Introducing the KTM 790 Adventure S & R, a bike I have been waiting for since KTM discontinued their legendary single, the 640 Adventure.
A special thanks to KTM South Africa for the privilege of experiencing these bikes in Morocco, shortly after their International Launch. An honor indeed.
A lot of people have asked my opinion, so here it is. FYI (or rather for what it’s worth) I have gone out of my way not to read or watch any reviews on the KTM 790 Adventure, I wanted no preconceived ideas, I wanted to form my own opinion. Although, I have heard expressions of disappointment at the weight of the bike as well as concerns with the width/fragility of the tanks. #pffft
Let me introduce you to the concept of Power to Weight, arguably KTM’s competitive advantage. Teamed with World Class Suspension Technology, what more could a rider want from a motorcycle. Styling, of course, or look back appeal. I could stare at this bike all day, a picture speaks a thousand words, as the saying goes! Not one for Specs myself, personally, if a something speaks to me, I listen. And did I listen.
Seriously, anyone doubting the new KTM 790 Adventure, needn’t. KTM did not win 18 Dakar Rallies by chance (read tank width and crash-ability). They know what they are doing when it comes to building Ready To Race Machines. And the 790 Adventure is no exception.
Talk about sensory overload, foreign country, diverse terrain, new bike, wrong side of the road and add a little male ego, forgive the pun. No KTM Dealer wants to throw their name away in front of other KTM Dealers & Riding Legends. Not something that goes unnoticed or regurgitated at every opportunity, for eternity. #Pressure.
Both Models share the same motor & wheel size (21/18 combo) and therefor enjoy the same punchy performance with very similar ergonomics, however different seat, screen, electronics (R includes Rally Mode) and especially suspension specification make for two very different riding experiences. Clearly as KTM intended. Choosing between the two is simply a matter of intended use or seat height. #adventure or #adventureharder
Since the introduction of the Scalpel, 790 Duke, KTM have inclined towards non adjustable suspension and their own brand of brake calipers. For weight saving or performance improvement reasons, most riders upgrade these components to suit their own personal needs anyway. A novel concept encouraging personalizing ones motorcycles for maximum riding pleasure and safety. Although both bikes enjoy similar KTM branded calipers, the S is shod with non adjustable suspension whereas the R sports the Open Cartridge setup as found on KTM’S Enduro Models. Needless to say, the R could quite easily be confused for Rally and the S for Sport.
Screen height, both models have two positions, high and low, achievable by removing and refitting one bolt with tool provided. As is the preload adjusted on the rear shock, manually with a tool.
Lights are new generation good, offer great visibility and quite adequate to upset the rider in front of you. I have that on good authority. #safetyfirst
Midrange roll on and tour-ability proved punchy (thanks to sublime quick shifter) and addictive, more comparable to new generation larger capacity than what I remember of the strained 990!
Fuel gauge only starts dropping from half tank, bikes seemingly very light on fuel.
Tools fit in removable rear fairing, not particularly a great idea depending on the company. Maybe it’s just my friends!
Cornering ABS fitted as standard on both bikes proving very useful on the unpredictably tightening high speed corners on Morocco Roads.
Rally mode (on the R) allows adjustable traction control, which works a treat. 1 being maximum slippage or expert (according to the factory) and higher numbers for more traction intervention.
Hold it wide open on a flat surface while turning and the back steps out and stays out in a very controlled manor, also ideal for sand/dune riding… if you remember to adjust accordingly. In the heat of the moment I forgot to reduce the traction control (from 4-1) in the dunes, which made life hell. Only realized once back at the lunch stop. Likewise, the reverse is true, higher number of traction control will provides excellent grip on the rocky hills climbs. Akin to cheating.
An exceptional range of motorcycles catering for beginner to expert, short or tall, adventure or hardadventure.
Never underestimate the value of your feet reaching the ground!!!
Cannot wait for our Demos to arrive!!!
Check out the Vids below…
