KTM 790 Adventure vs Yamaha Tenere 700 — Which One Fits Your Adventure Style Best?

 What that means in practice:

• For highway cruising, overtaking, steep climbs, mixed terrain: the KTM 790 has a clear edge. The extra power means less work when pushing hard or carrying load.

• For trail riding, technical off-road, or situations where you want manageable torque rather than raw horsepower, the Tenere feels friendlier. Its torque delivery is smoother at lower revs, which helps when navigating bumpy, low-speed trails.

3. Suspension, Handling & Off‐Road Capability

A bike’s spec sheet only tells part of the story — how it handles in dirt, over rocks, in mud, or when the trail ends, is crucial.

Suspension travel & geometry:

• T700 has slightly more front travel in many versions (≈ 8.3 inches front travel in some spec comparisons) and a design focused on rugged trails. 

• KTM 790 Adv uses WP suspension, often fully adjustable, with very capable performance both off-road and on-road. 

Weight, seat height & ground clearance:

• The KTM is lighter in many configurations, which means easier maneuvering off-road. 

• The Tenere often has a higher seat height and longer wheelbase which contribute to stability over rough terrain and at speed, but can be more challenging for shorter riders. 

The KTM 790 feels sharper on twisties or roads with curves, while the T700 is more stable and predictable over gravel, loose surfaces, or long stretches where trail conditions vary. If you plan to ride a lot of twisty tarmac plus occasional dirt, the KTM’s ride may feel more thrilling. If you expect more remote dirt/rock and want fewer surprises, the Ténéré might win on confidence.

4. Tech, Rider Aids & Electronics

KTM 790 Adventure:

• Offers more electronics: cornering ABS, lean-sensitive traction control, ride modes (including off-road modes), often a TFT display, often optional features like quick-shifter, cruise control, etc. 

• These aid in safety and versatility — helpful for less experienced riders or when conditions change (weather, road/trail mix).

Ténéré 700:

• Intentionally simpler. Basic ABS (some versions switchable), minimal electronics, more analog/basic dash/display. 

• The simplicity means less to break, potentially easier maintenance in remote areas, and fewer distractions. For riders who prefer raw ride feel and simplicity, this is a plus.

The trade-off is: with more tech comes complexity, weight, potentially higher maintenance or cost for repairs, and sometimes reliability concerns in KTM’s case (see below).

5. Comfort, Ergonomics & Touring / Long Rides

If you intend to ride long distances, carry luggage, go through highways, or be seated for many hours, comfort matters as much as specs.

Wind protection & tank range:

• Fuel tank: KTM 790 has a larger capacity (~20 L) vs ~16 L for the Ténéré in many specs. That means fewer fuel stops. 

• Wind protection on both is adequate for their class, but many Ténéré riders report needing to add aftermarket screens to improve highway comfort. You’ll likely do some mods or adjust riding style depending on where you ride.

Luggage, touring accessories:

• Both bikes have good aftermarket ecosystems. KTM probably has more options for tech and accessories.

• Yamaha’s simplicity means fewer electronics to worry about in case of damage or failure, which might make it more reliable in remote touring settings.

6. Reliability, Ownership Experience & Issues

Here’s where things get trickier, and where many forum threads weigh heavily in decision-making.

KTM 790 Adventure Reliability Issues:

• Owners report camshaft wear/cam defects in some units of the 790 / 890 / LC8c engines. 

• Other complaints include oil leaks, rear brake issues, and ABS or traction control malfunctions. 

• Some of these issues reportedly improved in more recent model years/production batches, but still something many potential owners mention. 

Yamaha Tenere 700 Reliability & Strengths:

• Known for very solid build, simplicity, proven engine (CP2) with fewer electronic bits to go wrong. 

• Good resale value, parts availability, especially in markets where Yamaha has strong dealer networks. 

Costs of ownership:

• KTM’s higher spec & more complex parts likely mean higher maintenance or repair costs in some scenarios. If you damage tech features, replacing them can be pricier.

• Yamaha has a lower cost of ownership, easier maintenance in remote settings, and fewer failure points.

Forum comments:

• From Reddit and dedicated forums: lots of debate. Some KTM 790 owners say they love the machine, but are frustrated by unplanned repairs. Others argue the performance and thrill justify the risk/cost.

• Many Ténéré owners praise reliability, the ability to ride many miles without electronics biting them, and straightforward maintenance.

7. Price, Value & Resale