snakebitten said:
While at first glance I did see the similarity, and I even like how the AT looks, I'd have to stop short of claiming the Honda is a close match in design.
In fact, I'll give credit to Honda for NOT duplicating any of the existing Big Pig ADV bikes. Under close scrutiny, it appears to me they very much presented their own recipe.
I'm amazed how each and every bike in this genre is very much unique. (Other than the strong DNA sharing between the GS & GSA)
A potential buyer of these bikes really does have the burden of deciding between considerable differentiation between the brands.
I think it's a good thing too!
There's stuff I like about each and every one of them. But it is far from a closed eyes eeniemeeniemineemoe point and buy choice.
(like say, all 5 colors of 450 motocrossers would be)
Honda did their own thing. I'm glad it has no beak. For me it would come down to riding one. Still didn't get a chance, as they were in short supply up here.
But talking to guys that I ride with, the concensus is:
similar power to a base tenere, not as good on road (bigger 21 inch rim) much much better off road.
I'm interested in the honda, but not drooling over it. Tubed tires need an outex conversion. It could use a touch more oomph on road (easily sorted by adding an arrow pipe without a cat) The suspension is basic. Honda did an odd ball thing with the front forks (45mm dia.) They are ok apparently, but for hard chargers, it would need a serious look in. Furter more, the AT, has jumped in price by $400 from 2016 to 2017. Honda plans to hike the price by another grand by 2018.
What's really interesting is the new KTM 1090. Proper suspension (48mm), good power (125hp) low weight. Not easy to work on (taking the tank off a 1190 is a royal PITA)
and reliability is a question., and they are fitted with tubed tires (again, Outex conversion) That said, they lowered the price to $15500 Canadian Pesos.
http://www.ktm.com/ca-en/travel/1090-adventure-r/
I'm waiting patiently for the T7. My rebuild blue beast should now be good for at least 110hp (2016 pistons, rings, ecu flash, full arrow 8) ) So it can easily keep me entertained till the T7 shows.