Test Ride Thoughts: Triumph Tiger 800 vs KTM 990 Adventure

blacktiger · Jul 21, 2011

Adv Grifter said: ↑

The XC Tiger will outpace the R1200GS anywhere off road. The KTM is a different story ... but with a bit of tweaking the Tiger could be close to the Katoom ... and it will be more reliable than either the GS or 990.
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Having recently bought an XC I agree with this. I went/stayed with Triumph because in 65000 miles on my Tiger955 it's never gone wrong. Nothing, nada. And mine is not unique in that.

And while I'm here, I see a few people writing that the T800 engine is great when you get it wound up. While that's certainly true it'll also pull smoothly right from tickover. So climbing steep, lumpy slopes is no problem at just over walking pace with the clutch home. Try that on your lumpy GS or 990.
Both Tigers give me mid 50s UK mpg so they both have a 200 mile range.

charlie264 · Jul 21, 2011

blacktiger said: ↑

So climbing steep, lumpy slopes is no problem at just over walking pace with the clutch home. Try that on your lumpy GS or 990.
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Im really looking forward to trying this new Tiger 800, Ive lived with a Tiger 900, stonking road bike back in the 90s but not as refined as the XRVs and XLVs at the time and just felt too heavy and cumbersome for single track.

Ive had a lot of saddle time on the GS800 and its just not in the same league as the V KTMs, but Ive heard the GS is still better off road over the XC!!!!! This will be interesting when I get the chance to try.

As for slow traction and control, sorry Blacktiger you are not speaking from experience, my 950SE is so composed and well balanced at low speeds it lulls you into thinking the bike is 100kg less than it actually is, first gear no clutch it pulls like a train from 1500rpm, you've just got to be gentle with the throttle. The torque has pulled me out of sticky situation where a CR450 has just spun up trying to find traction, I sure in these circumstances that extra 100kg actually helps.

nordicbiker · Jul 22, 2011

Adv Grifter said: ↑

Great real world review!

But I am curious how the BMW could be rated ahead of the Tiger given the engine blew up:ddog And as most of us know ... this sort of failure is not rare. There have been quite a few F800's like yours and many with all sorts of other issues. Remember the old adage: "To win the race, you first have to finish".

I do agree for a big, tall rider, the KTM 990 is the best bike of the three.
Perhaps the Tiger does not fit you? Fits me fine. But any bike ridden off road needs setting up for the rider; Bars, Risers, seat, suspension. The Tiger 800XC has potential, IMHO, and is easily as good or better than the GS. As good as the KTM? For expert riders, probably not.

Check out Burren Rider's Tiger build going on now:
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=704559

This thread gives some idea what an experienced rider thinks of the Tiger XC. He also owned a F800GS and a Wee Strom, plus several other bikes. (DRZ and more) He comments on all compared to new Tiger. Pretty interesting reading.

pic borrowed from Danny's thread above.
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Ok, why do I rate the 800GS higher than the Tiger? the picture is very mixed!

1. I like the riding position better on the GS. Found the handlebar too far away on the Tiger and found it positonwise less comfortable than the Tiger.
2. The Tiger's engine needs to run on higher reves than the 800GS, which has more torque at lower revs. OK, the 990 again wants higher revs than the GS., but of course delivers much more pumch than the other two
3. The 800GS fuel economy is simply a miracle! From this perspective the 990 is a nightmare.

So if we do seperate ratings in different areas:

Economy: 990 worst - Tiger better - GS best

Ergonomy: Tiger - GS - Adventure (1.71m, 73kg, riding a lot standing)

Chassi: Tiger - GS - 990

Fun factor: Tiger - GS - 990 or maybe GS - Tiger - 990, but definetly 990 winning!

Reliability: well, this is something I can't judge for the Tiger, but the GS let me down twice - first because of the engine problem (which however didn't leave me stranded somewhere in the deep swedish forests) and once a dead battery (which left me stranded at first red traffic light...). 990 worked without any problems now for 12.500km km.

There is one design aspect fo the Tiger, which I really don't like: the back suspension linkage sticks out below the bike and will be the lowest point even with the aluminium skid plate installed! If you should ever need to lift the Tiger over some hard obstacle there is a good chance that something could be damaged. Both GS and Adventure have a very simple direct suspension without any complicated linkage, the Adv comes even with a plastic protector behind the rear damper, which is for some strange reason missing at the GS and needs to be bought aftermarket, if you want to give your damper a long live. Dirt and bearings are not a good combination. So the 990 Adv is for sure the most offroad-oriented bike of the three!

wilmar13 · Jul 22, 2011

nordicbiker said: ↑

Ok, why do I rate the 800GS higher than the Tiger? the picture is very mixed!...
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 Good explanation of your reasoning and there really isnt much to debate in the economy and performance aspects between the bikes if you value economy and performance equally ergonomics is the tie breaker. Most people are like me in that the head values economy and the heart values performance The fit of the KTM for me appeals to both heart and head, so it tips the scale in the hearts favor.

But wouldnt it be really great if you could have your cake and eat it too though? I really hope Husqvarna comes out with a 900cc version bike in this segment to combine the best of both; decent economy, premium suspension, and an engine with a bit more poke. If that happens, there isnt much left to compromise on, ergonomics can be sorted!

I guess first we need to see the potential of the Nuda in the real world.

bdefen · Jul 22, 2011

The latest issue of Motorcycle Consumer News has a nice comparison road/trail test of the new BMW 800GS and the Triumph Tiger XC.
You'll find it helpful.

charlie264 · Jul 22, 2011

bdefen said: ↑

The latest issue of Motorcycle Consumer News has a nice comparison road/trail test of the new BMW 800GS and the Triumph Tiger XC.
You'll find it helpful.

Click to expand...

Whats the synopsis?

Adv Grifter · Jul 22, 2011

wilmar13 said: ↑

 But wouldnt it be really great if you could have your cake and eat it too though? I really hope Husqvarna comes out with a 900cc version bike in this segment to combine the best of both; decent economy, premium suspension, and an engine with a bit more poke. If that happens, there isnt much left to compromise on, ergonomics can be sorted!
Click to expand...

Don't forget who is in charge of R&D and production of Husqvarna. Historically, Germans and Italians have never really been good partners in anything. I do have every hope for these new series of Husqvarna twins ... but have some doubts.

Are current Husky sales strong enough to support a new model? On the Internets everyone cheers and swears they'll buy this trick new 900 Husky. But will they really come through? I seriously doubt it. Many will go into "Wait And See" mode.

The Japanese have been burned by this unreliable, premature false enthusiasm ... and have had several models left standing on showroom floors.

I do agree that ".. ergonomics can be sorted". And this applies to the Tiger too. That's obvious after just ten minutes riding the XC Tiger. The good bones are there ... but BMW/Husky do have Triumph beat on fuel economy.

Think Triumph will be focusing on improving fuel economy in the next update of the 800 series? I'd bet on it.

I recently priced a new 990 Adventure R for an OTD (Out The Door) price.
Had a sit on the bike. What a beauty. I can't touch the ground unless I slide far to one side, then only on one foot on tip toes. Turning around on a narrow dirt trail could be a challenge! Lots of up high weight ... but riding is very good on street.

MSRP for the 2011 990 ADV (with ABS) is $14,999 USD. With tax (about 9%) freight and other charges, estimated OTD price is close to $18,000 USD. The Tiger 800 XC MSRP: $11,000. (add $800 for ABS)

OTD probably about $13,000 usd or so?

Roughly $5000 USD price difference between Tiger 800XC vs. KTM 990-R.

wilmar13 · Jul 22, 2011

Adv Grifter said: ↑

Don't forget who is in charge of R&D and production of Husqvarna. Historically, Germans and Italians have never really been good partners in anything. I do have every hope for these new series of Husqvarna twins ... but have some doubts.
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BMW has owned Husky for a couple years, but yeah the 900 Nuda is a true BMvarna bike.

Adv Grifter said: ↑

Are current Husky sales strong enough to support a new model?
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I am guessing that in the US, the same problem KTM has with its street bike dealership presence is the biggest limiter, no clue about the target market in Europe.

Adv Grifter said: ↑

Roughly $5000 USD price difference between Tiger 800XC vs. KTM 990-R.
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You will need to spend $2000 to upgrade the suspension on the 800xc, and it will still be inferior to the 990R, but you will have money leftover either way with the 800XC. Price delta is pretty clear, value less so. I struggle to create a clear value equation for myself. Even if you only have $13k to spend, then you can still get yourself a slightly used 990R... Simple choice, not an easy one.

Rastus · Jul 22, 2011

Clrblu22 said: ↑

PATL - I took a GSA1200 for a 3 day weekend test ride from Ride West - what an incredible bike. It truly is an all-rounder. Having said that, I didn't get the feeling that I would take that bike on anything more than a logging road. The KTM on the other hand (I haven't test ridden yet) gives me the sense that it is simply a dirt bike on steroids. Just as I think I've convinced myself that I want the BWM, I go for a ride on my CRF450 and remember just how much I love riding dirt. The other problem is this damn Orange Crush forum - I can't help but appreciate the loyalty that these guys have for Team Orange and their quirky looking 990. I have recently began to look at these two bikes kind of like women - the questions is, do you want a really nice girl that you can take home to mom, have a few kids with and live with the rest of your life - or - do you want a naughty, high maintenance little mistress who will take you for the ride of your life every time you strap her on. Needless to say, I'm starting to lean toward the mistress
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It's amazing the number of 1200 GS AND GSA For Sale ads that say "never taken it off road".

charlie264 · Jul 26, 2011

bdefen said: ↑

The latest issue of Motorcycle Consumer News has a nice comparison road/trail test of the new BMW 800GS and the Triumph Tiger XC.
You'll find it helpful.

Click to expand...

Supahflid · Jul 26, 2011

Adv Grifter said: ↑

Don't forget who is in charge of R&D and production of Husqvarna. Historically, Germans and Italians have never really been good partners in anything. I do have every hope for these new series of Husqvarna twins ... but have some doubts.

Are current Husky sales strong enough to support a new model? On the Internets everyone cheers and swears they'll buy this trick new 900 Husky. But will they really come through? I seriously doubt it. Many will go into "Wait And See" mode.

The Japanese have been burned by this unreliable, premature false enthusiasm ... and have had several models left standing on showroom floors.

I do agree that ".. ergonomics can be sorted". And this applies to the Tiger too. That's obvious after just ten minutes riding the XC Tiger. The good bones are there ... but BMW/Husky do have Triumph beat on fuel economy.

Think Triumph will be focusing on improving fuel economy in the next update of the 800 series? I'd bet on it.

I recently priced a new 990 Adventure R for an OTD (Out The Door) price.
Had a sit on the bike. What a beauty. I can't touch the ground unless I slide far to one side, then only on one foot on tip toes. Turning around on a narrow dirt trail could be a challenge! Lots of up high weight ... but riding is very good on street.

MSRP for the 2011 990 ADV (with ABS) is $14,999 USD. With tax (about 9%) freight and other charges, estimated OTD price is close to $18,000 USD. The Tiger 800 XC MSRP: $11,000. (add $800 for ABS)

OTD probably about $13,000 usd or so?

Roughly $5000 USD price difference between Tiger 800XC vs. KTM 990-R.
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I am new to KTM's, having just bought a 2011 990. Respectfully, I disagree on two of your points: 1) You can negotiate a better deal than you quoted on both the Tiger and 990; the spread might still be close to $5000.00, but I didn't pay nearly $18,000.00 for my KTM and it's a Dakar with a sticker of $15,500.00; 2) the LACK of high up weight in the 990 compared to the Tiger 800XC is exactly why I chose the 990. The 800XC feels a lot like the Tiger 1050 in weight distribution.

Adv Grifter · Jul 26, 2011

Supahflid said: ↑

I am new to KTM's, having just bought a 2011 990. Respectfully, I disagree on two of your points: 1) You can negotiate a better deal than you quoted on both the Tiger and 990; the spread might still be close to $5000.00, but I didn't pay nearly $18,000.00 for my KTM and it's a Dakar with a sticker of $15,500.00; 2) the LACK of high up weight in the 990 compared to the Tiger 800XC is exactly why I chose the 990. The 800XC feels a lot like the Tiger 1050 in weight distribution.
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There are about 100 new Tiger 800 buyers on the 800 Tiger thread here on ADV and on the UK 800 Tiger board. I've heard of EXACTLY ONE buyer who claims to have got a discount on his Tiger. ONE.

If you have info about dealers who are discounting Tiger 800's ... I'd love to hear it. (and so would dozens of current Tiger 800 shoppers ). Brand new models are rarely discounted by any OEM.

No idea what you got your KTM for ... I guess you guys pay no sales tax down South? My KTM riding buddies paid in the $17K to $18K ballpark for their new 990's. Although there are good deals on nice used ones. (like between $12K to $15K USD)

On top of the price of the bike, some spent another couple grand on accessories at point of sale. How many Add-Ons did you buy when you bought the bike?

Total OTD price after Add-Ons?

To me, the 990 feels bigger and more top heavy than the XC Tiger. But I have not ridden them back to back. That's the real test.

Have you actually ridden the Tiger XC? The KTM is about 3 inches taller than the Tiger at a standstill. Both bikes lighten up once on the move, but to me, the Tiger feels smaller overall than the KTM. Maybe it's the 40 lbs. to 50 lbs. weight difference? I know what a 990 weights ... cause I weighed one.

From the cockpit the 990 feels huge to me. Like a KLR. Big and Wide with lots of dashboard crap in your field of vision. I'm a dirt bike guy and prefer a clean look out front. The Tiger gives more of that.

Supahflid · Jul 26, 2011

Adv Grifter said: ↑

There are about 100 new Tiger 800 buyers on the 800 Tiger thread here on ADV and on the UK 800 Tiger board. I've heard of EXACTLY ONE buyer who claims to have got a discount on his Tiger. ONE.

If you have info about dealers who are discounting Tiger 800's ... I'd love to hear it. (and so would dozens of current Tiger 800 shoppers ). Brand new models are rarely discounted by any OEM.

No idea what you got your KTM for ... I guess you guys pay no sales tax down South? My KTM riding buddies paid in the $17K to $18K ballpark for their new 990's. Although there are good deals on nice used ones. (like between $12K to $15K USD)

On top of the price of the bike, some spent another couple grand on accessories at point of sale. How many Add-Ons did you buy when you bought the bike?

Total OTD price after Add-Ons?

To me, the 990 feels bigger and more top heavy than the XC Tiger. But I have not ridden them back to back. That's the real test.

Have you actually ridden the Tiger XC? The KTM is about 3 inches taller than the Tiger at a standstill. Both bikes lighten up once on the move, but to me, the Tiger feels smaller overall than the KTM. Maybe it's the 40 lbs. to 50 lbs. weight difference? I know what a 990 weights ... cause I weighed one.

From the cockpit the 990 feels huge to me. Like a KLR. Big and Wide with lots of dashboard crap in your field of vision. I'm a dirt bike guy and prefer a clean look out front. The Tiger gives more of that.
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Our local Triumph dealer doesn't give much off of MSRP. I bought a brand new Tiger 1050 three or four years ago from him; he did move a little, but not much. I spoke with him a couple of weeks ago about the 800XC after I test rode it, but we did not negotiate. I do not know if he would have been compelled to negotiate the price on them, but I damn sure would have asked for something less than MSRP and depending on his response would have had to decide to pay whatever.

I am not inclined to say publicly (not that you asked me to) what I paid for the KTM. I was merely disagreeing that the OTD price was $18,000.00. Mine wasn't; not even close. Oh and our sales tax is 7%.

Add ons? Oh yeah. I've been on a farkling tear for two days now. Of course I am adding on. Who doesn't? I would be doing the same if I had bought the 800XC.

I rode the 800XC about two weeks ago (there is a post, on this site, with pictures, of me and the bike if you feel the need to confirm the date) and the 990 last Wednesday. Is that close enough to back to back? (I think this is a point not worth arguing about really; I guess I was offering an alternative point of view to your assertion that the 990 was top heavy; apparently "MY" mileage may vary.)

So, yes, I did my homework. In fact, I had been contemplating buying a bike that would combine the Tiger 1050 and the KLR 650. I was waiting for a test ride on the 800XC before I made up mind. To me the 800XC was a lot like the 1050; TOP HEAVY!! Having ridden both the 800XC and the 990, I made my choice and so far I am happy with it.

As you said, you came from a dirt background. I didn't. As always, YMMV. Oh, and peace bro, I ain't trying to get your ire up!!!!!

Adv Grifter · Jul 26, 2011

No worries! The 990 is a great bike! Congrats on your new bike, hope it all goes well.

I have a 1050 Tiger also. It is a bit top heavy ... but I just didn't feel that as much on the XC, but it's lower and lighter, so maybe that was part of my perception.

One thing is clear: The KTM has a lot more immediate power on tap right off the bottom. The XC is soft down low by comparison but has a nice hit up the rev range; 180 degree different riding experience. Handling very different as well from what I remember of the 990. I like them both, could be happy with either.

wilmar13 · Jul 26, 2011

Adv Grifter said: ↑

No idea what you got your KTM for ... I guess you guys pay no sales tax down South?
Click to expand...

The only apples to apples way to compare price is OTD; WITHOUT TAX. It seems people either give total OTD (which has taxes) or negotiated price before fees and taxes. I paid xx,xxx OTD before sales tax is clear... I paid xx,xxx OTD tells me nothing unless I look up where you live and what the rate is, ask what your trade in was if you had one, if that affected tax rates, etc.

The Triumph dealer here adds in some sizeable fees like delivery, prep, etc. and it was pretty clear if I negotiated down to MSRP OTD before taxes I would be doing well. People like to brag that they got a good deal and they only paid say $14k for a $15k bike, but they neglect the $1500 in fees the dealer adds on... I think they must rely on this for income, especially for people that finance and are more concerned about the payment than the actual price. Not saying anyone here does this, just saying both price before taxes and fees, and total price including taxes and fees are useless since the fees and the taxes vary greatly... just take out taxes and then it is meaningful.

FWIW in NC you pay 3% tax on the sale and 1-2%(depending on where you live a combination of state, county, and city rates) of the value* ANNUALLY.
* this value is determined by the DMV to make KBB used dealer retail appear a bargain

Adv Grifter said: ↑

On top of the price of the bike, some spent another couple grand on accessories at point of sale. How many Add-Ons did you buy when you bought the bike?

Total OTD price after Add-Ons?
Click to expand...

how long is a rope?

Adv Grifter said: ↑

To me, the 990 feels bigger and more top heavy than the XC Tiger. But I have not ridden them back to back. That's the real test.

Have you actually ridden the Tiger XC? The KTM is about 3 inches taller than the Tiger at a standstill. Both bikes lighten up once on the move, but to me, the Tiger feels smaller overall than the KTM. Maybe it's the 40 lbs. to 50 lbs. weight difference? I know what a 990 weights ... cause I weighed one.
Click to expand...

The Tiger you sit "in" the KTM you sit "on" (at least the 950SE you do). That is actually part of what I hated about the Tiger as it seemed like a sport bike and I couldn't move around, but it is a personal preference and if you have shorter legs it is a definite plus for the Tiger.

40-50lb weight difference? Which one is lighter? Realistically aren't they both in spitting distance of 500lbs fully gassed up? OK to be consistent as above only give the KTM 5 gals of fuel...and then limit the HP to 90... and then give up suspension travel and adjustment... and....

Supahflid · Jul 26, 2011

wilmar13 said: ↑

The only apples to apples way to compare price is OTD; WITHOUT TAX. It seems people either give total OTD (which has taxes) or negotiated price before fees and taxes. I paid xx,xxx OTD before sales tax is clear... I paid xx,xxx OTD tells me nothing unless I look up where you live and what the rate is, ask what your trade in was if you had one, if that affected tax rates, etc.

The Triumph dealer here adds in some sizeable fees like delivery, prep, etc. and it was pretty clear if I negotiated down to MSRP OTD before taxes I would be doing well. People like to brag that they got a good deal and they only paid say $14k for a $15k bike, but they neglect the $1500 in fees the dealer adds on... I think they must rely on this for income, especially for people that finance and are more concerned about the payment than the actual price. Not saying anyone here does this, just saying both price before taxes and fees, and total price including taxes and fees are useless since the fees and the taxes vary greatly... just take out taxes and then it is meaningful.

FWIW in NC you pay 3% tax on the sale and 1-2%(depending on where you live a combination of state, county, and city rates) of the value* ANNUALLY.
* this value is determined by the DMV to make KBB used dealer retail appear a bargain
Click to expand...

Precisely. I negotiate OTD pricing INCLUDING tax, title, license and whatever goofy ass fees the dealer wants to charge. I'm not saying I got the best deal in the world, but the dealer did negotiate with me. Maybe sales are more brisk where ADVGrifter is from and the dealers there aren't inclined to sell for anything less than MSRP plus other fees.

Supahflid · Jul 26, 2011

Adv Grifter said: ↑

No worries! The 990 is a great bike! Congrats on your new bike, hope it all goes well.

I have a 1050 Tiger also. It is a bit top heavy ... but I just didn't feel that as much on the XC, but it's lower and lighter, so maybe that was part of my perception.

One thing is clear: The KTM has a lot more immediate power on tap right off the bottom. The XC is soft down low by comparison but has a nice hit up the rev range; 180 degree different riding experience. Handling very different as well from what I remember of the 990. I like them both, could be happy with either.
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I could see me on the 800XC, but the first big problem I had with it was the same as with the 1050; I was jammed up in to the tank! I really tried to make the 1050 more comfortable, but after three or four year, I just was ready to move on!

I too hope you enjoy the 800XC! I think Triumphs are great bikes!

charlie264 · Jul 27, 2011

One thing that makes the Tiger 800 a real attractive alternative over the 800 GS, well over here the Triumph motors are synonymous for bullet proof reliability and longevity. Not something I could say about the Rotax twin.

jnberr0 · Aug 4, 2011

Adv Grifter said: ↑

No idea what you got your KTM for ... I guess you guys pay no sales tax down South? My KTM riding buddies paid in the $17K to $18K ballpark for their new 990's. Although there are good deals on nice used ones. (like between $12K to $15K USD)

On top of the price of the bike, some spent another couple grand on accessories at point of sale. How many Add-Ons did you buy when you bought the bike?

Total OTD price after Add-Ons?

To me, the 990 feels bigger and more top heavy than the XC Tiger. But I have not ridden them back to back. That's the real test.

Have you actually ridden the Tiger XC? The KTM is about 3 inches taller than the Tiger at a standstill. Both bikes lighten up once on the move, but to me, the Tiger feels smaller overall than the KTM. Maybe it's the 40 lbs. to 50 lbs. weight difference? I know what a 990 weights ... cause I weighed one.

From the cockpit the 990 feels huge to me. Like a KLR. Big and Wide with lots of dashboard crap in your field of vision. I'm a dirt bike guy and prefer a clean look out front. The Tiger gives more of that.
Click to expand...

Just to add my 2 cents since I just shopped these two bikes. Background: I've owned both Triumph's (2005 Speed Triple) and KTM's (2005 950 ADV). Not that this makes me any kind of authority, but it does show that I have no crazy level of brand loyalty.

Anywho, the Tiger XC is definitely not three inches lower than a new (2011) 990R, even with the seat set in the lowest position. More like 1.9" to 1.1", depending on the seat setting of the Tiger. A standard 990 ADV has a nearly identical seat height as an 800XC, give or take a few t tenths.

Triumph did feel lighter, but certainly not by 40-50 lbs. I think the real weight diff. is closer to 20 lbs.

As for seating position and feel from the cockpit, I got the exact opposite feeling by sitting on the Tiger. It felt like everything was too high and too far out. The tank wraps around the top part of your legs like a sportbike, and the bars have a pulled-back, tiller feel to them. I suppose they could be rolled forward, but then they would be too far out for my stubby little arms. Also, as other guys have said, the seat on the Tiger kind of locks you into one riding position. As least, it felt that way to me on my test ride. Ergonomics is definitely something that I preferred on the KTM. The KTM feels far more dirtbike-esque in the saddle, IMHO.

Riding the Tiger, I liked it. I really liked it. Great motor, great ride, probably a better long-distance bike than the KTM, but also not nearly as fun. (Here's where you figure out where I went with this purchase!). After lots of back and forth, in the end, I decided to go back to a KTM. Bought a Dakar. Picking it up in about two hours.

In terms of pricing, there really isn't $5000 in difference, at least right now. Tiger's are a hot commodity and my dealer isn't dealing at all. And 800XC with ABS is gonna run right at MSRP right now ($11,800). Add in $600-900 in sales tax, plus another $500 or so in dealer fees, title fees, etc..., and you're just above $13,000, OTD.

I paid $15,100 for my Dakar, OTD, with all taxes and fees included. Then I got some Gobi's and mounting rack (far superior, IMHO, than the Triumph factory luggage), for half off using a KTM VIP card I got for doing a test ride.

So $15,600 for the Dakar model plus luggage. The Triumph, with factory luggage, would have been over $14,000, I believe. So the real-world difference, right now, is closer to $1500-2500, depending on the deal you get, taxes, etc...

Both bikes are ridiculously good, and both will have their passionate fan bases. I'm sure I'll wonder what owning a Tiger would have been like, but for now, I just wanna ride my KTM!!

Supahflid · Aug 4, 2011

jnberr0 said: ↑

Just to add my 2 cents since I just shopped these two bikes. Background: I've owned both Triumph's (2005 Speed Triple) and KTM's (2005 950 ADV). Not that this makes me any kind of authority, but it does show that I have no crazy level of brand loyalty.

Anywho, the Tiger XC is definitely not three inches lower than a new (2011) 990R, even with the seat set in the lowest position. More like 1.9" to 1.1", depending on the seat setting of the Tiger. A standard 990 ADV has a nearly identical seat height as an 800XC, give or take a few t tenths.

Triumph did feel lighter, but certainly not by 40-50 lbs. I think the real weight diff. is closer to 20 lbs.

As for seating position and feel from the cockpit, I got the exact opposite feeling by sitting on the Tiger. It felt like everything was too high and too far out. The tank wraps around the top part of your legs like a sportbike, and the bars have a pulled-back, tiller feel to them. I suppose they could be rolled forward, but then they would be too far out for my stubby little arms. Also, as other guys have said, the seat on the Tiger kind of locks you into one riding position. As least, it felt that way to me on my test ride. Ergonomics is definitely something that I preferred on the KTM. The KTM feels far more dirtbike-esque in the saddle, IMHO.

Riding the Tiger, I liked it. I really liked it. Great motor, great ride, probably a better long-distance bike than the KTM, but also not nearly as fun. (Here's where you figure out where I went with this purchase!). After lots of back and forth, in the end, I decided to go back to a KTM. Bought a Dakar. Picking it up in about two hours.

In terms of pricing, there really isn't $5000 in difference, at least right now. Tiger's are a hot commodity and my dealer isn't dealing at all. And 800XC with ABS is gonna run right at MSRP right now ($11,800). Add in $600-900 in sales tax, plus another $500 or so in dealer fees, title fees, etc..., and you're just above $13,000, OTD.

I paid $15,100 for my Dakar, OTD, with all taxes and fees included. Then I got some Gobi's and mounting rack (far superior, IMHO, than the Triumph factory luggage), for half off using a KTM VIP card I got for doing a test ride.

So $15,600 for the Dakar model plus luggage. The Triumph, with factory luggage, would have been over $14,000, I believe. So the real-world difference, right now, is closer to $1500-2500, depending on the deal you get, taxes, etc...

Both bikes are ridiculously good, and both will have their passionate fan bases. I'm sure I'll wonder what owning a Tiger would have been like, but for now, I just wanna ride my KTM!!
Click to expand...

Good observations and it sounds like you got a really good deal! I just think the KTM is the shiznizzy! One piece of advice: if your dealer is like mine, they don't keep a lot of parts in stock for this bike. I need to do the first oil change, but I had to order the screens and filters; they won't be here until next week, so there she sits all lonely and unused! Go ahead and order your oil filters!

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