I just bought a BMW R1200GS Adventure. I'm 50 years old this year and it's my treat. All downhill from here but then I've done fast riding for so long, want to just chill out now. Getting old is not so bad.
Hey guys. Great video, enjoyed watching it. In my opinion you compared the wrong bikes. On top of the food-chain there is the GSA (or, as we call it: the Leopard 2 on two wheels) and the 1190 Adventure R. So put the GSA against the R or the standard 1190 Adventure against the standard GS. That would've been a better comparison in each way (price, performance, etc). However, I think you got some facts wrong. KTM labels their motorcycles weight without gas while BMW includes the gas. So the GSA weighs 260kg WITH 30 litres of gas while the KTM 1190 Adventure weighs 217kg WITHOUT gas. The real difference is about 15kg (~30lbs) or so, not 60-80lbs.
One thing I'd like to see added to these reviews for these heavy bikes is an actual pick-up test. I'd recommend laying a bike down and lifting it with a cherry-picker with a scale on it and see what the reading was just to get it barely off the ground. While the BMW is heaver it has it's weight lower so I'm not sure how much harder it is to actually up right. They should run the test with the tanks 1/2 full. I had a test ride of an R1200GSA and they had me fill the bike (they paid) from empty to full. You can feel the difference, if I do get the BMW I think I'd try and manage my fueling so I wasn't full up off road if I could.
No kidding, 60 degrees is perfect riding temperature, especially with all the proper gear. Also, the KTM 1190 Adventure is 150 hp with traction control OFF. So, its clear why the KTM pulls away from the Beemer. And even us "mature" riders like the feel of acceleration pulling out of the curves.
Nano, the guy on the right said it in the previous upload of this video, which insulted a lot of people to which they reuploaded it. This forces the stereotype on Americans.
darkchild4neverever It's a stereotype which is well associated with American's, same goes for American's not understand plain well-spoken English and needing subtitles on programs. A Stereotype is a stereotype, anyone who uses those Stereotype enforces those on the 'region'. Get over yourself, fucking twit.
Well it was a pretty good comparison, so I can see the reason for the double upload :-P. I think I'd rather take the BMW as I think my type of adventure riding would have a lot more highway stretches between trails, but realistically I don't think you could go wrong with them. I was saying in the previous upload: I think it's hard to keep in mind that you really can't go wrong with either of these bikes. It's their job to nit pick which ones do what better, and for 5k it really may seem like a trade-off between 'quality' vs 'price' - but to be fair you really can't go wrong with either of these. There may be some pros and some cons when compared back to back but fact of the matter is that they're both great bikes that would highly deliver to an adventure enthusiast.
Owned em both.....KTM hands down. It seems BMW greases the palms of the big mags for these reviews. Just go out and ride and you will instantly feel the diff.....oh ya, take that GS off road and you will soon be spending some serious dough on fixing parts because you WILL fall. It is no good aside from dirt roads. KTM is a beast in some pretty gnarly situations especially the Adventure R.
Sorry fellows, German and Austrian is not the same by any means. It's like saying that American and Canadian is the same. No proud KTM owner is going to like that. BMW is a wonderful piece of enginering, too bad only accountants and lawyers seem to ride them. The only rider I've ever seen riding it in a cool manner is Ari Hennning.
Driveshaft spline maintenance; is that a deal breaker for anybody re BMW? By the way, I get totally confused between Canada and the USA!😅🤣 (What's that annoying racket in the background?)
I went for the BMW, then sold it cause mine sucked (engine noise at warm idle, driveline lash) and went for the KTM. Oh hell yeah! Wider range of use? My a....! Wider range of fun yeah
The 1290 Super Adventure would be a better choice to compare with the 1200GS since its out. Probably BMW's F800GS falls into the same category with the 1190 or more so with the 1150 IMO. But I don't give much credit to Motorcycle.com anyways.
Very useful non bias review however and as mentioned before, a more relevant review will put the two Big Puppies 1200GSA & 1290 Super adventure one verses the other .. tnx u so much
so you'd pick the BMW for the seat? (because you just said the KTM did everything better). I've ridden both. the 1190 blows the Bmer away. and I just drove the 1290 - even more. most awesome machine on the road.
Are you sure those two bikes needed to be "compared" ?? I mean: price? weight? seat height? Power???? Maybe it's just me but I thought KTM had sort of a good try at getting these super heavy ADV bikes back down a notch from that ENORMOUS GS Adventure. But hey, sometimes it's fun to compare the uncomparable and come out pointing to obvious differences.......
Algunos motociclistas confunden el supuesto "poder" de hablar salpicando su propia mierda en los demás con el hecho de comparar dos máquinas muy buenas. Cuando se compara algo necesariamente habrá diferencias. Ese es precisamente el valor de dialogar a través de este medio. Esas diferencias están de de acuerdo con lo subjetividad de cada persona. Me sorprende lo increíblemente estúpida, superficial e irrespetuosa que puede llegar a ser alguna gente del "primer" mundo donde no existen limitaciones a la posibilidad de educarse. Pero bueno, creo que al final ellos no entenderán completamente esta afirmación. Ah.... a propósito, decidí por la KTM. Gracias.
Unless you are 70 years old (or more) there is no reason to buy the BMW. The KTM is a much more powerful and playful bike than the BMW. It speaks to you saying come on, let's find a twisty backroad, let's find some GIXRs, CBRs or ZXs to have fun with. The KTM is like a thoroughbred race horse, while the BMW is like a donkey.
Oh Dude you are so correct in that the KTM beckons the rider to have fun and it literally destroys many sport bikes over the road. Very easy to maneuver and very powerful bike. I recently purchased the 1190 and it's so much fun on the road I'm feeling the need to at least take it off-road and learn how to really get the most of this awesome machine. Off road classes are expensive and gearing up for it is equally expensive but I am really feeling the urge to go for it just because it's just exhilarating to be on the bike.
You clearly haven't owned n ridden a new r1200gsa. I've had a 2015 for 2 and a half years. It's awesome on road and eats up twisties and is surprisingly very capable off road. You kinda have to let it dance. Flow with it. I am an ex sport biker. Loved it. 2007 gsxr 750 new, 2013 ZX-14R new. I'm an aggressive rider and passionate about all of it. If you still want some nice power n sweet turning ability, but are ready for comfort n some luxuries that help you go further, trade em in for an R1200GSA. I was sold after a few times switching bikes w my buddy over a few weekends on Angeles Crest/highway 2. I traded in my ZX-14R for it! After off roading off n on all day, its a very comfortable easy ride home. Now that being said, after a couple years learning off roading, I've outgrown what my GSA can handle, so it's time for a KTM 1290 SAR. If you're not a progressing aggressive off roader, the GSA is dreamy. Amazing awesome bike. I wish I could keep it n have both. I'm 46 btw.
BigSarge check out Earthrider in Ventura County if you live in southern California. I learned so much and have so much fun now. Worth EVERY PENNY. But gear up man. HD boots, knee guards, back plate, and a decent armored jacket n pants. Textile. My gea4 has saved me so many times. We are more free to play when geared up.
Totally agree. Beemers are great, but every vid I watch I get the sense they are big, comfortable bikes that can go off road. The KTM (I have 1290 SAR) is an off road bike that just happens to be a blast on tarmac too. It's the Dakar DNA, I suppose. Whatever it is, the off roading force is strong with these bikes. :-)
JDE totally. We are on the same page. The Beemer is exactly that. I'm spoiled by it. I've ridden smaller dirt bikes, 250, ktm 450 and 690 n didn't like them. Felt small narrow uncomfortable n awkard. I also rode 1190 and liked it. Didn't ride enough to really know it, but it was nice
Hi. I'm 34, and I own a 2014 KTM 1190 ADV R. Previously I owned a 2010 Ducati Multistrada 1200S. I actually do everything on my KTM, just as I did everything on my old Ducati.... Only more so off-road on the KTM because its enhanced equipment. I am not old, nor rich, and I use the KTM as much as possible.
Same here. 2014 Duc Multi. Not rich or old. And I take her everywhere. People that say they can't own one of these probably aren't full time riders. I ride everyday and let my wife drive the car. And If you look at it compared to the price of a car, it's not so "rich" anymore is it? Ok, sure you can't do the more extreme off-road shit, but just about everything else. There is no bike in existence that can fill every roll well. But these bikes are as close as you get.
For old men? Why? Did you drive one of those? They are SO much fun. Very (I mean very!) easy to drive, really comfy when you want it and sporty when you need it. I am 30 years old and just bought myself a 2015 R1200GS and I don't feel old yet. ;) For rich men? Maybe, but not so much. I have a couple of friends that have multiple bikes at the same time. Like an enduro, a sportsbike, a cruiser, etc. The question is: Who spends more money on bikes? The one that buys multiple different (and cheaper) bikes or the one who buys one bike to cover everything?
I just bought a BMW R1200GS Adventure. I'm 50 years old this year and it's my treat. All downhill from here but then I've done fast riding for so long, want to just chill out now. Getting old is not so bad.
Hey guys. Great video, enjoyed watching it.
In my opinion you compared the wrong bikes. On top of the food-chain there is the GSA (or, as we call it: the Leopard 2 on two wheels) and the 1190 Adventure R. So put the GSA against the R or the standard 1190 Adventure against the standard GS.
That would've been a better comparison in each way (price, performance, etc).
However, I think you got some facts wrong. KTM labels their motorcycles weight without gas while BMW includes the gas.
So the GSA weighs 260kg WITH 30 litres of gas while the KTM 1190 Adventure weighs 217kg WITHOUT gas. The real difference is about 15kg (~30lbs) or so, not 60-80lbs.
Extreme conditions... down to like 60 degrees... you Cali guys kill me.
David Kuhn Oh yes, anything besides paradise for us is unbearable! lol
+Dark6star hahah to good...
Any relation to the legendary Gus Kuhn?
One thing I'd like to see added to these reviews for these heavy bikes is an actual pick-up test. I'd recommend laying a bike down and lifting it with a cherry-picker with a scale on it and see what the reading was just to get it barely off the ground. While the BMW is heaver it has it's weight lower so I'm not sure how much harder it is to actually up right. They should run the test with the tanks 1/2 full. I had a test ride of an R1200GSA and they had me fill the bike (they paid) from empty to full. You can feel the difference, if I do get the BMW I think I'd try and manage my fueling so I wasn't full up off road if I could.
Nice background, Julian Pie Co.
Thank you for a very good, detailed review.
2015 KTM 1290 Adventure , Soon to be king !
No kidding, 60 degrees is perfect riding temperature, especially with all the proper gear. Also, the KTM 1190 Adventure is 150 hp with traction control OFF. So, its clear why the KTM pulls away from the Beemer. And even us "mature" riders like the feel of acceleration pulling out of the curves.
German , Austrian, Dutch...European...outside US ahhh " all the same to me "
Never, NERVER, say this again! You're saying that a BMW is the same as an Aprillia...
Yup agreed. I'm quoting the guy on the right in the video if you didn't notice. Shock was all the same
Nano, the guy on the right said it in the previous upload of this video, which insulted a lot of people to which they reuploaded it. This forces the stereotype on Americans.
chrisbest1000
Well then you should watch how you use the term "Americans," and not generalize a region for one person's mistake.
darkchild4neverever It's a stereotype which is well associated with American's, same goes for American's not understand plain well-spoken English and needing subtitles on programs. A Stereotype is a stereotype, anyone who uses those Stereotype enforces those on the 'region'. Get over yourself, fucking twit.
The GS is a great bike but it could never keep up with the KTM 1190 if you're riding both hard.
get over it, BMW is nice for old guys and KTM rocks for all that want much much, or did I forget to mention much more
Well it was a pretty good comparison, so I can see the reason for the double upload :-P.
I think I'd rather take the BMW as I think my type of adventure riding would have a lot more highway stretches between trails, but realistically I don't think you could go wrong with them.
I was saying in the previous upload:
I think it's hard to keep in mind that you really can't go wrong with either of these bikes. It's their job to nit pick which ones do what better, and for 5k it really may seem like a trade-off between 'quality' vs 'price' - but to be fair you really can't go wrong with either of these. There may be some pros and some cons when compared back to back but fact of the matter is that they're both great bikes that would highly deliver to an adventure enthusiast.
Nice video -- but it would have been better if you had been running dual-sport tires, instead of the street tires you had on both.
Owned em both.....KTM hands down. It seems BMW greases the palms of the big mags for these reviews. Just go out and ride and you will instantly feel the diff.....oh ya, take that GS off road and you will soon be spending some serious dough on fixing parts because you WILL fall. It is no good aside from dirt roads. KTM is a beast in some pretty gnarly situations especially the Adventure R.
Chris van tassel exactly what I was thinking. I've ridden them both and to me, the GS does not compare. and the 1290SA is even better.
I love my 1190er! Because I don't like mainstream and fat cows.
Ok. You lost me when you said, "60° was extreme conditions".....do you ever listen to yourself?
Sorry fellows, German and Austrian is not the same by any means. It's like saying that American and Canadian is the same. No proud KTM owner is going to like that.
BMW is a wonderful piece of enginering, too bad only accountants and lawyers seem to ride them. The only rider I've ever seen riding it in a cool manner is Ari Hennning.
Koos KTM Supermoto Murph.
Driveshaft spline maintenance; is that a deal breaker for anybody re BMW? By the way, I get totally confused between Canada and the USA!😅🤣 (What's that annoying racket in the background?)
I went for the BMW, then sold it cause mine sucked (engine noise at warm idle, driveline lash) and went for the KTM. Oh hell yeah! Wider range of use? My a....! Wider range of fun yeah
Reupload?
The 1290 Super Adventure would be a better choice to compare with the 1200GS since its out. Probably BMW's F800GS falls into the same category with the 1190 or more so with the 1150 IMO. But I don't give much credit to Motorcycle.com anyways.
You guys need to do the R1200gsa vs Ktm 1290 ADV next! Would be great to see....
Great review!!! Will subscribe!
Very useful non bias review however and as mentioned before, a more relevant review will put the two Big Puppies 1200GSA & 1290 Super adventure one verses the other
.. tnx u so much
so you'd pick the BMW for the seat? (because you just said the KTM did everything better). I've ridden both. the 1190 blows the Bmer away. and I just drove the 1290 - even more. most awesome machine on the road.
Are you sure those two bikes needed to be "compared" ?? I mean: price? weight? seat height? Power???? Maybe it's just me but I thought KTM had sort of a good try at getting these super heavy ADV bikes back down a notch from that ENORMOUS GS Adventure. But hey, sometimes it's fun to compare the uncomparable and come out pointing to obvious differences.......
"...Austrian, the same thing to me" HEHEHEHEHEHAHHHHEHEH :D
The 2014 R1200GS Adventure actually has 125 hp. These guys quote 108 hp in the first minute of the clip.
they are talking about rear wheel hp, which is different than the crank hp.
uhm ... do u guys measure HP different then europeans or why does the KTM and the BMW have less HP then we do? KTM has 150 and bmw should be 120ish
i think they ment the HP "at the rear wheel" ... manufacturers use normally the HP "purely" put out by the engine
German is the same to him as Austrian... nough said old man
GSA
I wouldn't trust either to the end of my driveway
george w bush reviewing adventure bikes
Algunos motociclistas confunden el supuesto "poder" de hablar salpicando su propia mierda en los demás con el hecho de comparar dos máquinas muy buenas. Cuando se compara algo necesariamente habrá diferencias. Ese es precisamente el valor de dialogar a través de este medio. Esas diferencias están de de acuerdo con lo subjetividad de cada persona. Me sorprende lo increíblemente estúpida, superficial e irrespetuosa que puede llegar a ser alguna gente del "primer" mundo donde no existen limitaciones a la posibilidad de educarse. Pero bueno, creo que al final ellos no entenderán completamente esta afirmación.
Ah.... a propósito, decidí por la KTM. Gracias.
No podría estar más de acuerdo contigo. No hablo español, pero su párrafo seemd agradable. (Usando el traductor de Google)
A lot of noise
Unless you are 70 years old (or more) there is no reason to buy the BMW. The KTM is a much more powerful and playful bike than the BMW. It speaks to you saying come on, let's find a twisty backroad, let's find some GIXRs, CBRs or ZXs to have fun with. The KTM is like a thoroughbred race horse, while the BMW is like a donkey.
Oh Dude you are so correct in that the KTM beckons the rider to have fun and it literally destroys many sport bikes over the road. Very easy to maneuver and very powerful bike. I recently purchased the 1190 and it's so much fun on the road I'm feeling the need to at least take it off-road and learn how to really get the most of this awesome machine. Off road classes are expensive and gearing up for it is equally expensive but I am really feeling the urge to go for it just because it's just exhilarating to be on the bike.
You clearly haven't owned n ridden a new r1200gsa. I've had a 2015 for 2 and a half years. It's awesome on road and eats up twisties and is surprisingly very capable off road. You kinda have to let it dance. Flow with it. I am an ex sport biker. Loved it. 2007 gsxr 750 new, 2013 ZX-14R new. I'm an aggressive rider and passionate about all of it. If you still want some nice power n sweet turning ability, but are ready for comfort n some luxuries that help you go further, trade em in for an R1200GSA. I was sold after a few times switching bikes w my buddy over a few weekends on Angeles Crest/highway 2. I traded in my ZX-14R for it!
After off roading off n on all day, its a very comfortable easy ride home. Now that being said, after a couple years learning off roading, I've outgrown what my GSA can handle, so it's time for a
KTM 1290 SAR. If you're not a progressing aggressive off roader, the GSA is dreamy. Amazing awesome bike. I wish I could keep it n have both. I'm 46 btw.
BigSarge check out Earthrider in Ventura County if you live in southern California. I learned so much and have so much fun now. Worth EVERY PENNY. But gear up man. HD boots, knee guards, back plate, and a decent armored jacket n pants. Textile. My gea4 has saved me so many times. We are more free to play when geared up.
Totally agree. Beemers are great, but every vid I watch I get the sense they are big, comfortable bikes that can go off road. The KTM (I have 1290 SAR) is an off road bike that just happens to be a blast on tarmac too. It's the Dakar DNA, I suppose. Whatever it is, the off roading force is strong with these bikes. :-)
JDE totally. We are on the same page. The Beemer is exactly that. I'm spoiled by it. I've ridden smaller dirt bikes, 250, ktm 450 and 690 n didn't like them. Felt small narrow uncomfortable n awkard. I also rode 1190 and liked it. Didn't ride enough to really know it, but it was nice
If you go fast you won't see anything. I would pick BMW.
Good vid guys. Too bad these are bikes are both just luxury items for rich old men, I can't anyone owning one of these as an only do-it-all bike.
Hi. I'm 34, and I own a 2014 KTM 1190 ADV R. Previously I owned a 2010 Ducati Multistrada 1200S. I actually do everything on my KTM, just as I did everything on my old Ducati.... Only more so off-road on the KTM because its enhanced equipment.
I am not old, nor rich, and I use the KTM as much as possible.
Same here. 2014 Duc Multi. Not rich or old. And I take her everywhere. People that say they can't own one of these probably aren't full time riders. I ride everyday and let my wife drive the car. And If you look at it compared to the price of a car, it's not so "rich" anymore is it? Ok, sure you can't do the more extreme off-road shit, but just about everything else. There is no bike in existence that can fill every roll well. But these bikes are as close as you get.
For old men? Why? Did you drive one of those? They are SO much fun. Very (I mean very!) easy to drive, really comfy when you want it and sporty when you need it. I am 30 years old and just bought myself a 2015 R1200GS and I don't feel old yet. ;)
For rich men? Maybe, but not so much. I have a couple of friends that have multiple bikes at the same time. Like an enduro, a sportsbike, a cruiser, etc.
The question is: Who spends more money on bikes? The one that buys multiple different (and cheaper) bikes or the one who buys one bike to cover everything?
Please give the guy on the right another job. He should not be on video.
The music is awfull. It has no meaning or purpose but to annoy and disturb
What's with that stupid music? Turn it off!!! I want to hear what the guys are saying about the bikes.