2019 KTM 1090 Adventure vs 2020 BMW R 1250RS

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
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
2020 BMW R 1250RS 2020 BMW R 1250RS

Sport touring

Engine
Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke
Power
136 hp / 100 kW @ 7750 rpm
Top Speed
201.2 km/h / 125.0 mph
Weight
535.7 pounds
Full Specifications
General
Comments-Adjustable Windshield. 2 Ride Modes (Rain/Road). Automatic Stability Control.
Year-2020
ColoursBlack/OrangeBlack Storm Metallic, Style Sport, Style Exclusive, Sparkling Bronze Metallic
Make Model-BMW R 1250RS
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (in.)8.7 inches-
Ground Clearance (mm)220 mm-
Seat Height850 mm / 33.5 in.820 mm / 32.3 in OE low seat: 760 mm / 29.9 in OE sport seat: 840 mm / 33.0 in
Wheelbase1560 mm / 61.4 in.1530 mm / 60.2 in
Height-1255 mm / 49.4 in minimum
Length-2202 mm / 86.6 in
Width-925 mm / 36.4 in
Weights & Capacities
Oil Capacity (l)-4.00 litres
Oil Capacity (Quarts)-4.23 US quarts
Dry Weight205 kg / 451.9 lbs-
Fuel Capacity23.00 litres / 6.08 US gallons18 Litres / 4.7 US gal
Coolant Capacity-2.00 litres (0.53 US gallons)
Wet Weight-243 kg / 535.7 lbs
Performance
Top Speed-201.2 km/h / 125.0 mph
Max Power-136 hp / 100 kW @ 7750 rpm
Max Torque-143 Nm / 105.4 lb-ft @ 6250 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.6018 HP/kg-
Engine
Fuel Control-Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
Bore x Stroke (in,)4.1 x 2.5 inches-
Engine TypeV2, four-strokeTwo cylinder boxer, four-stroke
Displacement (ci)66.51 cubic inches-
Displacement (cc)1090.0 cc-
CO2129.9 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)109.0 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Bore x Stroke (mm)103.0 x 63.0 mm-
Displacement-1254 cc / 76.5 cu-in
Engine Detail-Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, with two overhead, spur gear driven camshafts , a counterbalance shaft and variable intake camshaft control system BMW ShiftCam, 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel System-Injection. Electronic fuel injection with ride-by-wire throttle system
Bore x Stroke-102.5 x 76 mm
Compression Ratio-12.5:1
Cooling System-Liquid / Air cooled
Emissions-Closed-loop three-way catalytic converter, exhaust standard , Euro 4
Engine Lubrication-Dry sump
Engine Management-BMS-O
Fuel Consumption5.60 litres/100 km (17.9 km/l or 42.00 mpg)4.70 litres/100 km (21.3 km/l or 50.05 mpg)
Fuel Induction-Electronic intake pipe injection, 52mm Ø throttle valve
Fuel Reserve-4.00 litres / 1.06 US gallons
Fuel Type-Unleaded super, octane number 95 (RON) adapive fuel quality regulation (91 to 98 RON)
Idle Speed-1050 +/- 100 RPM
IgnitionDigetal-
StarterElectricElectric 900W
Valve System-4
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity-12V/12Ah
Drivetrain
ClutchSlipper clutchWet clutch with anti-hopping function, hydraulically activated
Final Drive-Shaft
Gearbox-6-speed
Primary Drive-Constant mesh
Transmission / Drive-Constant mesh 6-speed gearbox with helical gearing system
Chassis
Frame TypeChromium-Molybdenum steel trellis frame, powder coatedTwo-section frame concept consisting of main frame with bolt-on rear frame, load-bearing engine
Suspension - FrontWP upside-down Ø 43 mmTelescopic Upside-Down fork; stanchion diameter 45 mm
Suspension - RearWP monoshockCast 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
Rake-25.5°
Steering Angle-62.3°
Trail-110.9 mm / 4.3 in
Wheel Travel - Front185 mm / 7.3 in.140 mm / 5.5 in
Wheel Travel - Rear190 mm / 7.5 in.140 mm / 5.5 in
Electrical Systems
Alternator-Three-phase alternator 508 W (nominal power)
Lighting system-LED
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - FrontDouble disc. Brembo four-piston radial fixed calliper2x 320mm floating discs, 4-piston radial brake calipers
Brakes - RearSingle disc. Brembo twin-piston fixed calliper, brake discSingle 276mm disc, 2-piston floating caliper
ABS-BMW Motorrad Integral ABS (part integral), disengageable
Brake Fluid Type-DOT 4
Tyre Pressure - Front-36 PSI (2.5 Bar or 250 kPa)
Tyre Pressure - Rear-42 PSI (2.9 Bar or 290 kPa)
Tyres - Front-120/70 ZR17
Tyres - Rear-180/55 ZR17
Wheels-Cast aluminium wheels
Wheels - Front-3.50 x 17 in
Wheels - Rear-5.50 x 17 in

Verdict

Winner on specs

2019 KTM 1090 Adventure

The 2019 KTM 1090 Adventure edges out the 2020 BMW R 1250RS thanks to its lighter kerb weight, dual front discs, 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

2019 KTM 1090 Adventure - Advantages

  • Lighter: 205 kg vs 243 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.
  • More rear wheel travel: 190 mm vs 140 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 185 mm vs 140 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2020 BMW R 1250RS - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 820 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 vs 2020 BMW R 1250RS - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2019 KTM 1090 Adventure and 2020 BMW R 1250RS?
The 2019 KTM 1090 Adventure uses V2, four-stroke, while the 2020 BMW R 1250RS is powered by Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke.
Which is lighter, the 2019 KTM 1090 Adventure or the 2020 BMW R 1250RS?
The 2019 KTM 1090 Adventure is lighter at 205 kg compared to 243 kg for the 2020 BMW R 1250RS - a difference of 38 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2019 KTM 1090 Adventure or the 2020 BMW R 1250RS?
The 2020 BMW R 1250RS has the lower seat at 820 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 2019 KTM 1090 Adventure or 2020 BMW R 1250RS have ABS?
The 2020 BMW R 1250RS 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 2019 KTM 1090 Adventure or the 2020 BMW R 1250RS?
Both are strong choices. The 2019 KTM 1090 Adventure has the edge in lighter kerb weight and dual front discs, while the 2020 BMW R 1250RS stands out for lower seat height 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.