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 off road when the tarmac ends, then look no further than the KTM 790 ADVENTURE. Whether it’s in the desert, on remote mountain trails or a transcontinental crossing, this sporty travel bike is built with KTM’s off road genes and is ready for endless miles of travel exploration.
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The overall geometry of the KTM 790 ADVENTURE was developed for light, sporty handling on the street, comfortable for longer distances and with impressive off road capability. Strength was a big consideration in the design, so a tubular CroMo steel frame is used with the engine acting as a stressed member to reduce weight and overall size. All design and engineering innovations are focused on being compact and light.
When fully loaded for adventure, the bike underneath you needs to be built to last. The steel trellis subframe was developed to be compact, lightweight, and also strong enough to carry a passenger and luggage under the hard conditions that can be expected when adventure riding.
The signature die-cast, open-lattice swingarm is precisely manufactured and has been optimized for stiffness and stability while still offering excellent flex characteristics. By using a direct link for the rear shock, complexity and parts are reduced. The relatively long swingarm aids in traction, stability and suspension setup.
Carve up the streets on your way to your next epic adventure. The spoked 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels are specifically developed for KTM ADVENTURE riding. The heavy-duty and lightweight wheels are tubeless and have the option of TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System). The specially selected AVON Trailrider tyres deliver confidence-inspiring long-distance street handling and comfort, yet are still more than capable of exploring deep offroad once you reach the end of the asphalt.
When setting off on an adventure ride, there are many variables that can influence the bike's handling performance. Rider weight, extra luggage, fuel volume and whether there is a pillion passenger or not - all have to be considered before racing off. Thankfully, the KTM 790 ADVENTURE comes with perfectly set up, high-quality WP suspension, to accommodate the many variables of travel-enduro exploration. With the additional benefit of adjustable rear pre-load, the KTM 790 ADVENTURE can be further refined to suit most typical riding scenarios, conditions and situations.
To aid stability, a steering damper is fitted for those times when you're pushing hard on the tarmac, or powering across rough surfaces en route to your destination.
The alloy lightweight triple clamps are strong and stiff for stability, with the right amount of flex to allow the rider to still feel what the chassis is doing. They also offer a good range of adjustability for handlebar positioning.
The APEX 43 mm open cartridge upside-down fork from WP is set up for adventure riding and two-up touring on smooth streets or rough roads. Split function technology separates the compression and rebound damping between the two fork legs, while suspension travel is a generous 200 mm for the times you really need it.
The WP APEX shock absorber has 200 mm of suspension travel, adjustable preload, and is set up for travelling long distances in tough conditions. Balancing typical KTM performance riding with all-day riding comfort.
Stopping power on the KTM 790 ADVENTURE is boosted by twin 320 mm diameter brake discs with 4-piston, radially mounted, calipers up front, and a 260 mm diameter brake disc actuated by a double piston floating caliper in the rear. The front and rear brake combination provides an ideal mix of control and stopping power in all riding conditions.
The 20 liter low-slung fuel tank is central to this bike's innovative design. With the main volume of the tank placed as low as possible, it lows the center of gravity for improved handling. It also keeps the bike narrow in the knee area when standing up, for control when riding off road. The extra space allows a straighter and lower seat to be used, for freedom of movement and better accessibility. To top it all off, there's an exceptional fuel range of approximately 450 km on the open road - a big advantage on longer adventure tours.
Enhance the adventure. Electronic rider aids provide more control, performance and enjoyment to the rider in a wider range of circumstances. Designed to enhance the ride using the latest ABS and MTC (Motorcycle Traction Control) technology and different ride modes. Tailored for quick and easy adjustment of the various rider aids to suit ever-changing riding conditions, these features can be selected, deselected and utilized to maximize the bike's innovative technology and equipment across a much wider range of terrain and conditions.
The MTC (Motorcycle Traction Control) is a lean-angle sensitive traction control system that reacts immediately the instant rear wheel rotation speed becomes disproportionate to the riding situation. In mere milliseconds, MTC reduces engine output with an extremely smooth, barely perceptible intervention at the throttle valves until slippage is reduced to optimum proportions for the selected ride mode and current angle of lean. For particularly ambitious riders, the traction control can also be switched off.
KTM's cornering ABS system allows riders to always use the full power of their brakes, while the system adjusts brake pressure to match the lean angle of the motorcycle for safer and more predictable braking across a wider range of conditions and scenarios. It can be turned off for off road conditions.
Braking demands are very different in sand, mud, gravel or rocks from the predictable grip of asphalt. By selecting Off road ABS, the ABS function is deactivated on the rear wheel, while the front wheel ABS intervention is reduced and lean-angle sensor data is ignored to accommodate the many potential cornering, steering and control scenarios off road where the plane of movement might vary (such as leaning into a berm, rut or sand dune). This allows riders to lock up the rear wheel, which can be used to steer into corners, a useful skill for experienced riders seeking to maximize their riding experience off road. Off road ABS reduces the prevalence of ABS on the front wheel on looser surfaces, which better balances decent stopping power with secure braking in the dirt. These settings were developed for maximum braking power with minimal electronic intervention in all scenarios. If you're going offroad, use this mode to unlock the full dynamic riding potential of your KTM 790 ADVENTURE on the most adventurous terrain.
Offroad Ride Mode uses sophisticated sensors to adapt the power delivery for offroad use. What does this mean? Optimised levels of wheel slip to give you maximum forward drive on loose surfaces. How does it work? Peak horsepower is reduced slightly, the throttle response is smoothened out and the amount of wheel slip allowed before electronic intervention is adjusted to compensate accordingly. On loose and low-grip surfaces, some wheel slip is actually necessary for effective forward motion. This feature allows riders to break traction to a fair degree, which facilitates offroad-style rear-wheel steering. Anti-wheelie is not used in this mode, so that riders can easily lift the front wheel over obstacles. Unlike the other modes, Offroad Ride Mode is not lean-angle sensitive, meaning that traction control does not intervene when the rider uses a berm, sand dune or rut to lean into a turn when riding offroad.
In the more advanced Rally Mode (which is optional on the KTM 790 ADVENTURE), the rider can adapt the character of the bike's power delivery and response more freely. Rally Mode gives an even sportier version of the throttle response level offered in offroad ride mode. Rear wheel slip adjust can be changed in 9 levels, varying from a high intervention level of 9 (comparable to the intervention level of Street mode) to the other extreme of hardly any intervention at all on level 1, with 7 progressive steps of intervention in between. With these settings, the slip adjust can be very precisely matched to the condition of the surface, the skill level of the rider and the requirements of the ride. Reducing slip levels can also help in conserving tyres and rider energy for longer when taking on wider-reaching or longer-lasting rides.
With the KTM MY RIDE system, a smartphone can be connected to the bike, which gives the rider the option of receiving phone calls, listening to music, and using the optional app for navigation. Further information is available on www.ktm.com/my-ride.
KTM's new generation LC8c in-line twin-engine with 95 hp (70 kW), combined with modern electronics and a 6-speed sequential gearbox, ticks all the boxes for a travel-enduro motorcycle that can be ridden up to 450 km between fuel stops on the open road. Smooth long-distance travel is assured, thanks to two balancer shafts, which keep vibration to a minimum. With long service intervals of 15,000 km, you can ride for days on end without a worry.
The 8-valve DOHC cylinder head contains twin chain-driven camshafts and two spark plugs (one per cylinder). The camshafts are assembled, making them lighter than forged camshafts, while the cam profile has been developed to create an especially torquey engine. The steel valves are opened by DLC coated finger followers and a hydraulic chain tensioner tensions the camchain.
Forged pistons with three piston rings connected by a plain conrod bearing, combine with a DLC coated piston pin for reduced piston weight and less reciprocating mass. This results in a faster revving engine and allows for a lighter crankshaft, with reduced rotating masses and improved handling.
KTM's ride-by-wire system electronically translates the throttle commands of the rider into optimum throttle valve positions for the specific riding situation.
When punching out those long days in the saddle, linking up offroad sections with big tarmac stages, uncomfortable engine vibrations are kept to a minimum, thanks to two balancer shafts, one in front of the crankshaft and the other in the cylinder head between the two camshafts.
The nicasil-coated aluminium cylinders are an integral part of the sleeveless engine casing. The open deck cylinder construction allows for optimal cooling, improved production tolerances, and reduces the potential for cylinder warpage during production.
High quality pistons are connected to the crankshaft by forged conrods, which are carried by plain bearings.
A forged one-piece crankshaft is held firmly in place by plain bearings with a 75-degree offset. The 435-degree firing order produces a sound similar to that of the larger LC8 engine, which makes the KTM 790 ADVENTURE feel like one of its V-twin ADVENTURE brothers when cracking the throttle open.
The horizontally split crankcases are high-pressure cast from aluminum. This allows for reduced wall thickness, weight savings and optimized surfaces, offering the engine designers more freedom in their design. The open-deck cylinders are integrated into the crankcase.
Oil circulation is based on a compact semi-dry sump system to minimize friction losses. The oil is actively pumped out of the crankcase, clutch housing and gearbox, which ensures that oil does not unnecessarily flow through the engine. The oil sump is integrated into the oil pump housing, together with two pumps (one scavenge, one pressure) and a pressure recognition valve. To cool down the oil, the engine is equipped with an oil cooler similar to the larger LC8 V-twin engines.
The PASC (Power Assist Clutch) requires minimal rider input to operate it. The slipper clutch on the LC8c is similar to that on the LC8, but more compact and therefore lighter. It prevents destabilizing rear wheel chatter when braking sharply or decelerating. It also reduces the hand force required for changing gears, allowing the clutch to be controlled with one finger - saving you energy when riding.
The 6-speed sequential gearbox's stacked configuration reduces engine length, which enables it to be more compact. Gear shifting is very smooth, and by using the optional Quickshifter+, clutchless up and downshifts can be performed effortlessly.
A stainless-steel exhaust system utilizes a mid-exhaust sound damper to centralize mass, which allows for a relatively small muffler, thereby maximizing the exhaust system's ground clearance. The sound - ready for adventure!
The new KTM 790 ADVENTURE features easy air filter accessibility for cleaning and servicing, even if you're out in the most remote location while on a ride. The airbox is located under the seat with the intake at the rear of the bike. This means that in addition to easy air filter access, the seat and tank could be kept low and the bike could be made narrower where it counts: in the leg area. It has also allowed better positioning of the electronics to keep mass centralized.
In the heat of the moment, it's important that the LC8c engine keeps its cool to ensure its advanced power and performance are maintained. Thanks to the KTM 790 ADVENTURE's design and advanced cooling technology, exploring for hours on end in hot conditions is possible.
An aluminum-tapered handlebar allows maximum control while offering a comfortable riding position. The handlebar can be mounted in six different positions, which results in 30 mm of adjustment range allowing for a personal fit.
Whether it's all-day riding while standing or sitting, the KTM 790 ADVENTURE's strong foot pegs have been developed for superior ergonomics and to accommodate street or off road boots in a wide range of conditions. The foot rests have rubber inserts, which can be removed.
The height adjustable two-part seat offers comfort for long rides. The rider seat is narrow in the front to provide easy access to the ground. Relatively firm seat foam ensures that the rider stays comfortable even when riding all day long, and the seat cover provides a mix between grip and ease of movement.
The KTM 790 ADVENTURE has a high windshield for maximum wind protection on long rides when chewing up kilometers at high speeds on the open road. The lower KTM 790 ADVENTURE R windshield can be used on the KTM 790 ADVENTURE.
| ENGINE (LIQUID COOLED) | |
|---|---|
| ENGINE TYPE | 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, Parallel Twin/8V/DOHC |
| DISPLACEMENT | 799 cc |
| BORE X STROKE | 88 mm x 65.7 mm |
| POWER OUTPUT | 70 kW (95 hp) @ 8,000 rpm |
| MAX. TORQUE | 88 Nm @ 6,600 rpm |
| FUEL CONSUMPTION | 4.19 litres / 100 km |
| TRANSMISSION | |
|---|---|
| CLUTCH | Cable operated PASC Slipper clutch |
| GEARBOX | 6 gears |
| FINAL DRIVE | 16:45 / X-Ring chain |
| ELECTRONICS | |
|---|---|
| ENGINE MANAGEMENT | Bosch EMS with Ride-by-Wire |
| TRACTION CONTROL (disengageable) | MTC (lean angle sensitive, 3-mode, Rally Mode optional) |
| ABS (disengageable) | Bosch 9.1MP (incl. Cornering ABS and Off road Mode) |
| CHASSIS & BRAKES | |
|---|---|
| FRAME | CrMo-Steel frame using engine as stressed element, powder coated |
| SUBFRAME | Chromium-Molybdenum-Steel trellis, powder coated |
| HANDLEBAR | Aluminium, tapered, Ø 28 / 22 mm |
| FRONT SUSPENSION/ADJUSTABILITY | WP APEX 43 |
| REAR SUSPENSION/ADJUSTABILITY | WP APEX shock absorber / preload |
| SUSPENSION TRAVEL FRONT/REAR | 200 mm / 200 mm |
| WHEELBASE | 1,509 mm ± 15 mm |
| WHEELS FRONT/REAR | Spoked wheels with aluminium rims, 2.50 x 21"; 4.50 x 18" |
| TYRES FRONT / REAR | 90/90-21"; 150/70-18" |
| FRONT BRAKE | 2 x radially mounted 4-piston caliper, brake disc Ø 320 mm |
| REAR BRAKE | 2-piston floating caliper, brake disc Ø 260 mm |
| DIMENSIONS & WEIGHT | |
|---|---|
| SEAT HEIGHT/GROUND CLEARANCE | 850 mm–830 mm / 233 mm |
| TANKS CAPACITY/RESERVE | Approx. 20 litres / 3 litres reserve |
| DRY WEIGHT | Approx. 189 kg |
