Let’s get 790 happy
The annual Milan spectacle saw KTM unveil two new bikes that will excite riders of the travel enduro category. What was under the wrappers at EICMA?
Seven years of continual growth for KTM and a burgeoning street division meant that the company were not rocking on their heels for 2019. A packed presentation area in Italy saw the unveiling of the KTM 790 ADVENTURE and an accompanying R model to further extend the family around the 799cc LC8c twin-cylinder engine concept.
The travel enduro models are the ‘orange’ highlights of the massive show that will last the rest of the week at the Fiera in Milan. The KTM 790 ADVENTURE is a unique offering in the segment with the LC8c tweaked to offer more torque lower in a powerband that will spit out 95hp. The motorcycle has been chiseled to be smooth but also light and very nimble: the exact characteristics that a rider demands from a bike that will produce the goods offroad but then also be apt for a street cruise that will test the extent of the 450 km fuel tank capacity.
Some aspects of the popular ADVENTURE ‘siblings’ at 1290 and 1090 make it onto the 790, such as the three mode electronics (with optional ‘Rally’ setting), WP APEX suspension, 5” TFT display dash and integrated KTM MY RIDE app. The rally and enduro DNA of these bikes comes through the ergonomics, and traits such as the low ride height, the slim tank and the use of the LC8c as a stressed member of the chassis to assist with the dropped centralization. This motorcycle isn’t a road bike with some offroad AVON tires slapped on; KTM have mined their competitive roots and unparalleled success on tracks and trails to make sure that the KTM 790 ADVENTURE handles as it should on the loose stuff, and is then a powerful and practical prospect for the tarmac.
KTM 790 ADVENTURE MY2019 © KTM/F. Lackner
The R version takes the offroad emphasis to another level and with the focus squarely on ‘performance’. Apparently the KTM 450 RALLY was a strong touchstone for the R with a number of tweaks over the standard KTM 790 ADVENTURE accentuating the ability for this bike to give experienced trail fans a satisfying kick. The street element is not found wanting. Again the electronics stand out: MTC (motorcycle traction control), cornering ABS and four ride modes to tailor the output of the throaty LC8c. Alternate WP technology and Metzeler tires are just some of the other specs.
Media and guests that were lucky to get the first views of the KTM 790 ADVENTURE and the R were struck by a slightly different look. The bikes clearly pack some of that rally and ‘enduroesque’ styling thanks to the narrow front end and straight, functional seat unit that only enhance the travel enduro sensation.
There were a few other surprises at the 2018 EICMA, click on our future stories to feel ‘the buzz’.
Photos: KTM | KTM/F. Lackner
Video: KTM/KISKA
I would like to get a definitive date for purchase. I’ve heard it will be released in the Spring and now I’m hearing in 2020. Which one is it?
Enough of saying first of all release it have been hearing and waiting for this adventure 790 for a long time or otherwise I gonna have to replace it with other adventure bikes patience is running out
Excellent aproach to customers demands!
I would like that std version came with 19” front 17” rear and adjustable or electronic suspenssion
I’m 1,72m so I hope that I could reach the ground properly on the “R” that’s the “Good Shok’s” one…
the best moto cross ever KTM <3
If only bike manufacturers let us customize our bikes with out being stuck with the unwanted parts…
EXCLUSIVE OFFER!
To mark the release of KTM’s all new 790 Adventure and Adventure R motorcycles we’re making a very special offer. Upgrade your bike to include any premium power parts… the Akrapovic slip-on exhaust, the taller touring wind-shield, our rally pegs or carbon fibre tank guards… and we’ll buy back the factory parts!
Want the step seat and Avon’s Trailrider dual sport tyres on your Adventure R for a more Enduro styled bike? No problem! Simply order your favoured parts and we’ll buy back the original parts.
Terms and Conditions:
1) Offer only available on as new bikes at your authorised KTM dealership.
2) To ensure the correct disassembly of original parts, fault free installation of power-part upgrades and peace of mind, all service work must be performed by your KTM dealership. All service costs being the responsibility of the customer.
bonne idée !! MERCI Père Noel 88
Don’t kill it with an absurdly high price, no matter what BMW wants to lure you in …after all, it is an “800”
My previous Ktm was a 950 Adventure. By far the best bike I owned. I was really expecting this to be in the spirit of its older brother. And I think it will live up to the hype! Bring it on! Can’t wait to test ride it next Spring.
Looking foreward to the 790 in Denmark 😊
Was für ein Bike. Sieht extrem leicht und handlich aus.Das wird ein Frühling, muss ich unbedingt probefahren…..☺