2018 BMW R 1200RT LC vs 2019 KTM 1090 Adventure

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2018 BMW R 1200RT LC 2018 BMW R 1200RT LC

Sport touring

Engine
Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer with balancer shaft, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Power
92 kW / 125 hp @ 7750 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
274 kg / 604 lbs
2019 KTM 1090 Adventure 2019 KTM 1090 Adventure

Sport touring

Engine
V2, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
451.9 pounds
Full Specifications
General
Year201-
Colours-Black/Orange
Make ModelBMW R 1200RT LC-
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)-220 mm
Ground Clearance (in.)-8.7 inches
Seat Height805 mm / 31.5 in - 825 mm / 32.5 in Variable seat heights available between 760mm / 29.9 in and 850mm / 33.5 in850 mm / 33.5 in.
Wheelbase1485 mm / 58.5 in1560 mm / 61.4 in.
Height1416 mm / 55.7 in-
Length2222 mm / 87.5 in-
Width983 mm / 38.7 in-
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight-205 kg / 451.9 lbs
Fuel Capacity25 Litres / 6.6 US gal23.00 litres / 6.08 US gallons
Wet Weight274 kg / 604 lbs-
Performance
Max Power92 kW / 125 hp @ 7750 rpm-
Max Torque125 Nm / 92 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm-
Power-to-Weight Ratio-0.6018 HP/kg
Engine
Engine Type-V2, four-stroke
Displacement (ci)-66.51 cubic inches
Displacement (cc)-1090.0 cc
CO2-129.9 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Bore x Stroke (mm)-103.0 x 63.0 mm
Bore x Stroke (in,)-4.1 x 2.5 inches
Displacement1170 cc / 71.4 cu-in-
Engine DetailFour stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer with balancer shaft, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder-
Bore x Stroke101 x 73 mm-
Cooling SystemAir/Liquid cooled-
EmissionsEuro 3-
Exhaust managementFully-controlled three-way catalytic converter-
Fuel Consumption-5.60 litres/100 km (17.9 km/l or 42.00 mpg)
Fuel InductionElectronic fuel injection with ride-by-wire throttle system, 52mm throttle valve Emission control Closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter-
Fuel Reserve4 Litres / 1 US gal-
IgnitionDigital engine management Digetal
LubricationWet sump-
StarterElectricElectric
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity12 V / 16 Ah, maintenance-free-
Drivetrain
ClutchMulti-plate wet clutch, hydraulically operatedSlipper clutch
Final DriveShaft-
Gear Ratios1st 2.438 / 2nd 1.714 / 3rd 1.296 / 4th 1.059 / 5th 0.943 / 6th 0.848:1-
Primary Drive Ratios1.65-
Transmission / Drive6 Speed, constant-mesh gearbox with helical cut gears -
Chassis
Frame TypeContinuous tubular steel bridge-type frameChromium-Molybdenum steel trellis frame, powder coated
Suspension - FrontBMW Telelever, 37 mm central spring strutWP upside-down Ø 43 mm
Suspension - RearCast aluminum single-sided swing arm with BMW EVO Paralever; WAD strut (travel-related damping), spring pre-load hydraulically adjustable (continuously variable) via handwheel, rebound damping adjustable via handwheelWP monoshock
Steering Head Angle63.6°-
Wheel Travel - Front120 mm / 4.7 in185 mm / 7.3 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear136 mm / 5.4 in190 mm / 7.5 in.
Electrical Systems
AlternatorThree-phase 540 W generator-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2 x 320mm Discs, 4 piston callipersDouble disc. Brembo four-piston radial fixed calliper
Brakes - RearSingle 276mm disc, 2 piston floating caliperSingle disc. Brembo twin-piston fixed calliper, brake disc
ABSBMW Motorrad Integral ABS (part-integral)-
Rims - Front3.50 x 17-
Tyres - Front120/70 ZR17-
Tyres - Rear180/55 ZR17-
Wheel Caster116 mm / 4.6 in-

Verdict

Too close to call

The 2018 BMW R 1200RT LC and the 2019 KTM 1090 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

2018 BMW R 1200RT LC - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 805 mm vs 850 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.
  • Standard ABS: A meaningful safety advantage in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.

2019 KTM 1090 Adventure - Advantages

  • Lighter: 205 kg vs 274 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • More rear wheel travel: 190 mm vs 136 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 185 mm vs 120 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2018 BMW R 1200RT LC vs 2019 KTM 1090 Adventure - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2018 BMW R 1200RT LC and 2019 KTM 1090 Adventure?
The 2018 BMW R 1200RT LC uses Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer with balancer shaft, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, while the 2019 KTM 1090 Adventure is powered by V2, four-stroke.
Which is lighter, the 2018 BMW R 1200RT LC or the 2019 KTM 1090 Adventure?
The 2019 KTM 1090 Adventure is lighter at 205 kg compared to 274 kg for the 2018 BMW R 1200RT LC - a difference of 69 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2018 BMW R 1200RT LC or the 2019 KTM 1090 Adventure?
The 2018 BMW R 1200RT LC has the lower seat at 805 mm, making it more accessible. The 2019 KTM 1090 Adventure sits higher at 850 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Does the 2018 BMW R 1200RT LC or 2019 KTM 1090 Adventure have ABS?
The 2018 BMW R 1200RT LC is listed with ABS as standard. The 2019 KTM 1090 Adventure does not list ABS. ABS provides a meaningful safety benefit in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
Which should I buy, the 2018 BMW R 1200RT LC or the 2019 KTM 1090 Adventure?
Both are strong choices. The 2018 BMW R 1200RT LC has the edge in lower seat height and liquid cooling, while the 2019 KTM 1090 Adventure stands out for lighter kerb weight and higher rear wheel travel. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.