Triumph Tiger 1200 Gt Pro Vs. Ktm 1290 Super Adventure S 2022

I just read this new article. I translated the main parts from German to English. Enjoy reading!

British claws against Austrian V-Power!


Should the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S already be old hat after just one year?! The new Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Pro is considerably lighter, stronger and technically upgraded compared to its predecessor - but is that enough to put the powerful Upper Austrian in her place?

The fact that Triumph sticks to the in-line three-cylinder in many models is by no means a mistake, because above all the 1200cc three-cylinder, known from and popular in the current Speed Triple 1200 RS / RR also cuts an excellent figure in the new Tiger 1200 GT Pro with its 1160 cubic capacity. Downsized from 180 to 150 hp at 9000 revs, but equipped with a powerful torque of 130 Newton meters at 7000 rpm, the jaunty Englishwoman actually does everything right. If it weren't for the inimitably superior and at the same time fun V2 engine of the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S! Also at KTM this mighty engine with gigantic 1301 cubic capacity in the models 1290 Super Duke R and GT can lift up to 180 hp, but for the SA S it is only slimmed down by 20 to 160 hp at 8750 rpm and a massive 138 Newton meters of torque at 6750 rpm remain. The difference of 10 hp and 8 Newton meters may not seem like too much, but the engine of the KTM is simply wonderful on the throttle, especially in the mid-range with a thrust that is enormous and yet remains controllable.

In terms of smoothness and semi-active chassis, KTM and Triumph don't give each other much.
Even in terms of smoothness, the KTM's V2 doesn't show any decisive weaknesses, since the Triumph engine with its T-plane crankshaft offset wants to resemble a two-cylinder anyway and even allows a surprising amount of vibrations to reach the rider. You have to like it at low revs for the Triumph to show its advantage with the three cylinders, because the smoother running below 2500 rpm is undeniable. When it comes to the chassis, the two Europeans don't give each other too much; after all, both the Tiger 1200 GT Pro and the 1290 SA S rely on a semi-active chassis. In the case of the Triumph from Showa, in the case of the KTM from WP, both systems offer so many, above all easily understandable, adjustment options that all preferences from comfort to sport are catered for.

The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S is a bit more agile
The fact that the KTM nevertheless seems a little more agile and light-footed must probably be due to its tank, which is pulled down far on both sides. Because the weight difference of just five kilos in favor of the KTM (Triumph 251 kg fully tanked, the KTM 246 kg) should not really be noticeable. It is even more surprising when you consider that the Triumph relies on a narrower and therefore actually more maneuverable Metzeler Tourance Next tire in the rear in the format 150/70-18, while the KTM relies on a relatively thick Mitas TerraForce-R in the format 170/60-17. When it comes to the front tires, however, the two are again in agreement, both using the golden mean between 17 and 21 inches, a 120/70-19.

The Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Pro offers brute braking power
The KTM is more suited to very tight cornering, while the Triumph tends to like wider radiuses and shines on the whole with a great deal of comfort on longer trips. Not that the KTM is not a good touring bike, but the seat is definitely harder and a passenger has more room on the Triumph. In addition, the Tiger 1200 still relies on a low-maintenance cardan drive and is thus recommended for all long-distance travelers who don't want the hassle of chain maintenance. However, Triumph's finest hour comes with the brakes, which show that the Brit is oriented towards the best in this segment and really draws on the full range. Because the Brembo Stylema grabs so violently that a few years ago probably still Superbikes would have been happy about it. However, not at all unpleasantly brute, but simply extremely powerful, stable and easy to dose. That sounds now as if the KTM had a bad brake, in truth it is complaining on very, very high level, because also the Brembo system of the KTM is extremely precise and grabs also really strongly. Not quite as vehement as on the Triumph, but some will rightly ask themselves how brutal the brakes on a touring enduro must or may be.

The electronic aids are extensive on KTM and Triumph
The two touring enduros don't have exactly the same electronic features, but each offers so much that both can be called fully equipped. Huge 7-inch color TFT displays with extensive connectivity, lean angle-dependent traction control, cornering ABS, various riding modes, full LED lighting, heated grips and keyless systems are standard on both. The KTM also has ACC, an adaptive, radar-based cruise control system that magically keeps its distance from the car in front and even brakes down on its own. The modern quickshifter with blipper, i.e. also for downshifting, is again only standard on the Triumph; on the KTM it costs just under 400 euros extra, but this makes it even more incomprehensible that it is not included as standard. But you should not do without it, because the one on the KTM works so well and easily that it puts the just good quickshifter on the Tiger 1200 GT Pro in the shade.

Conclusion tester 1 on Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Pro vs. KTM 1290 Super Adventure S:
The all-new Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Pro is tremendously lighter and stronger compared to its predecessor, but slightly weaker and even heavier compared to the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S. The difference is not so striking that the KTM would be immediately better, yet the Austrian presents itself somewhat more agile and manageable than the Brit. Above all, the V2 engine of the KTM is even more powerful and bulbous in the mid-range than the already very powerful Triumph. On the big trip, however, the Briton is likely to strike again, as it offers a bit more comfort, more space for the passenger and a low-maintenance cardan drive. In terms of the braking system, there is hardly any other touring enduro that can compete with it; at best, the Ducati Multistrada V4 is a rival worth mentioning. The KTM is the better choice for those who want a particularly sporty and powerful touring enduro, but it can't really stand out from the Triumph, which offers even better braking and more comfort.

Conclusion Tester 2 on the Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Pro vs. the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S:
The lightweights among the large touring enduros compete in a duel, although of course this term should not be taken too literally. The two weigh in at around 250 kg each. All the more surprising, then, how playfully the Tiger and Super Adventure can be moved. In tight terrain, the KTM succeeds a bit better, while in wider radiuses, the Triumph has the edge with its harmonious handling. Unfortunately, the footpegs of the big Tiger set relatively early and thus prevent an even sportier handling. The Triumph's three-cylinder engine is characterized by a very harmonious power delivery and offers enough power in all situations. In higher speed regions, it catapults the pilot forward with an infernal roar - a power spectacle right up to the limiter. The giant V2 in the KTM, on the other hand, is somewhat more impetuous with incredible punch from below. It also revs up willingly, although this is not at all necessary for rapid propulsion. The semi-active suspensions of both motorcycles are more than worthy of the upper class and allow the change between comfortable sedan and sporty-tight cornering predator within a fraction of a second. The entire electronic system leaves nothing to be desired: heated seats, radar-assisted cruise control. Radar-based cruise control desired? No problem, it's standard on the Tiger GT Pro and Super Adveture S! Only the material appearance of the KTM's buttons and the Triumph's quickshifter spoil the excellent overall impression. Nevertheless, crazy travel motorcycles that need not shy away from any comparison!