First look: KTM 790 Adventure R

By Réhann Coetzee

 

 

KTM took the European Adventure Rally in June 20 as an opportunity to give the public an exclusive first look at the KTM 790 Adventure R for the 2019 model year.

The all-new in-line adventure bike was developed in conjunction with KTM’s 450 Rally, the Dakar-winner.

Well-known endure champion Chris Birch – three-time winner of the Roof of Africa – and other celebrities rode this pre-release version of the new KTM 790 Adventure R while customers and dealers attending the Rally got to see the bike for the first time.

KTM says the lightweight 790 Adventure R has more to offer than just the look of a rally bike – it also has the performance and functionality. This bike is designed for enduro riders who want to push further than ever before, without ever taking the easy route, and for adventure riders who are tired of the beaten path.

“I’m thrilled with the 790 Adventure R,” says Chris Birch. “I have a lot of experience on enduro bikes and I know about the talents of the big KTM Adventure models, but this new bike feels like the perfect mix of both. I only rode a prototype, but it feels fantastic. I cannot wait to swing my leg over the finished product.”

“KTM listens to its customers and dealers around the world who have often expressed a desire for a serious mid-range adventure bike,” says Luke Brackenbury, KTM PR manager. “We are very clear about this: this new KTM will be the most performance-focused mid-range travel enduro on the market, with specifications that will outshine even those with much larger displacement.”

KTM says the 790 Adventure R will be both an extreme travel enduro and a street bike with serious off-road capabilities and unprecedented performance. All details about this bike will be announced at EICMA in Milan on 6 November.

Highlights:

• powered by the same 799cc LC8c parallel-twin just released in the KTM 790 Duke, but tuned more torque
• tank range of more than 400 km
• low seat height for ultimate control in all situations
• low-mounted fuel tank for optimum centre of gravity
• front and rear fully adjustable suspension from WP with long travel and PDS strut
• radially mounted front brakes with 4-piston calipers with ABS and off-road ABS options
• adjustable ergonomics to suit every rider and riding situation
• spoked wheels in real off-road dimensions for optimum selection of tyres
• LED lighting all around
• extensive package of driver assistance systems, including tilt sensors and riding modes
• Wide range of KTM PowerParts developed with the bike to suit all requirements and tastes