Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1162518
HONDA AFRICA TWIN VS. KTM 790 ADVENTURE R COMPARISON TEST P84 reserve) for the Honda and 5.2 gallons for the KTM. However, the KTM has its fuel mounted real low, right down the side of the motor, which helps immensely in overall weight distribution. T he Honda Africa Twin shines in shootouts and comparisons. It is highly capable in all terrain and plenty powerful with class-leading comfort and reliability. It does not intimidate despite boasting nearly 100 horsepower and standing on long-travel off-road suspension. It's not macho or inspiring, but it's a smart choice. KTM's Adventure line up has had all the performance, and then some, to beat the Africa Twin in the 1190 and 1090 Adventure R configura- tions. But they fall short on overall comfort—from wind protection and engine smoothness to heating your buns uncomfortably. And, frankly, the bikes scare people with ampli- fied horsepower and a more aggres- sive edge across the board. They are exciting. They also look awesome. But said awesomeness isn't enough to put them ahead of Africa Twins in reasonable comparisons. KTM has somehow combined reasonable and awesome in the 790 Adventure R. Gone is the intimida- tion factor of the previous KTM's— replaced magically by a lovely, conforming, beautifully responsive chassis and suspension package. This is complemented by the power delivery of the new 799cc twin that is very close to perfection. As it sits in year-one tune, it is stellar from mid-to-top and ultimately con- trollable all the way to the screaming Jesse's Highly Dirt-Biased Take On the road, the Honda (left) is the winner, but the gap is smaller than we thought it would be. Jesse Ziegler liked the Africa Twin, but he loved the KTM. The KTM holds 5.2 gallons of fuel versus the Honda's 4.9. ENOUGH CHIT-CHAT. LET'S RIDE. So, with that being said, what are they like to ride? Honestly, in isolation, both are magnificent machines. The Honda has much more emphasis on long-range com- fort thanks to the riding position that lends itself to sitting in—not on—the seat, getting comfortable and pounding out the miles. Its rider triangle has the bars positioned higher up than the KTM's, which is much more angled towards standing up and muscling it around like an enduro bike. On the road, the Honda is the clear winner, aside from the fact it has no cruise control. It's extremely comfortable, has the motor sitting a tick under 4000 rpm at 65 mph and the wind protection from that huge screen is excellent.