VOLUME 56 ISSUE 35 SEPTEMBER 4, 2019 P85
goodness of full-throttle.
The Honda engine only wins in
crack-of-the-throttle grunt (thanks
200 extra ccs!). From there, Honda
continues along its reasonably fun
path, and KTM goes into fantasy
power land with massive control.
Clearly, the KTM is winning with
weight and weight balance. The
chassis is tremendously settled
because it's not disrupted by fuel
or high weight of any kind. And
the suspension is keeping the bike
even more planted. The parallel-
twin engine is smoother and
injects less heat into your cheeks—
not a surprise.
The ergonomics are comfortable
in the seat and magical on the pegs.
It's a great design all around, and
the computer controlling it all is
absolutely dialed in.
The Honda has a balanced chas-
sis and a planted feel, but the limits
of suspension and geometry are
found much sooner. And with a high,
centered fuel tank, the weight bal-
ance is feeling dated in comparison
when the ride gets rowdier. This
bike felt much easier to ride than
1190s and 1090s. Now, it's on the
other side of the spectrum.
KTM's traction control system is
the least invasive of any I've tried.
Gone are the days of noticeable fuel
or ignition cut-offs. Today, riders
can have a bike that simply moves
forward while TC is engaged without
even knowing it. And Rally Mode is
amazing. Dial-in your preferred level
of slip and enjoy. The Rally Mode
algorithms react seamlessly to get
you moving off-road.
In Honda's second generation
of Africa Twin electronics, they
have introduced more adjustment,
but they're outgunned by the suite
coming standard on the 790 Ad-
venture R.
Everything about the KTM 790
Adventure R makes it easy to ride
aggressively and casually on-road
and off. The new KTM is truly a shift
in the direction of ADV bikes for Aus-
tria and, in some ways, a respectful
nod back to the chassis, handling
and simply fun experience of riding
some 950 and 990-powered edi-
tions. It's a dirt bike in the dirt again,
but somehow more comfortable
on the road than some bigger KTM
Adventures. What's happening!?
Honda still wins in total comfort
on-road and predicted reliability
for touring. I must recommend the
Africa Twin to someone looking to
prioritize either of those attributes.
It's going to be a smart, safe choice
for years to come.
But for riders looking for the
leading edge of Adventure with a
preference for dirt, nothing is going
to check off more boxes than a KTM
790 Adventure R. As the ride goes
further from commuting, the KTM
wins more and more.
