Decisions decisions...

[Hallstar]

I currently have a KTM 990 SMT (2012) and have it in my head that I want something a little more 'refined', for comfortable distance work and for the preservation of my driving license! (The SMT is bonkers!)

I'm toying with the idea of a Triumph Tiger 1050 Sport, or an Aprilia Caponord or maybe another Kawasaki Z1000SX.

There is something about the Caponord that appeals to me, can't quite figure out what but it does review really well.

Anyone have any experience with the Capo, or the Tiger?

[goatpants]

I currently have a KTM 990 SMT (2012) and have it in my head that I want something a little more 'refined', for comfortable distance work and for the preservation of my driving license! (The SMT is bonkers!)

I'm toying with the idea of a Triumph Tiger 1050 Sport, or an Aprilia Caponord or maybe another Kawasaki Z1000SX.

There is something about the Caponord that appeals to me, can't quite figure out what but it does review really well.

Anyone have any experience with the Capo, or the Tiger?

I had a Tiger sport. Good fun but more sport than tourer. Even with the "aherm" comfort seat you can only ride for an hour max. France and Germany 2 up was a killer on my rectum.

[Gimlet]

The Caponord is one of the most comfortable bikes in its class. The seat it supposed to have set the standard for comfort which BMW tried to match when they revised the 1200 GS 4 years ago. The semi-active suspension is reckoned to be one of the best out there as well.
Some say its a little underpowered compared to the opposition but by that they're comparing it with the Multistrada and the KTM 1190. It doesn't quite have the power of either of those but its certainly up there with a 1050 Tiger and as powerful if slightly less torquey than a 1200 GS.
I mate of mine has one and rates it highly. Not the prettiest, looks a bit busy but seems well built and journos generally regard it as an fine bike that gets unfairly overlooked.
Whether you're happy with Aprilia's dealer network and customer service record is something only you can decide. They're supposed to have upped their game nowadays and I haven't owned an Aprilia so I couldn't comment but I admit its put me off in the past.

I tried the Tiger 1050 before buying my SMT. At the time I was after a big adventure tourer and was torn between the KTM 1190 and the 1200GS but didn't want to spend 10K. I confess I found the Tiger a bit dull in that company. I used to have a 2013 Speed Triple and was expecting an upright version of that but the engine didn't seem to have the same charisma to me and felt a bit more commuter-like.
I preferred the 800 Tiger because its so nimble but it didn't have enough power. I thought the Tiger was quite comfortable, better than the Speedy which used to make me fidget and slide forward all the time, but it won't be in the same league as a Caponard.

Have you thought about a KTM 1190? They're huge fun, very grunty and lively but tractable and easy to ride with superb handling. Faster than a 1200GS and quite capable of keeping up with a Multistrada and they're cheap at the moment. KTM are discontinuing the 1190 engine in favour of a new range platform-built around the 1290 unit. There are still a few new 1190s and pre-reggers going for 10.5 K. The list price was 14K. Used prices have taken a knock because of that and there are some bargains to be had. 2014 onwards are the best bikes when early niggles where ironed out and its worth getting the electric edition which has push-button preload adjustment. The standard seat isn't that comfortable, same symptoms Goatpants suffered with his Tiger but Touratech make a range of seats in three different heights for the 1190 which are very comfortable and the same price as KTM catalogue options so its an easy fix. If I had the money I'd be trading up my SMT to an 1190.

[billinom8s]

The 790 looks fun and sensible.

[graham22]

After riding a loan SMT, I thought it was the sensible option.

[Gimlet]

It does but you'll have to wait until 2018..

[goatpants]

I tried the Tiger 1050 before buying my SMT. At the time I was after a big adventure tourer and was torn between the KTM 1190 and the 1200GS but didn't want to spend 10K. I confess I found the Tiger a bit dull in that company. I used to have a 2013 Speed Triple and was expecting an upright version of that but the engine didn't seem to have the same charisma to me and felt a bit more commuter-like.
I preferred the 800 Tiger because its so nimble but it didn't have enough power. I thought the Tiger was quite comfortable, better than the Speedy which used to make me fidget and slide forward all the time, but it won't be in the same league as a Caponard.

For the record, the Tiger 1050 and Tiger Sport 1050 are two different bikes.