VOLUME 58 ISSUE 14 APRIL 6, 2021 P81
feel that as soon as you get aggres-
sive with handling on-road or off.
If my journeys were less techni-
cal on- or off-road, or if I trusted my
friends to not explore bad ideas on
the regular, I would be happy on
the Triumph, easily. They really are
stronger on different sides of the ADV
sliding scale.
The rowdier you get, the more the
KTM shines. The more touring you
feel like doing, the Triumph's comfort
and performance will, well, triumph.
It really is almost that simple. But
what seals the deal for more buyers,
in my opinion, is price.
The Tiger comes with a hefty price
increase over the massively capable
KTM. Yes, it has heated seats and
grips and a nice place to store your
phone and plenty of added value for
the price. But for the cash, I could
buy a lot of tires or a set of the nar-
rower wheels that come on the Rally
edition of the 890 and put a nice
down payment on WP's Pro Compo-
nent suspension and turn the 890
into an absolute beast. Or, if I'm tour-
ing, I could buy capable luggage and
some long-distance riding gear.
It's my opinion that the Triumph
isn't dominant enough as a tour-
ing motorcycle to be a totally better
choice based on performance. The
KTM is too close there to shake the
price difference.
There you go. The KTM is easier
to put in the winning category across
all ADV arguments except one. And
that's looks. The Triumph looks awe-
some. It also sounds awesome. (did I
mention it sounds awesome?) If price
is not your concern and you just want
the best looking/sounding midsize
ADV weapon. Go British.
