HONDA AFRICA TWIN VS. KTM 790 ADVENTURE R
COMPARISON TEST
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READY TO RUMBLE
Now, before you go saying this is not
a fair match up, let us explain our
reasoning behind putting the 998cc
Honda against the 799cc KTM.
The first and most important reason
is since the Africa Twin landed here in 2016, it's
come out on top in both comparison tests we've
conducted with it and a KTM. It beat the 1190 Ad-
venture R in 2016, then it beat the 1090 Adventure
R in 2017. So, in that regard, it was only fair to see
if the brand new 790 Adventure R could knock the
Africa Twin off its perch as our top ADV dog.
Secondly, despite the obvious engine capac-
ity differences, the specs for each machine are
remarkably similar.
Both bikes put out nearly identical claimed
power from their parallel-twin motors of 94 horse-
power for the Honda and 95 horse-
power for the KTM, although there's a
6 lb-ft of difference in torque with 72 for
the Honda and 66 for the KTM. Weight
is the big difference with KTM claim-
ing 460 pounds ready-to-ride while the
Honda bulks up with an extra 46 pounds to 506
pounds, also ready-to-ride.
Another factor is cost—there's only a $100 dif-
ference between the two bikes, with the Honda a
touch dearer at $13,599 MSRP.
Those prices, however, are for the base mod-
els without any extras, and this is where you can
start to spend some serious dough. We're not
really going into the official accessories for these
two, because what Honda and KTM both offer is a
fraction of what you can get for these bikes in the
aftermarket.
The KTM (right) certainly
edges the Honda in the
styling stakes, although
the Honda has a stunning,
almost retro HRC race
paint scheme that reflects
the sun beautifully.
