2011 Triumph Tiger 800 vs 2012 KTM 990 Adventure R

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2011 Triumph Tiger 800 2011 Triumph Tiger 800

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Four stroke, transverse three cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder
Power
69.1 kW / 93.9 hp @ 9300 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
209.6 kg / 462 lbs
2012 KTM 990 Adventure R 2012 KTM 990 Adventure R

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Four stroke, 75°V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Power
116 hp / 85 kW @ 9000 pm
Top Speed
210.7 km/h
Weight
207 kg / 456.34 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year20112012
Make ModelTriumph Tiger 800KTM 990 Adventure R
Dimensions
Seat Height810 mm -830 mm / 31.9 in- 32.7 in adjustable895 mm / 35.2 in
Wheelbase1530 mm / 60.2in1570 mm / 61.8 in
Ground Clearance-296 mm / 11.6 in
Height1350 mm / 53.1 in-
Length2215 mm / 87.1in-
Width795 mm / 31.3 in-
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight-207 kg / 456.34 lbs
Fuel Capacity18.9 Litres / 5.0 gal / 4.2 Imp gal19.5 Litres / 5.1 gal
Wet Weight209.6 kg / 462 lbs-
Performance
Top Speed-210.7 km/h
Max Power69.1 kW / 93.9 hp @ 9300 rpm116 hp / 85 kW @ 9000 pm
Max Torque79 Nm / 8.1 kgf-m /58 ft.lb @ 7850 rpm100 Nm / 73.8 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm
Standing Start ¼ Mile-12.0 sec
Engine
Displacement799 cc / 48.7 cu-in999.8 cc / 60.9 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, transverse three cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinderFour stroke, 75°V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Bore x Stroke74 x 61.9 mm101 x 62.4mm
Compression Ratio12.0:111.5;1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledLiquid cooling
Engine Oil Specification-Motorex, SAE 10W-50
ExhaustStainless Steel, 3 into 1, high-level stainless steel silencerTwin stainless steel silencer with regulated catalytic converter
Fuel Consumption-17.2 km/lit
Fuel InductionMultipoint sequential electronic fuel injectionKeihin Electronic Fuel Injection EMS
IgnitionDigital CDIContactless, controlled, fully electronic ignition system with digital ignition timing adjustment
LubricationWet sump-
StarterElectricElectric
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity-12 V/11.2 Ah
Drivetrain
ClutchWet, multi-plateWet Multi-disc hydraulically operated,
Final DriveChainChain, X-Ring 5/8 x 5/16"
Final Drive Ratio-16:42
Primary Drive-35:67
Transmission / Drive6 Speed6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeTubular steel trellis frame. Swingarm: twin-sided, cast aluminum alloy wheelsTubular cromoly spaced frame. powered coated
Suspension - FrontShowa 45mm upside down forks48mm WP USD forks
Suspension - RearShowa monoshock with remote oil reservoir, hydraulically adjustable preload, rebound damping adjustmentWP-PDS rear shock, hydraulic spring preload
Handlebar-Aluminium, tapered, Ø 28/22 mm
Rake23.9°26.6°
Steering Head Angle-63.4°
Trail92.4mm / 3.6 in119 mm / 4.68 in
Wheel Travel - Front180 mm / 7.1 in248 mm / 9.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear170 mm / 6.7 in248 mm / 9.7 in
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2 x 308 mm Floating discs, Nissin 2-piston floating caliper (ABS available), Nissin master cylinder, 14mm diameter2x 300mm Brembo discs 2 piston calipers
Brakes - RearSingle 255 mm disc, Nissin single-piston floating caliper (ABS available)Single 240mm Brembo disc 1 piston caliper
Tyres - Front110/80 ZR1990/90 -21
Tyres - Rear150/70 ZR17150/70 -R18
Wheels - Front-2.15 x 21'';
Wheels - Rear-4.25 x 18''

Verdict

Winner on specs

2012 KTM 990 Adventure R

The 2012 KTM 990 Adventure R edges out the 2011 Triumph Tiger 800 thanks to its higher torque, higher rear wheel travel and higher front wheel travel. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2011 Triumph Tiger 800 - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 810 mm -830 mm vs 895 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.

2012 KTM 990 Adventure R - Advantages

  • Higher torque: 100 Nm vs 79 Nm - more pulling power across the rev range.
  • More rear wheel travel: 248 mm vs 170 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 248 mm vs 180 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2011 Triumph Tiger 800 vs 2012 KTM 990 Adventure R - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2011 Triumph Tiger 800 and 2012 KTM 990 Adventure R?
The 2011 Triumph Tiger 800 uses Four stroke, transverse three cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder, while the 2012 KTM 990 Adventure R is powered by Four stroke, 75°V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2011 Triumph Tiger 800 or the 2012 KTM 990 Adventure R?
The 2011 Triumph Tiger 800 has the lower seat at 810 mm -830 mm, making it more accessible. The 2012 KTM 990 Adventure R sits higher at 895 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2011 Triumph Tiger 800 or the 2012 KTM 990 Adventure R?
Both are strong choices. The 2011 Triumph Tiger 800 has the edge in lower seat height and dual front discs, while the 2012 KTM 990 Adventure R stands out for higher torque and higher rear wheel travel. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.