Are you torn between the Honda Africa Twin and the KTM 890? You’re not alone. Many riders face this tough choice when looking for the perfect adventure bike. Both models promise thrilling rides and impressive capabilities, but they cater to different styles and preferences.
Key Takeaways
- Different Riding Styles: The Honda Africa Twin is best suited for long-distance touring with a comfortable ride, while the KTM 890 excels in agility and performance on technical trails.
- Engine Specifications: The Africa Twin features a 1,084cc engine delivering 101 hp, while the KTM 890 has an 889cc engine producing 105 hp, offering lively acceleration.
- Weight and Handling: The Africa Twin weighs around 505 lbs for stability, compared to the KTM 890’s 455 lbs, making the KTM more maneuverable in challenging terrains.
- Advanced Technology: Both bikes come equipped with modern technology; the Africa Twin has multiple riding modes and a larger TFT display, while the KTM features cornering ABS and a responsive TFT screen.
- Pricing and Value: The Honda Africa Twin starts around $14,000, focusing on comfort and durability, whereas the KTM 890 begins at approximately $12,200, highlighting performance and a sportier experience.
- Comfort and Ergonomics: The Africa Twin offers plush seating for long rides, whereas the KTM 890’s design promotes aggressive maneuverability, catering to different rider preferences.
Overview of Honda Africa Twin Vs KTM 890
The Honda Africa Twin and KTM 890 cater to different rider preferences while offering exceptional performance. Each bike excels in specific areas.
Honda Africa Twin
- Weight and Comfort: The Africa Twin, weighing around 505 lbs, offers a balanced ride. Its comfortable seating position suits long-distance touring.
- Engine and Power: This bike features a 1,084cc parallel-twin engine that delivers 100 horsepower. It’s capable of off-road and on-road adventures.
- Technology: With adjustable traction control and multiple riding modes, the Africa Twin enhances the riding experience. It includes a 6.5-inch TFT display for easy navigation and connectivity.
- Suspension: The adjustable Showa suspension absorbs bumps effectively, providing a smooth ride across diverse terrains.
KTM 890
- Weight and Maneuverability: The KTM 890 weighs about 455 lbs, making it lighter and more agile. It shines in technical off-road situations thanks to its nimble handling.
- Engine and Power: The 890 boasts a 889cc parallel-twin engine with 105 horsepower. It offers spirited acceleration and a thrilling ride.
- Technology: KTM integrates advanced features such as cornering ABS and traction control. The 5-inch TFT display enhances visibility and functionality for riders.
- Suspension: The WP suspension adjusts easily for different riding conditions, providing excellent performance both on and off the pavement.
- Design Intent: The Africa Twin emphasizes long-distance comfort and stability, while the KTM 890 focuses on agility and thrill in challenging terrains.
- Ride Characteristics: The Africa Twin’s heavier build accommodates comfort, while the KTM 890’s lightweight design enhances maneuverability.
- Technology Features: Both bikes offer modern technology, but the Africa Twin’s extensive riding modes provide more adaptability for various conditions.
Choosing between these two models hinges on your riding style and intended use. Consider your preference for comfort versus agility to make an informed decision.
Performance Comparison
The performance of the Honda Africa Twin and KTM 890 directly impacts your riding experience. Both bikes deliver robust capabilities, each focused on different terrains and rider needs.
Engine Specifications
The Honda Africa Twin features a 1,084cc parallel-twin engine, producing approximately 101 horsepower and 77 lb-ft of torque. This setup excels in delivering smooth power across various RPMs, making long-distance journeys comfortable. The adjustable traction control enhances stability on different surfaces.
The KTM 890, with its 889cc parallel-twin engine, generates about 105 horsepower and 73 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides lively acceleration, perfect for quick maneuvers on technical trails. The slightly higher power-to-weight ratio gives the KTM a spirited edge in off-road scenarios.
| Model | Engine Displacement | Horsepower | Torque |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honda Africa Twin | 1,084cc | 101 hp | 77 lb-ft |
| KTM 890 | 889cc | 105 hp | 73 lb-ft |
Handling and Ride Quality
Handling and ride quality differentiate these models significantly. The Honda Africa Twin, weighing about 505 lbs, offers a planted feel, which aids stability on rough terrain and during long rides. Its suspension system allows for smooth bumps and absorbs shocks well, ensuring comfort on extended trips.
The KTM 890 is lighter at approximately 455 lbs, resulting in agile handling. Riders enjoy quick turns and tight cornering, enhancing your experience in challenging off-road conditions. The suspension settings accommodate varying terrains, making the ride lively and responsive.
Both bikes feature an adjustable suspension, allowing you to tailor the ride to personal preferences. Consider your primary riding style and terrain when evaluating the handling and ride quality of each model.
Design and Ergonomics
The choice between the Honda Africa Twin and the KTM 890 encompasses both design aesthetics and ergonomic features that cater to different rider preferences.
Aesthetic Appeal
The Honda Africa Twin showcases a rugged yet elegant look, featuring a traditional adventure bike stance with its tall windscreen, prominent fuel tank, and aggressive bodywork. Its design emphasizes functionality and comfort, appealing to those who appreciate classic adventure styling.
The KTM 890, in contrast, flaunts a modern and sporty design with sharp angles and bold graphics. The use of lightweight materials and minimalistic lines enhances its agility, capturing the attention of those seeking a contemporary adventure bike. Both designs highlight their distinct identities, showcasing the manufacturers’ philosophies.
Comfort Features
Comfort defines the riding experience of both bikes. The Africa Twin provides plush seating and ample legroom, making it suitable for long distances. The adjustable windscreen contributes to rider comfort, directing airflow effectively during extended rides. A well-cushioned seat helps reduce fatigue, enhancing your overall ride.
The KTM 890 prioritizes a sporty stance with a narrower seat and slightly more aggressive ergonomics. While it offers less plushness compared to the Africa Twin, the seat design promotes better control during agile maneuvers. The handlebars are positioned for a confident grip, aiding in precision when navigating technical trails.
Both motorcycles feature handlebars and footpeg positions that can be adjusted, allowing you to tailor your riding posture for comfort. The Africa Twin’s configuration excels in long-haul comfort, while the KTM 890 supports a more involved riding style.
Technology and Features
Both the Honda Africa Twin and the KTM 890 offer advanced technology and features that enhance your riding experience. Understanding these aspects helps in making an informed choice.
Instrumentation and Connectivity
The Africa Twin comes equipped with a TFT display that offers clear visibility in various lighting conditions. This display provides essential information such as speed, fuel consumption, and ride modes. Bluetooth connectivity allows you to connect to your smartphone for navigation and music control.
The KTM 890 features a full-color TFT screen as well, which delivers an intuitive layout and multiple display options. This display can connect to your phone via Bluetooth too, offering navigation prompts directly on the screen. Both bikes support USB charging ports, making it easy to keep your devices powered on long rides.
Safety Features
The Africa Twin includes several safety features such as selectable riding modes and cornering ABS. These assist in maintaining control on varying surfaces and in different weather conditions. The traction control system enhances stability, particularly in off-road scenarios.
The KTM 890 also prioritizes safety with its lean-sensitive ABS, allowing for effective braking while leaning into curves. Additionally, the off-road mode lets you disable ABS on the rear wheel, improving maneuverability on rough trails. Both models ensure a safer ride, making them excellent choices for adventure touring.
Pricing and Value
Pricing plays a vital role in your decision between the Honda Africa Twin and the KTM 890. Understanding their costs and the overall value each bike brings can clarify your choice.
Honda Africa Twin Pricing
The Honda Africa Twin typically starts around $14,000 for the base model and can reach up to $16,500 for the fully equipped Adventure Sports version. This price encompasses advanced features like the TFT display, adjustable ride modes, and comprehensive safety systems. Given its long-distance comfort and durability, you get significant value for your investment.
KTM 890 Pricing
The KTM 890 generally starts at approximately $12,200, with the more advanced R model priced around $13,800. This price reflects its focus on agility and tech-savvy features like sport mode and advanced suspension systems. The KTM offers a more aggressive riding experience while still maintaining a reasonable price point.
Value Considerations
When evaluating value, consider these factors:
- Features: Each model boasts a range of features that cater to different riders. The Africa Twin offers more comfort-oriented options, while the KTM 890 focuses on agility and performance.
- Resale Value: Both bikes hold decent resale value. Research your local market to gauge how each model fares regarding depreciation.
- Maintenance Costs: Check ongoing maintenance costs and warranty options. These factors significantly affect long-term ownership costs.
| Model | Starting Price | Top Trim Price | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honda Africa Twin | $14,000 | $16,500 | TFT display, adjustable ride modes |
| KTM 890 | $12,200 | $13,800 | Sport mode, advanced suspension systems |
Consider your riding style and the features that matter most to you. By comparing these aspects, you can determine which motorcycle offers better value for your needs.
Conclusion
Choosing between the Honda Africa Twin and the KTM 890 really comes down to what you value most in a ride. If you’re all about comfort on long journeys and a stable feel on rough trails the Africa Twin might be your best bet. On the other hand if agility and spirited handling in technical situations are what you seek the KTM 890 could be the perfect match.
Both bikes offer impressive features and technology that cater to different riding styles. Take your time to weigh your options and consider how each bike aligns with your adventure plans. No matter which one you choose you’re in for an exciting ride ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences between the Honda Africa Twin and the KTM 890?
The Honda Africa Twin focuses on long-distance comfort with a powerful 1,084cc engine and a heavier build, while the KTM 890 offers lightweight agility and nimble handling with its 889cc engine, making it ideal for technical off-road scenarios.
Which bike is better for long-distance riding?
The Honda Africa Twin is better for long-distance riding due to its comfort features, adjustable traction control, and smooth suspension system, making it suitable for both on-road and off-road adventures.
How does the performance compare between the two bikes?
The Africa Twin produces approximately 101 horsepower and 77 lb-ft of torque, excelling in smooth power delivery. The KTM 890 generates about 105 horsepower and 73 lb-ft of torque, providing slightly better acceleration and agility on trails.
What are the handling and ride quality differences?
The Africa Twin feels stable on rough terrain due to its weight and comfortable suspension, while the KTM 890’s lighter frame allows for agile handling, making it more responsive in quick turns and tight corners.
What is the design difference between the Africa Twin and the KTM 890?
The Africa Twin has a rugged and elegant design characteristic of traditional adventure bikes, while the KTM 890 features a modern, sporty look with sharp angles, catering to different aesthetic preferences.
Which motorcycle offers better comfort features?
The Honda Africa Twin is designed for comfort over long distances, offering plush seating and ample legroom, while the KTM 890 has a sportier, narrower seat that prioritizes control during quick maneuvers.
How do the technology and safety features compare?
Both bikes have advanced technology like TFT displays and Bluetooth connectivity. The Africa Twin features selectable riding modes and cornering ABS, while the KTM 890 offers lean-sensitive ABS and an off-road mode for enhanced maneuverability.
What is the price range for each motorcycle?
The Honda Africa Twin starts around $14,000, going up to $16,500 for the Adventure Sports model. The KTM 890 starts at approximately $12,200, with the advanced R model priced around $13,800, reflecting their respective features and capabilities.
How should I decide between the two bikes?
Consider your riding style and preferences. If you prioritize comfort and long-distance capabilities, the Africa Twin may be the better choice. If you value agility and performance in technical off-road conditions, the KTM 890 could be more suitable.
