Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally PRO 2022 vs. KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

The Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally PRO 2022 and the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 are both powerful and capable adventure motorcycles.

In terms of engine and drivetrain, the Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally PRO features an inline 3-cylinder engine with a displacement of 1160cc, producing 150 horsepower and 130 Nm of torque. It has an electric start and a shaft drive transmission. On the other hand, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S is equipped with a V2 engine with a displacement of 1301cc, delivering 160 horsepower and 138 Nm of torque. It also has an electric start but uses a chain drive transmission.

Both motorcycles have high-quality suspension systems. The Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally PRO comes with a Showa telescopic fork with 49mm diameter and 220mm of travel in the front, and a Showa monoshock with 220mm of travel in the rear. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S features a WP telescopic fork with 48mm diameter and 200mm of travel in the front, and a WP monoshock with 200mm of travel in the rear. Both suspensions offer adjustable compression, preload, and rebound settings.

In terms of chassis, the Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally PRO has a steel tubular frame with a rake of 66.3 degrees. On the other hand, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S features a chromium-molybdenum tubular frame with a rake of 65.3 degrees.

Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally PRO 2022

Both motorcycles are equipped with powerful Brembo dual disc brakes in the front. However, the Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally PRO does not specify the diameter of the front discs, while the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S has a 19-inch front wheel and 170mm wide rear tire.

In terms of advanced rider assistance systems, both motorcycles offer electronic suspension adjustment, riding modes, cornering ABS, cruise control, and traction control. The Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally PRO also features hill start assist, keyless ignition, and heated grips. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S has a comprehensive electronic package and a clear 7-inch TFT display.

In terms of dimensions and weights, both motorcycles have a similar wheelbase of 1560mm. The Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally PRO has a seat height ranging from 875mm to 895mm, while the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S has a seat height ranging from 849mm to 869mm. The Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally PRO weighs 249kg with ABS, while the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S weighs 243kg with ABS.

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

In terms of fuel capacity, the Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally PRO has a 20-liter fuel tank, offering a range of 392km and a combined fuel consumption of 5.1l/100km. On the other hand, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S has a larger 23-liter fuel tank, offering a range of 416km and a combined fuel consumption of 5.7l/100km.

Both motorcycles are equipped with modern features such as LED headlights, adjustable windshields, and TFT displays. The Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally PRO also offers Bluetooth connectivity, while the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S has additional cornering lights.

In terms of strengths, the Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally PRO offers a comfortable and relaxed riding position, good wind protection, advanced electronics, extensive equipment, powerful brakes, a responsive semi-active chassis, good range, and a quick gearbox. On the other hand, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S offers a sporty yet refined V2 powertrain, extremely accessible handling despite its weight, comfortable riding position, good brakes including cornering ABS, a comprehensive electronic package, and a clear and well-structured instrumentation with a large 7-inch display.

In terms of weaknesses, the Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally PRO may not perform well at low revs, the large TFT screen could be better utilized, it may have some load change reactions at low revs, and it may be too tall for riders with short legs. On the other hand, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S may have somewhat slow turning behavior in corners, opaque packaging design and pricing policy, and the instrument panels and switches may not seem to be of great quality.