BMW R 1200 GS Adventure and KTM 1190 Adventure R in the test

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BMW R 1200 GS Adventure and KTM 1190 Adventure R in the test
Jahn

BMW R 1200 GS Adventure and KTM 1190 Adventure R in the test

BMW R 1200 GS Adventure and KTM 1190 Adventure R in the test

BMW R 1200 GS Adventure and KTM 1190 Adventure R in the test

BMW R 1200 GS Adventure and KTM 1190 Adventure R in the test

39 photos

BMW R 1200 GS Adventure and KTM 1190 Adventure R in the test
Jahn

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All major motorcycle manufacturers – with the exception of Kawasaki – now serve the “Enduro” or “Adventure” segment. It’s not for nothing that we at PS are addressing this issue.

BMW R 1200 GS Adventure and KTM 1190 Adventure R in the test
Jahn

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As for a rally-like sprint to Africa, the test budget again
not enough, we shoot over rocks and rubble in a quarry and just imagine we are on the black continent.

BMW R 1200 GS Adventure and KTM 1190 Adventure R in the test
Jahn

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The differences between KTM Adventure and the “R” ridden here are a little smaller.

BMW R 1200 GS Adventure and KTM 1190 Adventure R in the test
Jahn

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The KTM encourages you to shoot with its vital, punchy twin and pulls its path with flavor.

BMW R 1200 GS Adventure and KTM 1190 Adventure R in the test
Jahn

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The KTM 1190 Adventure R can also be slow and calm, but always prefers to be violent and wild. Their performance and liveliness as well as their zest for action are reminiscent of a jittery child who doesn’t know what to do with their energy.

BMW R 1200 GS Adventure and KTM 1190 Adventure R in the test
Jahn

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The KTM 1190 Adventure R is equipped with a two-cylinder 75-degree V engine.

BMW R 1200 GS Adventure and KTM 1190 Adventure R in the test
Jahn

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Clear, in contrast to the BMW not overloaded cockpit. The speed driven is shown in large size and easy to read.

BMW R 1200 GS Adventure and KTM 1190 Adventure R in the test
Jahn

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ESA goodbye, here you do the work yourself. A conventional, fully adjustable chassis is used on the Adventure R..

BMW R 1200 GS Adventure and KTM 1190 Adventure R in the test
Jahn

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Advantage off-road: the narrow 21-inch front wheel guides much more precisely on loose ground than the 19-inch wheel of the BMW.

BMW R 1200 GS Adventure and KTM 1190 Adventure R in the test
Jahn

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Most obvious is the studded sock compatible wheel size of 21 inches at the front and 18 inches at the back. The 30 mm longer spring travel is of course immediately noticeable when stepping on, and the chassis, which can only be adjusted manually, is no later than in the rally bivouac.

BMW R 1200 GS Adventure and KTM 1190 Adventure R in the test
Jahn

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The KTM comes across as wilder, more aggressive and more difficult to control.

BMW R 1200 GS Adventure and KTM 1190 Adventure R in the test
Jahn

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The KTM clutch dreamlike is easy to use and precise to dose.

BMW R 1200 GS Adventure and KTM 1190 Adventure R in the test
Jahn

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Just over idle and one finger on the clutch, the KTM 1190 Adventure R practically always requires a light slip clutch.

BMW R 1200 GS Adventure and KTM 1190 Adventure R in the test
Jahn

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The KTM is a little easier to handle than the heavier BMW.

BMW R 1200 GS Adventure and KTM 1190 Adventure R in the test
Jahn

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After the short endurance test in the quarry, where BMW and KTM were not executed, but actually moved in a species-appropriate manner, both of them had electronic malfunctions.

BMW R 1200 GS Adventure and KTM 1190 Adventure R in the test
Jahn

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Outside Europe, our off-road simulations are part of the good adventure tone.

BMW R 1200 GS Adventure and KTM 1190 Adventure R in the test
Jahn

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It is a joke that under such operating conditions the ABS and traction control switch off the BMW and the KTM shows “General Failure” in the display.

BMW R 1200 GS Adventure and KTM 1190 Adventure R in the test
Jahn

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That’s why we recommend: …

BMW R 1200 GS Adventure and KTM 1190 Adventure R in the test
Jahn

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The world belongs to the unscrupulous and unscrupulous. So up to the adventure stoves and into the morass.

BMW R 1200 GS Adventure and KTM 1190 Adventure R in the test
Jahn

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The BMW is like a bear. Cozy and fuller, but hellishly strong and deadly fast in an emergency.

BMW R 1200 GS Adventure and KTM 1190 Adventure R in the test
Jahn

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In the “Enduro Pro” mode, you can drift extremely well thanks to the low center of gravity and the rich vehicle position.

BMW R 1200 GS Adventure and KTM 1190 Adventure R in the test
Jahn

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We not only want to show off with these irons, but also actually want to experience how they perform in adventure land, i.e. off-road.

BMW R 1200 GS Adventure and KTM 1190 Adventure R in the test
Jahn

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The mere thought of turning into the dirt with the 272 kilograms of a fully equipped BMW R 1200 GS Adventure that costs 20,675 euros or the 244 kilograms of the KTM 1190 Adventure R offered for 16,403 euros is adventurous.

BMW R 1200 GS Adventure and KTM 1190 Adventure R in the test
Jahn

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Offroad can increase the pulse significantly. The pure driving pleasure.

BMW R 1200 GS Adventure and KTM 1190 Adventure R in the test
Jahn

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The bikes cannot stay completely clean from the action.

BMW R 1200 GS Adventure and KTM 1190 Adventure R in the test
Jahn

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Tires suitable for off-road use require a large proportion of negative profile.

BMW R 1200 GS Adventure and KTM 1190 Adventure R in the test
Jahn

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Driving is great, but very few people want to clean it up.

BMW R 1200 GS Adventure and KTM 1190 Adventure R in the test
Jahn

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The Karoo 3 from Metzeler is one of the few “studded tires” that have a large proportion of negative tread and are also manufactured in the right sizes for large or travel enduro bikes.

BMW R 1200 GS Adventure and KTM 1190 Adventure R in the test
Jahn

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The BMW R 1200 GS can also be different, even if it doesn’t seem like it at first glance.

BMW R 1200 GS Adventure and KTM 1190 Adventure R in the test
Jahn

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The mighty BMW tempts you to move around in a sensitive, trial-like manner just because of its mass and massive exterior.

BMW R 1200 GS Adventure and KTM 1190 Adventure R in the test
Jahn

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Anyone who takes a look at the list of expensive extras at BMW should sit or be free from giddiness. A total of 4775 euros are due to turn a naked adventure into a full-dresser.

BMW R 1200 GS Adventure and KTM 1190 Adventure R in the test
Jahn

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Cleaning a dirty BMW R 1200 GS Adventure is a maximum penalty. This motorcycle is so rugged and built in such a way that even a high-pressure cleaner does not work properly.

BMW R 1200 GS Adventure and KTM 1190 Adventure R in the test
Jahn

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The BMW R 1200 GS is powered by a two-cylinder boxer engine.

BMW R 1200 GS Adventure and KTM 1190 Adventure R in the test
Jahn

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Even driving school motorcycles are jealous of this mighty “roll bar”.

BMW R 1200 GS Adventure and KTM 1190 Adventure R in the test
Jahn

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The clever card compartment on the tank is practical at foreign toll stations.

BMW R 1200 GS Adventure and KTM 1190 Adventure R in the test
Jahn

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The outside spoked front wheel locks itself in the loose gravel – not good.

BMW R 1200 GS Adventure and KTM 1190 Adventure R in the test
Jahn

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What’s all this about? In the past you drove to Africa with a GS, today you go to the diagnostic service.

BMW R 1200 GS Adventure and KTM 1190 Adventure R in the test
Jahn

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If you are going through narrower courses or deep water where no subsurface can be seen, the BMW will meet you with its engine characteristics.

BMW R 1200 GS Adventure and KTM 1190 Adventure R in the test
Jahn

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… With these long-distance enduro bikes, please prefer the upper class and stay on this side of Africa.

BMW R 1200 GS Adventure and KTM 1190 Adventure R in a PS comparison test

Make them only on thick pants?

Content of

Adventure is cocky on their business cards. PS wants to know how much adventurous effort the fat bombers BMW R 1200 GS Adventure and KTM 1190 Adventure R can take.

W.he says has more from life! In any case, this is often enough confirmed in everyday, petty-bourgeois existence. In order to be really tough, a large part of the bourgeoisie now prefers vehicles that somehow have to represent something. Which brings the increasing density of BMW X5 SUVs, Mercedes G models & Co. declared in the city centers.

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BMW R 1200 GS Adventure and KTM 1190 Adventure R in the test

BMW R 1200 GS Adventure and KTM 1190 Adventure R in a PS comparison test
Make them only on thick pants?

Fully equipped BMW R 1200 GS Adventure for 20,675 euros

But: We do it our own way. We don’t just want to show off with these irons, we also want to actually experience how they fare in adventure land, i.e. off-road. Just the thought of turning into the dirt with the 272 kilograms of a fully equipped BMW R 1200 GS Adventure that costs 20,675 euros or the 244 kilograms of the KTM 1190 Adventure R, which is offered for 16,403 euros, is adventurous.

After this pulse-increasing freestyle, a short check of the on-road qualities of the BMW R 1200 GS Adventure and KTM 1190 Adventure R – albeit with scratches in the paint and ugly flaws in the rims. But before we start with the mud pack, take a look at the candidates and their not-so-“adventurous” basic versions, which are also available.

Anyone looking at the list of expensive extras for the BMW R 1200 GS Adventure should sit down or have a head for heights. A total of 4775 euros are due to turn a naked adventure into a “full dresser”. Then, of course, you also get a cruise control, thanks to which you can turn around to the pillion and play a game of chess with her – while driving, of course. But the automatic pacemaker is also available for normal GS. Exclusive to the Adventure model are the ten percent longer suspension travel (which means more ground clearance and increased seat height), the higher flywheel mass of the motor, better wind protection, larger tank volume and a slightly modified chassis geometry.

BMW R 1200 GS Adventure and KTM 1190 Adventure R in the test

Enduro


BMW R 1200 GS Adventure in the driving report


Dynamism that leaves you spit away


read more

KTM 1190 Adventure R with 21 inches at the front and 18 inches at the rear

The differences between the basic Adventure and the KTM 1190 Adventure R ridden here are slightly smaller. Most obvious is the studded sock compatible wheel size of 21 inches at the front and 18 inches at the back. The 30 mm longer spring travel is of course immediately noticeable when stepping on, and the chassis, which can only be adjusted manually, is no later than in the rally bivouac. Enough of that: The world belongs to the unscrupulous and unscrupulous. So up to the adventure stoves and into the morass.

Since the test budget is once again insufficient for a rally-like sprint to Africa, we shoot over rocks and rubble in a quarry and just imagine we are on the black continent. Authentic for the journey into the unknown are the coarse test tires that we put on, and when they were fitted, the compressed air sensor on the rear wheel of the BMW R 1200 GS Adventure said goodbye. The defective part was replaced by a simple valve, just like mechanics from Morocco to Zimbabwe do.

Thin clothes are always enough, after all, when drifting and jumping with these quarter-tons, you get warm very quickly. The first serious differences become apparent very quickly immediately after the start. The wider, only 19-inch front wheel of the BMW R 1200 GS Adventure guides and grips much worse than the larger and narrower counterpart of the KTM 1190 Adventure R. This is very uncomfortable, especially on soft surfaces. While the KTM, with its vital, punchy twin, encourages you to shoot and pulls its path with flavor, the mighty BMW alone, by its size and massive appearance, tempts you to move around in a sensitive, trial-like manner.

BMW R 1200 GS Adventure and KTM 1190 Adventure R in the test

Enduro


KTM 1190 Adventure R (2013) in the driving report


More action, more speed, more Kick?


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BMW R 1200 GS Adventure and KTM 1190 Adventure R in the test

Enduro


BMW F 800 GT, BMW HP4, BMW R 1200 GS, Honda CB 500 X, KTM 1190 Adventure R, Triumph Tiger Explorer, Triumph Street Triple


The grand finale of the 2013 Alpine Masters


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BMW R 1200 GS Adventure and KTM 1190 Adventure R in the test

Enduro


KTM 1190 Adventure R and BMW F 800 GS Adventure put to the test


What good are the enduros off-road and on the road?


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BMW R 1200 GS Adventure and KTM 1190 Adventure R in the test

Enduro


KTM 1190 Adventure R in the driving report


Does an enduro really need 150 hp?


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Metzeler Karoo 3 scores on loose terrain

Tires suitable for off-road use require a large proportion of negative profile. The Karoo 3 from Metzeler is one of the few “studded tires” that have this property and are also manufactured in the right sizes for large or travel enduro bikes. We clamped the Karoo 3 on the BMW R 1200 GS Adventure and KTM 1190 Adventure R and were impressed by the rubber. If you have to accept minor losses in accuracy and grip on asphalt, the Grobstoller scores on loose terrain. Acceleration and braking grip are good, the lateral guidance fits. The Karoo 3 is a good tire for everyone who actually wants to get rid of dirt with their big ships.

You can drift extremely well with the GS Adventure

If, on the other hand, the driver has a big heart, the BMW R 1200 GS Adventure can do different things. In the “Enduro Pro"-Modus can be drifted extremely well thanks to the low center of gravity and the rich vehicle position. The BMW gets rid of any nervousness in this limit area, it pushes hard and can be wonderfully steered via the rear wheel via the wide notches and the huge handlebar with wide steering stop. The KTM 1190 Adventure R comes across as wilder, more aggressive and more difficult to control.

The BMW R 1200 GS Adventure with its engine characteristics comes to the fore when it comes to narrow terrain or deep water where no subsurface can be seen. With just over idle and a finger on the clutch, it chugs through the faked pampas like a tractor, while the KTM 1190 Adventure R practically always requires a light slip clutch. But even that is relaxed, as the KTM clutch is incredibly easy to use and precise to dose.

If you can’t go any further off-road and you have to maneuver on the spot, you’ll work up a lot more sweat with the BMW R 1200 GS Adventure than with the KTM 1190 Adventure R. The powerful cylinders are just as annoying when driving the motorcycle as the partly sharp-edged luggage rack.

Cleaning the GS is a maximum penalty!

Cleaning a dirty BMW R 1200 GS Adventure is a maximum penalty. This motorcycle is so rugged and built in such a way that even a high-pressure cleaner does not work properly. Just cleaning under the two transparent, side winglets or the double windshield is annoying. The KTM 1190 Adventure R is easier to dress up for the show round in public.

The two then approach this street insert in their own way. The KTM 1190 Adventure R is bustling and lively. It encourages wheelies, higher engine speeds and braking drifts (possible in ABS mode “Offroad”). The BMW is like a bear. Cozy and fuller, but hellishly strong and deadly fast in an emergency. In general, the driving dynamics of this ore-shaped mountain are surprising in a positive sense, the BMW R 1200 GS Adventure moves surprisingly nimble. Especially in Dyna mode, unfortunately we have to say it, we like the adventurer on asphalt.

Who needs long-distance enduros that are not suitable for off-road travel?

Hand on heart: After the short endurance test in the quarry, where the BMW R 1200 GS Adventure and KTM 1190 Adventure R were not executed, but actually moved in a species-appropriate manner, two faults in the electronics? What shoud that? Outside Europe, our off-road simulations are part of the good adventure tone. But it is a joke that under such operating conditions the ABS and traction control switch off the BMW and the KTM shows “General Failure” in the display. That is why we recommend: With these long-distance enduro bikes, please prefer the upper class and stay on this side of Africa.

BMW R 1200 GS


Jahn

Anyone who takes a look at the list of expensive extras at BMW should sit or be free from giddiness. A total of 4775 euros are due to turn a naked adventure into a full-dresser.

drive

Two-cylinder boxer engine, four valves / cylinder, 92 kW (125 PS) at 7750 / min *, 125 Nm at 6500 / min *, 1170 cm³, bore / stroke: 101.0 / 73.0 mm, compression ratio: 12.5 : 1, ignition / injection system, 52 mm throttle valves, hydraulically operated multi-disc oil bath anti-hopping clutch, six-speed gearbox, G-Kat, cardan, traction control.

chassis & Brakes

Tubular steel bridge frame, steering head angle: 65.5 degrees, caster: 101mm, wheelbase: 1510 mm, Telelever, Ø fork inner tube: 41 mm, with ESA: electrohydraulically adjustable spring base and rebound damping. Central spring strut without deflection, with ESA: electro-hydraulically adjustable spring base and rebound stage. Spring travel front / rear: 210/220 mm, steel-spoke wheels, 3.00 x 19 / 4.50 x 17, front tires: 120/70 R 19, rear: 170/60 R 17, first tires: Michelin Anakee 3, 305 mm double disc brakes with four pistons -Fixed calipers at the front, 276 mm single disc with two-piston floating caliper at the rear, C-ABS (can be switched off).

performance

Rear wheel power in last gear **: 87.0 kW (118 PS) at 200 km / h

Acceleration**
0-100 km / h: 3.7 s
0–150 km / h: 6.8 s
0–200 km / h: 14.5 s   

Draft**
50–100 km / h: 4.6 s
100–150 km / h: 5.3 s

Top speed *: 213 km / h

measurements and weight
Length / width / height: 2210/930/1520 mm, seat / handlebar height: 890 (910) / 1160 mm, handlebar width: 825 mm, 272 kg fully fueled, v./h .: 50.9 / 49.1%

consumption
Fuel type: Super unleaded
Average test consumption: 8.4 liters / 100 km
Tank capacity: 30 liters
Range: 357 km

Set up

Setup WITH ESA
off-road: Offroad Pro, one person with luggage; on the street: Dyna-Mode and a person with luggage

Base price
15,900 euros, test machine: 20,675 euros (1740 euros touring package, 440 euros comfort package, 1020 euros dynamic package,
675 euros navigation, 900 euros case system plus ancillary costs)

all damping settings counted from completely closed; static negative spring deflection standing vertically without driver; U = revolutions; K = clicks * manufacturer information ** PS measurement

KTM 1190 Adventure R.


Jahn

The KTM 1190 Adventure R can also be slow and calm, but always prefers to be violent and wild.

drive

Two-cylinder 75-degree V-engine, four valves / cylinder, 110 kW (150 PS) at 9500 / min *, 125 Nm at 7500 / min *, 1195 cm³, bore / stroke: 105.0 / 69.0 mm , Compression ratio: 12.5: 1, ignition / injection system, 52 mm throttle valves, hydraulically operated multi-disc oil bath anti-hopping clutch, six-speed gearbox, G-Kat, chain, traction control.

chassis & Brakes

Steel tubular frame, steering head angle: 64.0 degrees, caster: 108 mm, wheelbase: 1580 mm, upside-down fork, Ø fork inner tube: 48 mm, adjustable in spring base, rebound and compression. Central spring strut without deflection, adjustable in spring base, rebound and compression. Suspension travel front / rear: 220/220 mm, steel-spoke wheels, 2.50 x 21 / 4.50 x 18, front tires: 90/90 ZR 21, rear: 150/70 ZR 18, first tires: Continental Trail Attack 2, 320 mm double disc brake with radially attached four-piston fixed calipers at the front, 267 mm single disc with two-piston floating caliper at the rear, ABS (can be switched off).

performance

Rear wheel power in last gear **: 97.0 kW (132 PS) at 235 km / h

Acceleration**
0-100 km / h: 3.8 s
0–150 km / h: 6.2 s
0-200 km / h: 10.4 s 

Draft**
50-100 km / h: 5.2 s
100-150 km / h: 5.2 s

Top speed *: 250 km / h

measurements and weight
Length / width / height: 2300/850/1460 mm, seat / handlebar height: 890/1200 mm, handlebar width: 790 mm, 244 kg fully fueled, v./h .: 48.2 / 51.8%.

consumption
Fuel type: Super unleaded
Average test consumption: 8.9 liters / 100 km
Tank capacity: 23 liters
Range: 258 km

Set up

Setup fork
stat.neg. Spring travel: 55 mm, compression: 10 K open, rebound: 10 K open, level: standard.

Setup shock absorber
stat.neg. Spring travel: 28 mm, compression (high / low): 1.5 U / 9 K open, rebound: 9 K open, level: standard.

Base price
15,495 euros, test machine: 16,403 euros (for case system, plus ancillary costs)

all damping settings counted from completely closed; static negative spring deflection standing vertically without driver; U = revolutions; K = clicks * manufacturer information ** PS measurement

Performance measurement and evaluation


BILLION

The performance measurement of the BMW R 1200 GS Adventure and the KTM 1190 Adventure R..

Readings

Both the BMW R 1200 GS Adventure and the KTM 1190 Adventure R have plenty of power. The Bavarian woman with her boxer lives an undisputed sovereignty in everyday life. It has a lot of pressure always and everywhere, pushes sustainably and with its bearish character calms the driver’s nerves. The KTM can also be slow and calm, but always wants to be violent and wild. Their performance and liveliness as well as their zest for action are reminiscent of a jittery child who doesn’t know what to do with their energy. Both engines act splendidly and almost uncritically, but the KTM drive kicks off more endorphins and is more suited to sporty riders. 

Scoring

drive

  Max.
Points 
 
BMW
R 1200 GS 
Adventure 
KTM
1190
Adventure R 
acceleration 10 4th 7th
Draft 10 6th 6th
Power delivery 10 9 9
Responsiveness 10 9 9
Load change reaction  10 8th 8th
Running culture 10 8th 8th
Gear actuation 10 8th 9
Gear ratio 10 8th 8th
Clutch function 10 9 10
Traction control 10 8th 7th
Subtotal 100 77 81

landing gear


Max.
Points 
 
BMW
R 1200 GS 
Adventure 
KTM
1190
Adventure R 
Driving stability 10 8th 7th
Handiness 10 8th 7th
Cornering stability 10 8th 7th
feedback 10 4th 5
Suspension tuning in front  10 7th 6th
Chassis set-up at the rear  10 8th 7th
Braking effect 10 8th 9
Brake metering 10 8th 8th
Erection moment
when braking
10

8th 8th
ABS function 10 9 9
Subtotal
100
76 73

Everyday life and driving fun


Max.
Points 
 
BMW
R 1200 GS 
Adventure 
KTM
1190
Adventure R 
Sitting position 10 9 9
Windbreak 10 7th 5
Furnishing 10 5 8th
consumption 10 4th 3
Driving fun 10 7th 9
Subtotal 
50
32 34

Conclusion


Max.
Points 
 
BMW
R 1200 GS 
Adventure 
KTM
1190
Adventure R 
Total 
250 185 188
placement 
  2. 1.

1st place, KTM 1190 Adventure R.
The KTM 1190 Adventure R wins very close. And above all because it is lighter and has a great engine. Her liveliness, which would cost her victory in a travel uncle magazine, fixes it here. Those who generally exclude off-road use should, however, resort to the standard adventure.

2nd place, BMW R 1200 GS Adventure
Nobody would have thought that this mountain of motorcycle would drive so well. The ESA system is a stunner, the engine is not bad. But the bulk of the BMW R 1200 GS Adventure is always there, especially in the back of the driver’s mind.

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