KTM 790/890 Adventure vs. Yamaha Tenere 700 | Honest Comparison (after owning both)

I've owned both the KTM 790 Adventure R and now the Yamaha Tenere 700. I've been asked to compare them and talk about my experiences riding and owning these similar, but different machines.

00:00 Intro
03:56 Spec Comparo
10:50 Design Differences
14:44 Highway Riding
16:22 Off Road Riding
18:42 Maintenance
19:40 Reliability
22:23 Final Thoughts

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[BigRockMoto]

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[kawabungah]

Like many riders, I appreciate reliability and dependability over performance, especially when the performance of a machine like the T700 is solid. The price difference doesn't rule my decision because I'm willing to pay for what I want. Thank you for another superb discussion.

[svdgarage]

I now own a T7, and best advice I'll give anyone looking to get an ADV bike, join the owner groups for each model and brand. Thats what I did 6 months before putting a deposit down on an adv bike. The KTM groups scared me to the point of not even taking a look at them again for a bloody long time. Literally not a single problem on the T7 pages, only issue being the exhaust bracket that everyone cuts off anyway and goes to a high mount, and that is only a problem if you crash it hard. Big Rock did a really good job on this review/comparison, well done mate.
PS: From what I have seen here in Aus, it seems only the Suzuki DR's and Yammy T7's that survive reliably in our harsh environment, and Kawasaki KLR650 gets an honourable mention.

[brucekendall]

You are to be commended for your in depth analysis.Your effort is greatly appreciated.Thanks JHB-SA.

[sew-tec]

I’ve had my T7 for a year now and no crash bars. I have dropped my bike plenty and no damage. Thanks for the video.

[rkroz]

I really appreciate your no BS approach to reviews. Your first hand experience and objective observations can't be beat (not to mention the seamless editing). Thanks and keep Rocking!

[actstuntcam]

I've heard the argument regarding tubeless versus tubed tyres for ages - This is the first time I've heard anyone calmly explain why people prefer the different options - AWESOME WORK!!! Actually this whole video was interesting and well structured, with good info and enough riding footage to keep me engaged :)

[CBWANADA]

Other thoughts.. I recently put 600+ miles mostly dirt on my 790r camped out at Mammoth around the 28th Sept. The revvy nature of the 790r, low engine flywheel effect that bothers beginners wanting low end torque makes that bike with the chosen traction settings super flickable in the trees! Uncanny! Felt at times like my 500! Climbs hills I surprised myself. Get back on road, select road, or rally, sport bike like. You said yourself most versatile. Had the time of my life sloshing around back there. Walk to the garages, see it, have that smile. 5k miles almost. Nice review. Cb

[mda]

Great presentation of the strengths and weaknesses of each bike. In my case, recall issues and very poor dealer service experience led me to sell my R1200GS Adventure even though I loved riding it. I wanted to get a Tenere 700 but my local dealer could not get one in 2021. I bought a base model Africa Twin DCT instead. I did not consider either of the mid size KTMs because of reliability concerns. I did not consider another BMW based on my experience with dealer service. With respect to the Austrian and German brands, I don't believe they intentionally sacrifice reliability for performance. I worked as a reliability engineer for part of my career. The methods of achieving reliability are not rocket science. It is primarily based on 3 things - design margin for strength of mechanical parts, rigorous testing to find the weak links and good quality control processes both internally and with parts vendors. The premium Euro brands have talented staff that know this. IMO, they sacrifice reliability for increased profits because they can still sell every bike they make based on image and perception of higher performance. Their profit per bike sold goes up if they cut out reliability testing and strict quality control processes.

[bobweck]

You're the bomb, buddy👍. Balanced, INTELLIGENT, objective, and incredibly helpful reviews. So glad you were able to get things worked out with regaining control of your channel after the hackers messed with you.

[charlessykes]

Thanks for your honest opinion, I owed the T7, and all you said is correct, I put on better suspension front and rear, added crash bars and a better bottom bash plate, install better air filter and pre filter, added a thumb cruise control and heated grips, very happy with the bike, also put on the tusk soft panniers and racks, so you can take the bags on on and off with the quick release pin. And have the desert fox gas bag.

[jaygallamore]

Good comparison - thanks. I am a very satisfied T7 owner. I’m an older rider and don’t ride as aggressively as I did years ago. I also value reliability over performance so all in all the T7 is a good bike for me. I too carry a fuel Rotopax to increase my range. I wish it had cruise control but I can live without it. I purchased an aftermarket tubeless rear wheel; I keep a more street biased tube tire in the OEM wheel and a more trail biased tire on the tubeless. Thanks again - ride safe.

[gatti]

This compression ratio is very interesting and a very good point, it also to a small degree explains the Honda Africa Twin and Honda's reliability, the Africa Twin comp. ratio is 10.1.1,
VERY GOOD point sir

[mlr]

Another objective, well-experienced, researched vid and you just ‘nailed’ the comparison of the 2 bikes. Reliability is a STRONG trait to beat in ANY product, especially when beyond immediate “help”.

[ianboyd]

Another great, informative & enlightening review. I was also undecided between these two bikes, but ended up buying the 790R. The Port Elizabeth (South Africa) KTM dealership played big part in my final decision. They gave me a very good price for my old 1190, & the 790R ended up cheaper than the T7. I have had some issues with the KTM franchise not honouring their commitments to warranty claims for parts breaking, but the PE dealership once again proved to be the best I have ever dealt with by taking care of those issues for me. I am also quite new to adventure riding, especially the dirt riding aspect, but I am very happy, so far, with my choice. Thanks again for a great, unbiased & honest review

[doublex]

The power on a KTM just doesn't stop, that's why people love them, thanks for making these videos.

[beachamboy]

I’ve seen more than one video where someone got stranded on a KTM because a sensor or wiring went bad. Besides that, it’s such a cool bike. If reliability wasn’t a priority for me, I’d definitely get one.

[vistazo]

Congratulations ! Your straightforward, clear reviews, no hype, like talking with an old friend !
Keep your great videos coming ! 😊😊

[deanpenn]

Thanks for a great review of these two popular bikes. Love the detail and common sense, honest comments. Thanks.

[onrehabiliteerbareafrikane]

Fantastic video with sensible comparisons, which inform the average rider. Happy to report though that after 17500km (mostly off road) on my 890R I've not experienced any of the issues you've mentioned. Love your videos brother.