2012 BMW R 1200GS vs 2013 KTM 1190 Adventure R

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2012 BMW R 1200GS 2012 BMW R 1200GS

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Two cylinder boxer, two-stroke
Power
81 kW / 110 hp @ 7750 rpm
Top Speed
206.8 km/h / 129 mph.
Weight
504.9 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
ColoursTitan silver, blue-
Make ModelBMW R 1200GSKTM 1190 Adventure R
Dimensions
Seat Heigth -Alternate (mm)765 mm-
Seat Heigth -Alternate (in.)30.1 inches-
Seat Height850 mm - 870 mm / 33.4 in - 34.2 in890 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-
Width953 mm / 37.5 in-
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight205 kg / 452 lbs217 kg / 478.4 lb
Fuel Capacity20 Litres / 5.2 US gal23 Litres / 6.08 gal
Wet Weight238 kg / 525 lbs-
Performance
Top Speed206.8 km/h / 129 mph.-
Acceleration (0-100 km/h)4.4 sec-
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 Ratio0.2365 HP/kg-
Standing Start 0-1000 m23.4 sec / 203.3 km/h / 126.3 mph-
Standing Start 0-140 km/h7.9 sec-
Standing Start 0-200 km/h19.6 sec-
Standing Start ¼ Mile12.3 sec / 186.5 km/h / 115.9 mph-
Engine
Fuel ControlDOHC-
Engine TypeTwo cylinder boxer, two-stroke-
CO299.8 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, emission standard EU-3-
Engine LubricationDry sump-
ExhaustFully-controlled three-way catalytic converter-
Fuel Consumption4.30 litres/100 km (23.3 km/l or 54.70 mpg)-
Fuel InductionBMS-K+, ∅50mm throttle butterflyEFI, 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
Valve System4-
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 Speed 6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeTubular steel frame, load-bearing power unitTubular space frame made from chrome molybdenum steel, powder-coated
Suspension - FrontTelelever, stanchion diameter ∅41mm, central spring strut, spring preload 9 times mechanically adjustable48mm 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°
Steering Head Angle-64°
Trail101 mm / 4.0 in.129.5 mm / 5.1 in.
Wheel Travel - Front190 mm / 7.5 in220 mm / 8.6 in
Wheel Travel - Rear200 mm / 7.9 in220 mm / 8.6 in
Electrical Systems
Lighting system12V 55W headlight-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)305 mm-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)10.4 inches-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)265 mm-
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)12.0 inches-
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
RimsCast aluminium-
Tyres - Front110/80 ZR1990 / 90 ZR21
Tyres - Rear150/70 ZR17150/60 ZR18

Verdict

Winner on specs

2013 KTM 1190 Adventure R

The 2013 KTM 1190 Adventure R edges out the 2012 BMW R 1200GS thanks to its lighter kerb weight, larger fuel tank, liquid cooling, fuel injection, 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

2012 BMW R 1200GS - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 850 mm - 870 mm vs 890 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.

2013 KTM 1190 Adventure R - Advantages

  • Lighter: 217 kg vs 238 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Larger fuel tank: More range between stops - an advantage on touring routes and remote roads.
  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.
  • More rear wheel travel: 220 mm vs 200 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 220 mm vs 190 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

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

What are the engine differences between the 2012 BMW R 1200GS and 2013 KTM 1190 Adventure R?
The 2012 BMW R 1200GS 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 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 or the 2013 KTM 1190 Adventure R?
The 2013 KTM 1190 Adventure R is lighter at 217 kg compared to 238 kg for the 2012 BMW R 1200GS - a difference of 21 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2012 BMW R 1200GS or the 2013 KTM 1190 Adventure R?
The 2012 BMW R 1200GS has the lower seat at 850 mm - 870 mm, making it more accessible. The 2013 KTM 1190 Adventure R sits higher at 890 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which has the larger fuel tank, the 2012 BMW R 1200GS or the 2013 KTM 1190 Adventure R?
The 2013 KTM 1190 Adventure R has the larger tank at approximately 23 litres vs 20 litres for the 2012 BMW R 1200GS. At 5-6 l/100 km that is roughly 383-460 km vs 333-400 km between stops.
Which should I buy, the 2012 BMW R 1200GS or the 2013 KTM 1190 Adventure R?
Both are strong choices. The 2012 BMW R 1200GS has the edge in lower seat height and dual front discs, while the 2013 KTM 1190 Adventure R stands out for lighter kerb weight and larger fuel tank. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.