In this test, the Honda Africa Twin came out on top. Off road, the KTM is now on par with, if not better than, the Honda, but on the road, it falls short.
Despite the fact that the Honda lacks the pizazz of the KTM, it performs admirably. The TC is straightforward to use, the dash is easy to see, the engine and gearbox are excellent, the suspension is fantastic on the road, and the KTM is just barely behind when things turn nasty on dirt.”
Where does KTM outdo Honda?
The all-new Honda Africa Twin shook up the big-bore adventure bike business last year. It combines all-day comfort, looks, strong suspension, and a terrific engine in one incredibly capable package at a reasonable price. KTM has unveiled the new 1090 Adventure R after a year.
The Honda excels on the road, with the parallel-twin engine’s power delivery providing a silky smooth ride that’s ideal for cruising. On the other hand, testers believe the KTM seems on the road “like a caged animal,” which isn’t where its genuine heart lies.
The KTM comes alive when you put the two on the dirt, especially when the going becomes tough thanks to the new PDS shock. It can handle rocks, drops, ruts, and other obstacles better than the Honda since it has more ground clearance. Quinn Cody, a KTM development rider, raced a modified version of this bike to a respectable 33rd place finish in the Red Bull Romaniacs, demonstrating the bike’s capability.
Is KTM as trustworthy as Honda?
Yes, it most certainly is. As more adventure riders like us take on increasingly difficult routes, we want bikes that are sleeker, lighter, and more performance-oriented to handle the abuse we put them through. Furthermore, we want dual-sport, street-legal bikes that we can lawfully ride from point A to point B. We also need something we can use in events that now require participants to ride bikes that are street-legal.
In the meantime, KTM has met demand with its creative, street-legal dual-sport alternatives, but Honda has been sluggish to respond. Sure, there’s the Honda CRF250L Rally. But, as detractors have pointed out, the 250 is heavier, has less power, and has a suspension setup meant for a rider weighing no more than 120 pounds.
Honda enthusiasts will be waiting in anticipation till the new bike becomes widely accessible to see if it lives up to the expectation. When critics compare Honda vs. KTM dirt bikes, can this new model finally place Honda on a level keel? Looking at the specifications might be the only way of understanding this.
Is KTM superior to Yamaha?
It all depends on who uses it and where they use it. Both the Yamaha and the KTM are practically race-ready right out of the box. With handguards and a larger fuel tank, the KTM is a little pricier. The Yamaha lacks hand protection but does have a skid plate, which the KTM does not.
Each bike has its own unique qualities and features. Knowing and understanding these characteristics can help you decide which bike is best for you. Even though both bikes are nearly identical in any kind of real-world comparison test, the KTM feels like it puts out a lot more power in a very torquey style.
The Yamaha’s engine is far more responsive, revving quickly and providing excellent throttle to rear wheel communication. Yes, the Yamaha weighs about 20 pounds more than the Honda!
When it comes to durability, both brands are at the top of the list. The rear shock on our KTM developed a problem and was replaced under warranty. If we had to choose a winner, we would give the Yamaha the edge because it is a more versatile bike.
Is KTM owned by Kawasaki?
No. Pierer Mobility.AG, the largest stakeholder, owns 51.7 percent of the company, while Bajaj Auto Limited International Holdings B.V owns 47.99 percent. KTM Sportmotorcycle AG was the previous name for KTM AG. Pierer Mobility AG and Indian manufacturer Bajaj Auto hold KTM AG, an Austrian motorcycle and sports car manufacturer.
The company was founded in 1992, but its roots may be traced back to 1934. KTM AG is now the parent company of the KTM Group, which includes several motorcycle brands. Off-road motorcycles are what KTM is known for (enduro, motocross and supermoto). It has grown into street motorbike production and the development of sports automobiles, such as the X-Bow, since the late 1990s.
KTM sold almost as many city bikes as off-road bikes in 2015. KTM has been Europe’s largest motorcycle manufacturer for four years in a row, starting in 2012. The firm is one of the most well-known off-road motorbike manufacturers in the world.
Are KTM hard to maintain?
When purchasing a large bike, it’s critical to factor in the expense of maintenance and repairs. In this situation, the KTM will be the most expensive to maintain because it is the most technologically advanced. The 390 Duke’s oil change intervals are only 5,000 kilometers long. If you ride harder, however, it is recommended that you have your service done sooner.
An oil change at a KTM Service Center, on the other hand, can cost between P3,000 and P4,000. Another piece of advice: if you’re acquiring the 390 Duke as your first large bike, make sure it’s equipped with frame sliders or crash guards. These protect all of the essential components in the case of a tip over.
Replacement body panels for this bike are not only pricey, but they may also be difficult to come by. This is because, components shipping from India and even Austria take anywhere from 30 to 90 days.
Conclusion
Overall, when it comes to value for money, the KTM 390 Duke is an excellent pick. It is, without a doubt, one of the most enjoyable motorcycles available, and it appears like the engineers and designers at KTM developed it with enjoyment in mind. This bike, however, is not without flaws. It’s the priciest bike in its class, both in terms of purchase price and maintenance costs.
It’s also neither the smoothest nor most comfy, thanks to its powerful thumper, which may become quite hot. However, when everything is said and done, this bike is a riot on two wheels!
