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which should I buy, the 2010 BMW R 1200GS or the 2011 KTM 990 Adventure?
Both are strong choices. The 2010 BMW R 1200GS has the edge in higher torque and dual front discs, while the 2011 KTM 990 Adventure 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.