I've owned an F800 GS (2009), liked it, put over 13k miles on it with no problems but off road it was so-so. I rmbr. it as an OK bike but not outstanding at anything - except perhaps gas mileage which averaged an amazing 54mpg at 75mph (my 790 Adventure gets the same!) I once decided to see how far I could stretch a gallon and managed 75mpg ‐ from an 800cc motor! I'm 6'2" so reaching the ground is not such a big deal, but off road I remember the GS as being a challenge with top heaviness. I bought my first KTM in 2016, a Superduke 1290GT. Was amazed at how easy it was to jump on and feel comfortable with - a well balanced machine with great fueling & motor response even down to & from idle which was a first for me. Also it didn't "flop" into corners (like my FZ1) and never stumbled, lurched or bogged when pulling from low revs. Being "easy to ride" in all situations is a huge plus not many testers focus on but for me it's #1. It involves a combination of weight distribution and/or balance, engine response and/or power distribution as well as suspension & brakes. Still have that bike. Next was a 2020 KTM Adventure R. Have 9500 miles on this one and ride it virtually every day. It looks a little funky due to the fuel tank "bulbs" poking out either side of the crank but it works! The low CG is a wonderful pay-off! I live in FL, USA, also all my bikes are garaged which helps keep them in good shape vs non-garaged ones. The 790, like the 1290 GT was a bike I could jump on and ride easily, a delight to ride off road and can be kept upright easily with a little "body english" here & there. Plus it can be lugged all the time without stalling (an advantage of having nearly 100hp at your wrist but also an indication of care given by KTM engineers to fuel delivery to the motor allowing fine throttle control - crucial to off-road riding.) I once tested a BMW 1250 GS Adventure (I love the look) and found it way underpowered vs the 1290GT and I never felt comfortable on it. I also hurt my shin on one of the cylinders as I was attempting to reverse, pushing with my feet. Perhaps due to my height I find the KTMs easy to ride since it appears they're made for tall folk. I also have a 2022 KTM 125XC I bought to try & become more proficient on the dirt. Jumping off the 1290 & 790 it's like riding a very speedy mountain bike off road. KTMs are easy-to-ride bikes. As to reliability - the only "problem" I've had is with start up on the 790, having to at times press start 2-3 times before the motor keeps running - a by-product of Euro 5 emissions regs. Engine heat management, now that's another thing. The fan vents on the 790 exit right at my knees and on a hot Summer day wearing shorts it is painful! The 1290 is worse with heat pouring out everywhere from around the engine. I don't know what engineers could do, 100°+ days are becoming more common in FL Summers and you can't make the motor heat disappear. I guess start by not wearing shorts and rider-wear designers coming up with heat shield solutions incorporated into their pant designs.
Owned various KTM, yes past tense i never click any of my KTM bike pass 13k km. Owned old 790 duke and it's the only bike i own that dictate when can i ride it, i usually daily my bike but that 790 refused to do so by the end sold it only after 6k km and now swapped it with mt09 sp for my naked bike 2yrs in and already 23k km. the highest odometer KTM i ever owned was the previous ugly 890 adv 11k km before the KTM mechanic told me the engine need to be rebuilt for whatever the fuck reason, 11k after 3yrs of ownership is a shame for an adv bike, never brought it for journey longer than 500km bcs it always has something wrong with it. For example after 8 months there's condensation on the TFT, leaking gasket, brittle plastic etc... while i agree maybe bcs i abused my bike for too much but fuck it it's an off-road focus adv bike it should've been able to take abuse. After the headaches of that bike i switched to 850 GS adventure, never been more happier I've abused that bike to hell and back and still run like a champ put around 97k km before sold it to my friend and swap it now with T7 bcs it's more easier to do technical riding on it, easier on wallet, and I'm tired needing to ride 75km to get to dealer ship for major maintenance (they advised me to do regular maintenance there too, but fuck it i mostly do maintenance myself at my garage). This 900 GS may not be the prettiest in town (at least to me) but considering my experience (except with dealership maintenance) i may try to test ride it
I do believe they are improving, just need that bit more effort to produce an amazing machine that people feel more comfortable letting go of their hard earned cash, confidently, and going on that adventure.
KTM needs to address their quality and reliability issues! If they can address that, then they would get more market share. With their current reliability I would walk out of the dealership.
The key is to test ride them both. On paper, the KTM is amazing with the new modifications in 2023. It does carry its weight low and it very light for the middle adventure class that can tour (T7 is not great for touring). I test rode it at a Touratech Rally event. I was disappointed. Engine has definite grunt but a bit soulless. The suspension is good and weight management is good. I came from a less expensive Aprilia Tuareg and the Tuareg had much more finesse about its execution. Engine is weaker, but has more character and the whole bike felt smaller, lighter, and better executed. I suspect BMW will do the touring part very well - it always has. There is no second to the r1250GS when it comes to touring. We shall see how much better is the F900GS offroad - the biggest drawback of the prior models was suspension. The original F800GS was quite light and with a gas tank that was relatively low, but the suspension was a let down. The original 800 rotax engine was extremely fuel efficient so could get away with smaller fuel tank. We will need to see if the newer engine is as efficient otherwise that will be a big drawback for touring
Really good comparison. Odd class of bikes this, selling on rally image - those rallies where they ride modded 450 Enduros! Yes, pro riders can ride them well off road in the marketing edits, but for most they're still way too heavy/powerful off road and not significantly lighter than the big 1200s. And how gnar are you gonna go on an off-road tour, when you need to travel with a bike (or you) in one piece? But of these two, the BMW will be less dynamically entertaining, but more reliable. I've owned 4 BMs, none have failed; 5 KTMs, 4 have (badly).
Exactly. Been on numerous adventures through out Europe on my 950 adv and especially the last 2 years there are many "Adventure-Rider" on 700 Teneres, 790/890 adventures and big GSs that have no clue what they are doing. Seen many +15k€ bikes in ditches on easy sections of "offroad" tracks aka gravel roads. Also seen some (but very few) that are incredible at riding these bigger bikes (doing a pivot turn with a 1190 adv was the craziest i have seen). If you want to ride offroad seriously get a dual sport, if you want to travel and do light offroading (gravel roads, simpler hillclimbs etc.) get a adventure-bike
I'm about a year out from buying a new bike. I love everything I hear about the 890 KtM adventure R except I am concerned about reliability issues. I just wish someone else would make a bike with that low tank. That was better quality.
In the looks department I’d pick the BMW all day but I’d like to ride the Ktm before I made my choice. I’ve owned a 690 for a few years and it’s been a great bike for me
I've had 3 KTM's over the past 9yrs. 2013 690duke=36k+ miles of trouble free smiles, 2015 1290sdr= 49k+ miles of really big trouble free smiles, and now on a 2020 790adventure with 34k of trouble free smiles and counting! (I do miss the 1290's 3rd and 4th gear power wheelies!) And I'm still waiting for the trouble these forums keep talking about!?
@@fs5866BUT. Overall you need to compare what you need to add the bike to make it adventure ready for the total cost. This is where BMW pulls ahead of the competition- especially with my 1250GSA for what I do.
That's a heavy bike man! And Ducati... You'll lose your warranty if you start to do you own oil changes... BMW is my advise. KTM: it is more at the workshop of your dealership than your own garage. Trust me, leaned that the hard way, with 2 different KTM's. Own a Honda AT & an BMW tourer, a joy to own. Also remember; you'll drive highways and Innerstates or Autobahn and Bundesstraße before you hit the of road.
Desert X. You’re in the middle of the desert and on a big adventure. You’ve ridden through horrendous dust, and need to check your air filter. That will take an hour and half to get the tank off. Seriously, that’s bullshit. Chain tension. 185nm of torque is required on the axle nut. That’s also bullshit.
We talking about specs on paper wheres the KTM has advantages. But in reality we talking about built quality where you cant compare a KTM to a BMW. BMW is 1000 miles ahead in built quality.
Getting backup from the dealership matters more. When a Chinese iPhone goes to shit, and the Apple Store looks after you, you’re not thinking about where it’s made, you’re impressed on how the store gets it fixed fast, and efficiently.
Ktm quality control and dealership is appalling . Bought a 890 r in April 2022, first outing and tft full of condensation. Now October 2023 still have not received a new tft. Cannot wait for the part so that I can sell this bike. Ktm will never get my money again.
@@habibi750 no. Even got the extended warranty. Ktm promised me a new tft for the annual service in march 2024 and they did not install it. The 890 could be the be the best travel adventure bike but it is not. I’m having other issues with the bike so I have had enough with this brand
I'm glad to see BMW moving into this segment with some serious intent. While I enjoy my 790 Adv R. I wouldn't Do any international travel with it. I also have a BMW, and BMW's build quality is second to none, while KTM is........Well
I have had 3 BMW's, they are not as reliable as you think. My KTM was far better. Not to mention a lot of BMW dealers are arrogant twats and I hated dealing with them.
Now there’s a sentence I never thought I would hear, BMW or KTM 😮 owned a KTM (790 duke) now have a BMW f900r. Difference in build quality is immense and the Motorad dealership experience has been second to none imho. Usual issues for me with 790, leaking gasket head seal, crap plastics, bolts falling off. My daughters boyfriends duke 125 is outside, first 600 miles from new & the 💩 tft already has condensation on the inside 🙄
@@4tech69nope. BMW dealerships are far better than KTM dealerships in Australia, by far- and that’s not parroting. That’s from personal experience. Picked up my 1250 GSA- the delivery process was 1.5 hours. The sales guy actually run through the WHOLE bike before I left. KTM dealerships just wanted to get the paperwork done. I got a FULL 30 litre tank, whereas I had to blag enough fuel to get to the next petrol station with the KTM. 5 years warranty, 3 years roadside assist. KTM is 2 years and f&%k off, good luck 😂
Like all bikes but, especially adventure bikes, the best bike is the most reliable. But none of the RUclips reviewers ever talk about reliability of manufacturers. I wonder why that is?
Without riding either of them and just going on visual styling, then that BMW especially in yellow looks awesome. Obviously a test ride will determine which machine is suited for an individual rider.
BMW charging the earth for “optional” accessories. KTM charging for access to “features” you already paid for. Both now heavily restrictive toward home servicing. I really like the products both companies produce,. but both would do well to remember that there’s a lot of competition out there.
have you tried picking up a taureg vs a ktm 890 adv? i bet you find ktm easier to pick up. have you ridden 890 vs taureg? with lower center gravity, bet you find 890 easier to handle offroad
@@damytzeushave you really ridden the Tuareg?? Obviously not. If so, you'd come to realise that Aprilia's weight distribution and chassis balance is far better than KTM's. Go and test ride it, and welcome to reality.
@@NachoGS yes, i briefly rode a taureg, when my dropped his taureg and couldn't pick it up and then couldn't ride the section. i rode the taureg. too brief to draw any conclusions. you mentioned too big and too heavy. laying flat on the ground, the taureg seemed harder to pick up vs 890. it seems that 890 adv r -especially rally version, which i have- is quite superior to taureg on and off the street. i'll do a proper test ride and confirm.
@@NachoGS, though it's no indication of the bike, the best adv riders with whom i personally ride, ride 890 adv or t7. the guys who ride taureg are more timid riders. again, it's no statement about the taureg. it just seems that people who ride hard, choose 890 or t7
Let's not forget the diff in warranties: The KTM has 2 years (all "R" models only 1 year!) and the BMW 3 years. MASSIVELY important, especially with the sometimes rather spotty KTM reliability.
2years on the R in norway. I think some euro countries it’s even 4 years, or at least an extra two as an option. But I think the bmw is actually 5 years here in norway, so still a point to the bmw.
Unfortunatly both European motorbikes with questionable quality and how do both motorcycles hold up in the long term. Past experience has shown that this is disproportionate to the Japanese opponents.
Between these two ?! SIMPLE ! - a KTM with good looks: a.k.a. a NORDEN 901 with a proper bash-guard and hand-guards fitted! DONE! Mic drop. Best regards from PORTUGAL mate!
We should start using ‘Mid-Capacity’ instead of ‘middleweight’ bc the bikes in this segment are way too heavy. The marketing for these “middleweight” bikes is extremely deceptive
Now that BMW’s “middleweight” bike is just one more iteration from becoming a liter bike, I’m hoping they will start taking the G310GS seriously and offer configurations that are more compelling for seasoned riders.
The way to middle weight should be the weight, they should make more effort into removing all these bs electronics and make a bike that is actually under 200 kg and still keep the 100hp engine.
The 310 GS has a decent foundation but Unfortunately any improvements to it (more power, better suspension, bigger fuel tank and spoked wheels) would create an actual unicorn bike that will eat into the sales of the F750/F800/F850
Pls factor in engine heat For many of us live in hot regions ( Spain) Where we always choose bikes which don't fry our legs. Eg. We recently choose Honda transalp over Suzuki 800 de For one reason only. Suzuki engine heat is fabulous only for freezing north Canada. Suzuki engine spilling heat frying our legs is unbrbl
Very interesting review look forward after you ride one a bit . What will be interesting is seeing how the 1300GS fits in . I just demoed the KTM and for my riding 50/50 style it was not very comfortable. I just could think of a 1000 miles of Highway to ride a BDR . Until next time
I like this new BMW 900. Yeah,it looks a little more bland,but it looks more like a serious off roader. It looks like a real,middle weight ADV bike instead of a baby 1250.
I picked the F900GS. Rode it back to back with a KTM adv r rally. I felt the bmw had more power and more linear. It's not perfect, but a very good bike so far.
Some of riding shown here is simply unbelievable for even a mountain bike let alone an Adventure Tourer. The pressure remains ferocious for this segment as pure BEV two wheel drive plus the now venerable OneWheel continue to exceed expectations going on forever now. Some of the battery assist MBTs are approaching a remarkable level of both performance and robustness of build. KTM making a lot of noise tho!
This is click bait. The 900 Cannot compete with the 890. It just can't. Not before and not now. I'm sure it's a good road bike and a fun back lane bike. Otherwise let's keep things within the bounds of reality.
if the f900 wants to be an offroad bike (as bmw marketing streches a lot) it should be compared to one! it will loose in every offroad-aspects compared to the market.
Some of the comments posted here amplify my KTM anxiety; reliability, lower resale and iffy access to parts means $ and downtime. Is there data that confirms, or disconfirms, the anti-KTM scuttlebutt? If not, the lack of such data sure helps other manufacturers.
The RUclipsrs that actually own these things rather than just a demo ride will often be straightforward that they, too, have some of the common problems we hear about all the time.
a lot of people are just re-blabla-ing what they heard somewhere. im a satisfied owner of a 890r 20tkm, dropped it zig times, went offroad a lot. it's the MOST fun bike i've ever had. it's offroad-performance is outstanding, nothing on the market comes close. the f900 is a nice bike but not the offorad weapon bmw is calling it. it might be the more "reliable" bike but i give a sh*t on it!
I wouldn't make much of the smaller fuel range of the BMW when going on LONG adventures... It's a lot easier to get fuel in out of the way places than KTM parts...
Can't see the F900GS being better than the 890 Adv, the F900GS is just a more equipped, more powerful T7... They both lack the key component of the 890 ADV, handling... no manufacturer will rival the 890 until they can get the weight as low and as well balanced as the KTM. 2:45 on the note of fuel consumption, actually not true in the case of the 890 ADV, hard riding in romanian twisties with luggage returned 4.3L/KM, steady riding (100kph cruising) you can return as little as 3.5-3.7L/100KM
The head says KTM with that bigger screen,larger low slung fuel setup with the extra range. I had a 32 litre tank on my R80GS with shaft drive. Literally ride all day, no range anxiety,chain issues. I also owned a shaft drive Honda XLV750. Disappointed this BMW doesn’t have shaft drive,optional larger tank. Too much sacrificed for appearances.
In terms of design the KTM wins, but how that design is implemented makes a difference. For the F900 GS adding the Enduro Pro Package immediately jumps the price to US $18K. The 890 Base or R are going to be 1,500-3,000 less than that with the tech pack unlocked. So when do we get to ride the 900 GS in the US?
I never thought I would say it but I actually prefer the looks of the ugly KTM over the utterly uninspiring BMW. The BMW front end/fairing has a whiff of the CB500x/Transalp about it, and not in a good way.
It would be good to see a BMW that's competitive with the KTM, but I've found the BMW twins to be uninspiring. The F900XR was certainly an improvement over the 850s but the KTM is simply more fun.
All this looks good on the surface and seems very intriguing. Until you learn the P2 Beemer motor is made in the CCCP. So the KTM pundits reliability argument applies here. THEN, last week BMW North America suspended sales of ALL gasoline powered motorcycles in the US and Canada indefinitey and until further notice. Some material used in the emissions evap system is under question causing the brand-wide recall for North America. So, the vaunted rep of the faultless BMW has clearly come down to earth. I'll be shopping for neither, as I look to the AustriaNordic brand for a 901 Exp.
Motorcycles are very personal and let's be honest how many guys are able to get 100% out of the bike...the 850 needed more power they say (crap) more than enough power. Some wil like the KTM, others the BMW...better, not as good or bad it's only what you want and how you ride it.
3.83 gallons of fuel? On an adventure bike? I was seriously thinking about one of these until I saw that. 204mikes per tank is probably very unlikely. My bike has a 5.3gallon tank, and is advertised to get 250miles per tank and I have never gotten over 220. I have ran out once and it was at 222. So they're claiming this f900 gets almost 60mpg? I find that very hard to believe.
I think all the 900cc are bad at trail, but also very bad at motorway speed's, maybe the best i think of is tiger 900 gt pro, but you can prove me wrong, do a test with panniers and touring Screen at 150km/h?😂
I wish they would build non-rider aid versions hate all the electronic mambo Jumbo on an adventure bike🤪🤢🇨🇦 at least Yamaha seems to be listening. Thank you for the T7 🙏
Are you sure that ktm's wet weight is 210kg? Because as I checked on the official site, dry weight is 200kg. So wet weight is 200kg + 20l fuel + oil etc...
Forget about taking the KTM in deep mud. That low tank acts like a plough and in anything serious they get in trouble by scooping the mud until you will need a few guys to wrestle it out. Apart from that if you are not going deep sand or mud the KTM wins. I am a KTM owner though :)
Honestly, when you mention electronics you should address KTM's struggle with reliable electronics. That has a massive impact on adventure touring. I ride a F850GS, done about 60.000 kms on it and never had an issues with the bike irt electronics. It gives great comfort knowing your bike will start up the next morning when camping in remote areas.
The push for more HP with bigger engines reminds me of the megapixel marketing from phone manufacturers. And we only have stupid "pollution" restrictions to blame for it.
![[Limbus Company - Teaser] Season5 - Oblivion](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/8anKuEeZLeI/mqdefault.jpg)
I've owned an F800 GS (2009), liked it, put over 13k miles on it with no problems but off road it was so-so. I rmbr. it as an OK bike but not outstanding at anything - except perhaps gas mileage which averaged an amazing 54mpg at 75mph (my 790 Adventure gets the same!) I once decided to see how far I could stretch a gallon and managed 75mpg ‐ from an 800cc motor! I'm 6'2" so reaching the ground is not such a big deal, but off road I remember the GS as being a challenge with top heaviness. I bought my first KTM in 2016, a Superduke 1290GT. Was amazed at how easy it was to jump on and feel comfortable with - a well balanced machine with great fueling & motor response even down to & from idle which was a first for me. Also it didn't "flop" into corners (like my FZ1) and never stumbled, lurched or bogged when pulling from low revs. Being "easy to ride" in all situations is a huge plus not many testers focus on but for me it's #1. It involves a combination of weight distribution and/or balance, engine response and/or power distribution as well as suspension & brakes. Still have that bike. Next was a 2020 KTM Adventure R. Have 9500 miles on this one and ride it virtually every day. It looks a little funky due to the fuel tank "bulbs" poking out either side of the crank but it works! The low CG is a wonderful pay-off! I live in FL, USA, also all my bikes are garaged which helps keep them in good shape vs non-garaged ones. The 790, like the 1290 GT was a bike I could jump on and ride easily, a delight to ride off road and can be kept upright easily with a little "body english" here & there. Plus it can be lugged all the time without stalling (an advantage of having nearly 100hp at your wrist but also an indication of care given by KTM engineers to fuel delivery to the motor allowing fine throttle control - crucial to off-road riding.) I once tested a BMW 1250 GS Adventure (I love the look) and found it way underpowered vs the 1290GT and I never felt comfortable on it. I also hurt my shin on one of the cylinders as I was attempting to reverse, pushing with my feet. Perhaps due to my height I find the KTMs easy to ride since it appears they're made for tall folk. I also have a 2022 KTM 125XC I bought to try & become more proficient on the dirt. Jumping off the 1290 & 790 it's like riding a very speedy mountain bike off road. KTMs are easy-to-ride bikes. As to reliability - the only "problem" I've had is with start up on the 790, having to at times press start 2-3 times before the motor keeps running - a by-product of Euro 5 emissions regs. Engine heat management, now that's another thing. The fan vents on the 790 exit right at my knees and on a hot Summer day wearing shorts it is painful! The 1290 is worse with heat pouring out everywhere from around the engine. I don't know what engineers could do, 100°+ days are becoming more common in FL Summers and you can't make the motor heat disappear. I guess start by not wearing shorts and rider-wear designers coming up with heat shield solutions incorporated into their pant designs.
Owned various KTM, yes past tense i never click any of my KTM bike pass 13k km. Owned old 790 duke and it's the only bike i own that dictate when can i ride it, i usually daily my bike but that 790 refused to do so by the end sold it only after 6k km and now swapped it with mt09 sp for my naked bike 2yrs in and already 23k km. the highest odometer KTM i ever owned was the previous ugly 890 adv 11k km before the KTM mechanic told me the engine need to be rebuilt for whatever the fuck reason, 11k after 3yrs of ownership is a shame for an adv bike, never brought it for journey longer than 500km bcs it always has something wrong with it. For example after 8 months there's condensation on the TFT, leaking gasket, brittle plastic etc... while i agree maybe bcs i abused my bike for too much but fuck it it's an off-road focus adv bike it should've been able to take abuse. After the headaches of that bike i switched to 850 GS adventure, never been more happier I've abused that bike to hell and back and still run like a champ put around 97k km before sold it to my friend and swap it now with T7 bcs it's more easier to do technical riding on it, easier on wallet, and I'm tired needing to ride 75km to get to dealer ship for major maintenance (they advised me to do regular maintenance there too, but fuck it i mostly do maintenance myself at my garage). This 900 GS may not be the prettiest in town (at least to me) but considering my experience (except with dealership maintenance) i may try to test ride it
KTM, if only they could get the quality control and reliability card right.
Never had a single problem with my 1190 adventure
I've only had 2 minor issues with my SDR and both were sorted in 10 minutes and one not had anything since.
They have notably improved.
I do believe they are improving, just need that bit more effort to produce an amazing machine that people feel more comfortable letting go of their hard earned cash, confidently, and going on that adventure.
and didn't look like they'd been sketched in IKEA crayons by infants in the store ballpool creche!
Yep, and in this particular bike the aesthetic too, shame really because they have some mighty fine bikes
KTM needs to address their quality and reliability issues! If they can address that, then they would get more market share. With their current reliability I would walk out of the dealership.
The key is to test ride them both. On paper, the KTM is amazing with the new modifications in 2023. It does carry its weight low and it very light for the middle adventure class that can tour (T7 is not great for touring). I test rode it at a Touratech Rally event. I was disappointed. Engine has definite grunt but a bit soulless. The suspension is good and weight management is good. I came from a less expensive Aprilia Tuareg and the Tuareg had much more finesse about its execution. Engine is weaker, but has more character and the whole bike felt smaller, lighter, and better executed. I suspect BMW will do the touring part very well - it always has. There is no second to the r1250GS when it comes to touring. We shall see how much better is the F900GS offroad - the biggest drawback of the prior models was suspension. The original F800GS was quite light and with a gas tank that was relatively low, but the suspension was a let down. The original 800 rotax engine was extremely fuel efficient so could get away with smaller fuel tank. We will need to see if the newer engine is as efficient otherwise that will be a big drawback for touring
Which one you tested, the 890 or the T7? Im asking because im between a 890adv or Tuareg.
Really good comparison. Odd class of bikes this, selling on rally image - those rallies where they ride modded 450 Enduros! Yes, pro riders can ride them well off road in the marketing edits, but for most they're still way too heavy/powerful off road and not significantly lighter than the big 1200s. And how gnar are you gonna go on an off-road tour, when you need to travel with a bike (or you) in one piece? But of these two, the BMW will be less dynamically entertaining, but more reliable. I've owned 4 BMs, none have failed; 5 KTMs, 4 have (badly).
Exactly. Been on numerous adventures through out Europe on my 950 adv and especially the last 2 years there are many "Adventure-Rider" on 700 Teneres, 790/890 adventures and big GSs that have no clue what they are doing. Seen many +15k€ bikes in ditches on easy sections of "offroad" tracks aka gravel roads. Also seen some (but very few) that are incredible at riding these bigger bikes (doing a pivot turn with a 1190 adv was the craziest i have seen).
If you want to ride offroad seriously get a dual sport, if you want to travel and do light offroading (gravel roads, simpler hillclimbs etc.) get a adventure-bike
I'm about a year out from buying a new bike. I love everything I hear about the 890 KtM adventure R except I am concerned about reliability issues. I just wish someone else would make a bike with that low tank. That was better quality.
It looks a bit like the Tenere - which is to say pretty aggressive and purposeful. Plus plenty of BMW dealers around if needed.
In the looks department I’d pick the BMW all day but I’d like to ride the Ktm before I made my choice. I’ve owned a 690 for a few years and it’s been a great bike for me
Most of the bmw will be bought by oldies (me) and kept to the road. So the tank size will be fine.
I'd go for the BMW. I think it looks really good and would far outweigh my capabilities! Looks great in both colourways
Worth mentioning that BMW is not selling shop manuals. Every time I need to work on mine I need to go hunting torque specs and procedures.
Got the shop manual pdf for my 1250GSA from etsy for like 30 bucks
@@LMO169 Would you get your parts on Etsy too?
@@adrianm.1910 Why would I, if my dealer ships them to my door?
I've had 3 KTM's over the past 9yrs. 2013 690duke=36k+ miles of trouble free smiles, 2015 1290sdr= 49k+ miles of really big trouble free smiles, and now on a 2020 790adventure with 34k of trouble free smiles and counting! (I do miss the 1290's 3rd and 4th gear power wheelies!) And I'm still waiting for the trouble these forums keep talking about!?
I would pick the BMW, KTM doesn’t have the best reliability, and when your out travelling, hunting a KTM dealer might be harder than you think
The KTM scores big on all aspects over the BMW, but reliability issues with KTM in general makes me think twice
Both these bikes will be costly in servicing compared to japanese competition.
@@fs5866BUT. Overall you need to compare what you need to add the bike to make it adventure ready for the total cost. This is where BMW pulls ahead of the competition- especially with my 1250GSA for what I do.
what ktms are still being produced in Australia
Great review! but I think you are missing one important point! "RELIABILITY" KTM 890 is terrible in that department!
80% of people will be most happy on the BMW. They just will.
What about reliability...?
I thinking to buy One of This bikes. Thx for the vid. Just need a comparasion between the desert X
That's a heavy bike man! And Ducati... You'll lose your warranty if you start to do you own oil changes...
BMW is my advise. KTM: it is more at the workshop of your dealership than your own garage. Trust me, leaned that the hard way, with 2 different KTM's. Own a Honda AT & an BMW tourer, a joy to own.
Also remember; you'll drive highways and Innerstates or Autobahn and Bundesstraße before you hit the of road.
@@VineV-Dutch thx men
Desert X. You’re in the middle of the desert and on a big adventure. You’ve ridden through horrendous dust, and need to check your air filter. That will take an hour and half to get the tank off. Seriously, that’s bullshit. Chain tension. 185nm of torque is required on the axle nut. That’s also bullshit.
We talking about specs on paper wheres the KTM has advantages. But in reality we talking about built quality where you cant compare a KTM to a BMW. BMW is 1000 miles ahead in built quality.
im picking the BMW, as KTM electrics fail.
The KTM looks better, but reliability is an issue…
I think if you're going "the long way around" you'll choose any BMW over any KTM.
I love BMW bike
Ktm reliability and BMW reliability these statements have different meanings. 😂
I will never buy another KTM, quality has gone off a cliff. That being said not crazy about BMW Chinese engines either.
Getting backup from the dealership matters more. When a Chinese iPhone goes to shit, and the Apple Store looks after you, you’re not thinking about where it’s made, you’re impressed on how the store gets it fixed fast, and efficiently.
275 per tank on the 890 is BS.
I'd say the 901 expedition beats them both.
Ktm quality control and dealership is appalling . Bought a 890 r in April 2022, first outing and tft full of condensation. Now October 2023 still have not received a new tft. Cannot wait for the part so that I can sell this bike. Ktm will never get my money again.
Did you ever get your new tft?
@@habibi750 no. Even got the extended warranty. Ktm promised me a new tft for the annual service in march 2024 and they did not install it. The 890 could be the be the best travel adventure bike but it is not. I’m having other issues with the bike so I have had enough with this brand
@@Calbertone sorry to hear that. I would threat some legal action.
BMW should have gone with an 18" rear wheel like all others.
That 17" looks goofy AF.
I prefer the yellow version.
It doesn’t matter
KTM all the way! Impossible that BMW makes a more fun to ride bike!, like Impossible! Ktm might be cheap but BMW is probably worst on that end!
After 3 months & 2,800 km's I sold my continuously problematic 2023 KTM 890 Adventure. I will never own any KTM/HUSKY/GASGAS ever again!
14.5 litres on a 900cc adventure bike? Too bad, I was liking this bike.
Yup, that tank is a joke, it belongs on a 500cc A2 bike not on a liter adventure bike lol.
I'm glad to see BMW moving into this segment with some serious intent. While I enjoy my 790 Adv R. I wouldn't Do any international travel with it. I also have a BMW, and BMW's build quality is second to none, while KTM is........Well
I'd buy the BMW for reliability, i could live with the smaller fuel tank.
I have had 3 BMW's, they are not as reliable as you think. My KTM was far better. Not to mention a lot of BMW dealers are arrogant twats and I hated dealing with them.
If KTM started reliably, ran reliably, it could be amazing. King of the pack.
But today? No.
Garbage, KTM's are just as good if not better.
@@nathanboeger978 simp
@@TerraMagnus ok boomer
Now there’s a sentence I never thought I would hear, BMW or KTM 😮 owned a KTM (790 duke) now have a BMW f900r. Difference in build quality is immense and the Motorad dealership experience has been second to none imho. Usual issues for me with 790, leaking gasket head seal, crap plastics, bolts falling off. My daughters boyfriends duke 125 is outside, first 600 miles from new & the 💩 tft already has condensation on the inside 🙄
So what you’re saying is that the Chinese engine in your bike is better than the one in the KTM then.
yep, i had a 1290s recently and the KTM follow up was zero. BMW is just the best, i wasted money on the KTM, never again.
I guess he is saying ktm 790 engines made in China.
@@bensmith7536 Cool story.
@@4tech69nope. BMW dealerships are far better than KTM dealerships in Australia, by far- and that’s not parroting. That’s from personal experience. Picked up my 1250 GSA- the delivery process was 1.5 hours. The sales guy actually run through the WHOLE bike before I left. KTM dealerships just wanted to get the paperwork done. I got a FULL 30 litre tank, whereas I had to blag enough fuel to get to the next petrol station with the KTM. 5 years warranty, 3 years roadside assist. KTM is 2 years and f&%k off, good luck 😂
Like all bikes but, especially adventure bikes, the best bike is the most reliable. But none of the RUclips reviewers ever talk about reliability of manufacturers. I wonder why that is?
Because all of the European brands would belong in the dumpster and the 4 big japanese brands would take the top spots.
Without riding either of them and just going on visual styling, then that BMW especially in yellow looks awesome. Obviously a test ride will determine which machine is suited for an individual rider.
I think Norden looks the best for enduro bike ever...
BMW charging the earth for “optional” accessories.
KTM charging for access to “features” you already paid for.
Both now heavily restrictive toward home servicing.
I really like the products both companies produce,. but both would do well to remember that there’s a lot of competition out there.
Aprilia Tuareg 660 is the proper middleweight and quite good at it too. Both these are too big and heavy.
have you tried picking up a taureg vs a ktm 890 adv? i bet you find ktm easier to pick up. have you ridden 890 vs taureg? with lower center gravity, bet you find 890 easier to handle offroad
@@damytzeushave you really ridden the Tuareg?? Obviously not. If so, you'd come to realise that Aprilia's weight distribution and chassis balance is far better than KTM's. Go and test ride it, and welcome to reality.
@@NachoGS yes, i briefly rode a taureg, when my dropped his taureg and couldn't pick it up and then couldn't ride the section. i rode the taureg. too brief to draw any conclusions. you mentioned too big and too heavy. laying flat on the ground, the taureg seemed harder to pick up vs 890. it seems that 890 adv r -especially rally version, which i have- is quite superior to taureg on and off the street. i'll do a proper test ride and confirm.
@@NachoGS, though it's no indication of the bike, the best adv riders with whom i personally ride, ride 890 adv or t7. the guys who ride taureg are more timid riders. again, it's no statement about the taureg. it just seems that people who ride hard, choose 890 or t7
Depends what you do with it😊
The BMW is the one I'd have on looks alone and secondly quality.
F 900 GS Adventure will be the go to bike for so many of us.
Because we like to go ride , but also get home.
what some big amount of bullshit!
Let's not forget the diff in warranties: The KTM has 2 years (all "R" models only 1 year!) and the BMW 3 years. MASSIVELY important, especially with the sometimes rather spotty KTM reliability.
2years on the R in norway. I think some euro countries it’s even 4 years, or at least an extra two as an option. But I think the bmw is actually 5 years here in norway, so still a point to the bmw.
The BMW F900GS Adventure should have a bigger tank.
Is there still a fee to keep things turned on. I know there was some companies making you pay to have full access to your bike?
Unfortunatly both European motorbikes with questionable quality and how do both motorcycles hold up in the long term. Past experience has shown that this is disproportionate to the Japanese opponents.
Between these two ?!
SIMPLE !
- a KTM with good looks: a.k.a. a NORDEN 901 with a proper bash-guard and hand-guards fitted!
DONE! Mic drop.
Best regards from PORTUGAL mate!
Haha nicely put! Hope you're well 👍
We should start using ‘Mid-Capacity’ instead of ‘middleweight’ bc the bikes in this segment are way too heavy. The marketing for these “middleweight” bikes is extremely deceptive
Now that BMW’s “middleweight” bike is just one more iteration from becoming a liter bike, I’m hoping they will start taking the G310GS seriously and offer configurations that are more compelling for seasoned riders.
The way to middle weight should be the weight, they should make more effort into removing all these bs electronics and make a bike that is actually under 200 kg and still keep the 100hp engine.
The 310 GS has a decent foundation but Unfortunately any improvements to it (more power, better suspension, bigger fuel tank and spoked wheels) would create an actual unicorn bike that will eat into the sales of the F750/F800/F850
i absolutely love the new GS900! it gives me tenere 700 vibes with German engineering.
Err the engine is Chinese .
@@AussieDazza ahh what?!?? Lmao
the engine is designed in Germany, where is it manufactured doesn't really matter. Is an iPhone made in the US? @@AussieDazza
Pls factor in engine heat
For many of us live in hot regions ( Spain)
Where we always choose bikes which don't fry our legs.
Eg. We recently choose
Honda transalp over
Suzuki 800 de
For one reason only.
Suzuki engine heat is fabulous only for freezing north Canada.
Suzuki engine spilling heat frying our legs is unbrbl
Is the heat from the Suzuki that bad? I too am in a hot country and am considering getting the 800 de.
Very interesting review look forward after you ride one a bit . What will be interesting is seeing how the 1300GS fits in . I just demoed the KTM and for my riding 50/50 style it was not very comfortable. I just could think of a 1000 miles of Highway to ride a BDR . Until next time
I like this new BMW 900. Yeah,it looks a little more bland,but it looks more like a serious off roader. It looks like a real,middle weight ADV bike instead of a baby 1250.
Only suzuki v-strom 800.
4000 Euro Differenz
After 2 years of riding the KTM 890 Adventure R I can say - no matter what, just no KTM!!!
The heart of a motorcycle is the engine. Both have a China Loncin engine. No thanks.
no sr only the bmw have the shit engine from loncin. 890 is from Austria.
I picked the F900GS. Rode it back to back with a KTM adv r rally. I felt the bmw had more power and more linear. It's not perfect, but a very good bike so far.
My 890 adv does 65 mpg avg on a mixed ride and I love it brill bike 👌👌
Even my 890 duke does this, pretty frugal engine if you ride it calm.
Build quality, warranty, dealer network and support….all more important than items covered in the video, and all hands down solid wins for BMW…
Some of riding shown here is simply unbelievable for even a mountain bike let alone an Adventure Tourer. The pressure remains ferocious for this segment as pure BEV two wheel drive plus the now venerable OneWheel continue to exceed expectations going on forever now. Some of the battery assist MBTs are approaching a remarkable level of both performance and robustness of build. KTM making a lot of noise tho!
This is click bait. The 900 Cannot compete with the 890. It just can't. Not before and not now. I'm sure it's a good road bike and a fun back lane bike. Otherwise let's keep things within the bounds of reality.
Looks like an aprillia Tuareg 660😮
I would never buy a KTM again I bought a 23 ktm 690 smcr was junk hated it from day one BMW I would F900
Why compare the F900GS to the 890 Adventure and not the 890 Adventure R? The R model is the top middleweight not the standard.
Well, easy decision…I keep my 1100 Africa Twin 😂
if the f900 wants to be an offroad bike (as bmw marketing streches a lot) it should be compared to one! it will loose in every offroad-aspects compared to the market.
Hard to beat how the BMWs ride and their quality.... I've tried them all and always go back to BMW!
Na I’m a KTM rider Red, orange or white but the 890 is something special.
How are you comparing them and giving a verdict without actually riding it? Just comparing specs is next to nothing
How can you comment on a bike which has yet to be released?
Exactly
For the price I could buy two Vstrom 800de's and be just as happy
Some of the comments posted here amplify my KTM anxiety; reliability, lower resale and iffy access to parts means $ and downtime. Is there data that confirms, or disconfirms, the anti-KTM scuttlebutt? If not, the lack of such data sure helps other manufacturers.
The RUclipsrs that actually own these things rather than just a demo ride will often be straightforward that they, too, have some of the common problems we hear about all the time.
bought a brand new ktm 890 adventure in france , sold it after 4000KM so many issues
a lot of people are just re-blabla-ing what they heard somewhere. im a satisfied owner of a 890r 20tkm, dropped it zig times, went offroad a lot. it's the MOST fun bike i've ever had. it's offroad-performance is outstanding, nothing on the market comes close. the f900 is a nice bike but not the offorad weapon bmw is calling it. it might be the more "reliable" bike but i give a sh*t on it!
14,5 lt fuel tank. lol . bmw lost before the comparison started
Also the bmw wheels at 66%witch make you look amazing 😂
The only bike better than the KTM 890, is the Nordon 901.
I wouldn't make much of the smaller fuel range of the BMW when going on LONG adventures...
It's a lot easier to get fuel in out of the way places than KTM parts...
Refueling every 150 miles on a long trip would get old really quick. Other than that, this bike is amazing
Zero issues with my 690 from KTM. Can’t speak to any reliability issues for the brand as the bike has been a dream to own and ride!
I too, like my 2024 KTM 690R. The 2024 is much better than my 2018R. Plan on keeping this bike for a long time!
its written 105hp u take ithink 65. its slower than t7 :D
Is it just me or has the F-series BMW's gotten uglier as time goes on?
Can't see the F900GS being better than the 890 Adv, the F900GS is just a more equipped, more powerful T7... They both lack the key component of the 890 ADV, handling... no manufacturer will rival the 890 until they can get the weight as low and as well balanced as the KTM.
2:45 on the note of fuel consumption, actually not true in the case of the 890 ADV, hard riding in romanian twisties with luggage returned 4.3L/KM, steady riding (100kph cruising) you can return as little as 3.5-3.7L/100KM
The head says KTM with that bigger screen,larger low slung fuel setup with the extra range. I had a 32 litre tank on my R80GS with shaft drive. Literally ride all day, no range anxiety,chain issues. I also owned a shaft drive Honda XLV750. Disappointed this BMW doesn’t have shaft drive,optional larger tank. Too much sacrificed for appearances.
In terms of design the KTM wins, but how that design is implemented makes a difference. For the F900 GS adding the Enduro Pro Package immediately jumps the price to US $18K. The 890 Base or R are going to be 1,500-3,000 less than that with the tech pack unlocked. So when do we get to ride the 900 GS in the US?
Hmmmmm .. which one again is having current engine issues. ?
I never thought I would say it but I actually prefer the looks of the ugly KTM over the utterly uninspiring BMW. The BMW front end/fairing has a whiff of the CB500x/Transalp about it, and not in a good way.
It would be good to see a BMW that's competitive with the KTM, but I've found the BMW twins to be uninspiring. The F900XR was certainly an improvement over the 850s but the KTM is simply more fun.
When they figure out that the "pikes peak" ducati outsells all the others, then make similar versions at ktm, BMW, and triumph, we ALL win.
All this looks good on the surface and seems very intriguing. Until you learn the P2 Beemer motor is made in the CCCP. So the KTM pundits reliability argument applies here. THEN, last week BMW North America suspended sales of ALL gasoline powered motorcycles in the US and Canada indefinitey and until further notice. Some material used in the emissions evap system is under question causing the brand-wide recall for North America. So, the vaunted rep of the faultless BMW has clearly come down to earth. I'll be shopping for neither, as I look to the AustriaNordic brand for a 901 Exp.
Motorcycles are very personal and let's be honest how many guys are able to get 100% out of the bike...the 850 needed more power they say (crap) more than enough power. Some wil like the KTM, others the BMW...better, not as good or bad it's only what you want and how you ride it.
3.83 gallons of fuel? On an adventure bike?
I was seriously thinking about one of these until I saw that. 204mikes per tank is probably very unlikely. My bike has a 5.3gallon tank, and is advertised to get 250miles per tank and I have never gotten over 220. I have ran out once and it was at 222.
So they're claiming this f900 gets almost 60mpg?
I find that very hard to believe.
I think all the 900cc are bad at trail, but also very bad at motorway speed's, maybe the best i think of is tiger 900 gt pro, but you can prove me wrong, do a test with panniers and touring Screen at 150km/h?😂
I rely can not understand BMW such a awesome bike, but with only 14.5L tank capacity!?
Big shame for BMW's constructors and engineers!
I wish they would build non-rider aid versions hate all the electronic mambo Jumbo on an adventure bike🤪🤢🇨🇦 at least Yamaha seems to be listening. Thank you for the T7 🙏
Are you sure that ktm's wet weight is 210kg? Because as I checked on the official site, dry weight is 200kg. So wet weight is 200kg + 20l fuel + oil etc...
Forget about taking the KTM in deep mud. That low tank acts like a plough and in anything serious they get in trouble by scooping the mud until you will need a few guys to wrestle it out. Apart from that if you are not going deep sand or mud the KTM wins. I am a KTM owner though :)
All I can see is that the F900 logo is partially behind a panel and looks more like an F90 than an F900! That's it, I'm out! My OCD can't handle it!!!
Well I’d take the Honda Transalp …. Legendary Reliability & Looks so better than a Orange Bug That’s just so boring now
Honestly, when you mention electronics you should address KTM's struggle with reliable electronics. That has a massive impact on adventure touring. I ride a F850GS, done about 60.000 kms on it and never had an issues with the bike irt electronics. It gives great comfort knowing your bike will start up the next morning when camping in remote areas.
The push for more HP with bigger engines reminds me of the megapixel marketing from phone manufacturers. And we only have stupid "pollution" restrictions to blame for it.