Adventure Bike Rider Forum

As a previous 990 owner, I was very disappointed with the MPG and the small fuel tank, but for what you need, I'll go with what Herman said.

TomBoyNI wrote:Just came across a R1150GS 2007, any ideas or problems on these yokes?

In a word no, not a lot to go wrong, its a bit heavy but other than that very capable and comfy especialy with aftermarket seats, but then so is the KTM, most of the common problems with the 1100/1150's are easy and cheap to repair, probably the worst would be coil packs on the 1150, or gearbox oil seal.
I have a 2007 KTM and a R1100GS, I love them both for different things, they both tour, I have just come back from a 3000 mile trip in Europe on the KTM and done similar with GS last year, the GS has the better milage, the KTM better handling and power and handling. I use them both right NOW I am favouring the KTM but not getting rid of either.

Not sure that they made the R1150GS in 2007. As far as I know it was replaced with the R1200GS in 2004. The 1150 has a reputation for reliability and solid construction (which makes it a bit heavy).

Choosing between the KTM and BMW depends on your expectations. The KTM is fun and thirsty whilst the BMW is serious and comfortable. Both a capable toures but do it in different ways.

If you're a 'blipping the throttle to annonce your arrival' type of rider you know which bike is for you

Both bikes are very capable and probably just as good as each other for what you need. I love my 990 and its possibly the 1st bike that I have owned that I want to keep! I haven't owned and don't really have any interesting in owning a GS so i am a bit one sided.
With regards to fuel economy... I'm returning about 50mpg on my 990 quite easily and could easily get 170+ miles to a tank. The trouble is... The big KTM wants to be thrashed everywhere... I swear it talks to me and tells me to rev the nuts off it every chance I get.... I don't obviously get 50mpg then... More like 30 lol

I had a BMW R1150GS a few years ago. I liked it but it didn't stay with me for long as I wanted eventually a KTM 950 but couldn't afford One at the time. I went through two Africa twins and a KTM 640 Adventure before I finally bought a KTM 950 S which I pick up today.

My point is you already know which one you want yourself and if lads here point you towards the other and you go with that you will still wonder about the one you want yourself.

Their bought easy enough to sell on so go with the one you want yourself in your heart and mind and if it then turns out you don't like it then sell it on and get the other.

Best of luck with the decision.