A bit more of an all-arounder than the 790 Adventure R also introduced today, the standard 790 Adventure employs different suspension components and tires, among other changes, to serve as a street tourer with significant off-road chops. Have a look at the KTM press release below:
THE MOST OFFROAD CAPABLE TRAVEL BIKE
If you’re looking for a high-performance motorcycle that’s lightweight and compact, one that specializes in adventure touring with the ability to explore further offroad when the asphalt ends, then look no further than the 2019 KTM 790 ADVENTURE. With its all new chassis, WP 43 mm APEX open cartridge upside down front fork, new 799 cc LC8c engine that’s specifically adapted to the needs of adventure riding, and KTM’s offroad genes, the KTM 790 ADVENTURE is built for endless exploration, whether it’s in the desert, on remote mountain trails or a transcontinental crossing. Riding in all environments and conditions is assisted by an electronics package that includes a full-color TFT dashboard, motorcycle traction control (MTC) working in conjunction with ride mode selection including Street, Offroad, Rain and optional Rally mode, motor slip regulation (MSR) and cornering ABS with Offroad ABS mode. No other twin-cylinder travel enduro bike can match this package.
2019 KTM 790 ADVENTURE HIGHLIGHTS
- Extremely powerful parallel twin, 4-stroke, 799 cc DOHC engine with electronic fuel injection, dual balancer shafts, PASC slipper clutch and Ride-by-Wire for a smoother and more refined response.
- Ultralight tubular Chromium Molybdenum steel frame with the engine as a stressed member to reduce weight and overall size.
- WP 43 mm APEX open-cartridge front fork set with split function technology that separates the compression and rebound damping for excellent response and stability.
- WP APEX shock absorber with adjustable preload is setup for traveling long distances in tough conditions, balancing typical KTM performance with all day riding comfort.
- Spoked wheels with a 21” front and an 18” rear for excellent offroad capability.
- A slim platform with a low-slung fuel tank to lower the center of gravity and allow the rider freedom of movement.
- Twin 320 mm front brake disks with 4 piston radially mounted calipers, Cornering ABS and Offroad ABS allow for an ideal mix of control and stopping power.
- Rider aids include Street, Offroad, Rain and optional Rally ride modes, motorcycle traction control (MTC), motorcycle slip regulation (MSR), the optional Quickshifter+ and KTM MY RIDE. Heated grips, heated seat and cruise control are also optional.
- LED headlight and taillight for great illumination and visibility.
- Multifunctional dashboard with full-color TFT display is bright and clear. The display’s configuration is variable and automatically adapts to variations in environmental light.
- A tall windscreen, height-adjustable 2-piece seat, and handguards are all standard.
- Steering damper fitted as standard and setup to feel as natural as possible, giving the rider a secure feeling while keeping the agile riding character of the bike.
- Tapered aluminum handlebar can be mounted in 6 positions on the triple clamp resulting in 30 mm of adjustability.
Engine Type: Parallel Twin, 4-Stroke, DOHC
Displacement: 799 cc
Bore/Stroke: 88 / 65.7 mm
Starter: Electric; 12V 10Ah
Transmission: 6 Gears
Fuel System: DKK Dell’Orto, 46 mm Throttle Body
Lubrication: Pressure Lubrication with Two Oil Pumps
Cooling: Liquid Cooling with Water/Oil Heat Exchanger
Clutch: PASC (Power Assisted Slipper Clutch), Mechanically Operated
Ignition: Bosch EMS with Ride-By-Wire
Frame: CroMoly Tubular Steel, Engine as Stressed Member
Subframe: CroMoly Steel Trellis
Handlebar: Aluminum, Tapered, Ø 26/22 mm
Front Suspension: WP USD Ø 43 mm
Rear Suspension: WP Monoshock
Suspension Travel Front/Rear: 200 mm / 7.9 in; 200 mm / 7.9 in
Front/Rear Brakes: Disc Brake 320 mm / 260 mm
Front/Rear Wheels: 2.50 x 21”, 4.50 x 18”
Front/Rear Tires: 90/90-21”; 150/70-18”
Steering Head Angle: 25.9º
Wheelbase: 1,509 mm ± 15 mm / 59.4 ± 0.6 in
Ground Clearance: 233 mm / 9.2 in
Seat Height: 850 / 830 mm; 33.5 / 32.7 in
Tank Capacity: 20 l / 5.3 gal
Dry Weight, Approx: 189 kg / 416.7 lbs
See more of MD’s great photography:
Notice the front-fender-to-tire clearance on the R vs. the non-R models.
This machine has me so excited. Was waiting for the world raid but now good nite Yamaha.
I wish they followed the 1X90 formula wrt wheel sizes. A 19/17 wheelset on this bike would make it almost irresistible to me. That really is the sweet spot for a rider who really likes pavement twisties and dirt road (not single track or sand etc.) riding. I’ve owned a 950S, 990 Dakar (with 21/18 & 19/17 wheelsets), 950SM, 950SE and now have an 1190. I’ve put pretty close to 200,000 miles on these bikes, and while are were an absolute blast in their environment, found the 990 with the 19/17 setup and the 1190 the best compromise for that kind of riding.
Yeah, I can get a wheelset made up, but that’s an expensive proposition if you do it so you can swap between the two sets if you want to have that flexibility.
And does it really come with tube-type tires rather than tubeless?
Sounds like a great all around package. Anyone know the price or service intervals? Thanks
And the hits from KTM just keep on coming. Since they really put emphasis on their street lineup, I have been a huge fan, but in the last couple of years the ADV lineup has really been crying up to me. Probably because of all the wannabe “roads”, fire “roads”, and logging “roads” that I really want to explore, not to mention several unpaved and unimproved mountain passes off to the west that have been trying to draw me like a moth to the flame. I see orange in my future without any doubt.
I think a standard version of this bike would be a lot of fun given it’s reasonable offroad capabilities. Maybe they’ll tap Husky to take one in that direction.
I love the idea of these KTM ADV bikes. But seat height and heft have always had me stare at them from afar. Much like an amusement ride with a sign next to it stating you must be taller than this line to ride, with a line 1-2 inches over my head. The 1090 videos have me wish I were taller. Maybe this R model will be narrow enough in the front of the seat along with its lower height allow me to participate in the foolishness of taking one of these beasts into the wooded paths. For now I’ll stick to my pickup truck and my XC-W in the back to get to the trails and street bikes that have no thought of going into the New England wooded trails.
This may be the sweet spot for a lot of riders. KTM quality, adequate power, light weight, all the latest gimmicks available, WP suspension…now if it just didn’t look like a space alien insect. I own a 1290 SDGT and a 990 SMT, really great bikes.
Looks like a worses Versys. ‘n’ sheit. It’ll sell better than that piece o’ poo Yamaha Tenere 700 if only because that rolling dung beetle food truck ain’t gonna be available for another 2.5 or so years.
Cable clutch
The rider in the photos appears to leaning the wrong way.
He’s counter-leaning.
I can practically picture this guy with his inside leg sticking way out front, ready to blow up a berm.
Now THOSE guys are posers.
Did I spell it right?
Yet another entrant in the Best All Around Motorcycle category. Has capabilities as an adventure tourer, canyon carver, commuter, and even some dirt and hooligan credentials. Looks like big fun in a lightweight package. Lots to like.
Short inseams rejoice! Add a set of knobbies and take it to the limit. A real-deal adventure bike with a perch less than 33 inches from the ground.
I noticed that seat height. This is shocking from KTM. I’m a short guy drawn to tall bikes, but KTM’s are generally too tall for me to even consider. This one will be worth a look.
No need for knobbies, you can buy the “R”. KTM has done the midsized Adventures right.
Oh, just looked at the “R”s seat height. Some may want knobbies on this one.
Honestly, though, even the R seat height isn’t that bad.
I am really digging the R version. I live in the desert, tell me this wouldn’t be a great way to spend the day.
Yep, and with 18/21 too – I think the non-R 1190s etc were 17″ wheels so this is a great adv option for the shorter/less confident rider.
The non R models had 19″ front wheel, 17: rear, including the new 1290 S. Very capable on dirt roads and two track trails if ridden at a not insane pace. I love mine but this new bike looks way more “adventure” worthy because I can ride alone and pick it up!!
‘because I can ride alone and pick it up!!’
Yeah that’s huge for me too. I can lift my 1190 4 or 5 times in a ride and then i’m done. Makes the ride a lot more dull when you’re dreading having to pick it up again.