KTM ADVENTURE 790 R - SURPRISE SURPRISE

Looking for a middleweight motorcycle with ultimate adventure chops? KTM’s 790 Adventure or R model (with up-spec’d suspension) is one that will fit the bill. When the prototype was introduced at the 2017 EICMA, it caused quite a buzz in the ADV world with its off-road purpose. When it was released in 2018, it was “Billed as the most hardcore of KTM’s Adventure line, the 790 Adventure R is fitted standard with tires and suspension capable of serious off-road duty.” While both models share the same 799cc LC8c motor, the R is primarily differentiated by its WP suspension with more adjustability and longer travel. The 790 Adventure and Adventure R are, as KTM says in its press material, “developed with the intent of adventure riding but to also be accessible for riders of all sizes, experience, and ability.”

The 790 Adventure is the more road-biased of the two 790 adventure bikes. The 790 Adventure R on the other hand is the more off-road centric, with its higher ground clearance and fully adjustable WP suspension. The 790 Adventure R also looks more aggressive with its one piece enduro style seat, shorter fly screen, and higher set front mudguard, but mechanically they’re the same. They are both powered by the LC8c parallel twin motor borrowed from the 790 Duke, but tuned for more midrange power. Peak power is rated at 95 hp at 8250 rpm and a maximum torque of 66 lb-ft at 6500 rpm (103.26 hp @ 9000 rpm and 64.16 lb-ft @ 8000 rpm for the 790 Duke). The LC8c is smooth throughout the rev range, vibration hardly affects the clarity of the side mirrors.

With a curb weight of just 189 kg., these modest power and torque figures translate to rapid acceleration when you twist the ride-by-wire throttle, depending on the ride mode you choose. There are three ride modes available on the standard 790 Adventure; Street, Rain, and Off Road. There’s also a Rally Mode which is exclusive to the 790 Adventure R. In this mode, the ECU pre-selects various settings; it disables the rear abs but not the front, and throttle sensitivity and traction control intervention can be adjusted to different levels.

Speaking of riding modes, fiddling with the different settings is made easy with the scroll buttons on the left-hand switchgear and large 5-inch full-color TFT display that automatically adjusts brightness depending on ambient lighting. Like on the 390 Duke, the TFT display can be paired to your mobile phone via Bluetooth so you can see or receive incoming phone calls, text messages, emails, and listen to music. There’s a paid app called “KTM My Ride” that can be downloaded for Android or IOS phones that will allow you to unlock additional features. Below the TFT screen is a standard 12v power outlet for charging mobile phones or GPS receivers.

The aluminum-tapered handlebars can be adjusted 6-ways on both bikes for a more personal fit. The lower windscreen on the 790 Adventure R also provides less wind protection at highway speeds compared to the taller screen on the standard 790 Adventure. These windscreens are interchangeable so you have the option to buy a taller screen for touring on your Adventure R, or vise versa. Hand-guards are standard on both bikes.

Engine: efi, liquid-cooled, inline-2, 4 stroke, 8 valve, dohc Displacement: 799cc Max Power: 95 bhp @ 8250 rpm Max Torque: 66 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm Transmission: 6-speed Seat Height: 850 mm (790 Adventure), 890 mm (790 Adventure R) Fuel Capacity: 20 Liters Tire, Front: 90/90-21 Tire, Rear: 150/70-18 Brakes, Front/ Rear: 2 Discs/Disc ABS Curb Weight: 189 kg.

This affords good torque feel off the bottom with upwards of 50 pound-feet torque from 3,500 rpm. Top-end power-wise, the LC8c engine pumps out 85.4 hp at 8,230 rpm. This twin has a pleasing character and exhaust note, with just the right amount of engine vibration. You know you’re at the helm of a KTM. A underslung and generous capacity 5.3-gallon fuel tank feeds the engine and gives a range of nearly 400 km.

A highly customizable electronics suite lets you tailor the 790’s powertrain from mild to wild. Of the four settings (Street, Off-road, Rain, and Rally), we preferred Rally mode since it offers the most aggressive power delivery. We also valued the ability to independently tweak ABS (Off-road setting was our favorite both on the street and dirt) and the on-the-fly adjustable slip (wheelspin) control. Curiously, heated grips aren’t standard, however the OE-fitted hand guards provide a degree of protection from chilly air.

In addition to independent damping adjustment, the enduro-style WP fork integrates tool-less spring preload adjustment. This allows the rider to tailor front suspension ride height based on preference.

If there was room for only one motorcycle in the garage, KTM makes a strong argument for that spot. The 790 impresses with its cozy manner around town. Yet when it’s time to gear up and head out of the city it eagerly complies. Factor in its fantastically capable enduro-style suspension and highly customizable electronic and chassis components and you have a practical motorcycle that’s up for most any adventure.

The KTM 790 Adventure is a very capable street and offroad machine. I Put My Money Down!

The sizable 60.13-inch wheelbase and 26.3-degree rake create loads of stability in the dirt, aided by the 5.3-gallon fuel tank that carries its ballast low, ensuring a low center of gravity. The 48mm WP Xplor fork and Xplor PDS shock are nothing short of superb, soaking up every bump, bound and hit that I could throw at them, leaving bigger ADVs in the dust.

The Adventure R is no slouch on the road, although the 21- and 18-inch wheels shod with knobby Metzeler Karoo rubber that delighted in the dirt, telegraph their limitations. If the pace heats up too much, you can introduce mid-corner instability.

You get a lot of tech and equipment as standard on the KTM, but there are a host of extras available including. Quickshifter up and down Cruise control Luggage Heavy duty wheels Extra protection Heated grips