KTM 890 Adventure R vs Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro - Cycle News
Vložit
- čas přidán 21. 08. 2024
- If you’re looking for a mid-size adventure bike, you’re pretty spoiled for choice these days. Yamaha’s stupendous Tenere 700 is here, the BMW F 850 GS has always been here, and the new Aprilia Tuareg 660 is coming at the end of the year.
However, there are two stalwarts from Europe who’ve been at the top of the mid-size ADV market for longer than anyone, and that’s Triumph and KTM. Both manufacturers have larger capacity off-road vehicles than the Tiger 900 Rally Pro and 890 Adventure R we have on test today, but none are designed to do real off-roading as well as these two. These are dirt bikes with lights.
I’ve been lucky enough to own both bikes. They are very different. KTM definitely is more fun and easier to ride in the dirt. The Tiger is a “nicer” bike. More comfortable, much better wind protection heated everything. But for me the Tiger feels much bigger and much heavier than the KTM. And the Tiger resetting your mode every time you turn off the bike gets old fast.
Also the KTM is more of a hoodlum bike on the street, great motor and power!
And for me being 5’11” the transition from seated to standing on the Tiger is too far...seat feels very low. Also agree the bars are very strange on the Tiger. High and far away like you pointed out.
Also with my body and the Tiger...they have those metal Round bars just under the tank that dug into my inner legs while standing...not a good feeling or design in my opinion.
I ended up selling my RP and going with 890...love the bike....if you like to ride dirt more than road I say go with 890!
One more point....Tiger was getting 46-50 mpg
On the 890 I’m getting 52-56 mpg.
As far as Problems...in the first 1k miles on the Tiger...went back to dealer 3 times.
Stalled twice while driving...firmware update
Rear brake pedal broke off and quick shifter stopped working at 700 miles.
Now the 890 only has 700 miles on it but no issues as of yet.
Great INFORMED response. You would think there wouldn't be a KTM actually on the road out there as they are all allegedly in the shop--according to commenters who do not own or even ridden one. On my twelth KTM here. I'll be wondering how the new Adventure 1290 S rolls against the Ducati Multistrada v4.
The manufacturers are taking a piss.
Great info...you should do a video review on your 890 :)
czcams.com/video/SauochkRQE8/video.html
KTM is know to have its issues as well. I would pick the triumph over the KTM. Doesn't seem like the KTM is meant for the road and the issues some had with the KTM rotors is pretty extreme.
Nice review, guys. I’m riding a Tiger 900 Rally Pro to South America now (in Costa Rica). 890 has an 18” rear (vs 17” on Tiger) and the lower cog fuel tanks and suspension make it so much better off road. But for my trip it’s hard to beat the Tiger. Very happy. Heated grips and seat are very Starbucks!
I would think heated seat and grips is not an advantage in Costa Rica, but here in Nova Scotia with the wind blowing off the Atlantic Ocean in November on a coastal road, the heated grips and seat are not Starbucks.
Not sure all th cheated stuff is really necessary. Once you have all your gear on I'm always warm if not hot even in winter. But I sure love the heated seats in my SUV:-) I guess in really cold climes heated grips would be nice for sure. I guess you could add heated grips to the KTM?
Triumph is a premium class middleweight bike while KTM is well handling but manufactured without refinement, subpar quality control and rash of issues. On paper to you two they may look comparable. Just interview longer term owners and get a grasp on a long list of issues on 790/890, such as leaking coolant, pulsating front brakes, cold start issues, cruise control failures, leaking front brake fluid reservoir…..
If you are going to review the bikes than tell the full story.
the triumph has self cancel blinkers, crash bars, aluminum skid plate, heated seats, cruise control, heated grips, driving lights, a center stand, and quick shifting as standard. I think it is cheaper than the KTM if equipped the same
This is true.
3:37 - they address this and the KTM still comes out 2 grand cheaper
Tiger also includes: passenger heated seats with separate controls, front and rear 12v outlets, wide windscreen adjustments, lighted switchgear. For day to day riding it is easy to live with. Both bikes have a unique character with different strengths. A lot of riders have more aspiration for off road riding than is realistic, just look at all the folks battling suburbia in lifted jeeps.
For me the price doesnt matter. What matters is how much money you loose for selling it.
@@JB-ss3bv I agree. I rode dirt bikes when I was younger, so the KTM really appeals to that part of me but realistically … whatever I buy will tear up the freeway more than the backcountry.
I just purchased a Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer and I love it so far !
Good choice!
I love riding hard off-road and being comfortable on-road so I bought the Tiger 900 and couldn’t be happier. Feels like you are riding something premium and refined which is worth the extra money for sure. Also the ergonomics on the Tiger are far better than the KTM, I can actually stand up with legs straight and still grip the bars easily and I’m 6’3. Thanks for the review guys.
Great choice. Both bikes are excellent machines, it really comes down to individual preference. Happy riding on the Trumpy!
@@cyclenews Cheers! Once the KTM comes out with a better seat, screen, ergos, aesthetic and fit and finish It can be considered an excellent machine.
@@TroyAdam that might be the Norden 901
@@shassabo You might be right!
ive had many ktm's but really want to ride one of those 900cc 3cyl Triumphs
Rode an 890 rally on Monday, wonderful suspension, superb quick shifter, heaps of power, terrible wind noise. Then went for a 2 day ride with my friend, both on adventurised 500’s on rural dirt roads including a tricky small Boulder strewn river crossing. Both of us would not trade our bikes for one of these 200 kg road based “ mid sized” bikes. Mine cruises well at 110 kph but would not do it for hours unless necessary.
I really like the 890 myself but I feel like it’s too heavy. It’s what kept me from buying it. Maybe in the future that will change.
@@alanpinnt I actually rode a 790 rather than the 890 but all the comments apply. You are spot on, all these bikes are too heavy. Can you imagine riding the auto Honda Africa twin, all 250 kg of it!
Hmm. Your price comparison was somewhat vague. The PRO version of Tiger also comes with crash bars, spot lights, heated seats and some others. So to spec them the same it wouldn't be $2000 difference. Price of a bike is an important factor for many people ... so would prefer a bit more accurate pricing assessment in the future. :)
All explained in the video to show a true comparison
Seems to me the basic 890 Adventure is the bike that is a closer bike to compare to the Triumph. I'd like to see those compared.
Agreed. The 890 Adventure S is a closer comparison.
Coming from a 990, I was pleasantly surprised by how nice the 890R is on the road. I don't doubt the Tiger is better, but the 890R is like having your cake and getting to eat it to.
I took the 890 Adventure R out for a test drive last week and it really surprised me with the power. 1st and 2nd gear getting on the highway and the front wheel just came right up. I want one but I'm more of a dirt rider.
Thank you for this comparison
Hello! Seeking Advice: I'm split between getting a pre-owned Tiger 900 Rally Pro (2021/5K kms) and a new Transalp XL750. I know spec-wise they are Oranges and Apples.
FYI, My riding usage is city and long-distance touring; and my riding style is pretty Hooliganish.
So, here in India we have no T7s, Tuaregs or KTM 790/890s, yet. Even the Honda AT comes in a lowered suspension model. So, the Tiger 900 Rally is the bike that checks all the boxes. The Maintainance/ Spares Costs and Heating in City Traffic are the Red Flags.
Enter the Transalp XL750: it's very light and nimble: with super smooth engine: but really basic components. With its 27° Rake - 4.4" Trail; It can make for good rally build - rally seats, suspension upgrade and high exhaust, etc. A BABY AT! Add to that, Honda's reliability and affordability. It makes for a better Daily Do-it-All.
So, What would you say?
P.S. Coming from my KTM 390 ADV (75K KMs in 3 years); reliability and lower maintainance is a priority!
the thing that makes the KTM unconfortable on road, is the aerodinamics, it seems that they didn't test much about the buffeting and wind on this bike... i took off the side wind-deflectors and is MUCH MUCH better, so better than i don't miss any of my other bigger adventure bikes that were a grear thing on the touring side... the lower center of gravity won my hearth inmediatly, so much that i can't almost jump in other bike without feeling it too top heavy and harsh on the weight... the KTM engine, on the 790 at least become really soft with the miles, like reaaaaaally soft... the 890 should be even softer because of the Euro 5... i wanted the Rally Pro, but with a wait line of over 6 months, and almost 5000 euro over the 790 S here in spain, i chose the ktm... i don't thing that the tiger is 5k euros better than the 790.
As far as the stated weight difference, if you add a center stand, crash bars, and a skid plate to the KTM, the may not be any weight difference between the two bikes
A middle weight adventure bike for me, is for multiday excursions. Both road and dirt, It doesn't matter how much of either. The 890 seems to me more of your day trip bike. Enough road bike to do 50-70 miles of pavement and 30 miles of dirt, then home. Anymore than that in one day would be a torture test. If you have dirt tracks inside of 30 miles from home an EXC is much more fun than either the 690 or 890. My .02
Five thumbs up for what I feel was a great non-biased shoot-out. I just purchased an 890R yesterday (pick it up in 9 hours - Ugh! rain and 45 degrees!), but I never even considered the purchase of this Triumph because I had assumed it would not even be worthy for comparison. And it's probably not off-road, but what interested me is when you mentioned how the engine actually smoothed as the revs climbed on the highway and that is where I will spend 75% to 90% of my time. And I liked the Triumph package offering electric grips, electric seat and spotlights, all things I will probably purchase for my new 890R. Hopefully the handlebar buzz will not be an issue with my KTM as I do like to cruise 85 mph. It's sad we don't have a Triumph dealer within 100 miles of me. It sure would have been nice to have spent an hour on both machines before making a purchase decision. I did get to spend an hour test riding a 790 Adventure R before purchasing the 890.
My butt likes comfort. And if I want to get a little crazy, I can. No problems as yet on the Tiger 900RP.
Interesting price comparison. Here in Australia those two machines are almost exactly the same in price delivered. Thinking of the Triumph as I will be riding to work everyday once everything settles down.
Awesome stuff, guys. Great feedback. Crazy that 900cc is now "midsize." But it sounds like they're pretty nimble and capable in the dirt. (At least under the right rider??) 😂 👍
Question, do you think the BMW F 850 GS can stand up to these bikes, or are the Tiger 900 Rally Pro and KTM 890 ADV R on a different level?
From where i see it, the bmw is a level below because is less powerful, is heavier and front suspension is non adjustable. BMW is a touring bike, not a serious adventure bike in my opinion but i´m no expert, i´m just a bike enthusiast who owns a 790 adventure R since december 2020 so not enough time-miles on it to give a strong argument :D
WHAT ABOUT THE TENERE 700? should be included in the comparison-list
The Tenere isn’t worthy enough to be included
Just curious if you played with the suspension settings much. I'm sure the Tiger will never be as stiff/aggressive as the KTM but I found turning the fork preload all way in as the manual recommends for offroad made a significant difference in bottoming resistance.
We did. We stiffened up the front on the Triumph and gave the rear a touch more rebound, but it still wasn't as good as the KTM was in stock trim.
Im thinking the same thing. Recently added full preload and full comp and rebound minus 4 clicks and boy is it a totally different animal for offroad
What difference did you notice tuning those forks all the way in and back out 4 that you did/didn't notice coming out 2, 3 or 5 clicks? Just curious. I have a Rally Pro as well and ride with guys that have 790's, 890's, and 1090's. Not once have I ever been at a disadvantage to these other bikes running truly level 3/4 desert off-road here in AZ. I will say that changing the tires to Motoz Rallz made a most unbelievable difference in the way it handled though. I'm 240# and definitely felt the rear needed a stiffening so it's all the way in but I've not messed with the front. I will say that on-road the Triumph is a much better bike. Better behaved, more comfortable and definitely more fun. For the question as to which is better 2 up in my opinion it would be the Triumph hands down. Better riding position, most certainly a more comfortable seat, rear pillion heat and way less vibey on the bum. Looking forward to anyone else's feedback.
@@anthonymazzoni3671 it was a matter of personal taste. I knew i had to stiffen as ride was too plush to feel what was under you. Bike was also bouncing when jumping from rock to rock and would not settle for the next bump. Having it all the way in was way too hard for me . I would suggest keeping it full then ride for a few minutes off road and adjust on the fly.
@@aloisio ok I appreciate the feedback. I'll be out on it in the next couple days and give it a shot. 👍
Great review, thank you! Would like to hear your thoughts on the KTM 890 Adventure base model in comparison to the Triumph.
Nice review guys, have you rode the Africa Twin 1100? how would it compare to these bikes? Thanks for sharing your thoughts
Thanks, Ben. Yes, I rode the 1100 last year, but only the DCT version. It's a totally different animal. Heavier, not as agile, very much more like a GS 1250 than a middleweight bike. Here's the review for you to check out: czcams.com/video/9PeL1RWvlVI/video.html
In Norway the ktm cost 21744$ and the rally pro 17970$. So you Lucky ones across the ocean.
So the KTM still has tubes in the tires. How much do tubeless wheels cost on the KTM? Your price difference is pretty much moot if you compare them apples to apples. The Triumph will do everything that 99% of riders that buy that style of bike for I have 6000 miles in 50/50 conditions in Colorado. Best bike I've ever owned and I have owned orange also
890 wheels are tubeless
Ktm has tubeless tires...and it is difficult to add tubes due to the excentric airvalve position...position is little to the wheel edge
I was hoping this review wouldn’t be biased but I guess there’s still people out there who will never call out the unreliability of ktm bikes.
Good review, but to be honest, the bikes on this type of comparison should use the same model of tires. 50/50 tire on tiger and 20/80 on KTM it’s not fair for Tiger at off road floor. You don’t need see the video to know the result. Please check it out.
Engine bars, center stand, and fog lights are all standard on the Tiger Rally Pro, add that to the KTM and you're much closer in price.
and closer to a worst bike. 790 smashes the triumph aswell reviewers have no balls these days.
@@qshank2752 People that comment about adding crash/engine bars to the 790/890 need to do more research.
Who would have thought the Triumph would be a better road bike than the KTM?
It is we've owned both.
seems like the Rally Pro is more comparable with the Adventure Rally R? in which case the KTM is around the $21k price point? what am i missing? I'm not familiar with the KTM.
No, that is not correct. The Rally Pro gets nose bleed expensive factory level suspension, narrower Excel rims set-up with tubes for serious off road bashing, and a bit of bling in the form of the Akra muffler, and different color plastics. If you wanted to build a serious off-road rally weapon and not use the Factory 450 as a starting point, the Rally R is where you start. The Tiger is a very comfortable, well-equipped touring bike that can be taken on light off road. Don't be fooled by their similarities based on appearance; those are two completely different animals.
@@t.k.1448 I have watched Rally Pro doing insane pro stuff like climbing steep rocky hills and jumping off 4-5ft.
How can you compare price of the naked KTM and feature and equipment loaded Tiger? Spec the KTM with all the stuff that Tiger has and it will probably be more expensive and closer to Tiger in terms of weight.
I think I would need a bigger screen and lower the KTM and put on a better seat. Probably go with a regular KTM 790 Adventure or Norden
The KTM has some fairly major issues with its breaks, starting, very plastic instead of painted parts, and very soft suspension. Several more honest reviews highlighted these issues. One guy had rotors on a new KTM that were loose. Caused the rear brakes to totally fail. Tiger is far better of a machine unless you want a dirt bike that is road ready.
Hi guys, PLEASE REVIEW THE Yamaha Tenere 700
Great info ! Thanks
Excellent video. I did not hear either of your perspective about reliability in both bikes and maintenance. Which bike would be a better everyday bike? Thanks
I'd like to know that as well!!
I wish you’d compare the Husqvarna Norden 901 with a Tiger 900 Rally. I agree - I’d go with the KTM too.
Putting that on the list, thank you!
Just rode my mates 901 Expedition and its too tall, the clutch is awful and the tft is small. Much prefer my Rally Pro and its engine is a peach. The Expedition is a KTM in a different dress.
Ktm is a dirt bike that can tour
If you’re mostly going to go touring, why not pick the Tiger GT pro? 🤔
The rally pro should have been sold as a cheaper off-road focused model. A single piece taller seat(non-heated), low windscreen, no center stand.
You already have that version, it calls just “Rally”
Seems like you guys have a podcast. I don't see any info about it in the description and when I search Cycle News all I get is bicycle stuff. You're missing an opportunity to get subscribers.
How would you fix the weird bar ergonomics of the tiger?
Good talk fellas
A good review, thanke! I'm seriously considering the KTM.
Nice Hammer Nutrition water bottle
Which would be a better bike for touring two-up? I need one bike that can do single person, more dirt road focused rides with a bit of off-road but also support longer touring with a partner and all the camping gear that entails.
The KTM sucks two up, like a dirt bike two up.
Thanks for the reply!
Have you experienced it two-up?
Do you think a few farkles, like a seat-swap would help fix that problem?
I would sometimes ride the bike alone in a dirt setting so that extra ability there might be nice.
The bike is very capable of a pillion passenger and gear, and yes I’ve been to up on my 790 adventure many many you have to adjust the preload every time you put a passenger or 25 to 40 pounds of gear on the bike,
@@54zk Awesome! Thanks for the opinion.
I'd be happy with either one... So, which are you giving me???😁😁👍👍
Haha I went with a Tiger Tim
Is it possible to dial out the tigers soft suspension by adjusting the compression settings?
Tiger hands down, as an "adventure" bike (very long trips, with all sorts of pavements and weather conditions). If you want to go dirt only, a guess a dual-sport, lighter bike, from KTM or other brands, is the way to go. In my country, the KTM is at least 30% more expensive than the Tiger, go figure...
Sorry but not sorry for this comment. KTM is a way more of a superior machine. I rode both and I would never in a million years pick Tiger over KTM. I am not ready for my life to be boring. If I wanted comfort and luxury I would have picked BMW GS 1250 but instead I could not stop smiling and giggling in my helmet with this adventure/dirt lunatic of a motorcycle. KTM all day 🤟🏼😜
A 1250GS is in a completely different class then both these bikes though. Idk how you could call the triple boring... But different folks have different wants and needs for different uses. Doesn't mean the KTM is the "superior" machine. They are both wonderful bikes with slightly different niches. I personally think the overall build quality on the Tiger is better than the KTM. The triple is also a smoother engine then KTMs twin. The KTM is better for some more agressive riding and more capable off road. The Triumph has some more luxury features and better for 2-up and road touring. Like I said, different folks different wants and needs. It's amazing the number of outstanding machines we have to choose from to really tailor in on our personal wants out of a bike. The KTM is your choice and that's great but a certain bike being better for you doesn't make another bike any less as a result.
Can you offer any feedback on the tires? I am just curious how the Dunlops compared to the TKCs on the same terrain.
The TKC's were better, but truth be told it wasn't as big a difference as you might imagine. When the road was really dusty, the TKC's certainly shined, but on rocky and muddy terrain, the Dunlops held up really well. The Dunlops were also quieter on the freeway, which is more important than many give credit for. The Dunlops are a harder tire, and more suited to street riding with a few dirt roads thrown in. If we had more time we'd have put both on equal rubber. Oh well, next time...
@@cyclenews Thanks, I know it wasn't a tire compare. I was just curious if you noticed any dramatic differences. I have the Dunlops on my 1090 which originally came with the Conti's. The Dunlops are great on the street, but not so much on sand.
If all one wants to do is dirt then shouldnt one get a proper dual sport?
Is anybody even making dual sports anymore? KTM 690 and Honda CRF300L are the only ones I can think of. I don't imagine the 690 will be around for much longer, since KTM has phased out it's 1-cylinder in favor of the parallell-twin in most models. The adventure bike is the new dual sport really.
As Ian said below, we get bent over over here. In saying that Triumph hasn't pulled a dodgy. So straight up bike to bike here, the amount one would spend to square them up? A G on the Triumph suspension personalised. 👍
In Australia they are both $25,000 ride away
Go with what makes you happy if you ask me
Too bad the 890 will be at the dealer getting repaired constantly 😅
this man ^^ has never owned a ktm
@@crimzikk it’s true I’m just having a bit of fun. It’s a sweet bike.
@@shassabo haha what are you riding now?
@@crimzikk i'm actually on a Tiger 900 rally pro. that's why i had to make a crack at the KTM! I love it, but wouldn't mind having the 890 in the garage as well.
I had a Speed Triple a few years ago. Great bike!
Lets talk in detail for ten min how these two bikes are complete opposite in every way , but other than that they are so similar. 😂
Strom 1050 costs less than these bikes?
I test rode a Triumph Tiger 900 Rallye Pro a few weeks ago, for about 20 minutes, strictly on roads, when the Triumph factory tour came near me. I liked everything about it, with 2 exceptions. I agree that the shape of the bars felt strange. I wrote that off to my inexperience with adventure-style bikes. The engine was excellent in all respects, except that around 5000 rpm is vibrated very noticeably and annoyingly. The vibration was especially noticeable going uphill. It was nicely smooth in the rest of the rev range. Having previously owned a Honda VFR800, which in my opinion had the best motorcycle engine ever made, the vibration on the Tiger is for me a deal breaker. I asked the Triumph representative at the event if they all do that or if it was just the bike I tried, and he said that's characteristic of the engine. It's a shame, because otherwise in all respects it's an excellent motorcycle.
Yamaha tenere 700 best bang
What is the closest to the Honda 300 Rally? What would you choose in this category?
I would like to see a video on this.
You got your wish. They just compared the Kawasaki KLR 300 to the Honda.
Here in British Columbia, Canada where I live the KTM 890 Adventure R with the 'Tech pack' and heated grips installed, the bike is $16,900 CDN ($19,050 out the door including taxes).
The Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro is $21,550 ($24,100 out the door including taxes). For me that's a $5,000 CDN difference. Despite its 'shortcomings' the KTM seems like a bargain price wise compared to the Triumph. Also $24K CDN is getting into BMW GS money. I can get a touring screen for the KTM with the $5K I'd save, I think. 🤔
I love Triumph, but jesus, that Rally Pro's price is getting eye watering for me at least. Both are great bikes. So maybe a Teneré 700 then, for me? 😆🙃
There is a story at @1:58 lol
At 17K + for the Triumph, how can they be justifying the shit soft off road suspension? The KTM comes with better suspension all around for 3 k less.
Yep...
interesting point. I guess that's why they make the Tiger GT vs the off-road bias Rally?
Its adjustable suspension you can keep it soft or make it hard, upto you. For daily commute and potholes, softer ones are better.
and tiger wins HANDS DOWN
Tiger all the way Trevor 😏
I bought a factory defective Tiger 900 GT czcams.com/video/cc6mfpdkin0/video.html which stalls when squeezing the clutch. They left me a replacement Rally Pro and it stops anyway czcams.com/video/7QN78vKcTsw/video.html it seems that it is a problem of the model since from the comments in the videos it is happening to more people...
Ride modes. ABS. Traction control..... PASS.
Triumph is for the Starbucks mocha frappe drinking street “adventure” rider and the KTM is for the true off-road adventure enthusiast.
the right guy says bullshit at the very beginning. He said these are top two middleweight adventure bikes. HaHa and how about Yamaha Tenere 700 ? Tenere is much better off road than Tiger 900.
I went with the Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer but the Tenere looks like a solid choice as well
But KTM dealers are shit, bare that in mind when you purchase.
Just in case if anyone is wondering how good a Tiger is off road..
czcams.com/video/b-0wzWM_4Hg/video.html
I rate the BMW f850gs higher than the Triumph, imho...
No way. No adjustable suspension, worst engine and china made, much heavier, more expensive, plastics look cheap compared to tiger and not for dirt (resiatant and cheap to repair) as ktm, electronics behind both of these two, no slippery cluth and no inertial measurement unit.
The KTM swipes the floor with the Triumph. The performance of the KTM is in another level.
Nope
Hmm, interesting comparison but too many complaints about KTM for me to drop money on AND it's made in China so that's an even bigger no from me. I like the Triumph far better. It's a premium price for a premium bike.