BMW F 900 GS vs KTM 890 Adventure R - ADV Comparison - Cycle News

[@Porsche996driver]

Just test rode a 900 GSA at Irv Seaver today! Great bike, coming off my old 1200 GS this felt very different! Light, agile, quickshifter, lively engine with great exhaust that wants to gallop to the redline! The only thing I didn’t like was the turn signal isn’t reachable holding the grip, the tiny fairing and wind, and the mirrors are too small, but the GSA isn’t too giant and that 6 gallon tank is a must!

[@Joe-m6p7m]

KTM cam failures on all Gen LC8 parell twins is unbelievable

[@SPENJERE]

KTM = cam issues as well as electronics issues, leave me a little weary .

[@loghomemaintenance]

I have the 24 KTM Adventure R Rally and have been loving it in Colorado. I stepped up from a 500 exc-f. Thought about the BMW but KTM is my dirt bike and BMW is my car.

[@user-df2kk2gk5u]

It seems a lot of people like the growing laundry list of complex electronic "features". I find myself deeply turned off by them. Motorcycles should be simple. Watching this makes me want to buy an old 2-stroke from the 1980s and just rebuild it.

[@leanit5756]

My 890 ADR cam chain tensioner failed before the camshafts had a chance to be problematic. Lucky me. Except KTM had no replacements and no ET on when the CCT would be available. I traded it in, in "unsaleable" condition, for a substantial loss so I could ride again. Love my '24 T7.

[@YangCalgary]

Love the scene at 9:48! Great review, thanks.

[@davidshaffer4649]

i have to believe it would be 2 grand well spent to purchase a motorcycle that doesn't munch its internal bits into little pieces.

[@avrc9285]

imo the issues of ktm should be mentioned (i.e. the camshaft) and how the company supports (or not) their customers - this impacts to huge extent someones decision not to mention the re-sale price.. thank you for the nice overview

[@Vangorf]

I have an opposite experience with build quality . This is one of two or three main resons why I´ve chosen BMW over KTM (non R version).

[@ruedigerfriebel8454]

Well you need also tell the people about the quality problems KTM and about all the 890 are having. It might be a great bike but if it is not stable it isn't worth the money.

[@2WHEELADVLIFE]

I love my 2022 Tenere 700. It has taken me ever and some places that I should been on a dual sport/dirtbike. It just works and is fun to ride at all speeds. Love your video and the real world review.

[@cyclenews]

Thank you! Enjoy that T7

[@donnyjackson1908]

If choosing KTM most people would be best suited to a 890S or the new 790. Very few ride hard enough for the R or Rally versions.

[@kloppskalli]

the new 790 is amazing value for the money but you never know if you get a lemon or one of those that just runs and runs...

[@blizzard71]

KTM 890 R for the win by far !! the bike rips!! and I have had not one problem with them . Suspension and power un matched!

[@johnherbert5919]

My 790 R is a nice bike, but being over 6 foot it is cramped bike. I also ride a 1090 R and the extra room makes life so much nicer. My 790 has had the suspsion tuned and is much more forgiving than stock. I have had a short ride on the GS and loved the ergonomics. The engine is quite linear, but still has enough up top for real fun.

[@motolover5697]

The Dinaric Rally finished yesterday. Gerhard Forster won an over 650 class on a F900GS. He also won in senior class and was 4th overall.

[@XLAdvRider]

890 is a beast but flawed with reliability issues. BMW 900 is a huge improvement for them but too heavy (as expected). Would buy an 890 for weekend rides out and back from home but neither for a long multi-country trip.

[@kx8960]

I LIKE that skidplate, I would have bought it if it had been available when I bought my 2021, instead I got the Touratech because it's the only one that works with the OEM centerstand that I have. The benefit of the Touratech is that the side panels are separate and so can be replaced or painted (I painted the bottom black and those sides orange).

[@gregjerome1911]

Great review guys. I saw the GS900 up at a BMW rally in May, love that bike. It'd be my choice because I know many guys who've had issues with suspension & electronics on their 890s. I also really like cruise on longer road sections. Both would work for sure.

[@tomkruger3496]

Love the look of that BMW too.

[@cyclenews]

Hard to beat that red, white, and blue.

[@johnanthony6141]

As a dedicated 30 year ktm owner, I’m looking at other option because of cam and reliability issues. Just test drove the BMW and Yahama t7. Add 3-4 grand to the t7 seems like my choice but waiting for 2025.

[@E-087]

890 has no problems with camshafts. It was a 790 problem and is solved even in the New 790

[@johnanthony6141]

@@E-087 not what I’ve seen. Plenty of 890s with cam issue even in 23s.

[@johnanthony6141]

I bought a Ducati Desert x Rally. 😁

[@RedRupert64]

Well done for pointing out the shortfalls with the 890's suspension. It's stiff and harsh, so not suitable for most, including me (I'm a hard rider, but don't ask a lot of the suspension). It's so difficult to ride at moderate speeds on stony ground, and uncomfortable during day-to-day use. My 2004 950A is miles better for this.

[@kx8960]

I'm 6'1" and 220lbs without gear and returning to doirtbikes ('21 890 R) after NOT riding dirt for 30 years (but riding sportbikes the whole time). For me, by FAR the worst ergo issue was that upholstered 2x4 they called a seat. Fixed that with a custom Sargent seat (like on my '15 S1000RR) and now I can ride all day in comfort. I left the footpegs alone but got a stepped brake lever, and put a flatter Nexen motocross bar on it, and the (pricey!) KTM hand levers behind Barkbuster handguards. Admittedly a dirt noob (though I'm finding my old dirt skills are coming back), while I haven't ridden the BMW, I find the KTM has great suspension, I haven't touched anything. Maybe my greater weight means it works on the small bumps better. Since I'm WAY better on the street, I bought the R for it's extra capability on surfaces I'm not as capable on. I find the KTM a little glitchy (no major problems, just a bunch of minor ones) compared to the Japanese bikes in general and would have PREFERRED to buy a Yamaha or something, but none of them were even close to the KTM in performance, so, that's what I got.

[@axellness]

ktm and their questionable reliability. have they fixed those cam issues yet?

[@mojoriden]

Yes

[@radiocrash]

@@mojoridendid the 890 have cam issues ?

[@markshirley7639]

Had 14 ktm's inc 890r 1290r/s superdukes ect ect . Not one issue !! Same with bmw . Nothing wrong with something being built in china ! Rather there than being built in the USA or UK !! The only difference in Japan built and Chinese built bikes it the shape of the eyes of the person that is building the product 😘

[@radiocrash]

@@markshirley7639 Except rolls Royce jet engines are built in the uk and you have probably flown thousands of miles in safety with them.

[@markshirley7639]

@@radiocrash that's about it !! Name another

[@Checkmate1500]

As a 6ft rider on 890r the expensive reposition you mention is push the handle bar clamps to forward position and angle forward slightly and it is perfect. I am biased but the 790/890R are for everyone who wants to explore and grow there skills in a platform that keeps you safe due its off road design decisions.

[@modpup]

Nice Review Guys. Thanks

[@cyclenews]

Thanks for watching!

[@bel_976]

Would like to see the BMW vs the DesertX

[@NaMinesClarence]

2019 790 Adventure, 2018 790 Duke were the first years of the LC8c engines.

[@Rwcfrank]

Compare the cams, KTM should be ashamed and sued.

[@motolover5697]

New KTM 890R is discounted for 14.500€ where I live in Europe and they are standing there. Nobody wants them due to many reliability problems.

[@davidavetisian8421]

You said that you hate keyless ignition could you please explain why?

[@cyclenews]

I've had plenty of bikes where the ignition doesn't recognize the key over the years, or there's a fault code that gets thrown up and thus the bike doesn't start. Not ideal when you're in the middle of nowhere. I'd rather just have a good old fashioned key. Can't lose--Rennie

[@georgemorissette8856]

Good comparison video. KTM 890 owner for 3 years. Sorry to break the band wagon hear-say KTM haters hearts but , I have had zero issues. My buddy has a T7 and just purchased this 900. We’ll see how they do head to head in the real world.

[@cyclenews]

Great to hear! Enjoy.

[@maximusmiles8435]

I recently rode my 790, and I agree the small medium bumps are harsh. What I noticed is that went away after a while, and my thinking is the oil heats up with use. The longer the ride through rough terrain the less harsh it became. The one thing I'm pretty sure about the BMW is. That the cams won't fail, like they do on the KTM. That is a major reason I'm thinking of dumping my KTM. Of all the engines in everything that is gas powered. It's this motor that fails after 1K miles. KTM won't even own up to it.

[@54zk]

I lucked out I guess, 2020 790 adv s with 35000 miles on the clock

[@AntaresSQ01]

@@54zk You didn't, less than 1% of early 790s and even less 890s are affected....

[@emilenossin5098]

Being 1.90 m / 6'3" I also found the KTM / Norden 901 very tiny. I had to sit on the back seat to have a bit of room. That plus the reliability issues made me choose the T7 World Raid, which fits me perfectly. It also explains to me why the KTM / Norden is so mich lighter, the bike's simply smaller.

[@AR9ify]

Great dialogue, comments and bikes. 👍 BMW first on the list.

[@andrewmain7392]

Dont touch KTM twins with their cheese cam issues in my opinion.

[@CurtisBrandt]

The KTM is everything you say, but the suspension is much easier to fix than just going to the cone valves. My 890R works amazingly better (less initial harshness and way better bottoming resistance) after a revalve.

[@spartanx169x]

Its take them what 5 years to get the motor right for the 890? Motobob just did a video on what KTM had to to to those motors to correct the camshaft issues. Maybe they got it right maybe they didn't. It will take another 4 years to know if the issues is corrected or not.

[@cyclenews]

Must've missed that video. Thanks for watching!

[@AntaresSQ01]

Correct what issue? the one only affecting 1 in a 1000 bikes?

[@3brothersrc418]

Pretty spot on fellows. I felt however the BMW had more low end torque, and linear power. Also I hate the wide low tank on the ktm for single track. But that is just me.

[@guybadichi2033]

I think, bmw gs 900, in the total package More practical and gives an excellent answer in all worlds

[@jonasbaine3538]

KTM truly ready to race.

[@darrylcoomer1539]

Hi chaps, great review and comparison as always, keep up the great work!! I wonder why Jesse wouldn't mention the Norden 901 expedition as a comparison in this class. I say this as his comments were so complimentary after the launch of it in South Africa. I aim currently in the market for one of these and would be great to see you guys test all 3? Bizarrely I live in South Africa so Jesse knows the kind of roads that we have here to enjoy these?

[@davidwillis6499]

Very informative comparison guys. I'll just stick with my affordable trusty T7 with Suspension 101 legs.

[@cyclenews]

Keep it up!

[@davidwillis6499]

@@cyclenews Up right! 🤣

[@Hammy56]

Is the cam issue fixed with the '23 / '24 890?

[@DaveDayve]

No KTM hasn't done anything much yet.

[@kloppskalli]

I LOVE to hear that the KTM suspension is hard and harsh ... my tenere with stiffer springs is harsh too so I'll find the strength to cope with it and suffer quietly

[@elephantmotoco]

I am curious how much did you guys tinker with suspension settings on this comparison?

[@HairyMTB]

Would love this recap when the new 990 adventure hits the dealership floors

[@leanit5756]

5:49 is the BMW missing a side plate/panel or is supposed to look like that?

[@cyclenews]

No that's standard with the exposed exhaust.

[@jaeh2000]

hola Amigos desde Ecuador, estoy por comprar la KTM 890 R, acá cuesta casi 28.000 us dollars, pero me preocupa lo de las levas, ya la manejé y es genial, super estable en caminos off road extremos, mucho mejor que todas las otras marcas que tienen modelos similares y ya las he manejado casi a todas

[@serwhit2490]

Where does the Norton 901 Expedition fall into this?

[@taylor2105]

Toss the desert x in there too, why not

[@maximusmiles8435]

Progressive springs and or, lighter fork oil can also help with the harsh initial harsh feeling on the KTM. You don't necessarily need to spend the money for the rally suspension. I know it won't be as good as the rally suspension. But it will get you 90% there, for a fraction of the price.

[@bobostackle]

Great review guys. No bullshit

[@cyclenews]

Thanks we appreciate it!

[@RedRupert64]

You're right about the KTM's harsh suspension. When I opened it up, it became obvious that it's rubbish (cheaply made and basic - looks the part on the outside, but inside it's a different story), so I've equipped my bike with TracTive suspension, which is a fair bit less expensive than the WP cone valves, but very tuneable.

[@Ducksonalltube]

Great review, two interesting bikes - The bike should call the cops on you for the the 360 footage, get rid of the fish eye or skip it all together. 😁

[@Charly97435]

Would you change a Husqvarna Norden 901 for this BMW ? And i can assure you , i love my Norden . Very good vidéo ✌️

[@erickmontero6222]

I’d like to see the Aprilia Tuareg thrown in this comparison mix. Similar capabilities and tech. Slightly down on power but significantly cheaper.

[@cyclenews]

Yeah not a bad idea. Like you said, bit down on displacement but likely in the conversation when looking for a new ride.

[@silverdale3207]

Possibly the only bike I find uglier than the 890.

[@ogasi1798]

i own neither but if it was my money i would buy the 890R every time - weight, spec, performance, everything ( we won't mention cams) - the bike is the daddy, it doesn't need updating, if you need more then get the Rally - 99.9% of people cannot get the 890R or even the 790R to its limit and that is a fat fact

[@spotthedogg]

Marketing, did you not see the Toprak F900GS RedBull video?

[@banestock]

Would be an interesting comparison between the base bmw f900 gs and the entry level 890 adventure model. Cause you're paying significantly less and most ppl will have a great adventure bike that can do decent amount of offloading. The main focus would be adventure touring.

[@timsalabimbombassa]

Or: I got the cheaper entry level 890 and got customized Tractive suspension on it, with slightly more travel, great comfort and very solid performance. Then adjusted the ergo’s to my 6,3” (which you can). Arguably as expensive as a bmw now, but a great bike that fits me like a glove and rides like a dream on and off road.

[@benniewenniger2075]

No brainer BMW reliability vs KTM ?

[@epoxone]

BMW isnt any better.

[@martyn_g]

@@epoxonebased on? Internet forums or actual claims? And remember BMW has a 5 year warranty, with roadside. My experience of having BMW from sales to service has been excellent, as well work colleagues. I’m buying BMW again when my knees are sorted.

[@silverdale3207]

If I'm not mistaken the BMW has a Loncin engine , made in China. I think you can buy pretty much the same bike a lot cheaper under a different name, I just cant remember what it was.

[@donkeizluv]

@@martyn_g based personal experience, anything not Japanese has the same reliability

[@RedRupert64]

The suspension on my 2021 KTM 890 AR is shockingly bad. The inside of the outer legs has worn so that its reluctant to move out of that zone. This eas first noticeable at around 20k km.

[@LooxJJ]

Just wondering...do check if your shock isn't leaking.

[@lionelcook8522]

@14.40 Pretty sure that's Toby not Adam.

[@dbbiking5505]

Bad metal ktm cam shafts 😮

[@Captndarty]

Wrong. Good metal bad oiling system.

[@dbbiking5505]

@Captndarty funny how they don't talk about this bad problem isn't it

[@Captndarty]

@@dbbiking5505 they likely don’t talk about it because (correct me if I’m wrong ) it’s not a problem on the 22 through 24 models it’s only the earlier ones.

[@pbrigham]

Not a single mention to fuel range or tank, there isn’t much traveling with a 14,5 L tank, but looks good to take to the coffee shop.By the way I’m referring to the BMW, KTM is fine.

[@kx8960]

Maybe that's how YOU ride, but I can get 200-250 miles on my 890 R easy.

[@pbrigham]

@@kx8960 was referring to the BMW. KTM is fine.

[@kx8960]

@@pbrigham Ah

[@thorstentrapp274]

Hey, the BMW with this wimp of a skid plate compared to what you put on the KTM...why...just to increase the KTM's price?

[@bobz1736]

Wow... listening to this in the background, I thought that was Zack from Revzilla 😅

[@TheSpragz]

Is this the “which has the most horrific sounding engine competition?” 😂

[@mitchberger2691]

I have been riding KTM's since 1983. No more, their lack of Q/C issues from soft cams to poor mapping on the GG off road bikes to mediocre WP forks and the list goes on. So when you 890 is in the shop for a few months getting the camss replaced, maybe that BMW looks a bit better. And with loosing 2.5 billion USD, KTM management needs to be fired.

[@Crust2013]

Hey! You jumped past the 1090R when listing ya prats!

[@XLAdvRider]

Great review but you left out weight and fueling. 900 doesn’t have the range while the 890 does AND it’s lower COG. Something you did touch on is how much of a leap in quality the 900 is over past generations. And I’m still concerned about 890’s issues as so many people I know (ask Scot Harden) have had bad luck.

[@rbrtmllr]

Pretty close to the 890/901A, without the nasty cam issues.

[@kx8960]

LOL You mean the NON-issue.

[@Oldguy-k3t]

I priced a cf moto 800 ibex, 9500 msrp usa. The 650 was below 4,000 dollars!

[@cyclenews]

Nice! Enjoy the new ride 👍

[@Oldguy-k3t]

@@cyclenews I did not buy it. Don't trust long term reliability. Will probably buy tenere or transalp.

[@adi11093]

In india bmw f900 is cheaper than ktm 890 adv

[@mikelyon5595]

Are both engines built in China? If so? They charge too much!

[@georgemorissette8856]

Great point. Can you please share your research and documentation on this ?

[@RGS85]

The BMW motor is made in china by Loncin.

[@leanit5756]

@@RGS85 No way, really?!

[@RGS85]

@@leanit5756yep look it up

[@motolover5697]

@@RGS85 my Iphone was made in China. Works great!

[@c.g.c2067]

What puts you off of the KTm is its ridiculous reliability unfortunately

[@eddyhoughton6542]

Troll alert. I want to see some statistics to back up this BS. If KTMs were so unreliable, they wouldn't be the market leaders in Europe. 34 years riding, owned all 4 major Jap brands, plus Ducati, KTM, BMW, and Moto Guzzi. No reliability issues with any of my bikes, ever.

[@nur_johnny8713]

Both to heavy tho be real Rally bikes - especially for the „ordinary“ rider…

[@HowToGetMoreMetal]

When standing the KTM is short for my 6’1” size. Bmw is much longer and comfortable

[@MacawAviculture]

Both bikes are too heavy for serious off-road riding unless your name is Chris Birch or Adam Riemann, so I prefer my 2017 KTM 1090 R over either. The 1090R has simpler electronics than the 890 or 900, a more powerful engine, similar weight to the BMW 900 GS, and much more enjoyable and comfortable on long pavement rides. A used and fully setup 1090R can be purchased for half the price of the two bikes tested in this video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/i4S7g5RnfJpjZ5Y

[@Idrivthetrain]

Wish they kept it going. Loved my 1090. Got stolen while at Mikes in Mexico.

[@sanjosejeff]

Some decent points but inaccurate on off-road. I have a 350 and 2023 890r. Tire swap and it’s amazing how well it does. Yes of course it weighs more than my 350 by 200 lbs but it handles single track surprisingly well. No way in hell a GS can do that

[@motolover5697]

They are adventure bikes.

[@chris_austria]

BMW with Loncin trecker engine....😂

[@LooxJJ]

Why pay money and be stressed and worried about what you buy...? CamShaft fiasco and all...I have solution for you all...its called Honda Africa Twin (or any of Japanese Big-4's adv solution). And I kid you not, 99% of you out there won't be pushing any of these bikes to its full potential anyways. Life is too short to worry about what you paid for - rather, go out and ride!

[@dcmsr5141]

I couldn't agree with you more, save the money for upgrades that suit your purpose. KTM's are fun but their quality is hit and miss. BMW overcomplicate things and burn up. Honda and Yamaha have the R&D muscle and they are flexing.

[@Tirikitaon]

Ktm docente need to change becouse its right, bmw 900 not bad but to compare it you need to add way to many extras putting the price of the bmw in another placer.

[@19Taylor79]

A BMW with a chinese motor, no thx.

[@zombeloffical]

They have chinese motors since the 650gs lol. Reliable enignes

[@ADV_explorersgr]

👌👌👌👍

[@Dukeplhffd]

For me is ktm much more beautiful bike ... 100% 😊

[@martyn_g]

Warranty, warranty, warranty, and dealership back up. That’s where BMW 💩’s on KTM.

[@MrWeatherstorm]

Its different bikes.

[@deividasvisockas]

Ktm tyres is 💩, shouldn’t be on the bike which cost 17k€…

[@motolover5697]

A boxer engine on a BMW would be perfect.

[@motolover5697]

and more expensive.

[@davechavis4275]

How about ktm going bankrupt?

[@DaveDayve]

They got motor right???? KTM 890?? What are k selling? Look at the Cam lubricating issues. The motor is trash

[@kx8960]

LOL Says YOU...

[@kennymiller8973]

Do you know anyone who has a trash 890 motor? Have 18k on mine. Local guy has almost 30k on his. Talked to a lot ofguys with 890's at a rally. None of them had cam failures and did not know anyone who had.

[@kx8960]

@@kennymiller8973 Don't know anyone with a bad 890 motor, my 2021 is fine so far.

[@DaveDayve]

@@kx8960 says KZbin search or Google it. Or open up your head and look at the scoring on your Cam.

[@DaveDayve]

@@kennymiller8973 google it

[@RT-tn4ry]

THE CAMS WILL SHIT THE BED IN 11000 MILES !!!

[@eddyhoughton6542]

Really? Mine's done twice that and is rock solid. Also, it doesn't drink a drop of oil, unlike my Guzzi 850 which has done less km. I'm beginning to wonder what BMW is paying all these Internet Gandalfs to sagely spread their "wisdom" on KTM supposed unreliability.

[@isabellerobert7957]

KTM 👎

[@andrus54]

Ktm changes too often? 1390 is basically the same engine as 950 from 2003!!! What are you talking about?

[@jamescummings4130]

Basicly the same 😂😂 yea they have two cylinders in common, shake your head

[@utahdirtbiketours]

The KTM is just such an ugly machine, with terrible graphics.

[@joeblow5037]

I'd be plenty happy with the AT with the 21" front and manual tranny for five grand less. 💰 dad gum price of bikes goin up faster than my pay Good review, guys 🙂

[@cyclenews]

We feel you. Cheers mate!

[@ajmf-hy8qt]

SIMPLE... KTM WINS BY FAR.

[@mybigcj]

enjoy your cams

[@motolover5697]

They new are heavily discounted, nobody wants to buy them. 14.500€ for a new one where I live.

[@ajmf-hy8qt]

funny. today ktm is the no Japanese brand that sells the most bikes on the world.

[@motolover5697]

12.500€ for a 890R in Slovenia at the moment. And most bikes ar 24 or 23 model. I wonder where they were storing them all this time and from which market they came.