Developed from KTM’s off road race DNA, the KTM 790 ADVENTURE R is a serious travel capable off road motorcycle equipped for the most extreme escapes. With the hardcore adventurer in mind, it balances the power of a twin, with the lightness and agility of a single-cylinder off road bike, to open up new riding possibilities. It offers an impressive fuel range without compromising agility, feeding a powerful yet compact, smooth and reliable engine. Access more extreme and distant off road terrain thanks to easy-to-use rider aids and practical ergonomics.
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The overall geometry of the KTM 790 ADVENTURE R was developed for light handling, and comfort on long distance exploration missions - with unchallenged 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 extreme 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.
Adventure longer and harder than ever before! The KTM 790 ADVENTURE R's spoked 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels are specifically developed to handle hardcore off road exploration. Fitted with METZELER Karoo 3 adventure tires, the wheels are heavy-duty, lightweight and long-lasting. With decades of experience and success in the toughest off road and rally raid events, you can charge off into the most remote wilderness with full confidence. The standard wheels are tubeless (with the option of Tire Pressure Monitoring System). For the most extreme riding, optional KTM Power Parts wheels are available which are slightly narrower and closer to endure competition wheels - which can be run with mousses.
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 R comes with perfectly set up, high-quality WP suspension, to accommodate the many variables of travel-endure exploration. With the additional benefit of adjustable rear pre-load, the KTM 790 ADVENTURE R 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 an route to your destination. Don't worry; it doesn't interfere with serious offroad riding.
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 WP XPLOR 48 mm fork, with 240 mm of travel, has outstanding response and damping characteristics for extreme off road use. They are fitted with a spring on both sides but feature a separate function for each fork leg: compression damping on the left, rebound on the right. This enables the forks to be easily adjusted on the fly with the twist of a dial on the top of the forks to suit a variety of off road riding conditions. In addition, a sealed hydro-stop guarantees excellent resistance to bottoming-out.
On the rear end sits the WP XPLOR shock with 240 mm of travel for the most extreme off road conditions. Suspension can be individually setup for pre-load, (high and low speed) compression and rebound. The WP XPLOR PDS rear shock uses KTM's trademark progressive damping system, which allows progressive damping without using a linkage system. Bottoming resistance is provided by a second piston, which works together with a closed cup (instead of a needle) towards the end of the stroke and is supported by a progressive shock spring.
Pulling up the mighty KTM 790 ADVENTURE R on any terrain is easy thanks to 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.
This groundbreaking new bike's fuel tank concept is central to its design innovation. With the main tank volume placed as low as possible and slung down the sides of the bike, it provides many benefits. Whether seated or standing, the tank between your legs feels considerably narrower and more compact than one would expect from the generous 20 liter volume. The low-slung fuel volume means that the bike's handling is effortless with the bulk of the weight set low and forward, eliminating the fuel swishing and swaying typical of traditionally-positioned tanks. This results in a low center of gravity which enhances agility and allows more playful and instant change of direction. As the bike is narrow in the knee area when standing up, it adds a lot of control when riding off road. The freed-up traditional tank area allows a straighter and lower seat, giving the rider more freedom to move with improved accessibility. The tank is made of highly durable materials and is therefore highly crash resistant, as proven by the similar tank concept successfully used in the extreme race conditions of the Dakar Rally by the KTM Factory Racing team. It's the best of both worlds: the slim feel of a smaller off road bike with the exceptional fuel range of approximately 450 km on the open road.
Reading valuable information like trip meter, fuel range, ABS settings and ride modes on the fly is made easier with the 5-inch, full-color, state-of-the-art TFT display. The rider can select which information and where he would like to have it displayed on the screen. The display's configuration is variable and automatically adapts to variations in environmental light. The rev counter blinks to indicate when to shift.
LED lights are used on the KTM 790 ADVENTURE R as the main headlight, taillight and indicators. LED lights offer great illumination and visibility. They are compact, so they help reduce the overall volume of the motorcycle.
Electronic rider aids provide more control, performance and enjoyment to the rider in a wider range of circumstances. Designed to enhance your riding experience, the latest ABS and MTC (Motorcycle Traction Control) technology, along with different ride modes are tailored to allow you to easily adjust the various rider aids to suit a range of 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.
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 off road, use this mode to unlock the full dynamic riding potential of your KTM 790 ADVENTURE R on the most adventurous terrain.
Offroad Ride Mode takes the sophisticated parallel-twin power of the KTM 790 ADVENTURE R and uses sophisticated sensors to adapt the power delivery through the ECU for effective and confidence-inspiring offroad use. Peak horsepower is reduced slightly, the throttle response is smoothened out and the amount of wheel slip allowed before electronic intervention is raised to allow for a more dynamic ride on loose surfaces. On such low-grip surfaces, a certain amount of wheel slip is needed to ensure forward motion. This feature allows riders to break traction to a fair degree and to facilitate rear-wheel steering. Anti-wheelie is not used in this mode, so riders can easily lift the front wheel over obstacles. Unlike some 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.
In the more advanced Rally Mode which comes standard on the KTM 790 ADVENTURE R, the rider can adapt the character of the bike more freely. Rally Mode gives an even sportier version of the throttle response level offered in offroad ride mode. Slip adjust can be changed in 9 levels, varying from a high intervention level of 9 (comparable to rain mode) to 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 tires for longer when taking on further-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.
The LC8c is the most compact performance engine on the market. Pumping out 95 hp (70 kW), combined with modern electronics and a 6-speed sequential gearbox, and with an estimated 450 km fuel range, it is the perfect combination for extreme offroad exploration. On transport stages, a smooth ride is assured, thanks to two balancer shafts, which keep vibration to a minimum and 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.
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.
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 destabilising 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.
Oil circulation is based on a compact semi-dry sump system to minimise 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 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.
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 R feel like one of its V-twin ADVENTURE brothers when cracking the throttle open.
High quality pistons are connected to the crankshaft by forged conrods, which are carried by plain bearings.
When punching out those long days in the saddle, linking up tough off road sections with sections of tarmac, 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 aluminum 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.
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 R 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.
During extreme off road exploration, 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 R's design and advanced cooling technology, riding for hours 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 R'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 single-piece, off road style seat was developed to allow maximum freedom of movement, plenty of grip and still offer the comfort needed for long days in the saddle. The two-part seat of the KTM 790 ADVENTURE also fits the KTM 790 ADVENTURE R.
The KTM 790 ADVENTURE R has a low-profile windshield, which enables the rider to move around the bike more freely when in the necessary off road standing position while charging through challenging terrain. This sleek windshield offers an unobstructed view directly ahead, even when the screen is covered in dirt and is adjustable, offering two different positions. The higher KTM 790 ADVENTURE model's windshield can be used on the KTM 790 ADVENTURE R as an optional extra, for those riders who prefer more wind protection when flying down the open road an route to the next epic 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) |
| ABS (disengageable) | Bosch 9.1 MP (incl. Cornering ABS and Offroad 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 XPLOR 48 / compression, rebound, preload |
| REAR SUSPENSION/ADJUSTABILITY | WP XPLOR PDS / compression, rebound, hydraulic preload |
| SUSPENSION TRAVEL FRONT/REAR | 240 mm / 240 mm |
| WHEELBASE | 1,528 mm ± 15 mm |
| WHEELS FRONT/REAR | Spoked wheels with aluminum 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 | 880 mm / 263 mm |
| TANKS CAPACITY/RESERVE | Approx. 20 litres / 3 litres reserve |
| DRY WEIGHT | Approx. 189 kg |
