2023 BMW R 1250GS vs 2023 KTM 890 Adventure R

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2023 BMW R 1250GS 2023 BMW R 1250GS

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
199.6 km/h / 124.0 mph
Weight
549.0 pounds
2023 KTM 890 Adventure R 2023 KTM 890 Adventure R

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Power
78.3 kW / 105 hp @ 8000 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
210 kg / 464 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Comments3 Ride Modes (ECO, Rain and Road). Traction Control. Hill Start Control. USB charging.-
Year-2023
ColoursBlack Storm Metallic/Black/Agate Gray, Gravity Blue Metallic, Light White/Racing Blue Metallic/Racing Red, Light White-
Make Model-KTM 890 Adventure R
WarrantyUp to 3-years or 36,000 miles-
Dimensions
Seat Heigth -Alternate (mm)870 mm-
Seat Heigth -Alternate (in.)34.3 inches-
Seat Height850 mm / 33.5 in.879 mm / 34.6 in
Wheelbase1514 mm / 59.6 in.1529 mm / 60.2 in
Ground Clearance-264 mm / 10.4 in
Height1430 mm / 56.3 in.-
Length2207 mm / 86.9 in.-
Width953 mm / 37.5 in.-
Weights & Capacities
Oil Capacity (l)4.00 litres-
Oil Capacity (Quarts)4.23 US quarts-
Fuel Capacity19.68 litres / 5.20 US gallons20 Litres / 5.3 US gal
Coolant Capacity2.00 litres (0.53 US gallons)-
Wet Weight249.0 kg / 549.0 lbs210 kg / 464 lbs
Performance
Top Speed199.6 km/h / 124.0 mph-
Max Power-78.3 kW / 105 hp @ 8000 rpm
Max Torque143.0 Nm (14.6 kgf-m or 105.5 ft.lbs) @ 6500 Revolutions"100 Nm / 73.7 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm
Engine
Bore x Stroke (mm)102.5 x 76.0 mm-
Bore x Stroke (in,)4.0 x 3.0 inches-
Displacement (cc)1254.0 cc-
Displacement (ci)76.52 cubic inches-
Fuel ControlDouble Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)-
Engine TypeTwo cylinder boxer, four-stroke-
CO2110.2 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)-
Displacement-889 cc / 54.3 cu-in
Engine DetailBalance shaft and variable engine timing systemFour stroke, parallel twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel SystemInjection. Electronic intake pipe injection-
Bore x Stroke-90.7 x 68.8 mm
Compression Ratio12.5:113.5:1
Cooling System-Liquid cooled with water/oil heat exchanger
EmissionsRegulated three-way catalytic converter, compliant with Euro 5 emission standardEuro 5
Engine LubricationDry sump-
Engine Management-Bosch EMS with RBW
Exhaust-Stainless-steel
Fuel Consumption4.75 litres/100 km (21.1 km/l or 49.52 mpg)-
Fuel Induction-DKK Dell'Orto with 46mm throttle body
Fuel Reserve4.00 litres / 1.06 US gallons-
Idle Speed1050 +/- 100 RPM-
Lubrication-Pressure lubrication with 2 oil pumps
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System4-
Drivetrain
ClutchWet clutch with an anti-hopping function, hydraulic activationPASC antihopping clutch, mechanically operated
Final DriveShaft drive (cardan)   (final drive)Chain 520 X-Ring
Gearbox6-speed-
Primary DriveConstant mesh-
Transmission / Drive-6 Speed (quickshifter optional)
Chassis
Fork Tube Size (in.)1.5 inches-
Fork Tube Size (mm)37 mm-
Frame TypeTwo-section frame, front- and bolted on rear frame, load-bearing engineChromium-Molybdenum-Steel frame using the engine as stressed element, powder coated
Suspension - FrontBMW Motorrad Telelever; stanchion diameter 37 mm, central spring strut48mm Fully adjustable WP Xplor inverted forks
Suspension - RearCast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever; WAD strut (travel-related damping), spring pre-load hydraulically adjustable (continuously variable) at handwheel, rebound damping adjustable at handwheel.Linkage-free spring-preload adjustable WP Xplor PDS piggyback shock
Rake25.7°26.3°
Steering Head Angle-63.7°
Trail102 mm / 4.0 in.-
Wheel Travel - Front190 mm / 7.5 in.240 mm / 9.4 in
Wheel Travel - Rear200 mm / 7.9 in.240 mm / 9.4 in
Electrical Systems
InstrumentationTFT color display with connectivity-
Lighting systemLED headlight-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - FrontDouble disc. ABS. Floating discs. Four-piston calipers.2x 320mm discs with 4-piston radially mounted calipers
Brakes - RearSingle disc. ABS. Floating disc. Two-piston calipers.Single 260mm disc
ABS-Bosch 9.3 MP incl. Cornering-ABS and offroad mode, disengageable
Brake Fluid TypeDOT 4-
RimsCast aluminium-
Tyre Pressure - Front36 PSI (2.5 Bar or 250 kPa)-
Tyre Pressure - Rear42 PSI (2.9 Bar or 290 kPa)-
Tyres - Front120/70-R1990/90 x 21 Continental Twinduro TKC 80
Tyres - Rear-150/70 x 18 Continental Twinduro TKC 80
Wheels-Wire-spoked
Wheels - Front-2.50 x 21
Wheels - Rear-4.50 x 18

Verdict

Winner on specs

2023 KTM 890 Adventure R

The 2023 KTM 890 Adventure R edges out the 2023 BMW R 1250GS thanks to its liquid cooling, standard ABS, 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

2023 BMW R 1250GS - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 850 mm vs 879 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.
  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.

2023 KTM 890 Adventure R - Advantages

  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • Standard ABS: A meaningful safety advantage in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
  • More rear wheel travel: 240 mm vs 200 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 240 mm vs 190 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2023 BMW R 1250GS vs 2023 KTM 890 Adventure R - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2023 BMW R 1250GS and 2023 KTM 890 Adventure R?
The 2023 BMW R 1250GS uses Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke, while the 2023 KTM 890 Adventure R is powered by Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2023 BMW R 1250GS or the 2023 KTM 890 Adventure R?
The 2023 BMW R 1250GS has the lower seat at 850 mm, making it more accessible. The 2023 KTM 890 Adventure R sits higher at 879 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Does the 2023 BMW R 1250GS or 2023 KTM 890 Adventure R have ABS?
The 2023 KTM 890 Adventure R is listed with ABS as standard. The 2023 BMW R 1250GS does not list ABS. ABS provides a meaningful safety benefit in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
Which should I buy, the 2023 BMW R 1250GS or the 2023 KTM 890 Adventure R?
Both are strong choices. The 2023 BMW R 1250GS has the edge in lower seat height and fuel injection, while the 2023 KTM 890 Adventure R stands out for liquid cooling and standard ABS. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.