2015 KTM 1190 Adventure R vs 2016 BMW R 1200 GS TripleBlack

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2015 KTM 1190 Adventure R 2015 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
2016 BMW R 1200 GS TripleBlack 2016 BMW R 1200 GS TripleBlack

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Two cylinder boxer, two-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
524.7 pounds
Full Specifications
General
Comments-Windscreen. Switchable ABS. Special edition model.
Year2015-
Colours-Black
Make ModelKTM 1190 Adventure R-
Dimensions
Seat Height890 mm / 35 in850 mm / 33.5 in.
Wheelbase1580 mm / 62.2 in1,507 mm / 59.3 in.
Ground Clearance250 mm / 9.8 in (unloaded)-
Height-1,450 mm / 57.1 in.
Length-2,210 mm / 87.0 in.
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight217 kg / 478.4 lb-
Fuel Capacity23 Litres / 6.08 gal20.00 litres / 5.28 gallons
Wet Weight-238.0 kg / 524.7 lbs
Performance
Max Power147.5 hp / 107.7 kW @ 9500 rpm-
Max Torque92.2 lb-ft / 124.8 Nm @ 7500 rpm125.00 Nm (12.7 kgf-m or 92.2 ft.lbs) @ 6500 Revolutions
Engine
Fuel Control-Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
Bore x Stroke (mm)-101.0 x 73.0 mm
Displacement (ci)-71.39 cubic inches
Displacement (cc)-1170.00 cc
CO2-95.1 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Engine Type-Two cylinder boxer, two-stroke
Bore x Stroke (in,)-4.0 x 2.9 inches
Displacement1195 cc / 72.9 cu-in-
Engine DetailFour stroke, 75°V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder-
Fuel System-Injection. Electronic intake pipe injection/BMS-K digital engine management with electromotive throttle actuator
Bore x Stroke105 x 69 mm-
Compression Ratio12.5:112.5:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooling-
Emissions-Closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-3
Engine Lubrication-Dry sump
Fuel Consumption-4.10 litres/100 km (24.4 km/l or 57.37 mpg)
Fuel InductionEFI, ride by wire-
Fuel Reserve-4.00 litres / 1.06 gallons
Ignition Contactless, controlled, fully electronic ignition system with digital ignition timing adjustment-
LubricationForced oil lubrication with 3 rotor pumps-
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System-4
Drivetrain
ClutchWet multi-disc clutch, hydraulically operatedOil lubricated clutch, hydraulically operated
Final DriveChain 5/8 x 5/16" X RingShaft drive (cardan)
Gearbox-6-speed
Primary Drive Ratios40:76-
Secondary Drive Ratio17:42-
Transmission / Drive6 Speed -
Chassis
Frame TypeTubular space frame made from chrome molybdenum steel, powder-coatedTwin-section frame, front- and bolted on rear frame,load-bearing engine
Suspension - Front48mm WP USD forksBMW Motorrad Telelever; stanchion diameter 37 mm, central spring strut
Suspension - RearWP-PDS rear shock, hydraulic spring preload.Cast aluminium single swingarm with BMW Motorrad Paralever
Rake26.0°25.5°
Steering Head Angle64°-
Trail129.5 mm / 5.1 in.100 mm / 3.9 in.
Wheel Travel - Front220 mm / 8.6 in190 mm / 7.5 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear220 mm / 8.6 in200 mm / 7.9 in.
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)-276 mm
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)-12.0 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)-305 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)-10.9 inches
Brakes - Front2x 320mm discs 4 piston calipersDouble disc. ABS. Floating discs. Four-piston calipers.
Brakes - RearSingle 267mm disc 2 piston caliperSingle disc. ABS. Floating disc. Two-piston calipers.
Rims-Cast aluminium, black
Tyres - Front90 / 90 ZR21120/70-R19
Tyres - Rear150/60 ZR18170/60-R17

Verdict

Winner on specs

2015 KTM 1190 Adventure R

The 2015 KTM 1190 Adventure R edges out the 2016 BMW R 1200 GS TripleBlack thanks to its liquid cooling, 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

2015 KTM 1190 Adventure R - Advantages

  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • 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.

2016 BMW R 1200 GS TripleBlack - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 850 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.

2015 KTM 1190 Adventure R vs 2016 BMW R 1200 GS TripleBlack - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2015 KTM 1190 Adventure R and 2016 BMW R 1200 GS TripleBlack?
The 2015 KTM 1190 Adventure R uses Four stroke, 75°V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, while the 2016 BMW R 1200 GS TripleBlack is powered by Two cylinder boxer, two-stroke. This is a fundamental difference - the 2015 KTM 1190 Adventure R is a four-stroke engine while the 2016 BMW R 1200 GS TripleBlack runs a two-stroke, resulting in very different power delivery, maintenance requirements, and riding character.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2015 KTM 1190 Adventure R or the 2016 BMW R 1200 GS TripleBlack?
The 2016 BMW R 1200 GS TripleBlack has the lower seat at 850 mm, making it more accessible. The 2015 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 should I buy, the 2015 KTM 1190 Adventure R or the 2016 BMW R 1200 GS TripleBlack?
Both are strong choices. The 2015 KTM 1190 Adventure R has the edge in liquid cooling and higher rear wheel travel, while the 2016 BMW R 1200 GS TripleBlack stands out for lower seat height and dual front discs. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.