Longtermers: Michael Guy picks his favourite from a trio of longterm adventure middleweights
The latest Triumph ticks plenty of boxes, but is it king of the class?
My love affair with adventure bikes started way back in 2006 when I blagged a go on a friend’s KTM 950 Adventure. I was still into sportsbikes at the time, but the KTM brought something else to the party. Since then I’ve been lucky enough to have a plethora of adventure bikes as my test bikes here at MCN – from a BMW GS Adventure, through to a KTM 1190R and 1290S. Most recently I’ve sampled the adventure middleweights: Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sport in 2018, KTM 790 Adventure R in 2019 and the Triumph Tiger Rally Pro in 2020. Due to lockdown I only managed 3000 miles on the Triumph compared to the 14,000★ miles on the Honda and KTM, but it was enough real-world action to evaluate it. All threedeliver a near identical 94bhp, the Honda weighs 32kg more than the 799cc 209kg KTM, but it holds over 4 litres more fuel and has eight more lb.ft torque thanks to its bigger 998cc engine. The 888cc Triumph has the least torque, 0.8lb.ft less than the KTM and weighs 221kg. So, on paper there are differences, pluses and minuses, gratification and gripes.
Mile munching
If you were told right now to ride to the South of France (if only!) you’d take the Honda. Big tank = big miles between fuel stops. High screen, comfy seat, easy riding position and soft compliant suspension. If the keys for the Honda were taken it would be the Triumph. Arguably just as plush and comfortable, but lacking the same level of wind protection and with a little bit too much engine buzz at high speed motorway miles. Last would be the KTM. Hard seat, firm suspension and inadequate, noisy screen.
Sunday scratching
It’s a toss-up between the KTM and the Triumph. There is no doubt the 790R is the sharpest tool in the box. There’s more urgency from the engine despite it having the least capacity, but it’s an aggressive ride, loaded with advanced electronics. The Triumph is a match for it though, although its performance is achieved in a different, let’s say more sophisticated, way. The silky-smooth motor is a pleasure wherever you are in the range and its ability to rev combined with more top-end suspension – this time it’s Showa and not WP as per the KTM – makes it real-world brisk. The Honda is the loser here; still capable, but too lardy and too vague, its extra torque not enough to induce involuntary grins.
What about off-road?
KTM’s off-road pedigree runs through the veins of the 790R and regardless of your level you will go further on the KTM – especially when the going gets tough. Next up is the Triumph, while its revvy motor fights for grip, despite the T-Plane crank, it redeems itself with good ergonomics and quality suspension. The Honda runs the Triumph close due to mild manners and easy-going motor, but the weight goes against it. Saying that, it coped just fine with a seven-day off-road, fully loaded trip across
Spain on the Trans European Trail (TET) so don’t write it off if venturing off-road is your thing.
Taking your pick
Ultimately it comes down to the type of rider you are and what you want to do with the bike. The Honda is the most iconic and arguably the best looking, while the Triumph runs the Honda close in the looks department and comes fully loaded in terms of quality TFT dash, heated seat, grips etc.
At the end of the day, you pay your money and make your choice. I enjoyed them all very much, but if I had to put my money where my mouth is, I’d buy the KTM. It’s the most fun and most capable – but it does lack the refinement of its rivals.