CHOOSE YOUR COMPANION
Riding two new-to-market middleweight adventure bikes back-to-back in the Welsh mountains led to some inevitable comparisons, especially since both machines were fitted with the same Continental TKC80 off-road biased tyres. So how do they measure up? First up is their physical size and weight, which is a refreshing change compared with the usual adventure bike offerings. The KTM looks the bigger of the two, mainly due to its wide, low slung fuel tanks, but it actually feels more manoeuvrable – especially at slow speed compared with the higher and relatively top heavy (when fully fuelled) Yamaha. Power-wise both bikes had more than enough for our day in the dirt. The KTM has approx. 20bhp more, but the Yamaha engine is a peach with a great throttle connection which generates good grip. It sounds good too. In terms of electronics they are worlds apart with the KTM being fully loaded with quickshifter, autoblipper, on-the-fly traction control adjustability and different maps, while the Yamaha is old school with zero electronic aids. But the biggest single difference between them is the riding position. The Yamaha feels good, but is traditional. There is a stretch to the bars and the front of the bike and fuel tank are high. The KTM is the opposite, with the fuel stashed low on the bike and the distance from the front of the seat to the headstock feeling considerably shorter. This helps the rider get over the front when standing up on the pegs which makes the KTM’s front wheel more planted and confidence inspiring. Ultimately the KTM is more advanced, better equipped and a lot more powerful – as it should be for £3k more – than the better looking, almost as capable Ténéré 700. Your choice comes down to budget and spec desires – both will take you up a mountain, and bring you back.