KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 vs. Triumph Tiger Explorer 2012

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

Triumph Tiger Explorer 2012

Triumph Tiger Explorer 2012

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Overview - KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 vs Triumph Tiger Explorer 2012

The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 and the Triumph Tiger Explorer 2012 are both enduro motorcycles, but there are several key differences between the two models.

In terms of engine and drive train, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 features a V2 engine with a bore of 108 mm and a stroke of 71 mm, producing 160 HP of power and 138 Nm of torque. It has a chain transmission and a displacement of 1301 ccm. On the other hand, the Triumph Tiger Explorer 2012 has an in-line engine with a bore of 85 mm and a stroke of 71.4 mm, generating 137 HP of power and 121 Nm of torque. It has a prop shaft transmission and a displacement of 1215 ccm.

In terms of suspension, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 is equipped with an upside-down telescopic fork front suspension from WP, which can be adjusted for compression, preload, and rebound. The rear suspension, also from WP, offers the same adjustment options. In comparison, the Triumph Tiger Explorer 2012 has a telescopic fork front suspension from Kayaba, which can be adjusted for preload. The rear suspension, also from Kayaba, offers preload adjustment.

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

In terms of chassis, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 features a chromium-molybdenum frame, while the Triumph Tiger Explorer 2012 has a steel frame. Both models have tubular frame types.

When it comes to brakes, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 is equipped with double disk brakes at the front, branded by Brembo. The Triumph Tiger Explorer 2012 also has double disk brakes at the front, but they are branded by Nissin.

In terms of advanced rider assistance systems, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 offers a range of features including electronically adjustable suspension, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, cruise control, and traction control. The Triumph Tiger Explorer 2012, on the other hand, only has traction control as an advanced rider assistance system.

Triumph Tiger Explorer 2012

Triumph Tiger Explorer 2012

In terms of dimensions and weights, both models have a front tire diameter of 19 inches and a rear tire diameter of 17 inches. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 has a rear tire width of 170 mm, while the Triumph Tiger Explorer 2012 has a rear tire width of 150 mm. The wheelbase of the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 is slightly longer at 1560 mm compared to the 1530 mm of the Triumph Tiger Explorer 2012. The seat height of both models is similar, with the KTM at 849 mm and the Triumph at 850 mm. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 has a kerb weight of 243 kg, while the Triumph Tiger Explorer 2012 is heavier at 259 kg. The fuel tank capacity of the KTM is also larger at 23 liters compared to the 20 liters of the Triumph.

In terms of strengths, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 is praised for its sporty yet refined V2 power plant, accessible handling despite its high weight, comfortable seating position, good brakes with cornering ABS, comprehensive electronics package, and a well-structured instrumentation with a large 7-inch display. On the other hand, the Triumph Tiger Explorer 2012 is commended for its optimal wind protection, pleasant seating position, comfortable saddle, and superior engine.

In terms of weaknesses, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 is criticized for its somewhat sluggish turn-in behavior in bends, opaque package design and pricing policy, and dashboards and switches that do not feel very high quality. The Triumph Tiger Explorer 2012, on the other hand, is noted for its high weight, nervous traction point, and relatively weak braking system.

Technical Specifications KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 compared to Triumph Tiger Explorer 2012

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021
Triumph Tiger Explorer 2012

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeVEngine typeIn line
BoreBore108 mmBore85 mm
StrokeStroke71 mmStroke71.4 mm
Engine powerEngine power160 HPEngine power137 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power8,750 rpmRpm at Max. Power9,300 rpm
TorqueTorque138 NmTorque121 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,750 rpmRpm at Torque7,850 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio13.1 Compression Ratio12
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionProp shaft
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders3
Valves per cylinderValves per cylinder4Valves per cylinder4
ValvesValvesDOHCValvesDOHC
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement1,301 ccmDisplacement1,215 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionTelescopic fork
BrandBrandWPBrandKayaba
AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentPreload

Suspension Rear

BrandBrandWPBrandKayaba
AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentPreload

Chassis

FrameFrameChromium-molybdenumFrameSteel
Frame typeFrame typeTubularFrame typeTubular

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
BrandBrandBremboBrandNissin

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonDouble piston
Shock mountShock mountFixed caliperShock mountFloating caliper
BrandBrandBremboBrandNissin

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsSuspension electronically adjustable, Riding modes, Cornering ABS, Ride by Wire, Cruise control, Traction controlAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsTraction control

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width120 mmFront tyre width110 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height70 %Front tyre height80 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter19 inchFront tyre diameter19 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width170 mmRear tyre width150 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height60 %Rear tyre height70 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
WheelbaseWheelbase1,560 mmWheelbase1,530 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height849 mmSeat Height850 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)243 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)259 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity23 lFuel Tank Capacity20 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

All in all, the long-distance capable KTM 1290 Super Adventure S is made for a trip for two, whereby the rider hardly ever has to think about where it is going. It likes motorway sections, fast country road passages or winding mountain passes in the tightest of corners just as much as unpaved roads with the occasional rough gravel section, where it is primarily the rider or their routine that decides how far they can go. The handling, which is improved compared to the predecessor due to the lower tank (and thus centre of gravity), also scores points here. The electronic chassis copes perfectly with the changing surfaces of a journey and always conveys transparency, the engine sovereignty in every situation. Ready to race - or also: Ready for long-distance racing!

Very sporty, but also cultivated V2 power plant

extremely accessible handling despite high weight

comfortable, driving-friendly seating position

good brakes including cornering ABS

comprehensive electronics package

clear, well-structured instrumentation with huge 7-inch display.

Turn-in behaviour in bends somewhat sluggish

Opaque package design and pricing policy

Dashboards and switches do not feel very high quality

Triumph Tiger Explorer 2012

Triumph Tiger Explorer 2012

The Tiger Explorer could also come from Bavaria. Only with cast wheels instead of wire spokes do the English go their "own way", which is clearly more over asphalt than over gravel. Apart from that, it has to be said that the engine is convincing, the brakes less so.

Optimal wind protection

pleasant seating position

comfortable saddle

superior engine.

High weight

nervous traction point

relatively weak braking system.

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price KTM 1290 Super Adventure S vs Triumph Tiger Explorer

There are a few key differences between a KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 and a Triumph Tiger Explorer 2012. In terms of price, the actual average price of a KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 is about 106% higher. Compared to Triumph Tiger Explorer 2012 there are more KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 26 compared to 8. It takes less time to sell a Triumph Tiger Explorer with 56 days compared to 91 days for the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S. Since model year 2017 1000PS.de editors have written 31 reviews for the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S and 14 reviews for the Triumph Tiger Explorer since model year 2012. The first review for the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S was published on 10/12/2016 and now has more than 32,200 views. This compares to more than 13,600 views for the first review on Triumph Tiger Explorer published on 10/23/2011.

Price KTM 1290 Super Adventure S

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Triumph Tiger Explorer

Model year
Current average market prices

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