2012 KTM 990 Adventure vs 2012 Triumph Tiger 800

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2012 KTM 990 Adventure 2012 KTM 990 Adventure

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Four stroke, 75°V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Power
113.3 hp / 84.5 kW @ 8750 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
209 kg / 460.7 lbs
2012 Triumph Tiger 800 2012 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
Full Specifications
General
Year20122012
Make ModelKTM 990 AdventureTriumph Tiger 800
Dimensions
Seat Height860 mm / 33.8 in810 mm -830 mm / 31.9 in- 32.7 in adjustable
Wheelbase-1530 mm / 60.2in
Ground Clearance261 mm / 9.0 in-
Height-1350 mm / 53.1 in
Length-2215 mm / 87.1in
Width-795 mm / 31.3 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight209 kg / 460.7 lbs-
Fuel Capacity19.5 Litres / 5.1 gal18.9 Litres / 5.0 gal / 4.2 Imp gal
Wet Weight-209.6 kg / 462 lbs
Performance
Max Power113.3 hp / 84.5 kW @ 8750 rpm69.1 kW / 93.9 hp @ 9300 rpm
Max Torque100 Nm / 73.8 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm79 Nm / 8.1 kgf-m /58 ft.lb @ 7850 rpm
Engine
Displacement999.8 cc / 60.9 cu-in799 cc / 48.7 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, 75°V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinderFour stroke, transverse three cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder
Bore x Stroke101 x 62.4mm74 x 61.9 mm
Compression Ratio11.5;112.0:1
Cooling SystemLiquid coolingLiquid cooled
Engine Oil SpecificationMotorex, SAE 10W-50-
ExhaustTwin stainless steel silencer with regulated catalytic converterStainless Steel, 3 into 1, high-level stainless steel silencer
Fuel InductionKeihin Electronic Fuel Injection EMSMultipoint sequential electronic fuel injection
IgnitionContactless, controlled, fully electronic ignition system with digital ignition timing adjustmentDigital CDI
Lubrication-Wet sump
StarterElectricElectric
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity12 V/11.2 Ah-
Drivetrain
ClutchWet Multi-disc hydraulically operated,Wet, multi-plate
Final DriveChain, X-Ring 5/8 x 5/16"Chain
Final Drive Ratio16:42-
Primary Drive35:67-
Transmission / Drive6 Speed 6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeTubular cromoly spaced frame. powered coatedTubular steel trellis frame. Swingarm: twin-sided, cast aluminum alloy wheels
Suspension - Front48mm WP USD forksShowa 45mm upside down forks
Suspension - RearWP-PDS rear shock, hydraulic spring preloadShowa monoshock with remote oil reservoir, hydraulically adjustable preload, rebound damping adjustment
HandlebarAluminium, tapered, Ø 28/22 mm-
Rake-23.9°
Trail-92.4mm / 3.6 in
Wheel Travel - Front190 mm / 7.5 in180 mm / 7.1 in
Wheel Travel - Rear190 mm / 7.5 in170 mm / 6.7 in
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2x 300mm discs 2 piston calipers2 x 308 mm Floating discs, Nissin 2-piston floating caliper (ABS available), Nissin master cylinder, 14mm diameter
Brakes - RearSingle 240mm disc 1 piston caliperSingle 255 mm disc, Nissin single-piston floating caliper (ABS available)
Tyres - Front90/90 -21110/80 ZR19
Tyres - Rear150/70 -R18150/70 ZR17

Verdict

Winner on specs

2012 KTM 990 Adventure

The 2012 KTM 990 Adventure edges out the 2012 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

2012 KTM 990 Adventure - Advantages

  • Higher torque: 100 Nm vs 79 Nm - more pulling power across the rev range.
  • More rear wheel travel: 190 mm vs 170 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 190 mm vs 180 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2012 Triumph Tiger 800 - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 810 mm -830 mm vs 860 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 vs 2012 Triumph Tiger 800 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2012 KTM 990 Adventure and 2012 Triumph Tiger 800?
The 2012 KTM 990 Adventure uses Four stroke, 75°V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, while the 2012 Triumph Tiger 800 is powered by Four stroke, transverse three cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2012 KTM 990 Adventure or the 2012 Triumph Tiger 800?
The 2012 Triumph Tiger 800 has the lower seat at 810 mm -830 mm, making it more accessible. The 2012 KTM 990 Adventure sits higher at 860 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2012 KTM 990 Adventure or the 2012 Triumph Tiger 800?
Both are strong choices. The 2012 KTM 990 Adventure has the edge in higher torque and higher rear wheel travel, while the 2012 Triumph Tiger 800 stands out for lower seat height and dual front discs. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.