KTM reliability? Depends who you talk to. KTM are the New Big Thing now. But they have a very dark history that you don't have to go too far back to learn.

The early KTM twins had LOTS of well documented problems. The later versions of the 990 seemed to be better and the 10, 11 and 12 series bikes are doing even better ... but certainly not 100% bullet proof.

And for maintenance ... with the most modern KTM's ... you may want to stay close to a KTM dealer for parts and service.

If you read the owners forums you can learn a lot about the history of these sort of things. As a NEW off road rider, I would not expect you to know much about this. I've been riding dirt bikes 40 years so lived through some of it.

If I was doing serious RTW type travel I'd go with the under powered Honda. But for me, both are too big and heavy if any off road is on the menu ... and a few other reasons as well.

The young guys can handle 600 lb. bikes off road, I no longer can ... nor do I want to. I would also feel terrible to subject a $22K (usd) KTM to the ultimate abuse it will encounter on a RTW trip.

I'd much prefer riding something cheap and expendable. Maybe this is why so many riders are going with used DR650's, 250's and Chinese bikes.

But no question the KTM will be more fun on short, local ADV rides with moderate off road ... and great on paved roads too. I just did a ride with 5 friends all riding 1290 ADV KTM's. Fabulous bikes on this ALL paved road ride .... I had to work hard to keep up on my 37 HP DR650!