BMW R 1300 GS vs KTM 890 Adventure R
Specs side by side, plus our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.
The BMW R 1300 GS and KTM 890 Adventure R are among the most cross-shopped adventure bikes of 2026. The KTM 890 Adventure R undercuts the BMW R 1300 GS by about $4,296, so value is squarely on the table. On paper the BMW R 1300 GS leads on power with 145 hp. Below we put them head to head on price, performance, weight and seat height, then give our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.
Our pick
The verdict
The BMW R 1300 GS edges it overall at 9.3/10, but the KTM 890 Adventure R wins on best for new riders, so let how you ride decide.
KTM 890 Adventure R
105 hp.
BMW R 1300 GS
145 hp and 0.61 hp/kg, the strongest here.
KTM 890 Adventure R
Our 8.7/10 at $14,599, the most bike per dollar.
KTM 890 Adventure R
210 kg with an 880 mm seat, the easiest to throw around.
BMW R 1300 GS
Our top score in this matchup at 9.3/10.
Cyan marks the best figure in each row. Specs are the most-cited for the current model; verify before relying on them.
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BMW R 1300 GS vs KTM 890 Adventure R: your questions answered
Which is faster, the BMW R 1300 GS or the KTM 890 Adventure R?
The BMW R 1300 GS makes the most power at 145 hp and 149 Nm, giving it the edge on outright performance.
Which is cheaper, the BMW R 1300 GS or the KTM 890 Adventure R?
The KTM 890 Adventure R is the most affordable here with an MSRP around $14,599.
Which is lighter, the BMW R 1300 GS or the KTM 890 Adventure R?
The KTM 890 Adventure R is the lightest at 210 kg, which makes it the easiest to manage at low speed and in the bends.
Which is better for a beginner, the BMW R 1300 GS or the KTM 890 Adventure R?
For a new rider we'd point to the KTM 890 Adventure R: 105 hp and 210 kg make it the most approachable of the group.