KTM 790 Adventure R vs Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin - Cycle News

We've been going adventure mad here at Cycle News recently, so we thought we'd grab the two best bikes on the market today and throw them head to head in the KTM 790 Adventure R and the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin.

These are the pick of the crop right now, and the Honda has won every ADV test we've put it in, so can KTM's new adventure weapon finally know the Honda off its perch?

[timplympton]

I own an AT DCT model.. I absolutely love it!, I jokingly say that the Africa Twin looks like the super hero good guy and KTMs have an evil bad guy look to them.

[FanOWater]

Good commentary, but the background music loop was irritating after 20 seconds. Some important things you didn't mention are the tubeless rims and the cruise control option on the KTM. Both are huge benefits and difficult/expensive to add to bikes that don't have them. Cheers

[jimenagulla]

The suspension in general on the 790R is amazing, just when your about to hit something that you think may toss you, it just eats it up. Power is more than enough, that's why there is the adjustable rally mode. I love my 790R, it's great on the road, and really is an animal in the dirt, expensive, but what quality thing in life isnt? Thanks for a real review in the dirt!

[deanshaw]

Couldn't watch it through - the background music/torture was too much.
Shame I would've liked to have seen it.
Why do so many YouTubers think we need background music ?

[ThrillaPark]

Good video. The music became soooo annoying and repetitive. And too loud in the mix.

[guilless]

Great video, however it would have made more sense comparing with the normal Adventure 790, the R is obviously much better off-road. But great job really.

[jaywhoisit]

That noise in the background is killing me.

[jjustj]

What about scheduled maintenance? Oil changes valve adjustments?

[tacjam]

Funny how things change, when the AT came out, it was touted as more dirt bike than a street bike, now all of a sudden after KTM releases the 790, the AT is all of a sudden more street bike. That speaks volumes about the 790

[zzim]

I have been spending alot more time lately on my 790R. Had come from the AT. There is absolutely no comparison between these 2 bikes. The 790 is not just a little ahead of the AT in an off road environment, but leaps. The lower weight is a huge advantage alone. The 790 is alot more fun, faster and more capable. Even on the tight pavement turns, these 790 rocks. 2 different bikes, not a fair comparison.

[mikesima]

you would expect being in the industry you might have known the AFT was about to be revised to fix a few of those things that make it 'old'. hope to see a comp with new AFT

[zzim]

I had an AT, now a 790, the AT has an obvious following, and those are so very loyal to it. But, there is no question to anyone, when in a off road environment the ktm is far more manageable, faster and safer to ride. Saying it wont supply you with a funnier day off road would make little sense, because it is. The difference on weight on a scale means nothing between these two, even though weight is everything in the dirt, as the place the weight sits gives it a drastic difference. That is stated clearly in this review. If you want a better off road machine then get the ktm, its better for that. If you want better suspension, more performance get the KTM. I liked my AT, only had it for 2 years, Now there is something better suited for my riding. I never had a issue with my AT, but have had many problems with my crf250r over the years compared to my Ktm 450exc. Some of us that ride ktm's do not buy into the crap about them being unreliable. There are two manufactures of off road bikes that flood my riding area, including my baja trips, Orange ones and every one else. So Doubt very much there is a big reliability issue. Manageability is the issue of biggest concern with an off road adventure bike, if it wasn't, we, including AT riders would be riding KLR's.

[kenshiro]

the ktm is light, nimble and powerful..better suited for off roading..whereas the honda is heavier, stable, and comfortable for long rides..but if they are priced the same i'd go for the honda ;)

[barryolaith]

Great review, thanks. Glad you talked about weight, such a crucial factor in how a bike feels and performs. One constructive criticism, would have liked to hear about service intervals and complexity (big consideration for long distance, out-there travel) and some discussion on likely longevity / reliability.

[Dontortellini]

beauty and the beast. C'mon, the KTM is still not a lightweight, 30kg difference are a lot. But which things can you do with the KTM which are not doable on the AT? Both are not 100kg 125cc two strokes. On such heavy bikes the rider is the limit. Watch Mick on his AT from Australia. Great driver! And the talentless rest of us can enjoy the bikes on "normal" offroads and on highway. I drove the AT at 120mph without any issue

[nerf]

I think that the Africa Twin should be compare with the KTM 790 adventure, but not with the R model, which is much more similar and much cheaper. In this comparison the KTM adventure "standard" win without a doubt. We are talking about 2000 euros difference. You can add a comfort seat and many more things to adapt to yours personal preferences

[andrewcullen]

I admire Honda for their engineering and build quality, but I have never ridden a Honda that excites me.

[mattcero]

Nice job making a decision. Lot's of comparisons on the Tube have spineless conclusions with the predicted "toss up" if you like this then that, if you like that then this. Thank you.

[brayvdb]

Curious to see the 2020 version reviewed by you guys

[dilloncribbins]

Its so hard to find a 790 adventure r used that I started looking into other mid size ADV bikes. I was really looking into the africa twin. Than I watch a video like this and brings be back to the 790.... gosh darn it....