KTM 1090R ADV vs. Honda Africa Twin 1000 - Part3 

Solid no BS review. I've had a 2010 KTM 990 Adventure since new, got the itch to look at a new bike and rode the AT. It's a solid bike, but it didn't give me the grin factor of the 990 I own. I'll be happily keeping the 990.

Ive owned both bikes and the AT is a great bike but Honda cut a few corners here and there to keep the cost down. Also its much softer tame bike. KTM spent money on the important stuff with the 1090 and that motor in sport mode seems almost twice the power of the AT. If that doesn't convince you, ride both at high speed offroad and the suspension difference is very noticeable. KTM did an amazing job on the 1090.

Great work dude nicely made video. Thanks for taking the time and getting the two bikes together very good comparison.

I test rode a 1290 adventure and an africa twin back to back down some decent dirt roads and high speed. The africa is now in my garage. Honda is the right choice and I love taking it off road no issues except powdery sand. Almost dropped it. Can torque around slowly and controlled in 2nd gear. 1st is too much instant power offroad. The bike absolutely rips too. 0 to 60 in 3.3 seconds. Clutch up wheelies at 70km no.problem. what else do u want!!?? Oh yeah honda reliability as well.

I'm 5'7inches and 150 pounds I feel like the AT is made for people my size.

Nice comparo on the balance, I'm glad I've already got my twin because it'd be a much harder choice today.

Yes helped I'm 5'7 165. 59 years old. Not feeling any stronger these days. Rode everything imaginable in all conditions and road raced a good bit. Can do police course on big Harley no problem. Now left hand and left ankle arthritis so I'm looking at the Africa Twin DCT.

And the award for squeakiest boots ever goes to..... this guy.

The fall of the KTM at end of vid speaks a lot ! As you said , the Africa Twin is user friendly, capable of anything for anybody, while the KTM is a fast only roads for body builded riders. I used to have a 990Ktm, and switched to the Africa Twin, so did I understand that the Ktm injection set up is optimized for high speed/full throttle which makes it difficult to manoeuver at very low speed with a on/off feel, while the Honda offers a big and smooth torque at low revs making it easy to ride slow, well desired for gnarly terrains.

I think that the biggest determinate for which bike to get really comes down to your riding style. If you prefer longer journeys at slower speeds or are just a generally more relaxed adventure rider then the AT would be by far the better option. however if you are generally a faster rider or prefer more technical terrain then the KTM is the best bet. Personally I'm more of a KTM guy.

The AT suspension is way too soft for serious off road riding. You seem to think that is a benefit. The KTM suspension is dialed in and way better for rough terrain. I got to try them both off road and the AT bounced all over the place on the whoops while the 1090 R was tight and controlled with no bottoming. I bought the 1090 R because I wanted a more capable single track oriented ADV bike.

having the 1090 about 6' away in my living room, and after having a decent on the Africa twin, they are both so fantastic that it is wonderful to be alive. This guy is trowing pearls for the newbee...who wonders what to do... Africa twin.... good distance, good off road, ...ktm, if you are 6'- 4 or more, distance amazing, off road amazing..... both cool,

Love my Africa Twin Dct.

I'm a similar size to you and much prefer the Africa Twin. The deficiencies you mentioned on the AT -- small footpegs, lack of good tank grip, etc. -- can be fixed. But the KTM's tall height, hot engine and poor turning radius would be tough to remedy.

Can’t wait to get my 1090

Very good comparison!

Regarding standing position on AT. It' not Honda making tank bad for standing it's the posture you try to stand in is incorrect. You shouldn't hug tank with your legs, you should put your legs vertically, hug the seat with your knees. AT has a very good and thought position for standing up.

Both will get the majority to starbucks equally well. For the rest, rider =95% bike =5% ride what you like. Most on ktm like to posing. See it all the time. Plus ktms age fast and v twins are a pain in the ass to work on when compaired to a parallel. Exhaust in stupid places. Throttle. Bodies wedged in there.

I think Africa Twin is easier to maintain in hard conditions due to parallel twin, that V-shape in the KTM might cause some problems to work on if needed. I mean if you ride it in town and roads its cool, but if you take it to Siberia in the middle of nowhere I would rather have Honda! :)

Where are the other videos? A link in description might help ;)

Hard decision but still, if I'm traveling the county or world I want the Honda. Ya KTM is good reliability but still, their modo is ready to race and it shows in how they design everything. I don't want to race around the world I want it to make it without problems. And the $1500 cheaper is an extra incentive lol

Outback, thanks for the work you put into this, I like the amount of detail. Do you think that in the future you may be able to compare both bikes with a variety of riders? Vertically challenged, not vertically challenged, off-road focused, road focused? (Both are great bikes, and I don't have any regrets after buying the KTM!)

I love Canadians because like us kiwis you say 'aye' a lot. Long live KTM

So you can raise the seat on the A.T but you can't lower the seat on the KTM. 🤔 the AT seems more practical then.

It's boring listening to short riders go on about how a bike is too tall for them. I rode both bikes 1 week apart and went for the KTM1090R. The Honda is a fine bike...but the KTM comes with lower crash bars, much better suspension, better brakes, knobby tyres, off-road mode...rain-mode..sport etc...better pegs...125hp when you want it.

There is a serious flaw with KTM design. Its top triple clamp will brake you ignition key if you have another key or an alarm fob on your key ring. Technically, that might even cause an accident if the key happens to get stuck between the triple clump and frame. I broke my key on parking, so it was not the worst scenario.

Great vid many thanks. Sorry you dropped it. Have you ever tried trials techniques?

Every bloody review, people complain about how tall these bikes are. Are there no moto journalists over 6’ tall? I can sit on either of these at 6’4” and flat foot them... with my knees slightly bent. The AT with the seat in the “tall” position is barely stretched out enough for me to be comfortable. Bikes like the F800GS are downright cramped. Power: I ride 5 miles of gravel to get to the pavement from my home... and more than 100 hp is the least of my concerns. 100HP+ is great for two-up sport touring. Totally unnecessary off-pavement. If that’s what you’re doing, get a Multistrada or the VFR1200X. Would like to see a re-review with the new Adventure Sports variant of the AT. Fixes the soggy suspenders, it’s a tad taller which is great for me, taller screen, comes with beefier skidplate, crash bars, and a bigger gas tank. Ergos modified to make standing up more natural. Seems to have legit off-road chops when equipped with the TKC80s.

When you speak about the suspension were the rebound and compression adjustment screws in the same spot for each bike? Probably not!

Great video :) I was gonna buy AT with dct, but It was not out yet so I got a 2016 KTM 1190 adventure with 0 miles on it for a cheaper price. Installed a Rekluse clutch on it and I think that setup is great. I am 174 and haven't dropped it yet, but i sure have respect for it. Riding with a pillion i feel i dont want a less powerful bike. Anyway i Love the suspension on the KTM, haven't tried AT but KTM feels just right for me.

Traded my KTM 1190 for an Africa Twin. I loved the 1190 but the heat was too much. Their slogan should be Ready to Roast. Anyway, the Africa Twin is a great bike.

Hello, can you please test the Super Tenere to confirm this: The guys from a Spanish magazine did an off-road comparison between S10, AT, GS1200 Adv and KTM 1190 R. They equipped all the bikes with knobby tyres and each brand (Honda, Yamaha, etc) send a rider sponsored by each one (all Dakar ones that already participated in several editions). In end they decided the best bike for off-road was the Super Tenere. Here the article with video (see the video) : motos.coches.net/noticias/bmw-r-1200-gs-adventure-honda-crf1000l_africa-twin-ktm-1190-adventure-r-yamaha-xt-1200-z-super-tenere-comparativo-trail-offroad-2016 They do a detailed analysis of each one. Quickly draft translation of the general conclusion : In the end of the day of testing and contrasting the sensations, the four of us clearly match in almost every aspect of each machine. By assessing the effectiveness and ease of operation on Off Road, I emphasize, exclusively on Off Road, we could order their characteristics as follows: The Yamaha is, without a doubt, the easiest one . It is the one that has allowed us to go faster and more comfortable in a controlled way at all times. Possibly, for long journeys by motorway, is not as comfortable as the BMW, but undoubtedly is the most endurer. We bee very surprised by the contrast between their real weight and the feeling of lightness and mastery that transmite. In second place we would place the Honda. It is the least powerful but we have found it very versatile. By ground it allows to go equal or faster than the Yamaha, although it demands something more of pilotaje, in part, because the size of the set is greater. What we lose in Off Road domain respect to the Yamaha we gain in comfort of travel. Thirdly we would leave the KTM, a very balanced bike that allows a "serious" and complete use on Off Road. But we notice it a little big. At least more than the two Japanese. Perhaps it would be the most versatile. In last place would be the BMW. We have no doubt that it is an incredible bike to travel, but in Off Road, its limitations make the driving complicated. In general terms and thinking about the usual use that is given to these types of motorcycles, we can say that what is gained in travel comfort is practically proportional to what is lost in ease and effectiveness of driving on land.

Hello. This video showed something I'm particularly interested in. I do most of my riding alone and was wondering about the difference lifting a KTM vs a BMW 1200 GS. It looked like this bike went up pretty easy, have you ever lifted a BMW and if so how would they compare?

Did ktm ever fix the air box? I heard it had issues and doesn’t keep the dirt out either.

I bought the KTM after trying them both... Felt the AT needed a bit more power. Only concern i have about the KTM is that it is a bit high when i ride with passenger and i cant get both my feet flat to the ground when stopping at red lights or something but its a minor issue.... Any bike can move my body but KTM moves my SOUL!

Hello! On level ground. What is the speed for the first gear without gas and without healing? Short first gear in Africa?

I feel AT is fragile & yet to set a benchmark whereas KTM1090 is proven off road machine. Anyway I think performance parameter and long distance trashing will give right verdict.Anyway nice video

Love your Canadian flag, eh?

thank you..

Please take no offense to this but it would have really helped to have script or something before hand. The review was very much on point, which is obviously....well, the point. The issue I have (and others) is the lack of continuity with the review and the "umm" & "uhh" between every few words. It can throw people off. On a different note: it would be nice to hear an update about these bikes. The AT is discontinued as the 1090r is as well. Now the AT has an update and the 1090r just doesn't exist.

SONNY, YOU"LL HAVE TO SPEAK UP! for real now, the audio should peak at about -12dB. your mix on the other hand is close to noise floor.

I can barely hear anything on this video with my speakers turned all the way up :-(

AT is a little fella bike. KTM is a performance bike, and it'll pop a wheelie in 3rd. AT, 1st gear might be a challenge. AT wallows through its travel, KTM is a performance off road machine.

So is the KTM1290 that much heavier than the KTM1090?

Lorry, What Jacket are you wearing in this video? Thanks

I mean if youre stopped and not moving, turn off the bike so we can hear you.

Thanx! how about 1090r and atas manual tranny compo?!

I'm short, but my feet never touch the ground when I ride. Lol

The AT suspension wallows, it’s way too soft, it’s like riding a Blancmange

What kind of upper tank bars are the KTM?

good review, so looks like AT has better low down torque cause you didn't stall it so easily like KTM ? :) Suspension of AT is definitely too soft for heavier riders.

Thanks but I had to stop watching with all the "uuh"s. You should practice loosing that habit. Especially in review videos

I would never buy from a company that can’t beat their competition so they buy them and put them out of business (Husaburg) I just bought the Honda loving it !!!

Umm ummmm Honda ummmmm KTM uuuummmm

which dainese jacket is the rider wearing?

What kind of jacket r u wearing?

The fact you dropped the ktm but not the AT speaks volumes dosent it?...

Enjoyed the review but the "uh" so much and the stuttering made it a bit hard to stay focused on some parts. Might I recommend getting your thoughts out and having a take 2 (or more) to get it all out in a smoother manner?

Africa twin all the way.

Eres un papa fritas

Maybe it’s just the mic, but that ktm sounds like absolute ass.

The honda has street tire on it . so it might as well be 2 different bikes!

You need a helmet mic.

Ahhhhhmmm

Get a microphone

I don't like the AT for the tires, no tubeless very dangerous.

Youre not strong enough for a KTM 😂

He needs to quit with uhh. Uhh. Uh

Possibly it's your total lack of ability off road. The Ktm would kick the hondas arse in every situation . Also if you dropped the Honda like that there would be a fair chance you would bend the rear subframe ! Unlike most modern bikes mr Honda has chosen to make the rear subframe on the Honda fixed as part of the frame and not detachable. Why ? I'm not saying the Honda isn't a decent bike I'm saying the Ktm is in a different league 👍🏼