Table of Contents
The Contenders in Overview
KTM 890 Adventure R vs. Yamaha Ténéré 700 vs. BMW F850GS
KTM 890 Adventure R
A no-frills off-road specialist hailing from Austria. With its 889cc parallel twin (around 105 hp), 21-inch front/18-inch rear wheels, fully adjustable long-travel WP suspension, and a wide range of electronics (such as Rally mode, traction control, and Offroad ABS), the 890 R is like a rally bike dressed in adventuring clothes. Adrenaline is the name of the game—hard set of 1 sand and a full outline; dirt-and-sun-oriented is the way 890 R looks and rides. The member of our trio who is most qualified to dash through the desert at race speed.
Yamaha Ténéré 700
The Japanese entry is favorite thanks to its simplicity and robustness. T7 utilizes a 689cc parallel twin (~72 hp) derived from the MT-07, famed for its reliability and character. No electronic frills—no traction control, nor ride modes other than the ABS that is on/on switchable at the back. Not only that but it previously had a solid 21″/18″ wheel setup with good suspension travel. Old-school vibe: just throttle, brake, and your right hand. Additionally, it’s the least expensive model out of the pack.
BMW F850GS
The middleweight ADV from Germany takes the lead when it comes to both tech and comfort. Drive it with a powerful 853cc parallel twin (~90 hp) with a 270° crank that provides various ride modes, an additional (and lean-sensitive) switchable traction control/ABS, optional ESA electronic suspension, and a TFT in full color with connectivity. A bit heavier, with a little less suspension travel compared to the KTM/Yamaha. It has the same 21″ front but a 17″ rear (tubeless, more road nod) instead. The F850GS combines on-road sophistication with a decent ability on dirt, being between the tough-guy KTM and the minimalist Yamaha.
Despite being a little heavy, the tall-seating models (34–35″ of height; optional lowering for the BMW) have luggage, skid plates, and other accessories. Our test period spanned on highways, twisty asphalt, gravel roads, and moderate trails.
Engine and Power Delivery
A spread is visualized: the KTM stands out as the strongest, Yamaha the weakest, while BMW takes the spot in between. Even though figures are important, the usability is what really counts.
KTM 890 Adventure R
- Type: 889cc twin, ~73 lb-ft and ~100–105 hp in a ~460 lb package. 270° firing order delivers V-twin-like growl.
- On Road: Explosive mid-range; 6–8.5k rpm is a must-try. 6-speed gearbox with a slick bi-directional quickshifter (Tech Pack) drives you to aggressive riding.
- Off-road: While Electronics (Offroad or Rally) are responsible for the tame character delivery, Rally curb adds adjustable slip (1–9). Riders with set-and-sent skills only can send novices to lean on Offroad mode.
Yamaha Ténéré 700
- Character: 689cc CP2, ~72 hp/~50 lb-ft. Mild, lined, expectedly.
- On Road: Going to 70–75 mph are no problems; passing needs just a downshift. It is also an efficient motorbike (~50 mpg).
- Off-road: The pedal is on point; parameter is your wrist. The friendly torque at low revs helps on climbs; the reduction of drama is the reduction of fatigue.
BMW F850GS
- Type: 853cc twin, ~90hp/~63 lb-ft with 270° crank; very smooth and good at torque.
- On Road: It was rolled out strongly; especially when it is together with a passenger and loaded; the Dynamic mode is the one that makes it sharper and more responsive.
- Off-road: The settings Enduro/Enduro Pro soften the throttle delivery and manage traction; almost as gentle as the Yamaha at times.
Key points: KTM is pure adrenaline; Yamaha is easier and a bit more controllable; BMW is a well-rounded yet refined motorcycle.
Off-Road Ability
KTM 890 Adventure R
- Suspension: WP XPLOR, ~9″ travel, adjusting: fully, plush on chop; resists bottoming on whoops.
- Chassis: Low-slung tanks ease mass central; XRP Wheels (21″/18″) with aggressive rubber; 10.5″ clearance.
- Feel: Big dirt bike energy—so sneaky the way it drifts, roosts, and jumps with control. A little higher, heavy, and intense; best for experienced riders.
Yamaha Ténéré 700
- Suspension: ~8″ travel; low-complexity adjusters; comfy on moderate rough, but it was the first to bottom out.
- Chassis: Tank/seat adds standing control; ~450 lb is the lightest to muscle or pick up.
- Feel: Know what you’re doing?—become a pro! You’ll be fine.
BMW F850GS
- Suspension: 21″ front, ~9″ clearance; semi-active balances control and comfort.
- Chassis: Being the heaviest at ~505 lbs; it’s also the broadest between knees; it flows nicely through dirt.
- Electronics: Enduro Pro lets you spin and cuts the ABS; it’s cool for mixed surfaces.
Off-road verdict: The KTM is the basis for raw capability, the Yamaha is fun and friendly, while the BMW is the competent comforter with the assist of technology.
On Road Comfort and Touring
BMW F850GS
- Ergos/comfort: Plush seat, neutral posture, minimal vibes, adjustable screen.
- Tech: Cruise control, big TFT with phone/nav integration.
- Range: ~42 mpg from 4.0 gal; Adventure tank (6.1 gal) can push ~300 miles.
Yamaha Ténéré 700
- Ergos/comfort: Dirt-bike feel; basic windscreen, simple LCD. Seat is firmest; many upgrade for long days.
- Range: ~50 mpg from 4.2 gal (~200 miles).
- Handling: Light, nimble, fun in twisties; clean airflow if you’re the right height.
KTM 890 Adventure R
- Ergos/comfort: Firmer, flatter seat; rally-short screen means more wind. Some buzz at 5–6k rpm.
- Range: ~45 mpg average from 5.3 gal (~200+ miles).
- Handling: Tall-supermoto vibes—phenomenal pace on bumpy backroads with proper tires.
Touring verdict: BMW is the king of the highway; Yamaha is simple and efficient; KTM is exciting but less relaxed stock (fixable with seat/screen).
Features and Value
Electronics/Tech
- BMW: The most comprehensive (modes, TFT, cruise, ESA, connectivity).
- KTM: Performance-oriented (Rally, slip control; quickshifter; optional cruise on newer models).
- Yamaha: Very basic (just ABS; can be disabled at the rear).
Maintenance/Reliability
- Yamaha: Minimal costs/complexity; CP2 is proven and durable.
- KTM: More performance, but you may need more maintenance.
- BMW: Sophisticated, dealer network support; more complexity.
Price (approx. new)
- Ténéré 700: ~$10k—best value.
- F850GS: Starts ~$13k; well-optioned bikes ~$15k+.
- 890 Adventure R: ~$14k—suspension/tech/performance reasons.
Comparison Table
| Category | KTM 890 Adventure R | Yamaha Ténéré 700 | BMW F850GS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 889cc parallel twin, 270° | 689cc CP2 parallel twin, 270° | 853cc parallel twin, 270° |
| Output (approx.) | ~100–105 hp / ~73 lb-ft | ~72 hp / ~50 lb-ft | ~90 hp / ~63 lb-ft |
| Curb/Wet Weight (approx.) | ~460 lb | ~450 lb | ~505 lb |
| Wheels/Tires | 21″ F / 18″ R | 21″ F / 18″ R | 21″ F / 17″ R (tubeless bias to road) |
| Suspension Travel | ~9 in (fully adjustable WP XPLOR) | ~8 in (preload/rebound adj.) | ~9 in (ESA optional; firmer initial stroke) |
| Electronics | Ride modes incl. Offroad/Rally, TC w/ 9-step slip, Offroad ABS, quickshifter (Tech Pack) | Minimal: ABS only (rear can be disabled) | Multiple ride modes (Rain/Road/Dynamic/Enduro/Enduro Pro), cornering ABS/TC, ESA optional |
| Cruise Control | Optional (model/update dependent) | Not available | Standard/available (varies by trim) |
| Seat Height (approx.) | 34–35 in | 34–35 in | 34–35 in (lower options available) |
| Fuel Capacity | 5.3 gal (20 L) | 4.2 gal (16 L) | 4.0 gal (Std) • 6.1 gal (Adventure) |
| Observed Economy/Range | ~45 mpg → ~200+ mi | ~50 mpg → ~200 mi | ~42 mpg → ~180 mi (Std) • up to ~300 mi (Adv) |
| On-Road Character | “Tall supermoto” energy; exciting but less relaxed stock screen/seat | Light, simple, surprisingly fun in twisties | Most comfortable tourer; smoothest at cruise; best tech pack |
| Off-Road Character | Class leader: big hits, whoops, rally pace | Most approachable: predictable, low drama | Capable, stable; feels heaviest in tight tech |
| Best For | Hard-charging riders, rally/trail focus | Pragmatic explorers, reliability/value | 50/50 tourers, tech/comfort seekers |
| Price (approx. new) | ~$14k | ~$10k | ~$13k base (well-optioned ~$15k+) |
Also Read
Verdict: Three Winners, Three Riders
KTM 890 Adventure R — Extreme Adventurer
The bike for those who love chasing the dunes, enduro type of bikes, or bike rallies. It is by far the best bike for the off-road section depending on the terrain; in turn, it is going to cost you a little less on-road comfort.
Yamaha Ténéré 700 — Inventive Adventurer
The bike for the riders who place the greatest value on reliability, simplicity, and budget. “Good enough” at everything, easy to fix, least likely to trouble you with things like tech.
BMW F850GS — Explorer-Tourer
Biking 50/50 who need comfort, the latest technology, and real off-road abilities. Its great two up, luggage friendly, and stress free on long distance.
Notes: Specs and pricing are approximate and can vary by market/trim. Figures reflect the narrative test impressions above.
