Main points
- The KTM 390 Adventure and the BMW 650 GS are two of the most popular adventure motorcycles on the market, but which one is right for you.
- The KTM has a 43mm WP Apex fork and a WP Apex shock, while the BMW has a 43mm upside-down fork and a monoshock.
- It also comes with a variety of features that make it a great choice for long rides, including a comfortable seat, a large windshield, and a spacious cockpit.
The KTM 390 Adventure and the BMW 650 GS are two of the most popular adventure motorcycles on the market, but which one is right for you? In this head-to-head comparison, we’ll take a close look at both bikes and see how they stack up against each other in terms of performance, features, and value.
Engine and Performance
The KTM 390 Adventure is powered by a 373cc single-cylinder engine that produces 43 horsepower and 37 lb-ft of torque. The BMW 650 GS, on the other hand, is powered by a 652cc twin-cylinder engine that produces 70 horsepower and 44 lb-ft of torque.
On paper, the BMW 650 GS has a clear advantage in terms of power and torque. However, the KTM 390 Adventure is a much lighter bike, weighing in at just 373 pounds compared to the BMW’s 472 pounds. This gives the KTM a better power-to-weight ratio, which makes it feel more agile and responsive on the road.
Suspension and Handling
Both the KTM 390 Adventure and the BMW 650 GS come with long-travel suspension that is designed to handle rough terrain. The KTM has a 43mm WP Apex fork and a WP Apex shock, while the BMW has a 43mm upside-down fork and a monoshock.
In terms of handling, both bikes are very capable. The KTM is more agile and easier to maneuver in tight spaces, while the BMW is more stable at higher speeds.
Brakes and Safety Features
The KTM 390 Adventure comes with a single 320mm front brake and a 230mm rear brake. The BMW 650 GS has dual 305mm front brakes and a 276mm rear brake.
Both bikes come with ABS as standard, but the BMW 650 GS also offers traction control and riding modes.
Comfort and Ergonomics
The KTM 390 Adventure has a more upright riding position than the BMW 650 GS, which makes it more comfortable for long rides. The KTM also has a narrower seat, which makes it easier to reach the ground.
The BMW 650 GS has a more spacious cockpit and a more comfortable seat. It also has a larger windshield that provides better wind protection.
Price and Value
The KTM 390 Adventure has a starting price of $5,999, while the BMW 650 GS has a starting price of $9,245.
For the price, the KTM 390 Adventure offers a lot of value. It’s a capable and versatile motorcycle that’s perfect for both on-road and off-road riding.
The BMW 650 GS is a more expensive bike, but it also comes with more features and a more powerful engine. It’s a great choice for riders who want a premium adventure motorcycle that can handle any terrain.
Which Bike is Right for You?
The KTM 390 Adventure and the BMW 650 GS are both excellent adventure motorcycles, but they have different strengths and weaknesses.
If you’re looking for a lightweight and agile bike that’s great for both on-road and off-road riding, the KTM 390 Adventure is a great choice.
If you’re looking for a more powerful and comfortable bike that’s loaded with features, the BMW 650 GS is a better option.
Ultimately, the best way to decide which bike is right for you is to test ride both of them and see which one you prefer.
A Closer Look at the KTM 390 Adventure
The KTM 390 Adventure is a versatile and capable adventure motorcycle that’s perfect for both on-road and off-road riding. It’s powered by a 373cc single-cylinder engine that produces 43 horsepower and 37 lb-ft of torque. The KTM 390 Adventure has a long-travel suspension that provides excellent handling on rough terrain. It also comes with a variety of features that make it a great choice for long rides, including a comfortable seat, a large windshield, and a spacious cockpit.
A Closer Look at the BMW 650 GS
The BMW 650 GS is a premium adventure motorcycle that’s designed to handle any terrain. It’s powered by a 652cc twin-cylinder engine that produces 70 horsepower and 44 lb-ft of torque. The BMW 650 GS has a long-travel suspension that provides excellent handling on rough terrain. It also comes with a variety of features that make it a great choice for long rides, including a comfortable seat, a large windshield, and a spacious cockpit.
Comparing the Features
The KTM 390 Adventure and the BMW 650 GS both come with a variety of features, but there are some key differences between the two bikes.
The KTM 390 Adventure comes standard with ABS, a slipper clutch, and a TFT display. The BMW 650 GS comes standard with ABS, traction control, and riding modes.
The BMW 650 GS also has a number of optional features that are not available on the KTM 390 Adventure, including cruise control, heated grips, and a tire pressure monitoring system.
Comparing the Performance
The KTM 390 Adventure and the BMW 650 GS are both capable motorcycles, but the BMW has a clear advantage in terms of power and torque. However, the KTM is a much lighter bike, which gives it a better power-to-weight ratio. This makes the KTM feel more agile and responsive on the road.
In terms of handling, both bikes are very capable. The KTM is more agile and easier to maneuver in tight spaces, while the BMW is more stable at higher speeds.
Comparing the Value
The KTM 390 Adventure has a starting price of $5,999, while the BMW 650 GS has a starting price of $9,245.
For the price, the KTM 390 Adventure offers a lot of value. It’s a capable and versatile motorcycle that’s perfect for both on-road and off-road riding.
The BMW 650 GS is a more expensive bike, but it also comes with more features and a more powerful engine. It’s a great choice for riders who want a premium adventure motorcycle that can handle any terrain.
The Verdict
The KTM 390 Adventure and the BMW 650 GS are both excellent adventure motorcycles, but they have different strengths and weaknesses.
If you’re looking for a lightweight and agile bike that’s great for both on-road and off-road riding, the KTM 390 Adventure is a great choice.
If you’re looking for a more powerful and comfortable bike that’s loaded with features, the BMW 650 GS is a better option.
Ultimately, the best way to decide which bike is right for you is to test ride both of them and see which one you prefer.
Frequently Discussed Topics
Q: Which bike is more powerful, the KTM 390 Adventure or the BMW 650 GS?
A: The BMW 650 GS is more powerful, with 70 horsepower compared to the KTM’s 43 horsepower.
Q: Which bike is more fuel-efficient, the KTM 390 Adventure or the BMW 650 GS?
A: The KTM 390 Adventure is more fuel-efficient, with a fuel economy of 60 mpg compared to the BMW’s 50 mpg.
Q: Which bike is more comfortable for long rides, the KTM 390 Adventure or the BMW 650 GS?
A: The BMW 650 GS is more comfortable for long rides, with a more spacious cockpit, a more comfortable seat, and a larger windshield.
