Motorcycle specifications KTM790 Adventure 2019 The painless plains

KTM has established solid positions in the large trail segment. Its 1290 Adventure models are the most muscular in the category. Their reputation is well established. Now it's time to go on the offensive in mid-size territory, as the 790 Duke has done in the roadster segment. The 790 Adventure is the latest addition to the adventurous family.

katoche has obviously decided to approach the terrain with a different face. Some cultivate the trail look, others are inspired by rally-raids... The Austrian company wanted to set itself apart, with a look that combines an equine and a grasshopper. The upper profile is slender, the head eccentric, the belly bloated; audacity plays with mischief for a motorcycle with high expectations. For it wants nothing less than to take its crew on the daily grind, the roads, the paths, the weekdays and weekends, in the belief that adventure awaits at every bend between home and work. Or behind every stone hidden by an avenue. In short, Adventure for everyone, everywhere. With the welcome accessibility of an engine perched between power and reasonableness.

the 1290's 160 horsepower may make you salivate, but its size means it's aimed at a more discerning clientele. The 1090 is already more accessible, but still imposing. This is where the 790 plays one of its trump cards, with a size and engine that will appeal to all those who want to put their foot in the stirrup.
This 799 cm3 LC8e first made its mark on the Duke. Moving to the rhythm of two parallel connecting rods, it has left a few nags in the checkroom in order to deliver more torque on the trail bike - 9 mkg max when the roadster offers 8.8. It's not much, but we'll remember the swelling of the curve, which makes the powertrain more available. In terms of power, the rider can count on 95 hp, a figure perfectly in line with the sector and the competition. Bonus: it's A2 license-eligible.

don't think of the Adventure as just another trail bike. KTM is a specialist in machines designed for infinite horizons. This translates into tricks and solutions drawn from the manufacturer's vast experience. Take the air filter: on most bikes (except cross-country and enduro bikes), you have to empty the tank and then open the airbox. On the 790 Adventure, the housing is tucked away under the saddle for easy access and replacement.
Another feature is the fuel tank. We were surprised to see the dual fuel tank leaning against the bike's belly. This is actually the lower part of the tank. By storing fuel so low, the designers have lowered the center of gravity and brought multiple advantages. More agility, more knee room, easier standing up for off-road riding. The manufacturer claims a range of around 450 km, thanks to the 20-liter fuel tank. Enough to cross New Caledonia in one go.

the 790 Adv makes a point of putting its rider in the best possible conditions. This is achieved not only through the optimum organization of seating space (tank design, height-adjustable saddle at 830 or 850 mm), but also through a series of useful features: handlebars with six 30 mm adjustment positions, notched footrests with removable rubber inserts, a pair of handguards and a high bubble. On the R version, the bubble is considerably smaller, to provide a clear field of vision. Just in case, bindings are compatible if you have a preference.

most of today's trails don't believe in undergrowth escapades or body-built surprises. Their 19-inch front wheel betrays this compromise between road and dirt. Not so with the 790 Adventure, which opens with a 21-inch wheel. The step is closed with an 18-inch wheel. Let's check the circles... There's no mistaking it: spoked rims and treaded Avon Trailrider tires mean that this machine's shoes will allow it more extra-vehicular outings than the competition. In just the right proportions; to go further, more off-road, the R version features studded tires and long suspension travel.

greater than that of our Adventure here, which is already well equipped with 200 mm of travel front and rear. With 23 cm of ground clearance, it's not on the first stone that it's going to dodge the hoof. As WP cannot be dissociated from Austrian machines, it supplies the 43 mm inverted fork and shock absorber, one without adjustment and the other with preload adjustment. The 1509 mm wheelbase should enhance stability. But if the ride gets nervous, a steering damper will help calm front-end reactions. All this is held together by a tubular trellis frame, with the engine as a load-bearing element. Braking is assured by 4-piston calipers mated to two 320 mm discs, with ABS monitoring.

but not just any ABS. The Bosch 9.1MP version, with an active function when cornering, and the option of deactivating the rear when attacking off-road. ABS with multiple intervention levels is almost a standard feature nowadays, as are a good series of riding aids. What's on the Adventure? Traction control, 4 driving modes including off-road, 5-inch TFT color display, ride-by-wire. Plus options such as cruise control, shifter, smartphone connectivity and a Rally Pack to unlock Rally mode and adjust traction control.

the weight comes as a pleasant surprise, managing to keep it down to 189 kilos. That's about halfway between an old KLX 250 and a 650 V-Strom. Even the seat height is correct, although a little legroom will be required.
With this 790 Adventure, we can feel a confirmation of the privateer side of things. It's the perfect match for the Excursions and the 750 / 850 GS, 800 Tiger, 700 Ténéré, etc... All that's missing is a 390 Adventure, and there's something for everyone.

M.B. - Manufacturer's photos