I've been out on dual sport ride days up through the mountains in the dirt & mud with guys on the BMW & they don't come close to my KTM. I must admit though, most of the BMW riders are old retired guys who just want to putt around. I'm 36 & have been racing motocross my whole life so ride a fair bit harder than those guys. Not saying anything bad about the BMW, but for my riding style, the KTM is the hands down winner. Touring & offroad. Who started the rumour that KTM's break down all the time?
and that is a long ride LMFAO !! a K.T.M ,,, STANDS FOR KEEP TIGHTENING ME !! tell you what went over the arctic circle 700 miles with BMW adventure, there is no fucking way I would take a K.T.M ,,, at least with the BMW I would get there and back,,, just need to look at the competition boys with a shit load of spares they have to support them, things falling off,, quicker and lighter ,,yes, always a downside ,,,sunday fun yes,,,serious tourer,,,, GET THE FUCK OUT OF HERE SERIOUSLY !!
Eonlinuxqc- I've not seen a comment about a motorcycle review with the word 'gay' so many times in it... and for no particular reason... You got something on your mind buddy? Not having much luck with the ladies... ?
nice gay ride for big lover cock. British= gay boy, all other = looser. Hust Quebecois are the only real biker in he world. all other are looser pretty sucker . bye sucker mother. queen are shit, queen is only for loser people. Quebec is only the real place or great trail biker, all of the rest are gay...
KTM beats BM in performance. The BM is way too bulky built like a tank...for more off road fun go for the KTM, have both and got rid of the GS...KTM all the way for pure adrenaline
Ma perche' hanno paragonato uno scooter mascherato da moto con lo stemma bmw,con una moto vera come la ktm? la gs sosterrebbe ottimamente una comparativa con il piaggio beverly 500,peraltro ottimo mezzo.
We have this thing in Canada called black ice. You don't see it...it looks like regular road. Scotland winter looks kinda light...like the road never freezes. Here...if I were to ride in winter...I'd take a Ural with a sidecar first. I'll still crash on the black ice but it just seems less likely I'll break a leg.
I found the 1200 GS to have much better balance than the KTM, Much more confidence at speed. Smoothest throttle I've ever felt, and on top of it all, incredibly comfortable. I could stay on the stock seat for hours with no complaints! Great onfire roads, and ok for double track. Both bikes however are by far better than F800 GS. BMW needs to go back and do more homework on
This "test" scratches only the surface. While the BMW is surely more comfortable, the KTM is much more versatile.It's a class in itself, the only Travel ENDURO in the market. The KTM will commute with you to work just as well, it is more nimble on small roads and thus much more fun, you can easily travel far distance with it too. Whenever the going gets tough, you'll meet more KTMs than BMWs - surprise, surprise. AND with minor changes you can ride a rallye with just the same bike.
He says the bikes are aimed at the same market but compares the BMW to a Double Bass(instrument) and the KTM to a electric guitar. Basically he is saying the BMW is big and heavy, and the KTM is much lighter and more maneuverable
i own a new bmw 525d and this car is very good (i had audi, volvo befre but bmw is the best). Bmw motorcycles are crap, i allready sold my GS ADV. Mirrors - constructed from a retard, both mirrors right convolute, oncoming wind is losing it. Cylinders hited my leg painfuly when i stayed downhill. In 2100 km mistake in clutch - dangerous for life, clutch suddenly stopped to work, i couldnt kick gear out, back wheel blocked after breaking. Seat uncomfortable, pains in buttock, no space under seat
@psilos26 Did you even listen to what these people were saying? They actually say the BMW is very good off road too. BUT, it's less 'fun', less 'wacky'. It's more of a practical and less of an entertaining bike.
I just bought a very low millage orange KTM 990 Adventure with Sebring exhaust. I've tried the BMW 1200GS on several occasions and it's always the same. I usually conclude that "it's a pretty hard to fault long distance tourer" but it never really stirs my heart. The 990 on the other hand... I dare anyone to try one and not come back grinning like a loon, and that's the real difference between the bikes. One offers a smidgen more practicality, the other offers 300% more fun. Easy choice :-)
I took a ride across the andes in my gs 1200 adventure, my mate has the KTM... we reached the same conlusions. BMW it´s touring bike, on the "off road"it was good( even without knobe tires) but too bloody heavy for a short fella like me. the KTM had a great perfomance on the sandy roads of Chile, very easy to ride...
Man it's amazing how many thumps down you can get for somewhat bad mouthing a BMW lol. (Ewan/Charlie wannabe's get over yourself!) Now saying that, BMW make's an amazing bike in my opinion, one of the best. But like the video said. The bikes are for two different people. KTM: more off road. R1200GS: More geared to touring. Why can't we just all get along. We all share the same interest of adventure riding on two wheels!
i know my comparision will be strange, but if i drive on a bad road (with holes) with my car - new BMW 525d (no offroad car) and if i drive a same trip with a new GS ADV (ESA adj. high mountains + soft), i must say the BMW car can hande a bad road much BETTER, so the suspension of a normal car is much better than a suspension of ofroad motorcycle, and thats strange
Sorry Draco, the BMW weighs 223kg dry and the KTM 199kg, even fuelled up the KTM is the lighter bike.
Plus i have yet to see the BMW cover the same ground off road as the KTM, also on the BMW you can only wave to fellow BMW riders, no such problems on the KTM
The motor on the BMW might do 200,000km roadlover, but the bloody final drive wont. 35,000km and the seals will fail or the bearings will. Been there, bought the t-shirt, sold the film rights, made the sequel.
A stock ktm 990 weighs 4 pounds more has 5 less horsepower and 17 less ft lbs of torque compared to a stock gs. A 990 r has 3 more horsepower then an adventure but still has 17 less ft lbs of torque. Those are facts listed on the manufacturers website. I think the stats speak for themselves.
Are you CRAZY!?!?!?!?!?!? The KTM is best, First time i ride a KTM i was in Norway and go up to 200 kilmetres! nAB! NB! In norway u only can drive in 110 Kilometers
- better off road, - narrow bike, pass between 2 cars on crossroad, - easier to wash, - suspension like GS-ADV but weigth like GS (lighter), - nicer motor sound, especially in high tours, - better mirrors, - you dont damage motor in case of crash
advantages of BMW : - electronical toys (ESA, TPC...) - seat a little more comfortable - bigger tank - brakes in test a little better (39,4 m BMW 41,5 m KTM) - better cases (2 helmets comes in) - no chain
You forget something important for those who drive a lot. The boxer engine of a BMW will do 200.000km and more without a problem. I haven't heard that yet of any other bike.
Something that is never or rarely covered in these reviews is the reliability or history of the bike. I wont buy a bike that is not reliable, I simply cant afford to.
KTM deserves what it got for not participating in Long Way Down. They could have really promoted their bike but instead pussed out. On the other hand BMW was not afraid to take the risk. Well, because it makes an engine that has been solid since the early 1900s. Good on BMW for proving their product.
Didn't the frames & suspension fail on those BMWs in both movies? In retrospect, it would appear that KTM had a higher understanding of what their Advs were capable of, and in turn, passed on giving bikes for the treks...
imiqbal: Yes (BMW frame failures on Long Way Round, IDK re: Down) but then they were VERY heavily loaded with 2 big suitcase panniers & trunk, which in retrospect was far too cantilevered (esp for the bad roads and even BADDER non-existent roads), a clever, simple gusset at the stress-fracture fail points might have been all that was needed. IMO the already-heavy trek bikes were overloaded, too many non-essentials & a BIG strain-factor when picking-up from a spill. But BMW champed-thru w.style.
I don't think KTM did bottle it, I think they asked for the money for the bikes ? and plenty off people have travelled the world unsupported on KTM's and KTM engines are race developed actually speaking off development in my opinion I think KTM have done so much development over these recent years that's why they have more style and engine sizes and off road race wins in recent years than any other manufacturer also David Knight dropped BMW and returned to winning ways with KTM
OK I stand corrected ! however I have owned a 950 adventure for 2 years now I use it every day in all weathers and still feel its the far superior bike for what they where doing. KTM winners of Dakar with Cyril Despree,MX with Marvin Musquin, Pharaohs Rallye with Marc Coma, Enduro with David Knight who chucked BM to return to KTM not forgetting Fabrizio Meoni (rip) who developed the 950 on the Dakar and won. So I'm sticking to the race winning/ development company KTM Quality !
@Omps1976 I have ridden both and I prefer the KTM, but it was close. KTM did make a mistake by not going with the Long Way Around, however when you look at the riders all were unknown quantities so I can see why they would not want to take the gamble. Just remember on both of Charlie's efforts there was a large portion of editing and the bikes were heavily modified by Touratech (credit to them), a stock BMW would not have made it, however the KTM 640 adventure would.
its the video clip at the top, you know, designed as a look into the testing, most people seem to forget these are just insights, if you want detail, buy the magazine
on par for MCN. they posted a drag test for the busa and new Vmax, but didnt post times. theyre about useless for motorcycle journalism. but on the flip side, they are great at wasting time.
The bmw's on long way round and down took a lot of punishment, Boorman (a huge fan of KTM himself) said that the KTM would never have lasted the trips.
I think that's because he was very mad that KTM didn't endorse them and gave them the bikes. Boorman drooles over KT's and he would really prefer those over the Beemers. I suppose there were lots of intere$t$ involved.
The KTM is, in my opinion, the better off-road bike, but for the money, you had better be planning to do a whole lot of off-road riding and not as much highway riding if you are choosing it over the BMW. I have ridden both bikes, and on tarmac, I just want to get off of the KTM as soon as possible. I can (and have) ridden the R1200GSA all day and night. It's pure luxury.
I think BMW makes a fine bike, and now that the F800GS is out, I think it's the best dual purpose bike you can buy.
I'm torn between the F800GS and the 990. BMW is known for their reliability and run-forever motors, and I keep researching the KTM 990 and find tons of issues! Fueling issues, surging, fuel pumps going out. They need serviced every 4,500 miles. And yet, I'm strangely attracted to the KTM because it is different, and the owners say they are so much fun!
R1200gsa are not known for reliability. In fact they are so unreliable I still ride a R1100gs and about to buy a KTM. Have a look at the forums and see how many problems the 1200s have. Its quite scary that so many owners put up with this from BMW
Well, a matter of absolute quantities: At 500000 gs in the world, you find a number of problems which appear worse than they really are. The chassis issue on LWR was on an 1150...
I love both of these bikes... but one must be prepared to shell out some big bucks in repairs/maintenance. If you can't afford one, go with the Suzuki V Strom: a ton of bike for the money, very reliable, cheap and easily available parts. (I don't own one, I took the used Triumph Tiger route).
Sure miss my KTM 950 adventure had plenty of power for me.
I did ride the BMW 1200 but felt like a tank on the trails and in tight tree areas.
did have the side bags but never realy used them always found the back pack worked better on the tight trails with trees the side bags got snaged on trees alot
.. true fact. However, sales reports and bike quality are two very different things. Fieldtesting shown without any doubt, that if you ride a BWW like a KTM, the BMW falls apart between your legs - it's made for tarmac and sissy middleaged sunday riders. Ever wondered about the absence of BMW i Dakar? The BMW is a wannabe Honda Goldwing for people who are wanting to buy an "adventurous image". KTM is made to take a beating - and CAN take it, unlike that sofa-, platic-, boxer-peice of BMW-shit..
I did.. and did a whole lot of laughing as well. And waht happend in Siberia.. after only 5000 km on that brand new bike? The funking thing broke it's chassis!! A 5K bike?! No wonder those two guys applied for KTM initially... and was turned down. THEN they contacted BMW - and got two for free.... No wonder that they're giving them away for free, the bike ain't working - for proper offroading!
granted, the bike broke, but there was a hell of a lot of editing. Out of the entire 19000 mile journey, we probably saw 10 miles of actual riding. Who knows what kind of punishment the bikes took in those first 5000km. It;s likely that any bike would have failed
i watched part of it and wondered why they had luggage at all on the bikes since they had a big friggin support truck following them & on call. They didn't really come off as adventurers, but rich guys on bikes on holiday.
And as far as the bmw - ktm debate. I've only ridden one bmw, the bmw800st thru colorado/utah. It was a gutless wonder. i own a ktm smc and it never lacks for lift off. taking big bm's offroad seems like taking a harley w/clearance offroad, too much girth.
I test rode both recently. I concluded that if I got a BMW I would also need to buy a fun bike. If I bought the KTM I would need a gel saddle and an anti flip wheelie bar.
BMW is better. (thought I would make a completely stupid comment, in the spirit of other comments here)...
Didn't any of the pro-BM posters actually watch the clip? It basically said "buy the BM if you're soft, and buy the KTM if you like fun." Now, where did I put my list of reasons why I ride bikes? I can't remember if I wrote "cos I'm soft and should have bought a car", or was it "to have a great time"?
Recenly I saw a thread in advridercom in which there was a 199x BMW R 1100 GS with 230 000 miles on the clock!You can't beat that.For BMW motorbikes milage under 5-60 000 is low,that's the kind of reliability I'm talking about.
BMW prove the whole world that it is the best adventure bike ever watch long way around with Charley and you will see that KTM refused to take there bikes to the trip around the world and by doing that they prove that KTM is NOT i repeat NOT reliable bike to seat on and by the way its ugly as hell. Buy ONLY BMW trust the germans they know!!!!!!!!!!!
I have ridden the standard 1200GS & after riding my Goldwing 1500 & I have ridden it along quite a lot of gravel, the 1200GS is not as heavy as you think. Try riding a 400kg bike on gravel. I am looking at both the KTM & BMW at the moment. Which way too go???????????
WTF KTM not good on long distance ? Dude get a trike and go away !!!! I've been 3000 km far from home with my Adventure and man you have no idea how confortable it was. GET A TRIKEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
I've been out on dual sport ride days up through the mountains in the dirt & mud with guys on the BMW & they don't come close to my KTM. I must admit though, most of the BMW riders are old retired guys who just want to putt around. I'm 36 & have been racing motocross my whole life so ride a fair bit harder than those guys. Not saying anything bad about the BMW, but for my riding style, the KTM is the hands down winner. Touring & offroad. Who started the rumour that KTM's break down all the time?
hooch317 1 week ago
KTM is for a rider that loves to tinker and work on the bike
The BMW is for the rider that expects to hop on the bike, hit the start button, and ride for a few thousand miles nonstop
fishslayer25 1 month ago 3
@fishslayer25
Are you trying to say the KTM is less reliable? What's your basis for this claim?
opmike343 4 weeks ago
and that is a long ride LMFAO !! a K.T.M ,,, STANDS FOR KEEP TIGHTENING ME !! tell you what went over the arctic circle 700 miles with BMW adventure, there is no fucking way I would take a K.T.M ,,, at least with the BMW I would get there and back,,, just need to look at the competition boys with a shit load of spares they have to support them, things falling off,, quicker and lighter ,,yes, always a downside ,,,sunday fun yes,,,serious tourer,,,, GET THE FUCK OUT OF HERE SERIOUSLY !!
matjinthol 1 month ago
@matjinthol Who rattled your cage..
MageoftheMoon 1 week ago
i love BMW, whatever they will make it would be awesome n superior to all...end of story....
wind8565 2 months ago
@wind8565
"superior"?...defiantly not.
Breakneckhydra1 2 months ago
Eonlinuxqc- I've not seen a comment about a motorcycle review with the word 'gay' so many times in it... and for no particular reason... You got something on your mind buddy? Not having much luck with the ladies... ?
MrImarcus 3 months ago
nice gay ride for big lover cock. British= gay boy, all other = looser. Hust Quebecois are the only real biker in he world. all other are looser pretty sucker . bye sucker mother. queen are shit, queen is only for loser people. Quebec is only the real place or great trail biker, all of the rest are gay...
eonlinuxqc 3 months ago
@eonlinuxqc Nice and constructive. Canada cumstain.
beanmike206 2 months ago
my dad gots the bmw great bike but ktm looks so cool so much possebilletys for ofroad
sorry for english XD
spenkystar 4 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Two good friends having another kind of adventure:
Diving in Bishop Harbor
sgrdpdrsn 4 months ago
My dad has a BMW 1200GS, I loved riding on it as a kid, when I became old enough he got me a f800GS. BMW just makes great bikes period.!
Sleepinglion22 4 months ago
Love the BMW but the KTM's larger 21' inch front wheel really gives it an offroad advantage
illbluntz420 6 months ago
the BMW gs is such a awesome overall package.
clout90265 7 months ago
What does it mean "right then left then right"?
1994davidw 7 months ago
I like the KTM better, but the BMW looks cooler
RedBullBurger25 7 months ago
@RedBullBurger25 i like the bmw better, but the ktm looks cooler! :)
jbogalho 7 months ago
fuck you youtube!! fucking adds
BBHelicon 8 months ago 2
more dirt would have been good but pretty good otherwise
richiejerrett 9 months ago
that ktm's design is desgusting imo , mainly because that huge windsheild!
jimbo80982 10 months ago
watch?v=YrajBgcFDio WATCH MY VIDEO AND WRITE A COMMENT...
delospap 10 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
watch?v=YrajBgcFDio WATCH MY VIDEO AND WRITE A COMMENT...
delospap 10 months ago
Comment removed
Zaziksuper 11 months ago
KTM - AK 47 .
BMW - water pistol .
Zaziksuper 11 months ago
Something unbiased, seems spot on - congratulations and thank you!
kinwozaj 11 months ago
Great unbiased report!
pcpics 11 months ago 2
The 990 is a DS bike marketed as an Adventure bike, the Bimmer is a touring bike marketed as an Adventure bike.
No surprise that the video review found the same.
7h3647h32in6 1 year ago
KTM beats BM in performance. The BM is way too bulky built like a tank...for more off road fun go for the KTM, have both and got rid of the GS...KTM all the way for pure adrenaline
islander123 1 year ago
What tires did KTM use in this conditions?
xlbigboy 1 year ago
ktm = vulgar design
bmw gsa = incredibly sexy machine
MentallFloss 1 year ago
@MentallFloss
magic mushrooms....Dude you are tripping....whow ! bold statement "sexy" I just fell of my seat, ah ah ah ah ah can't stop laughing. IMHO . KTM designhaus...
scottmctag 1 year ago
Comment removed
madaraszattila 1 year ago
@madaraszattila you should rather learn english
falapedro 1 year ago
@madaraszattila Rather* Driven*
select899 1 year ago
They said, "If you want something fun, buy the KTM." There you go...KTM fun, BMW less fun.
barlytreat 1 year ago
Ma perche' hanno paragonato uno scooter mascherato da moto con lo stemma bmw,con una moto vera come la ktm? la gs sosterrebbe ottimamente una comparativa con il piaggio beverly 500,peraltro ottimo mezzo.
zerponio 1 year ago
i like ktm, but I have kle 500
zicisht66 1 year ago
ola ta lefta
zicisht66 1 year ago
@zicisht66
all the money
scottmctag 1 year ago
BMW R1200GS = FUCKING BEAST
fadiol88 1 year ago
why is the ktm not orange what a letdown
LittleBuddah118 1 year ago
Quando sarò vecchio comprerò una bmw, per ora voglio una vera moto
Giavella 1 year ago
BMW looks like an epic journey bike. So many systems, comfort and performance at the same time on two wheels.
DEADmetal3 1 year ago
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DEADmetal3 1 year ago
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brussprout 1 year ago
Dayum! How do I get a job as a motorcycle journalist?
paolo27th 1 year ago
@frankinbolton we have it in england aswell!
Coco8398 1 year ago
buen video manejando una bmw no tienes limites en ningun camino , autopista o via.la mejor moto del mercado.
pepebuche650 1 year ago
Get the KTM for wheelies and wipeouts, get the BMW for everything else
Tetrodotoxin9 1 year ago
this is one of the better bike comparison vids ive seen
HOTOjake 1 year ago
We have this thing in Canada called black ice. You don't see it...it looks like regular road. Scotland winter looks kinda light...like the road never freezes. Here...if I were to ride in winter...I'd take a Ural with a sidecar first. I'll still crash on the black ice but it just seems less likely I'll break a leg.
frankinbolton 1 year ago
@frankinbolton Sounds like Oregon, black ice is a NOT a good thing.
sgtpepper1138 1 year ago
I found the 1200 GS to have much better balance than the KTM, Much more confidence at speed. Smoothest throttle I've ever felt, and on top of it all, incredibly comfortable. I could stay on the stock seat for hours with no complaints! Great onfire roads, and ok for double track. Both bikes however are by far better than F800 GS. BMW needs to go back and do more homework on
that one.
tmky66 1 year ago
both sickbikes but the ktm looks funny and the bmw is sooo sexy their all over the roads where i live
jacobmanruels 1 year ago
Not nearly as much pommy whinging as I anticipating in that clip. Just for the first minute or so. KTM FTW IMO. Fuck you all.
syncstation 1 year ago
This "test" scratches only the surface. While the BMW is surely more comfortable, the KTM is much more versatile.It's a class in itself, the only Travel ENDURO in the market. The KTM will commute with you to work just as well, it is more nimble on small roads and thus much more fun, you can easily travel far distance with it too. Whenever the going gets tough, you'll meet more KTMs than BMWs - surprise, surprise. AND with minor changes you can ride a rallye with just the same bike.
Flamedance1964 1 year ago
great vid
skingrafter 1 year ago
DUCATI MULTISTRADA 1200 .. 150 cv... the new ducati power
marcomolinari074 1 year ago
@abark
Thank You very much :)
LeCheque90 1 year ago
@LeCheque90
He says the bikes are aimed at the same market but compares the BMW to a Double Bass(instrument) and the KTM to a electric guitar. Basically he is saying the BMW is big and heavy, and the KTM is much lighter and more maneuverable
abark 1 year ago 5
Can you write what he speak in 4:25 to end. I'am from Poland and I don't understand this. Thank you from mountain :)
LeCheque90 1 year ago
Very good video. Precise and simple. I wish you had explained basic concepts on maintenance under harsh weather conditions.
thanks
1guitarlover 1 year ago
the bmw r 1200 gs adventure: the best motorcycle in the world
plummer43 1 year ago
bmw make the best bikes in the world!!!
IordanFilip 1 year ago
KLR
7jocco 1 year ago
KTM win q[^_^]p
skasyshoot 1 year ago
i own a new bmw 525d and this car is very good (i had audi, volvo befre but bmw is the best). Bmw motorcycles are crap, i allready sold my GS ADV. Mirrors - constructed from a retard, both mirrors right convolute, oncoming wind is losing it. Cylinders hited my leg painfuly when i stayed downhill. In 2100 km mistake in clutch - dangerous for life, clutch suddenly stopped to work, i couldnt kick gear out, back wheel blocked after breaking. Seat uncomfortable, pains in buttock, no space under seat
MrTriumphBMW 1 year ago
bmw cant follow ktm off road....
bmw only for highways
ktm is the real thing
psilos26 1 year ago
ktm is not worse on highway, both bikes have same stability onroad
MrTriumphBMW 1 year ago
@psilos26 Did you even listen to what these people were saying? They actually say the BMW is very good off road too. BUT, it's less 'fun', less 'wacky'. It's more of a practical and less of an entertaining bike.
TobiasRieper47 1 year ago
Uhm, you know, BMW makes better bikes for off-roading than the GSA... like the 800GS. They are half the price, too. Just sayin.
UltraSWG 1 year ago
BMW!
saulocpp 2 years ago
I just bought a very low millage orange KTM 990 Adventure with Sebring exhaust. I've tried the BMW 1200GS on several occasions and it's always the same. I usually conclude that "it's a pretty hard to fault long distance tourer" but it never really stirs my heart. The 990 on the other hand... I dare anyone to try one and not come back grinning like a loon, and that's the real difference between the bikes. One offers a smidgen more practicality, the other offers 300% more fun. Easy choice :-)
shingnosis 2 years ago
I took a ride across the andes in my gs 1200 adventure, my mate has the KTM... we reached the same conlusions. BMW it´s touring bike, on the "off road"it was good( even without knobe tires) but too bloody heavy for a short fella like me. the KTM had a great perfomance on the sandy roads of Chile, very easy to ride...
psiconsultorio 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
ktm is the best bmw is boring.
paolinospr 2 years ago
Man it's amazing how many thumps down you can get for somewhat bad mouthing a BMW lol. (Ewan/Charlie wannabe's get over yourself!) Now saying that, BMW make's an amazing bike in my opinion, one of the best. But like the video said. The bikes are for two different people. KTM: more off road. R1200GS: More geared to touring. Why can't we just all get along. We all share the same interest of adventure riding on two wheels!
DSBoomerRider 2 years ago 21
enjoyed the show
dougs650 2 years ago
TRANSLAP
KLR
KTM
maximocremoso 2 years ago
STOP THE DARN MUSIC! I want to hear the engines, not some stupid rock 'n roll! I have my sound system for that.
MrZeitun 2 years ago 7
absolutely right!
dimgl19 2 years ago
@MrZeitun I hear ya man. I hear ya......
DSBoomerRider 2 years ago
i know my comparision will be strange, but if i drive on a bad road (with holes) with my car - new BMW 525d (no offroad car) and if i drive a same trip with a new GS ADV (ESA adj. high mountains + soft), i must say the BMW car can hande a bad road much BETTER, so the suspension of a normal car is much better than a suspension of ofroad motorcycle, and thats strange
MrTriumphBMW 2 years ago
Sorry Draco, the BMW weighs 223kg dry and the KTM 199kg, even fuelled up the KTM is the lighter bike.
Plus i have yet to see the BMW cover the same ground off road as the KTM, also on the BMW you can only wave to fellow BMW riders, no such problems on the KTM
workmybollocksoff 2 years ago
Comment removed
workmybollocksoff 2 years ago
The motor on the BMW might do 200,000km roadlover, but the bloody final drive wont. 35,000km and the seals will fail or the bearings will. Been there, bought the t-shirt, sold the film rights, made the sequel.
joking23 2 years ago
A stock ktm 990 weighs 4 pounds more has 5 less horsepower and 17 less ft lbs of torque compared to a stock gs. A 990 r has 3 more horsepower then an adventure but still has 17 less ft lbs of torque. Those are facts listed on the manufacturers website. I think the stats speak for themselves.
DracothiusAthanasius 2 years ago
Are you CRAZY!?!?!?!?!?!? The KTM is best, First time i ride a KTM i was in Norway and go up to 200 kilmetres! nAB! NB! In norway u only can drive in 110 Kilometers
Manis979 2 years ago
Cool. Thanks for the insight.
Good job.
gsblock 2 years ago
advantages of KTM :
- better off road, - narrow bike, pass between 2 cars on crossroad, - easier to wash, - suspension like GS-ADV but weigth like GS (lighter), - nicer motor sound, especially in high tours, - better mirrors, - you dont damage motor in case of crash
advantages of BMW : - electronical toys (ESA, TPC...) - seat a little more comfortable - bigger tank - brakes in test a little better (39,4 m BMW 41,5 m KTM) - better cases (2 helmets comes in) - no chain
MrTriumphBMW 2 years ago
I Agree, nice compilation, but the riding's kind'a lame
iggypick 2 years ago
@MrTriumphBMW
You forget something important for those who drive a lot. The boxer engine of a BMW will do 200.000km and more without a problem. I haven't heard that yet of any other bike.
roadlover 2 years ago 3
oh. my boxer in my new bmw gs adv made 2100 km and clutch stoped to work suddenly, i could be dead
MrTriumphBMW 2 years ago
don't you all think this video is incredibly weak??? what a waste of motorcycle!
I would be ashamed if I came back with such lame footage, after being given such an incredible machine to go film with
I mean...how many times did they break the back wheel free in the whole segment...0? on litre-displacement offroad bikes?
pussies.
madvlad666 2 years ago
dman bro chill out.
bandguy360 2 years ago
they forgot to test old @T ;-)
shekiman 2 years ago
Great side by side comparison. I've been looking at both bikes. Still have no idea which way to go though.
jeffcamacho1 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Ktm looks much better
yul987 2 years ago
that BMW looks awesome
SerjVader 2 years ago 38
@SerjVader I don't like the Adventure from the looks. Looks like 80's. The BMW however has these asymmetrical headlights...I'd go with the BMW.
BrakeHorsePower92 1 year ago
@SerjVader i agree, such a unique look
rjattack19 1 year ago
@SerjVader Yeah, kind of reminds me of Streethawk from the 80s. The KTM may be a good bike, but IMO it's kind of ugly.
sgtpepper1138 6 months ago
GS 1200 ADV - expencive parts, powerless and very heavy for off road I drive it for 2 years with 28.000km...
This year I bought KTM 990 ADV and KTM is much better bike for everyting.
LatiTea18 2 years ago
So can you not simply fill one of the filler caps? Or do you actually have to fill it right, left and right again each time?!?
simon44 2 years ago
i didn´t get that one either :D
If its so, then it suxx. We can ask our LatiTea18 here, since he switched and actually has driven both bikes :)
annelore223 2 years ago
I wouldnt mind seeing the 800GS compared the to 990 or 950. Seems a better comparisson to me, as both bikes are similar size and closer weight.
nokmuay1970 2 years ago 3
Something that is never or rarely covered in these reviews is the reliability or history of the bike. I wont buy a bike that is not reliable, I simply cant afford to.
simon44 2 years ago
KTM deserves what it got for not participating in Long Way Down. They could have really promoted their bike but instead pussed out. On the other hand BMW was not afraid to take the risk. Well, because it makes an engine that has been solid since the early 1900s. Good on BMW for proving their product.
Omps1976 2 years ago 37
I agree, BMW have sold more bikes because it was proven to be bulletproof on the trip to cape town. KTM missed out and they missed out big!!!
Charlie's rant on KTM is priceless.
BikerDarren24 2 years ago 3
Didn't the frames & suspension fail on those BMWs in both movies? In retrospect, it would appear that KTM had a higher understanding of what their Advs were capable of, and in turn, passed on giving bikes for the treks...
imiqbal 2 years ago
imiqbal: Yes (BMW frame failures on Long Way Round, IDK re: Down) but then they were VERY heavily loaded with 2 big suitcase panniers & trunk, which in retrospect was far too cantilevered (esp for the bad roads and even BADDER non-existent roads), a clever, simple gusset at the stress-fracture fail points might have been all that was needed. IMO the already-heavy trek bikes were overloaded, too many non-essentials & a BIG strain-factor when picking-up from a spill. But BMW champed-thru w.style.
starmanskye 2 years ago
@Omps1976
I don't think KTM did bottle it, I think they asked for the money for the bikes ? and plenty off people have travelled the world unsupported on KTM's and KTM engines are race developed actually speaking off development in my opinion I think KTM have done so much development over these recent years that's why they have more style and engine sizes and off road race wins in recent years than any other manufacturer also David Knight dropped BMW and returned to winning ways with KTM
scottmctag 1 year ago
@scottmctag
Yes, KTM did. Watch for yourself.
Search "Charley's rant about KTM- Long Way Round "
I like KTMs too but they could have stuck their necks out a bit more.
Omps1976 1 year ago
@Omps1976
OK I stand corrected ! however I have owned a 950 adventure for 2 years now I use it every day in all weathers and still feel its the far superior bike for what they where doing. KTM winners of Dakar with Cyril Despree,MX with Marvin Musquin, Pharaohs Rallye with Marc Coma, Enduro with David Knight who chucked BM to return to KTM not forgetting Fabrizio Meoni (rip) who developed the 950 on the Dakar and won. So I'm sticking to the race winning/ development company KTM Quality !
scottmctag 1 year ago
@Omps1976 I have ridden both and I prefer the KTM, but it was close. KTM did make a mistake by not going with the Long Way Around, however when you look at the riders all were unknown quantities so I can see why they would not want to take the gamble. Just remember on both of Charlie's efforts there was a large portion of editing and the bikes were heavily modified by Touratech (credit to them), a stock BMW would not have made it, however the KTM 640 adventure would.
Skerne 1 year ago
@Skerne
KTM said, that the trip is impossible, cause they did not have in mind, two large trucks, as a service vehicles, like BMW had...
FilozofXX 5 months ago
And where is the test?
baiazid 2 years ago 2
its the video clip at the top, you know, designed as a look into the testing, most people seem to forget these are just insights, if you want detail, buy the magazine
Viperlin 2 years ago
...useless review. The whole point of this video was too compare two dual sport bikes on and offroad.This was 100% highway.
Trapp120 2 years ago 3
on par for MCN. they posted a drag test for the busa and new Vmax, but didnt post times. theyre about useless for motorcycle journalism. but on the flip side, they are great at wasting time.
followtheherdtoo 2 years ago
very nice video 5/5 stars. both bikes are perfect but i like more the style of BMW
GrHellas 2 years ago 2
The bmw's on long way round and down took a lot of punishment, Boorman (a huge fan of KTM himself) said that the KTM would never have lasted the trips.
xarcherx987 2 years ago
he was just pissed at ktm
biglandfarm 2 years ago 2
You are completely right!
Guireles2007 2 years ago
I think that's because he was very mad that KTM didn't endorse them and gave them the bikes. Boorman drooles over KT's and he would really prefer those over the Beemers. I suppose there were lots of intere$t$ involved.
Guireles2007 2 years ago
it was obvious for him to say that
vacceo15 2 years ago
A great video, very informative and thanks for posting!
TheSteveMcQueen 2 years ago 2
Funny,
You ask a sensable question on a KTM forum and you allways get an enthusiastic response from the punters.
Do the same on a BMW forum, you get told to ' use the search function' followed by that little emoticon rolling its eyes.
9fifty5 2 years ago 2
i like the KTM more than the BMW
Fuhrer3966 2 years ago 3
The KTM is, in my opinion, the better off-road bike, but for the money, you had better be planning to do a whole lot of off-road riding and not as much highway riding if you are choosing it over the BMW. I have ridden both bikes, and on tarmac, I just want to get off of the KTM as soon as possible. I can (and have) ridden the R1200GSA all day and night. It's pure luxury.
I think BMW makes a fine bike, and now that the F800GS is out, I think it's the best dual purpose bike you can buy.
deelee74 2 years ago 2
if I was bolding and mid forties and overweight I would get the BMW
86Original86 2 years ago
im 27 and i ride a r1200gs and a hypermotard.
biglandfarm 2 years ago
you must be boring
86Original86 2 years ago
I'm torn between the F800GS and the 990. BMW is known for their reliability and run-forever motors, and I keep researching the KTM 990 and find tons of issues! Fueling issues, surging, fuel pumps going out. They need serviced every 4,500 miles. And yet, I'm strangely attracted to the KTM because it is different, and the owners say they are so much fun!
kf6vgz 2 years ago
R1200gsa are not known for reliability. In fact they are so unreliable I still ride a R1100gs and about to buy a KTM. Have a look at the forums and see how many problems the 1200s have. Its quite scary that so many owners put up with this from BMW
kinza999 2 years ago 3
Well, a matter of absolute quantities: At 500000 gs in the world, you find a number of problems which appear worse than they really are. The chassis issue on LWR was on an 1150...
Charel65 2 years ago
The KTM is much more fun ! and you can tour on it.
AdventureSwede 2 years ago 2
I love both of these bikes... but one must be prepared to shell out some big bucks in repairs/maintenance. If you can't afford one, go with the Suzuki V Strom: a ton of bike for the money, very reliable, cheap and easily available parts. (I don't own one, I took the used Triumph Tiger route).
l3sh1ak 2 years ago
Sure miss my KTM 950 adventure had plenty of power for me.
I did ride the BMW 1200 but felt like a tank on the trails and in tight tree areas.
did have the side bags but never realy used them always found the back pack worked better on the tight trails with trees the side bags got snaged on trees alot
58781icky 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
KTM can only beat shit.
All around the world sales reports are the proof of the best seller adventure bike which is BMW R 1200 GS ADV
CCOZKARACA 2 years ago
.. true fact. However, sales reports and bike quality are two very different things. Fieldtesting shown without any doubt, that if you ride a BWW like a KTM, the BMW falls apart between your legs - it's made for tarmac and sissy middleaged sunday riders. Ever wondered about the absence of BMW i Dakar? The BMW is a wannabe Honda Goldwing for people who are wanting to buy an "adventurous image". KTM is made to take a beating - and CAN take it, unlike that sofa-, platic-, boxer-peice of BMW-shit..
CoastalFlyFish 2 years ago
go watch longway round...
carlsant1 2 years ago
I did.. and did a whole lot of laughing as well. And waht happend in Siberia.. after only 5000 km on that brand new bike? The funking thing broke it's chassis!! A 5K bike?! No wonder those two guys applied for KTM initially... and was turned down. THEN they contacted BMW - and got two for free.... No wonder that they're giving them away for free, the bike ain't working - for proper offroading!
CoastalFlyFish 2 years ago
granted, the bike broke, but there was a hell of a lot of editing. Out of the entire 19000 mile journey, we probably saw 10 miles of actual riding. Who knows what kind of punishment the bikes took in those first 5000km. It;s likely that any bike would have failed
deelee74 2 years ago
i watched part of it and wondered why they had luggage at all on the bikes since they had a big friggin support truck following them & on call. They didn't really come off as adventurers, but rich guys on bikes on holiday.
And as far as the bmw - ktm debate. I've only ridden one bmw, the bmw800st thru colorado/utah. It was a gutless wonder. i own a ktm smc and it never lacks for lift off. taking big bm's offroad seems like taking a harley w/clearance offroad, too much girth.
makeuser 2 years ago
"rich guys" ? Thats laughable. Rich guy makes holidays with private jet or private yacht.
My house was 40x more expensive than my GS ADV and i believe i am not rich.
MrTriumphBMW 2 years ago
dude they don have luggage on em those bikes come w/ the cases as a luxury device u fag fucker don talk bout things u don know ok?
davidlopezzz 2 years ago
But this is simply proof that people are one the whole, quite stupid.
synkronyk 2 years ago
KTM beats bmw by far at anything
maika0staretza 2 years ago 2
being from Michigan and not even owning a car, those heated grips sound like a dream!
FunkyBass 2 years ago
You think The KTM 640 would be up for it.
You think the power is enough for extreme offroading??
Cheers
maltijien 2 years ago
the KTM is a dream! better qualitiy and better performance!
PinzgauerFan 2 years ago
I test rode both recently. I concluded that if I got a BMW I would also need to buy a fun bike. If I bought the KTM I would need a gel saddle and an anti flip wheelie bar.
perdidude 2 years ago
BMW is better. (thought I would make a completely stupid comment, in the spirit of other comments here)...
Didn't any of the pro-BM posters actually watch the clip? It basically said "buy the BM if you're soft, and buy the KTM if you like fun." Now, where did I put my list of reasons why I ride bikes? I can't remember if I wrote "cos I'm soft and should have bought a car", or was it "to have a great time"?
tnargs57 2 years ago
bmw is better
franzpeta 2 years ago
BMW = old people...
KTM = FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
fbmoyna 2 years ago
Had a BMW car, so many problems I had to get rid of it, then I get a subaru .. 3 years not one problem.
ZiggyMosquito 2 years ago
Recenly I saw a thread in advridercom in which there was a 199x BMW R 1100 GS with 230 000 miles on the clock!You can't beat that.For BMW motorbikes milage under 5-60 000 is low,that's the kind of reliability I'm talking about.
tirimut 2 years ago
Comment removed
perdidude 2 years ago
High milage BMW's is very typical of their riders who ride regardless of the weather. It is their main transport.
Once you get suited up proper, it's Ok, just that the fun factor with other traffic is the problem.
Philscbx 2 years ago
"Buy ONLY BMW trust the germans they know!!!!!!!!!!!" to true
God i love these bikes, BMW makes the best machines on the planet
letmeknowtruth 2 years ago
BMW prove the whole world that it is the best adventure bike ever watch long way around with Charley and you will see that KTM refused to take there bikes to the trip around the world and by doing that they prove that KTM is NOT i repeat NOT reliable bike to seat on and by the way its ugly as hell. Buy ONLY BMW trust the germans they know!!!!!!!!!!!
gorivatra 2 years ago
Get a Vstrom and be done with it!! The Vstrom doesnt cost as much and will do any thing the over priced machine will do.
ds65x 2 years ago
LOOKS LIKE A REAL FUN MOVIE TO MAKE
jmsmoot 2 years ago
I have ridden the standard 1200GS & after riding my Goldwing 1500 & I have ridden it along quite a lot of gravel, the 1200GS is not as heavy as you think. Try riding a 400kg bike on gravel. I am looking at both the KTM & BMW at the moment. Which way too go???????????
Jacko2050 2 years ago
I like both but the KTM has my heart; no, if I can just get my wife to see it the same way.........
troutdaletim 2 years ago
BMW is for fat american idiots...
LatiTea18 2 years ago
The perfect garage includes a Bmw R1200GS and a KTM 990 Superduke
vmactn 2 years ago 2
WTF KTM not good on long distance ? Dude get a trike and go away !!!! I've been 3000 km far from home with my Adventure and man you have no idea how confortable it was. GET A TRIKEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
ealgisi 2 years ago
But of course the BMW is a great bike too! But in my case, I am a KTM Fan
wernssen 2 years ago
BMW is ugly as hell! The KTM from Austria is the only Adventure-Bike. BMW is for fat german guys.
:-)
wernssen 2 years ago
Marc Coma KTM DAKAR!!!!!!!!!!. BMW?
puttodance 3 years ago
Great review- great presentation, Thanks
DontPanic6X7 3 years ago
My dream too! The GS 1200 ADV is my dream bike! Im only 16 and Im driving a Derbi Terra 125. I love my bike, but this one right here is my dream!
OffRoadBiker92 3 years ago
this is my dream
Malasutr 3 years ago
i think they are borrowed from the Importer of BMW or KTM in GB.
GunBoTT 3 years ago
Where does MCN get all these new bikes from?
Are they rented, leased, or even brought from the dealers?
salsasnacker 3 years ago
this is just a small trip compared to the long way round
Brianquatrro 3 years ago 2
or long way down
tecna64 3 years ago