Triumph VS KTM

HeliMark

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The Connectivity Module is an add-on dongle which acts as a Bluetooth router, so the TFT display can control phone calls, nav directions, and control music being played. It get mixed reviews at best, partly because the dealer has to make some software changes, then the phone needs Google Maps, then the phone has to have the My Triumph app, ......
Sounds f-d up to me.

Under the passenger seat of the 1200 there's a plastic case with a teeny bit of foam and USB outlet that you're supposed to put your phone in. While I loved the bike, that had to be one of the most stupid ideas I've seen in a long time.
On the upside, next to the 1200 instrument display they upgraded from the usual cheap cigarette lighter (3 amps in the Super Tenere) to a 15 amp Powerlett outlet. You could run a heated jacket liner and gloves with that much.
I have the module on my bike, came as part of the package. I am not sure why Triumph thinks it is great. If you figure out how to use the nav part, it doesn't give any graphics. Never tried any of the other stuff, as I have the Garmin XT to do the music and such.

The 900 also has the small tray for a phone, a number of people pull it out and use the space for a power distribution block. Never figured out why you would want your phone under a locked seat, especially if you crash.
 

fac191

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I have the module on my bike, came as part of the package. I am not sure why Triumph thinks it is great. If you figure out how to use the nav part, it doesn't give any graphics. Never tried any of the other stuff, as I have the Garmin XT to do the music and such.

The 900 also has the small tray for a phone, a number of people pull it out and use the space for a power distribution block. Never figured out why you would want your phone under a locked seat, especially if you crash.
Garmin XT is great. Love mine.
 

Dirt_Dad

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If you figure out how to use the nav part, it doesn't give any graphics. Never tried any of the other stuff, as I have the Garmin XT to do the music and such.
Sounds a lot like the KTM and BMW on bike navigation. My experience is it's mostly useless.

For some reason the app necessary to use the KTM nav costs $8. It's way overpriced. Best review I read of the app said, "everyone associated with this app should be fired." I understood completely.
 

HeliMark

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Sounds a lot like the KTM and BMW on bike navigation. My experience is it's mostly useless.

For some reason the app necessary to use the KTM nav costs $8. It's way overpriced. Best review I read of the app said, "everyone associated with this app should be fired." I understood completely.
I think they all use the same programmers, useless. Triumph app is free, but I think they should pay you to use it.

I like that the new 890 has a steering damper from the factory. I also like that they have a mounting place for your GPS, with switched power wires already at it.
 

Dirt_Dad

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Yes, it was a great Easter egg discovering a set of hot and relayed wires behind the headlights of the SAS. Easiest motorcycle wiring I've ever done.
 

Checkswrecks

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Interesting video comparing a dad's Triumph 1200 and son's KTM 1290, with the real comparison discussion starting about 17:15.

Quotes:

KTM feels more balanced at low speed. First thing you feel [on the KTM] is the engine...kinda thumping noise. Compared to Dad's bike which is much smoother the first thing you feel is the engine [on the KTM].

I think I'd buy that over a GS shish is what they [Triumph] were aiming for. I prefer that [Triumph] to a current GS1250.

[Goes around a curve on the KTM, hits the gas, the front comes up] The KTM is a knob machine. It's a proper knob machine. When you're a little more of a child like I am you'll prefer this, but this compares more to the Multi Strada and the 1000XR [BMW]. The Tiger competes directly with the GS and that Tiger is better than the GS.

[On the KTM] You feel the vibrations a lot more than on Dads bike.

That's [Triumph] effortless to ride and this [KTM] is a blast.

 

Dirt_Dad

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I didn't watch the whole thing yet, but did from the 17:15 mark. Maybe if I rode the Triumph I could then find vibration in my SAS, but that's hard to imagine. I just don't feel any vibration in it. His statement, "When you're a little more of a child like I am you'll prefer this ", I get it. But at my age I'm far from a child...somehow the SAS turns me into a child-like rider. Full of excitement and playful aggression. I say it all the time...it's a damn time-machine. I just feel younger on the SAS.

Come on, CW....please buy the Triumph. You know it's the right bike for you...and I really want to ride yours. :)
 

Donk

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I like that the new 890 has a steering damper from the factory. I also like that they have a mounting place for your GPS, with switched power wires already at it.
890 has always had a factory steering damper and wires for accessories both switched and hot behind TFT unit.

After riding the 890 I always notice vibration when I get back on the 1290. Not bad but it's there.
All engines have harmonics twins tend to vibrate inline 4s tend to buzz. triples used to be smooth but I don't get Triumphs new crank and firing order. I think they may have ruined what made a triple a triple.
The Triumph has always been long on comfort. Probably has the second best quick shifter and tranny I've ever felt, Panigale being number one. I rode an '18 the same time I was thinking of buying the Super Adventure and I actually liked it better out of the box.
 
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Checkswrecks

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... I don't get Triumphs new crank and firing order. I think they may have ruined what made a triple a triple.
...
The older triple had the same problem as a 4 cylinder and even a normal twin. The shorter time between power pulses resulted in the rubber having less time to apply the power pulse, so they lost traction. Yamaha fixed this in the Tenere with the 270 degree crank, creating a short then long power pulse which it worked and Triumph's doing the same with their triple to improve off-road and gravel performance. It's something owners of earlier triples said could be improved.
 

Dirt_Dad

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After riding the 890 I always notice vibration when I get back on the 1290. Not bad but it's there.
So if I'm tracking, you're saying the 890 is both quicker and smoother than the 1290. That is an astonishing claim. You certainly know how to build anticipation, Donk.

I do hope to independently verify these assertions in the near future. Expectations keep building higher and higher.
 

Donk

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Quicker not faster and yes the 890 is a pretty smooth engine. I don't think the 1290 is bad it's just different and you can feel it. The 790 was buzzy with a much lighter crank but none of that carried over to the 890. I have both there must be a reason I ride the 890 a lot more than the 1290.
 

Checkswrecks

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Saw this on the big forum and had to chuckle. We've all been there in finding the cause to be something WE did and it was incredibly simple.

Also that it was a pair of KLR riders bailing out the KTM 1190. ;)

 

Dirt_Dad

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That has been my KTM experience. Every single time I thought the bike had an issue, it turned out to be an owner caused issue.

They are rock solid reliable bikes. Unfortunately, throw in an owner like me and issues are going to crop up.
 

fac191

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Nice bike but the taking the wheel off bit sounds a bit much. The new one looks much less bulky more like fhe 900.
 

audiowize

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My two feelings of greatest relief while motorcycling have been...

1. Standing up after a pretty nasty crash last labor day weekend and realizing I was completely unscathed.
2. Finding someone to buy my KTM 1190 ADV R.

For someone who is going to buy a new bike, pay for dealer servicing, then sell it in 5 years, the KTM and the Triumph will make a lot of sense.

A local friend of mine is dead set on getting a Tiger 1200 and looked at a 2018 last weekend at a dealership with 7,000 miles on it on the way to drop me off to pick up my Tenere. It didn't take much of a test ride to realize certain functions on the bike didn't work, pressing certain buttons threw error messages up on the screen, the maintenance light was on (the dealership couldn't get it to turn off). This sure reminded me of my KTM!
 

Sierra1

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. . . . For someone who is going to buy a new bike, pay for dealer servicing, then sell it in 5 years, the KTM and the Triumph will make a lot of sense. . . .
After living with the 1150RT for seven years & 60K miles, I said the same thing. Beemers are great as long as you trade them in at the end of the warranty. Ft. Worth PD trades theirs every two years.
 

Checkswrecks

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My two feelings of greatest relief while motorcycling have been...

1. Standing up after a pretty nasty crash last labor day weekend and realizing I was completely unscathed.
2. Finding someone to buy my KTM 1190 ADV R.

For someone who is going to buy a new bike, pay for dealer servicing, then sell it in 5 years, the KTM and the Triumph will make a lot of sense.

A local friend of mine is dead set on getting a Tiger 1200 and looked at a 2018 last weekend at a dealership with 7,000 miles on it on the way to drop me off to pick up my Tenere. It didn't take much of a test ride to realize certain functions on the bike didn't work, pressing certain buttons threw error messages up on the screen, the maintenance light was on (the dealership couldn't get it to turn off). This sure reminded me of my KTM!
There's virtually nothing common between the 2022 Tiger 1200s and those of earlier years. Not afraid of the maintenance and we have a good dealer in the area for anything I'm not willing to work on. Great bike that I'd like to have but the Tenere stills runs well and I already own it so don't need to tie up how much cash the Tiger would cost.
 

Dirt_Dad

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Sounds like a very promising bike...you should buy it.

There's virtually nothing common between the 2022 Tiger 1200s and those of earlier years. Not afraid of the maintenance and we have a good dealer in the area for anything I'm not willing to work on. Great bike that I'd like to have but the Tenere stills runs well and I already own it so don't need to tie up how much cash the Tiger would cost.
You're down one dealer in the area. Fredericktown got out of the Triumph game. Fortunately, Romney got in the game.

You should buy it. :)
 
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