@@freeheelsak I had same question, but after watching BRM vids, there is a big difference between the AT Base and the AT Adventure Sports ES. I believe his comment was within the context of this specific comparison which was AT Base vs upper level Tiger 900, but haven't watched his review of Tiger 900 yet.
I’ve owned an Africa Twin myself for two years, and due to me being in the second hand bike business, I have the chance to try out almost every adventure or sports touring bike in existence. Including BMW GS and GSA, S1000XR, Versys 650 and 1000, V-Strom 650 and 1000, Yamaha Tracer, Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE, Ducati Desert Sleds, BMW 800 and 850 GS and many more. Two years ago I got my hands on a secondhand Triumph Tiger 800 XCA 2019 model, I was so impressed by the overall performance of this bike, that I just bought it again for my own personal use. I have tested the Tiger 900, but I’m now speaking for the previous version, the 800 XCA with TFT display. If you’re looking for the perfect all rounder, get this bike! The triple engine is a dream, the WP suspension feels more planted, but still comfortable compared to for example an Africa twin. The bike is fully equipped with everything you could desire for. It feels light and nimble both on an off-road, super precise steering, good wind protection, good brakes, good rider ergonomics and seating position etc. The Tiger is just the perfect all rounder in my opinion. So do yourself a favor, save some money and get a second hand tiger 800 XCA!
@@benlegTiger If you got a good price on the trade-in, sure, why not. For me personally, if I have a bike with a triple engine, I also want it to sound and feel like a triple. I found the Tiger 900 Rally Pro has a bit to much vibrations for my taste, especially coming from a Tiger 800. Talking about the handling of the bike, In my opinion the Tiger 800 handles great, it’s very neutral, and I also never found it to be too top-heavy. So that would not be a reason for me to change or upgrade. I also prefer the looks of the tiger 800 over the 900, I remember my reaction when I first saw pictures of the new 900. I thought to myself, oh my god, what have they done, with the small front faring and headlights, it looks a bit like a Battle Droid from Star wars now, haha. Having said that, seeing the 900 over and over again, I got used to the looks and actually started to like it. But with the humongous TFT display the development department went completely overboard for my personal taste. When I first got the 800, I thought that the TFT could be a little bit bigger, but when I saw that contraption they put on the 900, I’d rather stick with the one I have. I’m sure the Tiger 900 Rally Pro is overall a great bike and in some aspects certainly a step forward compared to the 800. But it would not be enough for me to make that upgrade, especially when already owning a fantastic bike with the last version of the 800 XCA. And for the amount of money you can save buying a XCA second hand, it becomes even less convincing for me. How is the wind protection on the Rally pro though? I’ve tested it, but not long enough to be able to make a decent comparison. The overall front fairing and windscreen looks slimmer, so I wonder how it compares to the 800.
I tried both the Tiger and the AT Standard and I really really enjoyed the Tiger as a whole (much more than the f850gs for example). But that AT engine, sound and sense of power sealed the deal for me! I am now two weeks away from getting the AT when she arrives! 👊✊ Thank you for this video, it was reassuring!😅
@@konstantinw.1036 thats any review tell you: reliability, no one european competitor can reach Honda in this important thing, how long you gonna enjoy without issues…
Hate the fact that so many reviewers complain about the menu layout and all those buttons. It's like buying anything NEW, until you learn the controls it can seem complicated but once you learn the controls it's easy. Take the time to learn the system properly and stop your whinging.
The chances of buyers remorse seem to be a lot lower for the AT. Tiger RP owners seem to encounter a lot of quality issues according to the Facebook groups.
Here in Aus the Rally Pro is $5000 more than the AT. The other issue is the Triumph is a bit more $$$ to run in Aus. For me the Triumph was too small. The AT just fits me better. Still think it comes down to personal preference. Honda I trust to get me across Aus and back with nothing more than an oil change. Too many friends have niggles with the older Triumph tiger models. I’m sure the 900 is better but I’m not willing to find out.
You carefully recorded the Africa Twin sound, and then declared the AT the winner without similarly recording the Tiger 900 sound. Sound preference is very subjective, so why not present both sounds and leave it up to the listener? I think they both sound great, but personally I prefer the Tiger. I think declaring a winner in sound without presenting both sounds reduces the credibility of the video …
Tiger’s sound is completely nerfed. Gone are the days when Triumphs 3 cyl engine made iron grinding beauty of sounds….All 3 cyl Triumph bike now days sounds like blown out scooters. AT’s engine and its exhaust is far better done now.
Has to be the AT, I came back to road riding after 10 years riding trials and after owning a 17 plate AT for 12 months I'm proud to say I love it and never contemplated anything else.
Yeah the AT is probably more for people who know how to ride it. It is big, and it is tall, and it is top heavy. I have a Tiger 800 and with proper tyres I would keep up with an AT but really that would be me holding on for dear life. I will take an AT on road though :)
@@nazirkazi5119 interesting, a mate of mine also has the 800 Tiger, he loves it and it's a nice bike but he'd be the first to admit the AT has more punch and with the auto box off road is a weapon in the right hands ;-)
I did a test ride on both bikes in 2020. I would never say they are “even-Steven”! The Tiger 900 comes with a lot more “extras” as standard! If you spec up the AT to the same level, then you are already paying more for the AT, than the Tiger 900. On the other hand, the AT was like sitting on the bike, the Tiger was more like sitting in the bike! I really loved the seating position of the AT, while the Tiger was more like “ok, nothing special”! Also, the AT is a bit more engaging, it gives the feeling of a big adventure bike! I actually loved that small screen! That big sail on the Tiger looks very ugly, but it is comforting in the cold, early spring ride-outs, for sure! And that seat heating on the Tiger was like OMG! I loved it! The cruise control button is easier to find on the Tiger (I couldn’t even find it on the AT), and the Tubeless wheels are a bliss! Again AT lacks a lot on specs compared to the Tiger 900, but for me the “riding experience” the “adventure feeling” was coming through stronger with the AT! So the winner for me after all, by checking the hard numbers, is the Tiger 900. But if I would be looking for an around the world adventure tourer, then I would probably go with the AT. Less gimmicks to break and fail!
A massive point missed by our British experts in this video is RELIABILITY- a massive requirement for a tour which may get extended beyond your home range where you might not find the service support in case of things going wrong. Honda just cannot be compared in the reliability department although Triumphs are also not known as troublesome machines.
20 years ago I would’ve agreed with you. And I wouldn’t argue that Honda is unsurpassed in that regard but I’ve had my XRX for four years including the Heartland of Newfoundland and never a moment of worry about a breakdown.
When I'm driving my Scania R500, honestly every bike looks like a moped so ignore the "road presence" illusion. Go for the one that you find most comfortable and nimble and aren't going to drop when you pull into the cafe.
I think the Africa Twin does have the edge in looks in these configurations, but once you add the larger screen and engine protection bars etc to the AT, the Tiger 900 RP actually looks better. They're both incredibly capable bikes, so you're not going to go wrong with either, but for me the Tiger 900 RP just has the overall edge and offers a more complete overall package.
A cautionary tale, the Tiger's engine bars are....weak to say the least. I had a friend dump over in front of me at like, 10 mph. He was laughing, our friends and myself were laughing, until we picked the bike up. They should be upgraded if you do plan to go off road, which if you're buying a rally I hope you are! Safe riding!
Why would you not consider - dealership experience, maintenance costs and reliability as comparison points? I haven’t really seen any Moto Vlog on YT compare bikes on these points. I personally feel that these points are important and do add up in future. Here’s what I mean - Dealership Experience - How friendly is the service staff (sales staff is always friendly), after they’ve taken your money? How receptive is the dealership when you turn in with a complaint? Given a chance, do they drill a hole in your pocket, or simply fix things until they NEED to be replaced? Maintenance costs - How much do major / minor services cost? Are parts easily available? How expensive are the parts? Reliability - Does the motorcycle misbehave when you really push it? How often do you end up going to the dealer for major/minor (other than planned maintenance)? I think all of the above points are key towards ensuring a ‘pleasurable’ ownership experience, and it's not JUST about the looks, desirability, and specs. I ride an 2020 AT (DCT) Adv. Sports in India, and Honda beats Triumph hands down on all of the above points. I understand that points like dealership experience vary in countries, but can you talk about the UK at least? Unless you don’t want to piss off the dealers :-) I would really love to see some of these points addressed in bike reviews and comparison videos. Great content anyway! Thanks a ton!
I'm split between getting a pristine pre-owned Tiger 900 Rally Pro (2021/5K kms) and a new Transalp XL750. I know spec-wise they are Oranges and Apples. FYI, My riding usage is city (Mumbai) and long-distance touring; and my riding style is pretty Hooliganish! The Tiger 900 Rally: the Maintainance, Reliability and Spares Costs are Big Red Flags. Also, because of the engine heating in city traffic, it'll be 2 Bike arrangement. My KTM (Ready to Race but also Keep Throwing Money!) 390 for city duties. 900 for touring. Enter the Transalp XL 750 Rally Build: light and nimble: with that super smooth and cool engine. Add a Suspension Upgrade and Tubeless Rims from the AT. Top it with Honda's reliability and affordability. Lean, Mean & Fast: One Bike to Do-it-All.... What Say?
Both Great machines. Honda for Me if i am to live with it & spend my own money purchasing it. 1. Reliability 2. Dealership & spares 3. DCT The rest is apples or oranges. Tricolor is the one to get 👍
Very nice video, thanks. I just made that decision for myself last Spring. I chose the Africa Twin and paid $13,500 USD here in the US. Here the price differential is much greater, actually closer to $3K USD.
I have the AT. No disgraceTiger she was my next pick. Love My AT! The reliability and service schedule will pay for your cases and D7 lights! and crash bars!
I did ride both… I did find the AT top heavy and not connected at all. The TT was fantastic, felt to me morre quality in every aspect. From bolts, to berm I, components bolts and extras. I also did prefer the new transalp over the AT… Value for money, I have bought the TT without hesitating… to be host I thing they both heavy for aggressive off road… bought a second had a Honda 300 L, and love it for mad off road, light nimble and so much fun. Love them both…
The AT is better to look at. Especially in the red/white/blue or the black/red (like the bike in the video). The only Tiger 900 I like is the Rally Pro in khaki green and its right there with the AT.
The Africa Twin wins hands down in appearance, I was getting a Tiger and hadn’t considered any other bike after test riding it I went and put a deposit on the Africa Twin Adventure Sport I certainly hope I will be happy
I test rode both bikes and found I preferred the Triumph hands down. I personally didn't like the engine on the Honda. To me it was too jerky felt like it would be a handful off road. The Tiger felt much nimbler than the AT especially at low speed. I found the power much easier to modulate and it feels very balanced. In the 1st 3 feet I was impressed how good the Tiger felt. Needless to say I bought the Tiger. The sales guy for the Honda had ridden the Triumph the weekend prior and he preferred the Tiger too. His personal bike was a KTM 790.
Finally got a chance to ride both. I currently own a Triumph T120. But when the time comes, I’m buying the AT. I tend to do 2-3 cross country trips a year. And the AT is just more comfortable on long rides. I believe they raised the bars in 2021. It was noticeable for me, and oust me in a more comfortable riders triangle for 6-8 hour rides. Also, I’m still not sure why Triumph felt the need to add extra vibration the the triple (t plank?). Both great bikes.
AT looks way better, as is the engine IMHO of course. Although I would say that as I bought the 21’ version of this in red! That’s after 10 years on Triumphs. I considered the 900 Rally, however, following a test ride on the AT I just had to have it. I owned a 97’ 750 AT over 20 years ago, I did over 100,000K on it dispatching out of London. Absolutely loved my 750 AT, and when I test rode the 1100 I could instantly feel the DNA of the 750….just with much more power and 20+ years development. Clear winner for me.
Well what a time for this to come out , I’ve been hankering after an AT for about 3 years . Always loved the red white blue combo and none of the other colour ways do anything for me at all. After riding the AT I was slightly disappointed with the quality of the fit and finish , plastics and switchgear look quite poor and cheap . Jumped on the tiger GT pro and it was instantly a better place to be , I also think the tiger is more comfortable , I’ve now bought a tiger yesterday for March delivery .my only gripe being the sat nav being so basic on it .
For a short trips, both are good bikes - go with either you prefer. Having said that, if I am to cross Sahara again, or ride down from California all the way down to Patagonia, I'd go with Honda or Yamaha.
You can't ask TMF or Teapotone if they would choose another bike over the GS nor can you get a fair shake asking this guy or Richy Vegas whether the AT would be their pick the Tiger 900. One thing that should not have been even close to even was comfort. The Tiger 900 is much more comfortable for the rider and passenger. Some people will hang their vote on Honda reliability, but Honda's record on recalls and complaints during the past 5 years as slipped to mid pack with the AT being recalled for bad welds breaking off in the gas tank and plugging up the fuel filter.
I’ve owned an Africa twin for two years, and is a great bike, but I can’t understand the hype… nowadays I ride a 2019 Triumph Tiger 800 XCA, and for me it’s overall just the much better bike compared to the Africa twin.
The tank issue is about the only issue and Honda recalled them and changed the design. Check out the Facebook groups and compare the Tiger’s to the AT for yourself and you’ll note a big difference between them. One is having lots of quality issues, and it’s not the Honda.
@@SimonBrisbane My information didn't come from Facebook but from the NHTSA data base on recalls. In the past five years Honda's reliability in terms of recalls is slipping at the same time the customer complaints are increasing, again the data is there on the data base. This isn't gossip but if you want to go with Facebook then okay because the information there is known to be highly accurate.
I have never ridden the AT but I read that its quite top heavy. I have the Tiger RP 900 and previously the Tiger 800. One thing Triumph got spot on with the Tiger 900 is the repositioning of the radiators and thus the engine position, bringing the weight down and further forward making brilliant handling. If the AT is as top heavy as some say, then I would imagine that at slow speeds the Tiger would be the better handling bike. Mine is perfect in slow traffic etc, as well as on fast roads. I am wondering if the guy on the left has actually ridden the Tiger 900 much. He says the engine doesn't have the smooth feel of the 800. Having experienced the Tiger 800 (for 35K Km) and the 900 RP (for 10K Km) I can say that over about 5500 revs, the triple is very smooth and gives you the same feeling as the 800 but with a bit more torque. The T crank comes into its own delivering great torque (but also more vibration) in the lower revs. That completely disappears in the high revs and above 5500 I suspect its a lot more characterful than the AT. I think Triumph got the 900 engine just right. Best bike I've ridden. Just look at Bret Tkac's review on TH-cam.
Thank you very much for your review of the Tigers. Traveling all those roads, tracks dirt in all weathers with luggage and having to use it as your transport over such a distance hammers bikes even more than courier work and also it can break down in the wilderness and any weaknesses like electrical or mechanical will be found out. I've always had a big interest in your great journeys over more than 20 years of riding and I know you have written some of the first and most interesting books on overlanding adventures and your fascinating experiences. May it long continue and a big thank you. God bless you.
For alot of people these bikes will be second hand purchases, If they both had 20k miles on the clock then Honda have a far better dealer network throughout Europe and beyond. Triumph are not renowned for reliability and their aftersales, so I would have to pick the Africa twin as a better investment.
You are comparing the TOP of the range triumph And the BOTTOM of the range Africa twin The AS AT has heated grips , cruise control and adjustable screen etc
I'm surprised people don't talk about the wheels that much. Tubes may be a big turn off for touring. And aftermarket tubeless wheels (the proper and safest way to go tubeless) are more than US$2K
Changing a flat on a tubed wheel can certainly be annoying but I’d far prefer that option for survivability. In the middle of no-where with a damaged rim or a substantial tear in the tyre, you will not be riding out. The same situation with a tube, chances are you’ll patch it and get where you need to, just a bit later than you planned to. Tubed rims aren’t as bad as many like to make out.
Love that the torque curve on the AT is so much flatter and at least you get your torque peak lower down. Not like the Triump 1200 scrambler but a damn site better than some fo these other bikes you have to rev like a chainsaw. That tractability for day to day riding is great
Two cracking bikes. I’d be stoked with either. And Rob I am loving your stuff lately. Great work. And I really enjoyed the format, you guys complemented each other really well.
I love that Africa twin engine too but it feels too big heavy in comparison to the range of bikes. After testing nearly all 'mid' ADV bikes I felt that 890 adventure R was the most fun so I went with that. Great content thanks 👍
I’ve just bought the Africa twin coming from an f700gs and I find the Africa twin no heavier to manoeuvre then the f700. The Africa actually handles better at low speeds then the f700
I understand that, it was just my opinion that the bike itself isn’t particularly heavy. It’s relative to what you’ve had previously. Compare it to a 1250gs or a tiger 1200, now they’re heavy
@@chrishall734 sure I get you. Vs the 890 KTM it feels significantly heavier in my opinion. I'd have happily bought one to use as a tourer though, lovely machine.
Both great choices. Been a ktm fan for long time for their 950adv. Now i changed my mind about it. Their company as whole turns out to be typical corporate asshole that doesn't give a f about customers, nobody wants to service their bike and parts support in Europe is severely limited. Reliability always was concern and its still is with their newest models and they dont care or do anything about his, its part of their business model i guess. So while 950/990 series will always be one of best bikes ever and definitely best looking to this day, ktm as company is a big no for me. Considered gs1200.and even ktm790r. Got 2018at with dct and couldn't be happier. All the modern tech you need with honda reliability, worry-free experience is priceless to me. Handles like a dream, great mass centralization, very fast, suspension isn't too soft like many says and is very good. Damping in the shock could be even softer for my taste but spring is a little too soft. Forks are on point. Its very exciting to ride both on and offroad and a blast. No idea why somr people says it's not exciting or lack punch. It doesn't, trust me. I had some litte bikes, at is actually faster due to dct
I’m on the fence! I really like both and I have to make the same decision in the next 30 days. I sat on the Tiger 900 Rally Pro ($17,500 USD) this afternoon and next week I will try out the Africa Twin ($15,000 USD). This will be a tough decision to make! Nice video boys!
I see many people questioning why no one EVER really talks about reliability. Well a couple reasons, it’s a personal evaluation. There are plenty of KTM/BMW/Ducati..etc die hard fans that have ridden the same bike for years and have no issues at all just as well as plenty of people complaining about every issue. You rarely hear the people who have never had issues with bikes because they are happy witht the purchase, you ALWAYS hear the people annoyed and just mad about the brand. A lot is just individual experience, so when these rider journalist DON’t speak about it, a lot is the fact that it’s a biased opinion and if someone says KTM’s are awesome road/trail bikes but they are just unreliable….do you think they will be invited to a new bike release? These journalist have to be very careful what they say or it’s there lively hood on the line. Every brand has MASSIVE online forums about every issue and complaint, as well as some great advice to fix those issues and show you how amazing each person finds there brand of bike. Pick the bike you love to stare at, go ride it and take in the feel, go ride the competition and see if you still feel the same. If you are on a budget make sure you know the “true cost” of maintenance and you can afford it. It’s really that simple.
I owned and loved Honda's in the past. However, a Triumph has always been a life goal because of the Triumph heritage and classiness. Therefore, I'm going with the Tiger for my next bike. The 900 Pro looks perfect for my needs! Thanks for your information and sage evaluations.
I have the Rally Pro and it’s great offroad. The infotainment system sucks. I had to look at the owners handbook to find out how to find the mileage on the bike. The app doesn’t work with new iPhones so you get no navigation or GoPro integration. Even Triumph themselves shrugged their shoulders and couldn’t figure it out. The only thing that was a killer for me was it’s onroad ability. The suspension is too soft even in it’s hardest settings. It’s very windy and buzzy above 65mph, and just tiring after a while. On the weekends I ride about 1 1/4 hours to the trails, then do 100-120 miles in the dirt, and ride 1 1/4 hours home. It’s pretty good for that. However, when I want to do 3 hours on the motorway to get to the proper mountains and go exploring, I can spend 8-12 hours on a bike, about half of it off-road, it’s not good for that.
I would pick the AT because of the many Honda dealerships. Not many Triumph dealers in country Australia. My pre 2018 Triumphs always had electrical issues with terminal corrosion. Do not know how many cans of water dispersent I've used.
@Comycboy06 which do you own, the rally? What problems do you have? Looking at both bikes but was leaning on the rally pro 🤔..any feedback appreciated..
Even without watching this it would be the Honda. Honda reliability; more torque; the short screen. Shame it runs on tubed tyres. I am biased, though, as I had one of the early XRV750s, the RD04.
I own the Triumph 900 GT Pro and think its the best looking adventure bike out there maybe Ducati then but its to expensive. Like both of you said the most including myself gonna ride the bikes on road and sometimes offroad and therefore i went for the 900 Gt Pro not the Rally version. Wanted a swiss army bike more roadfocused. I have never tried the AT but if you mainly drive offroad you maybe wanted the more rougher looking AT. But i dont think the AT its a nice looking bike at all but thats just me. Regarding the comfort you slightly mentioned the heated seats both for the rider and the pillion and heated grips and thats a great bonus for the Triumph. The seat is very comfort as well. I didnt like the small windsreen on the Triumph so i changed that to a larger wider screen. Miss carplay for the Triumph. Would like more torque in the lower revv of that Triumph engine but overall its ok. I still love my Triumph but if i had the money i would go for the Ducati multistrada
I tried the AT, the Tiger RP and F850GS. Out of the three , the Tiger was the most nimble, manoeuvrable, it was fast too in Sport mode. In terms of quality finish the AT felt much more mass produced and the attention to detail was not as apparent. The finish on the Tiger is exceptional and same for the BMW. However, the F850GS felt mega bulky and super awkward especially in town, and it was a frankly irritating ride at times. I could feel each gear change in the clutch, in 2nd gear at low rpm the bike was not doing very well, I had to shift back down to 1st. If I wanted a BMW I would wait for the next generation of this bike. The Tiger seem to do motorway, city and off road riding very very well, the only thing I would change is the screen (for an aftermarket PUIG), the wind protection could be much better. That said the wind protection on the AT and GS was as bad... To wrap up, I think the Tiger offers the best all round performance, great quality and usability. The AT is also a great bike, but the finish and equipment is not as good. I would definitely avoid the GS.
Check out the Facebook RP groups. The lack of quality is one of the biggest complaints. It’s also heavier than the AT. Perhaps what you’re noticing is the shorter rake angle of the front suspension which will make it less stable at speeds and off road but might feel more agile in turns.
Great format, for comparing bikes. Just running in my Tiger 900 GT Pro and could not be happier. Haven't tried an AT, so can't compare. But, like you, have moved from Tiger 800 XRX and it is a great continuation....
Africa twin any day😴 Haven't seen any bike who could be Big and very sleek,sexy,low seat height, Just perfect Yes bikes like tenere is there too But africa twin carry the strong character.
Very nice video, gents. Much appreciated. One quibble from the USA, the price differential is far larger here, with the base AT, about $300 USD lower, at least on the 2021 models. Given this, I chose the AT after doing a thorough comparison similar to yours. All the best!
Would have been interesting if you had included a left field alternative like Guzzi's V85 TT in your review, its a similar capacity, price and while its a little down in the BHP stakes it has loads character.
"So you've got 13,000ish and you want to buy an adventure bike." No on both counts, but go on. Campfire talks with Motobob! I'd consider crossing two continents for that!
The Africa Twin looks like much more fun (engine character) but that cluster on the Honda is just horrible...looks like its something that was meant to be futuristic, back in late 80s early 90s. Analog gadges are so underrated.
I tried previous model, 1000cc and fell in love with the engine and how agile the bike is. My africa twin 2022 is on the way to local dealership, just do not know what colour it is..
No mention of predicted and historical reliability and durability. This is why I stick with Japanese bikes, Triumph's are cool but it's not so cool when they're stuck in the shop
I think you and others are missing the point with the Tiger it is aimed at a wider market by restricting it to 94 bhp it can be restricted to 47 bhp for A2 license holders the Honda can`t. As has been mentioned a fairer performance comparison would be with the new 1200 Tiger?. I also think that Triumph could offer the Tiger with the option of a higher state of tune 900 with say 110/120 bhp for those that need more torque and punch. I own a 2011 Triumph Bonneville with over 20,000 miles and no problems so I would not have a problem owning another Triumph.
And both those bikes added together don't come close to BMW's switch gear.If you ride proper off rd adventure(dirt in SA every weekend you dont want to take 2 hrs to get to the air filter(BMW 5/10 min).Those are important aspects of the bike under review that are weak.(I know the Triumph has improved).Thanks.
List price might be similar, but usually big discounts on the Honda! I couldn't find any significant discounts on the triumph, but got £3k off the Honda (brand new) when paying cash. That sealed it for me! It's a great bike and you soon get used to the menus and switchgear. Back lit switch gear would have been nice though.
@@alrightdave6135 I agree to a point. The tiger has more cachet, but the Honda is still a great bike. I have ridden both back to back and I'd have the honda regardless of cost.
@@alrightdave6135 Not in the way that you imply. I got a fully loaded ATAS straight off the showroom floor last November with a £2500 discount because the dealer was committed to taking a certain number of 2022 models from Honda and he was desperate to make room in the shop. No other reason.
Your video is great. That said the choice is simple. Buy the bike you like most and not beause of he Tech. Bikes are there to be riden and not to worry about the tech and specs that much. This is not a mobile device but an analog feeling of JOY. Keep on making good and interesting videos guys.
Took the Tiger 900 out last year. Odd throttle response compared to the Honda. The Triumph was either on or off and a second of delay it felt like when twisting the throttle. Awful delayed response no doubt down to emissions control.
One big question is which bike is more reliable .....I'd say I'd feel more conferrable with the Africa Twin. They are both awesome bikes but for me, I'm going with the Africa twin. After having a Honda car ( maybe not related ) and having such a great experience with the reliably, I like that Honda name on the bike.
I hope you get an es version of sports. The suspension options are amazing! In the Rockies back roading, or in the urban settings. Loaded up or empty, you can dial in your comfort and ride ability in mere seconds at the touch of button/screen. The change in dampening and variations accessable is a game changer. There are so many things I love about my AT, but the ability to always have good grip, and feel for different surfaces, makes this bike an amazingly comfortable at ease bike, in so many more ways. For me :-)
Mornin..on looks it’s very difficult to split them..if I was in the market-but as I have a BMW 1250 GSA, which only a mother could love! (It looks ok to me) I guess I’m mother.
i've owned both; first the AT, then the Triumph 900 GT Pro. As a long term Honda rider, it pained me to find that wind protection on the AT was rubbish. Similarly, even as weight seems similar, the Triumph feels much lighter in daily use. Both brilliant motors and excellent suspensions. My financial vote went to the Triumph.
That's an interesting point! Living with the bike is also important, but not really covered here; the physical size, storage, manual handling etc, I guess has to be a consideration too, not to mention how agile the bike feels across different riding situations?
Giving ABR festival the hard sell on here and I am sure it is a wonderful weekend. I purchased 2 tickets for the event in 2022 and cannot attend as I am away with work. I contacted them regarding this and the informed me that the fee is not refundable and in addition they will not allow for me to sell the tickets on for face value or less. I think less of them for this to be fair. What does it matter to them if I attend or someone else in my place??
I went last year and the biggest con i have ever seen. They had enough facilities and bikes for maybe 1000 people - around 8000 turned up. We stayed one night and left. Made a complaint and wanted money back and never heard back.
Where’s the exhaust note of the Tiger? I ride a 900 GT Pro and wouldn’t trade for anything (but an R1250GS, hehe). And this after salivating over the Africa Twin since they came out. The Tiger 900 engine is just too much fun. And for my purposes, the road biased 17” wheel with tubeless tires on the Tiger made it perfect for me. Less than 5 months of ownership and already have 6000 miles of troublefree adventure (and grocery-shopping).
I've always been a fan of Triumps but I own a 21 AT DCT and really like it. The dealer network in the USA is far superior for Honda. I was wearing a Triumph sweat shirt a year ago and some lady mistake it for Trump . I didn't wear it again. 😕
I'm waiting for the baby Africa twin, one of the blokes on the honda stand at nec told me it's on its way, apparently it was planned to be trialed in January 2022, do you know anything??
I have long had a thing for the Tiger 900 (but I still hate the TFT dash layout and wish Triumph would sort it out) but, if I had to go for one of these bikes then it would definitely be the new Tiger 1200. Lol!
They're both stunning looking bikes make no mistake but that specific AT just looks the part for me. But with that said I'm very much a Triumph fan. Thanks for the great content.
The honda won my heart over BMW GS's (Adventure sports manual) so it was a no brainer for me. Re the hand guards that's up to you to negotiate on the price when you buy it.
“Clear as mud”. “Limited off road experience/testing” and “Luddite” were the descriptive comments. I’ll never get that 23 minutes back. Coulda been riding. Aaagh!
I like the respectful look @ the OTHER Bike by you 2. Looks-wise: Tiger 9. Handlung & comfort also T 9, sound :AT by the skin if it's teeth. Pity i can't make it to 24.-26. June. Carry on riding, fellas ☀️👍🤘✌️
I like both bikes, I think the triumph is better looking, but I would have to ride both bikes first to make a choice, the bike which I thought handled better would swing it for me.
I've got the 2021 Africa Twin Adventure Sport....video on my channel. It's brilliant however, the Andriod Car Play is forever having issues. It drops the connection and picks it back up almost constantly. When Honda sort this issue out the Africa Twin will be unstoppable. The Tiger looks amazing but I'm not keen on the narrow screen and dash set up from the riders POV. AFRICA TWIN for me
I have a '12 Tiger 800 and find the AT too tall-feeling for me at just a scooch over 5-9. I don't take it off road that much but on anything except slick conditions my Shinko 705s do pretty well. That Honda exhaust note is vastly different this year, wow pretty impressive. I know the Tiger -- especially the 800 -- is geared and set up for being in the dirt but damn my '06 Multi S with the same approximate power (and a tune -- they both have tunes and slip ons-- ) will just ghost the Triumph. It runs almost as hard as my Speedy 955/1050s did. Tiger looks better to my eye at least but the multi-colored AT is very sharp. Also the Triumph mirrors are simply fantastic. Please don't change them.
I love AT's but the Tiger 900 is such a polished overall package... I'd have to choose the Triumph.
Why did you just buy the AT then
@@freeheelsak I had same question, but after watching BRM vids, there is a big difference between the AT Base and the AT Adventure Sports ES. I believe his comment was within the context of this specific comparison which was AT Base vs upper level Tiger 900, but haven't watched his review of Tiger 900 yet.
@@freeheelsakI got his Africa twin before the tiger 900
Ian at least you choose not this tit for tat back and forth going no where conversations.
I have a 24 Tiger Rally Pro coming in two weeks 😊
I’ve owned an Africa Twin myself for two years, and due to me being in the second hand bike business, I have the chance to try out almost every adventure or sports touring bike in existence. Including BMW GS and GSA, S1000XR, Versys 650 and 1000, V-Strom 650 and 1000, Yamaha Tracer, Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE, Ducati Desert Sleds, BMW 800 and 850 GS and many more.
Two years ago I got my hands on a secondhand Triumph Tiger 800 XCA 2019 model, I was so impressed by the overall performance of this bike, that I just bought it again for my own personal use.
I have tested the Tiger 900, but I’m now speaking for the previous version, the 800 XCA with TFT display. If you’re looking for the perfect all rounder, get this bike!
The triple engine is a dream, the WP suspension feels more planted, but still comfortable compared to for example an Africa twin. The bike is fully equipped with everything you could desire for. It feels light and nimble both on an off-road, super precise steering, good wind protection, good brakes, good rider ergonomics and seating position etc.
The Tiger is just the perfect all rounder in my opinion. So do yourself a favor, save some money and get a second hand tiger 800 XCA!
Dan Calypso, I traded my 2019 XCA for a Rally Pro. The difference in centre of gravity is night and day, the RP handles far better.
@@benlegTiger If you got a good price on the trade-in, sure, why not. For me personally, if I have a bike with a triple engine, I also want it to sound and feel like a triple. I found the Tiger 900 Rally Pro has a bit to much vibrations for my taste, especially coming from a Tiger 800.
Talking about the handling of the bike, In my opinion the Tiger 800 handles great, it’s very neutral, and I also never found it to be too top-heavy. So that would not be a reason for me to change or upgrade.
I also prefer the looks of the tiger 800 over the 900, I remember my reaction when I first saw pictures of the new 900. I thought to myself, oh my god, what have they done, with the small front faring and headlights, it looks a bit like a Battle Droid from Star wars now, haha. Having said that, seeing the 900 over and over again, I got used to the looks and actually started to like it.
But with the humongous TFT display the development department went completely overboard for my personal taste. When I first got the 800, I thought that the TFT could be a little bit bigger, but when I saw that contraption they put on the 900, I’d rather stick with the one I have.
I’m sure the Tiger 900 Rally Pro is overall a great bike and in some aspects certainly a step forward compared to the 800.
But it would not be enough for me to make that upgrade, especially when already owning a fantastic bike with the last version of the 800 XCA. And for the amount of money you can save buying a XCA second hand, it becomes even less convincing for me.
How is the wind protection on the Rally pro though? I’ve tested it, but not long enough to be able to make a decent comparison. The overall front fairing and windscreen looks slimmer, so I wonder how it compares to the 800.
I tried both the Tiger and the AT Standard and I really really enjoyed the Tiger as a whole (much more than the f850gs for example). But that AT engine, sound and sense of power sealed the deal for me! I am now two weeks away from getting the AT when she arrives! 👊✊ Thank you for this video, it was reassuring!😅
We have one guy in Austria with 400 000 km on the AT and still driving. Goal = 500 000 km
@@konstantinw.1036 That's insane! Honda reliability making it possible!
@@lourenco_ss th-cam.com/video/i6wh5rDfuB4/w-d-xo.html
@@konstantinw.1036 thats any review tell you: reliability, no one european competitor can reach Honda in this important thing, how long you gonna enjoy without issues…
Hate the fact that so many reviewers complain about the menu layout and all those buttons. It's like buying anything NEW, until you learn the controls it can seem complicated but once you learn the controls it's easy. Take the time to learn the system properly and stop your whinging.
Rode both, but it was Africa twin with that engine that won it for me.
I've been swooning over the Tiger for years, and when the time came I actually put my money on the AT Adventure Sports and couldn't be happier.
The chances of buyers remorse seem to be a lot lower for the AT. Tiger RP owners seem to encounter a lot of quality issues according to the Facebook groups.
@@SimonBrisbane what quality issues?
@@freeheelsakmy 2023 1200 dash is very loose at 10k miles if that helps
Here in Aus the Rally Pro is $5000 more than the AT. The other issue is the Triumph is a bit more $$$ to run in Aus. For me the Triumph was too small. The AT just fits me better. Still think it comes down to personal preference. Honda I trust to get me across Aus and back with nothing more than an oil change. Too many friends have niggles with the older Triumph tiger models. I’m sure the 900 is better but I’m not willing to find out.
Your guest has a great personality. Lively and engaging, he added a lot to the reviews. Might be good to have him on more.
Depends on what you looking for. For me, Tiger 900 rally pro has all the goodies I like. 🏍
You carefully recorded the Africa Twin sound, and then declared the AT the winner without similarly recording the Tiger 900 sound. Sound preference is very subjective, so why not present both sounds and leave it up to the listener? I think they both sound great, but personally I prefer the Tiger. I think declaring a winner in sound without presenting both sounds reduces the credibility of the video …
It’s a conspiracy!
Tiger’s sound is completely nerfed. Gone are the days when Triumphs 3 cyl engine made iron grinding beauty of sounds….All 3 cyl Triumph bike now days sounds like blown out scooters. AT’s engine and its exhaust is far better done now.
Has to be the AT, I came back to road riding after 10 years riding trials and after owning a 17 plate AT for 12 months I'm proud to say I love it and never contemplated anything else.
Yeah the AT is probably more for people who know how to ride it. It is big, and it is tall, and it is top heavy. I have a Tiger 800 and with proper tyres I would keep up with an AT but really that would be me holding on for dear life. I will take an AT on road though :)
@@nazirkazi5119 interesting, a mate of mine also has the 800 Tiger, he loves it and it's a nice bike but he'd be the first to admit the AT has more punch and with the auto box off road is a weapon in the right hands ;-)
I did a test ride on both bikes in 2020. I would never say they are “even-Steven”!
The Tiger 900 comes with a lot more “extras” as standard! If you spec up the AT to the same level, then you are already paying more for the AT, than the Tiger 900.
On the other hand, the AT was like sitting on the bike, the Tiger was more like sitting in the bike! I really loved the seating position of the AT, while the Tiger was more like “ok, nothing special”! Also, the AT is a bit more engaging, it gives the feeling of a big adventure bike! I actually loved that small screen! That big sail on the Tiger looks very ugly, but it is comforting in the cold, early spring ride-outs, for sure!
And that seat heating on the Tiger was like OMG! I loved it! The cruise control button is easier to find on the Tiger (I couldn’t even find it on the AT), and the Tubeless wheels are a bliss!
Again AT lacks a lot on specs compared to the Tiger 900, but for me the “riding experience” the “adventure feeling” was coming through stronger with the AT!
So the winner for me after all, by checking the hard numbers, is the Tiger 900.
But if I would be looking for an around the world adventure tourer, then I would probably go with the AT. Less gimmicks to break and fail!
Android auto on AT 👍🏻👍🏻
No Android auto on the Tiger is a big letdown, have that big screen for nothing.
AT all day Long, better looking better engine, great range, more pilion friendly, super reliable, and better road presence.
Pillion is great on the AT my Wife loves it
I own a 21 Africa twin advance sports and I love it
A massive point missed by our British experts in this video is RELIABILITY- a massive requirement for a tour which may get extended beyond your home range where you might not find the service support in case of things going wrong.
Honda just cannot be compared in the reliability department although Triumphs are also not known as troublesome machines.
The only reason Triumps are not trouble prone is because they bought their engine technology from the Japanese.
Our Triumph has been 100% reliable - not sure where this assertion of poor reliability comes from.
20 years ago I would’ve agreed with you. And I wouldn’t argue that Honda is unsurpassed in that regard but I’ve had my XRX for four years including the Heartland of Newfoundland and never a moment of worry about a breakdown.
When I'm driving my Scania R500, honestly every bike looks like a moped so ignore the "road presence" illusion. Go for the one that you find most comfortable and nimble and aren't going to drop when you pull into the cafe.
I think the Africa Twin does have the edge in looks in these configurations, but once you add the larger screen and engine protection bars etc to the AT, the Tiger 900 RP actually looks better. They're both incredibly capable bikes, so you're not going to go wrong with either, but for me the Tiger 900 RP just has the overall edge and offers a more complete overall package.
A cautionary tale, the Tiger's engine bars are....weak to say the least. I had a friend dump over in front of me at like, 10 mph. He was laughing, our friends and myself were laughing, until we picked the bike up. They should be upgraded if you do plan to go off road, which if you're buying a rally I hope you are! Safe riding!
Why would you not consider - dealership experience, maintenance costs and reliability as comparison points? I haven’t really seen any Moto Vlog on YT compare bikes on these points. I personally feel that these points are important and do add up in future. Here’s what I mean -
Dealership Experience - How friendly is the service staff (sales staff is always friendly), after they’ve taken your money? How receptive is the dealership when you turn in with a complaint? Given a chance, do they drill a hole in your pocket, or simply fix things until they NEED to be replaced?
Maintenance costs - How much do major / minor services cost? Are parts easily available? How expensive are the parts?
Reliability - Does the motorcycle misbehave when you really push it? How often do you end up going to the dealer for major/minor (other than planned maintenance)?
I think all of the above points are key towards ensuring a ‘pleasurable’ ownership experience, and it's not JUST about the looks, desirability, and specs.
I ride an 2020 AT (DCT) Adv. Sports in India, and Honda beats Triumph hands down on all of the above points. I understand that points like dealership experience vary in countries, but can you talk about the UK at least? Unless you don’t want to piss off the dealers :-) I would really love to see some of these points addressed in bike reviews and comparison videos. Great content anyway! Thanks a ton!
I'm split between getting a pristine pre-owned Tiger 900 Rally Pro (2021/5K kms) and a new Transalp XL750. I know spec-wise they are Oranges and Apples.
FYI, My riding usage is city (Mumbai) and long-distance touring; and my riding style is pretty Hooliganish!
The Tiger 900 Rally: the Maintainance, Reliability and Spares Costs are Big Red Flags. Also, because of the engine heating in city traffic, it'll be 2 Bike arrangement. My KTM (Ready to Race but also Keep Throwing Money!) 390 for city duties. 900 for touring.
Enter the Transalp XL 750 Rally Build: light and nimble: with that super smooth and cool engine. Add a Suspension Upgrade and Tubeless Rims from the AT. Top it with Honda's reliability and affordability. Lean, Mean & Fast: One Bike to Do-it-All....
What Say?
I have the Africa Twin DCT 2017 I absolutely love it the Tiger looks nice but the DCT is awesome.
How does the Africa Twin DCT perform in broken tarmac (twin tracks) or full offroad conditions?
13022022
Dct & looks Honda win. Base Honda/top Triumph ??
Both Great machines.
Honda for Me if i am to live with it & spend my own money purchasing it.
1. Reliability
2. Dealership & spares
3. DCT
The rest is apples or oranges.
Tricolor is the one to get 👍
Very nice video, thanks. I just made that decision for myself last Spring. I chose the Africa Twin and paid $13,500 USD here in the US. Here the price differential is much greater, actually closer to $3K USD.
@Adventure Genesis Base model, 2021 Africa Twin.
I have the AT. No disgraceTiger she was my next pick. Love My AT! The reliability and service schedule will pay for your cases and D7 lights! and crash bars!
Two blokes, two opinions, detailed and honest. What a great review....well done 👍
I did ride both… I did find the AT top heavy and not connected at all. The TT was fantastic, felt to me morre quality in every aspect. From bolts, to berm I, components bolts and extras. I also did prefer the new transalp over the AT…
Value for money, I have bought the TT without hesitating… to be host I thing they both heavy for aggressive off road… bought a second had a Honda 300 L, and love it for mad off road, light nimble and so much fun. Love them both…
The AT is better to look at. Especially in the red/white/blue or the black/red (like the bike in the video). The only Tiger 900 I like is the Rally Pro in khaki green and its right there with the AT.
The Africa Twin wins hands down in appearance, I was getting a Tiger and hadn’t considered any other bike after test riding it I went and put a deposit on the Africa Twin Adventure Sport I certainly hope I will be happy
I test rode both bikes and found I preferred the Triumph hands down. I personally didn't like the engine on the Honda. To me it was too jerky felt like it would be a handful off road. The Tiger felt much nimbler than the AT especially at low speed. I found the power much easier to modulate and it feels very balanced. In the 1st 3 feet I was impressed how good the Tiger felt. Needless to say I bought the Tiger. The sales guy for the Honda had ridden the Triumph the weekend prior and he preferred the Tiger too. His personal bike was a KTM 790.
Finally got a chance to ride both. I currently own a Triumph T120. But when the time comes, I’m buying the AT. I tend to do 2-3 cross country trips a year. And the AT is just more comfortable on long rides. I believe they raised the bars in 2021. It was noticeable for me, and oust me in a more comfortable riders triangle for 6-8 hour rides. Also, I’m still not sure why Triumph felt the need to add extra vibration the the triple (t plank?). Both great bikes.
AT looks way better, as is the engine IMHO of course. Although I would say that as I bought the 21’ version of this in red! That’s after 10 years on Triumphs. I considered the 900 Rally, however, following a test ride on the AT I just had to have it. I owned a 97’ 750 AT over 20 years ago, I did over 100,000K on it dispatching out of London. Absolutely loved my 750 AT, and when I test rode the 1100 I could instantly feel the DNA of the 750….just with much more power and 20+ years development. Clear winner for me.
Well what a time for this to come out , I’ve been hankering after an AT for about 3 years . Always loved the red white blue combo and none of the other colour ways do anything for me at all. After riding the AT I was slightly disappointed with the quality of the fit and finish , plastics and switchgear look quite poor and cheap . Jumped on the tiger GT pro and it was instantly a better place to be , I also think the tiger is more comfortable , I’ve now bought a tiger yesterday for March delivery .my only gripe being the sat nav being so basic on it .
The New one 2020 at is better made
Hola, y el calor que desprende la tiger???.... Y las fallas que hacen que se apague el motor en marcha???
Excellent review; well talked out. Real world availability, cost of ownership and dealership reputation could count as well.
These things are rarely mentioned. Difficulties of servicing and cost are the worst part of Tiger 800 ownership for me
And RP owners have reported months of waiting for simple parts like brake levers.
For a short trips, both are good bikes - go with either you prefer. Having said that, if I am to cross Sahara again, or ride down from California all the way down to Patagonia, I'd go with Honda or Yamaha.
You can't ask TMF or Teapotone if they would choose another bike over the GS nor can you get a fair shake asking this guy or Richy Vegas whether the AT would be their pick the Tiger 900.
One thing that should not have been even close to even was comfort. The Tiger 900 is much more comfortable for the rider and passenger.
Some people will hang their vote on Honda reliability, but Honda's record on recalls and complaints during the past 5 years as slipped to mid pack with the AT being recalled for bad welds breaking off in the gas tank and plugging up the fuel filter.
I’ve owned an Africa twin for two years, and is a great bike, but I can’t understand the hype… nowadays I ride a 2019 Triumph Tiger 800 XCA, and for me it’s overall just the much better bike compared to the Africa twin.
The tank issue is about the only issue and Honda recalled them and changed the design. Check out the Facebook groups and compare the Tiger’s to the AT for yourself and you’ll note a big difference between them. One is having lots of quality issues, and it’s not the Honda.
@@SimonBrisbane My information didn't come from Facebook but from the NHTSA data base on recalls. In the past five years Honda's reliability in terms of recalls is slipping at the same time the customer complaints are increasing, again the data is there on the data base. This isn't gossip but if you want to go with Facebook then okay because the information there is known to be highly accurate.
I have never ridden the AT but I read that its quite top heavy. I have the Tiger RP 900 and previously the Tiger 800. One thing Triumph got spot on with the Tiger 900 is the repositioning of the radiators and thus the engine position, bringing the weight down and further forward making brilliant handling. If the AT is as top heavy as some say, then I would imagine that at slow speeds the Tiger would be the better handling bike. Mine is perfect in slow traffic etc, as well as on fast roads. I am wondering if the guy on the left has actually ridden the Tiger 900 much. He says the engine doesn't have the smooth feel of the 800. Having experienced the Tiger 800 (for 35K Km) and the 900 RP (for 10K Km) I can say that over about 5500 revs, the triple is very smooth and gives you the same feeling as the 800 but with a bit more torque. The T crank comes into its own delivering great torque (but also more vibration) in the lower revs. That completely disappears in the high revs and above 5500 I suspect its a lot more characterful than the AT. I think Triumph got the 900 engine just right. Best bike I've ridden. Just look at Bret Tkac's review on TH-cam.
Thank you very much for your review of the Tigers. Traveling all those roads, tracks dirt in all weathers with luggage and having to use it as your transport over such a distance hammers bikes even more than courier work and also it can break down in the wilderness and any weaknesses like electrical or mechanical will be found out. I've always had a big interest in your great journeys over more than 20 years of riding and I know you have written some of the first and most interesting books on overlanding adventures and your fascinating experiences. May it long continue and a big thank you. God bless you.
For alot of people these bikes will be second hand purchases, If they both had 20k miles on the clock then Honda have a far better dealer network throughout Europe and beyond. Triumph are not renowned for reliability and their aftersales, so I would have to pick the Africa twin as a better investment.
I ride a 900RP. I have to admit the buggy bluetooth for the Triumph and the CarPlay on the AT is a compelling argument in the other direction.
You are comparing the TOP of the range triumph
And the BOTTOM of the range Africa twin
The AS AT has heated grips , cruise control and adjustable screen etc
The standard AT has cruise control.. I don’t think the AS screen is adjustable though.
I'm surprised people don't talk about the wheels that much. Tubes may be a big turn off for touring. And aftermarket tubeless wheels (the proper and safest way to go tubeless) are more than US$2K
Yes, I would like to get a base model with tubeless wheels - but there is no option
Changing a flat on a tubed wheel can certainly be annoying but I’d far prefer that option for survivability. In the middle of no-where with a damaged rim or a substantial tear in the tyre, you will not be riding out. The same situation with a tube, chances are you’ll patch it and get where you need to, just a bit later than you planned to. Tubed rims aren’t as bad as many like to make out.
True. But have you have a flat with tubes with highway speed?
@@thelostgeneration2000 Agree should have a tubeless option.
Love that the torque curve on the AT is so much flatter and at least you get your torque peak lower down. Not like the Triump 1200 scrambler but a damn site better than some fo these other bikes you have to rev like a chainsaw. That tractability for day to day riding is great
Really enjoyed the comparison. Both great bikes but I would have the Africa Twin.
Two cracking bikes. I’d be stoked with either. And Rob I am loving your stuff lately. Great work. And I really enjoyed the format, you guys complemented each other really well.
I love that Africa twin engine too but it feels too big heavy in comparison to the range of bikes. After testing nearly all 'mid' ADV bikes I felt that 890 adventure R was the most fun so I went with that. Great content thanks 👍
I’ve just bought the Africa twin coming from an f700gs and I find the Africa twin no heavier to manoeuvre then the f700. The Africa actually handles better at low speeds then the f700
@@chrishall734 my comparison was with the KTM though.
I understand that, it was just my opinion that the bike itself isn’t particularly heavy. It’s relative to what you’ve had previously. Compare it to a 1250gs or a tiger 1200, now they’re heavy
@@chrishall734 sure I get you. Vs the 890 KTM it feels significantly heavier in my opinion. I'd have happily bought one to use as a tourer though, lovely machine.
Both great choices.
Been a ktm fan for long time for their 950adv.
Now i changed my mind about it.
Their company as whole turns out to be typical corporate asshole that doesn't give a f about customers, nobody wants to service their bike and parts support in Europe is severely limited.
Reliability always was concern and its still is with their newest models and they dont care or do anything about his, its part of their business model i guess.
So while 950/990 series will always be one of best bikes ever and definitely best looking to this day, ktm as company is a big no for me.
Considered gs1200.and even ktm790r.
Got 2018at with dct and couldn't be happier.
All the modern tech you need with honda reliability, worry-free experience is priceless to me.
Handles like a dream, great mass centralization, very fast, suspension isn't too soft like many says and is very good. Damping in the shock could be even softer for my taste but spring is a little too soft.
Forks are on point. Its very exciting to ride both on and offroad and a blast. No idea why somr people says it's not exciting or lack punch. It doesn't, trust me. I had some litte bikes, at is actually faster due to dct
I’m on the fence! I really like both and I have to make the same decision in the next 30 days. I sat on the Tiger 900 Rally Pro ($17,500 USD) this afternoon and next week I will try out the Africa Twin ($15,000 USD). This will be a tough decision to make! Nice video boys!
I see many people questioning why no one EVER really talks about reliability. Well a couple reasons, it’s a personal evaluation. There are plenty of KTM/BMW/Ducati..etc die hard fans that have ridden the same bike for years and have no issues at all just as well as plenty of people complaining about every issue. You rarely hear the people who have never had issues with bikes because they are happy witht the purchase, you ALWAYS hear the people annoyed and just mad about the brand. A lot is just individual experience, so when these rider journalist DON’t speak about it, a lot is the fact that it’s a biased opinion and if someone says KTM’s are awesome road/trail bikes but they are just unreliable….do you think they will be invited to a new bike release? These journalist have to be very careful what they say or it’s there lively hood on the line. Every brand has MASSIVE online forums about every issue and complaint, as well as some great advice to fix those issues and show you how amazing each person finds there brand of bike. Pick the bike you love to stare at, go ride it and take in the feel, go ride the competition and see if you still feel the same. If you are on a budget make sure you know the “true cost” of maintenance and you can afford it. It’s really that simple.
I owned and loved Honda's in the past. However, a Triumph has always been a life goal because of the Triumph heritage and classiness. Therefore, I'm going with the Tiger for my next bike. The 900 Pro looks perfect for my needs! Thanks for your information and sage evaluations.
I did the same. Honda's then triumph but back to honda for me. Triumphs are beautiful but they dont have the reliability of honda..
Good luck with that triumph reliability 😁
Classiness is a Joke 🤣🤣
Triumph is Trash when it comes to Riding
So close..at the end of the day, what it boils down to is just personal preference. I'd go for the AT, I just love the low rev grunt..
Even if the price is the same, the usage is different, so it depends on what the owner wants from the bike.
The usage depends on the rider but both are large adventure bikes so can be used for exactly the same purposes.
I have the Rally Pro and it’s great offroad. The infotainment system sucks. I had to look at the owners handbook to find out how to find the mileage on the bike. The app doesn’t work with new iPhones so you get no navigation or GoPro integration. Even Triumph themselves shrugged their shoulders and couldn’t figure it out. The only thing that was a killer for me was it’s onroad ability. The suspension is too soft even in it’s hardest settings. It’s very windy and buzzy above 65mph, and just tiring after a while. On the weekends I ride about 1 1/4 hours to the trails, then do 100-120 miles in the dirt, and ride 1 1/4 hours home. It’s pretty good for that. However, when I want to do 3 hours on the motorway to get to the proper mountains and go exploring, I can spend 8-12 hours on a bike, about half of it off-road, it’s not good for that.
I would pick the AT because of the many Honda dealerships. Not many Triumph dealers in country Australia. My pre 2018 Triumphs always had electrical issues with terminal corrosion. Do not know how many cans of water dispersent I've used.
I would go for the Triumph given the budget.
They fail alot..I own one.. :(
@Comycboy06 which do you own, the rally? What problems do you have? Looking at both bikes but was leaning on the rally pro 🤔..any feedback appreciated..
Even without watching this it would be the Honda. Honda reliability; more torque; the short screen. Shame it runs on tubed tyres. I am biased, though, as I had one of the early XRV750s, the RD04.
Next time you should compare a full equipped AT vs a stripped down Tiger. Makes as much sense as this video.
I own the Triumph 900 GT Pro and think its the best looking adventure bike out there maybe Ducati then but its to expensive. Like both of you said the most including myself gonna ride the bikes on road and sometimes offroad and therefore i went for the 900 Gt Pro not the Rally version. Wanted a swiss army bike more roadfocused. I have never tried the AT but if you mainly drive offroad you maybe wanted the more rougher looking AT. But i dont think the AT its a nice looking bike at all but thats just me. Regarding the comfort you slightly mentioned the heated seats both for the rider and the pillion and heated grips and thats a great bonus for the Triumph. The seat is very comfort as well. I didnt like the small windsreen on the Triumph so i changed that to a larger wider screen. Miss carplay for the Triumph. Would like more torque in the lower revv of that Triumph engine but overall its ok. I still love my Triumph but if i had the money i would go for the Ducati multistrada
I have a '12 Tiger 800. I find the AT too tall-feeling for me at 5-9.
I tried the AT, the Tiger RP and F850GS. Out of the three , the Tiger was the most nimble, manoeuvrable, it was fast too in Sport mode. In terms of quality finish the AT felt much more mass produced and the attention to detail was not as apparent. The finish on the Tiger is exceptional and same for the BMW. However, the F850GS felt mega bulky and super awkward especially in town, and it was a frankly irritating ride at times. I could feel each gear change in the clutch, in 2nd gear at low rpm the bike was not doing very well, I had to shift back down to 1st.
If I wanted a BMW I would wait for the next generation of this bike.
The Tiger seem to do motorway, city and off road riding very very well, the only thing I would change is the screen (for an aftermarket PUIG), the wind protection could be much better. That said the wind protection on the AT and GS was as bad...
To wrap up, I think the Tiger offers the best all round performance, great quality and usability. The AT is also a great bike, but the finish and equipment is not as good. I would definitely avoid the GS.
Check out the Facebook RP groups. The lack of quality is one of the biggest complaints. It’s also heavier than the AT. Perhaps what you’re noticing is the shorter rake angle of the front suspension which will make it less stable at speeds and off road but might feel more agile in turns.
Bruh the Tiger is Trash when it comes to Riding
The Africa Twin is much better looking
I ride a 2016xc and love it, next bike is the Rally Pro. Triumph all the way.
Great format, for comparing bikes. Just running in my Tiger 900 GT Pro and could not be happier. Haven't tried an AT, so can't compare. But, like you, have moved from Tiger 800 XRX and it is a great continuation....
Africa twin any day😴
Haven't seen any bike who could be Big and very sleek,sexy,low seat height, Just perfect
Yes bikes like tenere is there too
But africa twin carry the strong character.
Very nice video, gents. Much appreciated. One quibble from the USA, the price differential is far larger here, with the base AT, about $300 USD lower, at least on the 2021 models. Given this, I chose the AT after doing a thorough comparison similar to yours. All the best!
No one ever talks about COG, but looks wise Triumph
Africa Twin for me.
This review is not only good but very well laid out & structured and tells you what you need from a big bike! Keep up the good work!!
Both great bikes! But I have the AT and love it! Easting up Utah right now!!!
The AT with a Remus exhaust kit is "chef's kiss".
Would have been interesting if you had included a left field alternative like Guzzi's V85 TT in your review, its a similar capacity, price and while its a little down in the BHP stakes it has loads character.
True and it has that legendary Guzzi reliability. Wait…
"So you've got 13,000ish and you want to buy an adventure bike."
No on both counts, but go on.
Campfire talks with Motobob! I'd consider crossing two continents for that!
The Africa Twin looks like much more fun (engine character) but that cluster on the Honda is just horrible...looks like its something that was meant to be futuristic, back in late 80s early 90s. Analog gadges are so underrated.
I agree but it wouldn’t stop me buying the bike.
In person it looks brilliant - I love mine.
17000 km on my 2020 ATes. Your in for wonderful memories and thrills. Welcome to club 😃
AT. It’s the Honda quality and practicality that receives my vote.
Is it just me?....at about 5:08 he said "It moves your soul" and the bloody bike moved by itself.
I tried previous model, 1000cc and fell in love with the engine and how agile the bike is. My africa twin 2022 is on the way to local dealership, just do not know what colour it is..
No mention of predicted and historical reliability and durability. This is why I stick with Japanese bikes, Triumph's are cool but it's not so cool when they're stuck in the shop
I think you and others are missing the point with the Tiger it is aimed at a wider market by restricting it to 94 bhp it can be restricted to 47 bhp for A2 license holders the Honda can`t. As has been mentioned a fairer performance comparison would be with the new 1200 Tiger?. I also think that Triumph could offer the Tiger with the option of a higher state of tune 900 with say 110/120 bhp for those that need more torque and punch. I own a 2011 Triumph Bonneville with over 20,000 miles and no problems so I would not have a problem owning another Triumph.
It makes me wonder if anyone has dyno tuned their Tiger 900! I bet with some remapping and a rev limiter increase you could see 100whp
Africa Twin is the best 🤩💪✌️
I think the Tiger is the better looking bike. I’d trust my money on the Honda simply because.. well it’s a Honda.
And both those bikes added together don't come close to BMW's switch gear.If you ride proper off rd adventure(dirt in SA every weekend you dont want to take 2 hrs to get to the air filter(BMW 5/10 min).Those are important aspects of the bike under review that are weak.(I know the Triumph has improved).Thanks.
List price might be similar, but usually big discounts on the Honda! I couldn't find any significant discounts on the triumph, but got £3k off the Honda (brand new) when paying cash. That sealed it for me! It's a great bike and you soon get used to the menus and switchgear. Back lit switch gear would have been nice though.
Big discounts? Tells you everything.
@@alrightdave6135 I agree to a point. The tiger has more cachet, but the Honda is still a great bike. I have ridden both back to back and I'd have the honda regardless of cost.
@@alrightdave6135 Not in the way that you imply. I got a fully loaded ATAS straight off the showroom floor last November with a £2500 discount because the dealer was committed to taking a certain number of 2022 models from Honda and he was desperate to make room in the shop. No other reason.
Your video is great. That said the choice is simple. Buy the bike you like most and not beause of he Tech. Bikes are there to be riden and not to worry about the tech and specs that much. This is not a mobile device but an analog feeling of JOY.
Keep on making good and interesting videos guys.
Took the Tiger 900 out last year. Odd throttle response compared to the Honda. The Triumph was either on or off and a second of delay it felt like when twisting the throttle. Awful delayed response no doubt down to emissions control.
One big question is which bike is more reliable .....I'd say I'd feel more conferrable with the Africa Twin. They are both awesome bikes but for me, I'm going with the Africa twin. After having a Honda car ( maybe not related ) and having such a great experience with the reliably, I like that Honda name on the bike.
That and stock parts at certain dealerships are available and sometimes competitive to the aftermarket stores.
I was able to get a factory cut key for 10 dollars for a 20 year old car.
I hope you get an es version of sports. The suspension options are amazing! In the Rockies back roading, or in the urban settings. Loaded up or empty, you can dial in your comfort and ride ability in mere seconds at the touch of button/screen. The change in dampening and variations accessable is a game changer. There are so many things I love about my AT, but the ability to always have good grip, and feel for different surfaces, makes this bike an amazingly comfortable at ease bike, in so many more ways. For me :-)
Mornin..on looks it’s very difficult to split them..if I was in the market-but as I have a BMW 1250 GSA, which only a mother could love! (It looks ok to me) I guess I’m mother.
i've owned both; first the AT, then the Triumph 900 GT Pro. As a long term Honda rider, it pained me to find that wind protection on the AT was rubbish. Similarly, even as weight seems similar, the Triumph feels much lighter in daily use. Both brilliant motors and excellent suspensions. My financial vote went to the Triumph.
That's an interesting point! Living with the bike is also important, but not really covered here; the physical size, storage, manual handling etc, I guess has to be a consideration too, not to mention how agile the bike feels across different riding situations?
Aftermarket screens do wonders for the AT. So your complaint is valid but has an easy fix.
Giving ABR festival the hard sell on here and I am sure it is a wonderful weekend.
I purchased 2 tickets for the event in 2022 and cannot attend as I am away with work. I contacted them regarding this and the informed me that the fee is not refundable and in addition they will not allow for me to sell the tickets on for face value or less. I think less of them for this to be fair. What does it matter to them if I attend or someone else in my place??
I went last year and the biggest con i have ever seen. They had enough facilities and bikes for maybe 1000 people - around 8000 turned up. We stayed one night and left. Made a complaint and wanted money back and never heard back.
As for value for money, shouldn’t total cost of ownership and residual value over five years or so be considered?
Where’s the exhaust note of the Tiger? I ride a 900 GT Pro and wouldn’t trade for anything (but an R1250GS, hehe). And this after salivating over the Africa Twin since they came out.
The Tiger 900 engine is just too much fun. And for my purposes, the road biased 17” wheel with tubeless tires on the Tiger made it perfect for me. Less than 5 months of ownership and already have 6000 miles of troublefree adventure (and grocery-shopping).
I've always been a fan of Triumps but I own a 21 AT DCT and really like it. The dealer network in the USA is far superior for Honda.
I was wearing a Triumph sweat shirt a year ago and some lady mistake it for Trump . I didn't wear it again. 😕
I'm waiting for the baby Africa twin, one of the blokes on the honda stand at nec told me it's on its way, apparently it was planned to be trialed in January 2022, do you know anything??
Meanwhile I’ve been turning into a skeleton waiting for the same bike..
@@SimonBrisbane I'm assured its to be released this year
Triumph, every day of the week 👍🏻
I'm a bit shocked you both did not focus more closely on the wind, vibration and seat comfort.
I have long had a thing for the Tiger 900 (but I still hate the TFT dash layout and wish Triumph would sort it out) but, if I had to go for one of these bikes then it would definitely be the new Tiger 1200. Lol!
poor decisions
They're both stunning looking bikes make no mistake but that specific AT just looks the part for me. But with that said I'm very much a Triumph fan. Thanks for the great content.
Not really a fair comparison, Africa Twin should’ve been up against the 1200 tiger
Tubeless is not always good is you spilt a tyre
The honda won my heart over BMW GS's (Adventure sports manual) so it was a no brainer for me. Re the hand guards that's up to you to negotiate on the price when you buy it.
The look of the AT is amazing, I would choose it!
Why not compare it to the Tiger 1200? An 1100 to a 1200. Not to a 900. Maybe that’s all you could get your hands on?
“Clear as mud”. “Limited off road experience/testing” and “Luddite” were the descriptive comments. I’ll never get that 23 minutes back. Coulda been riding. Aaagh!
I would go with the Africa Twin
I like the respectful look @ the OTHER Bike by you 2. Looks-wise: Tiger 9. Handlung & comfort also T 9, sound :AT by the skin if it's teeth.
Pity i can't make it to 24.-26. June. Carry on riding, fellas ☀️👍🤘✌️
I like both bikes, I think the triumph is better looking, but I would have to ride both bikes first to make a choice, the bike which I thought handled better would swing it for me.
I've got the 2021 Africa Twin Adventure Sport....video on my channel.
It's brilliant however, the Andriod Car Play is forever having issues. It drops the connection and picks it back up almost constantly. When Honda sort this issue out the Africa Twin will be unstoppable.
The Tiger looks amazing but I'm not keen on the narrow screen and dash set up from the riders POV.
AFRICA TWIN for me
I have a '12 Tiger 800 and find the AT too tall-feeling for me at just a scooch over 5-9. I don't take it off road that much but on anything except slick conditions my Shinko 705s do pretty well. That Honda exhaust note is vastly different this year, wow pretty impressive. I know the Tiger -- especially the 800 -- is geared and set up for being in the dirt but damn my '06 Multi S with the same approximate power (and a tune -- they both have tunes and slip ons-- ) will just ghost the Triumph. It runs almost as hard as my Speedy 955/1050s did. Tiger looks better to my eye at least but the multi-colored AT is very sharp. Also the Triumph mirrors are simply fantastic. Please don't change them.