The KTM 790 Adventure is coming back to the Austrian motorcycle brand's lineup in April 2023, with a new revised design, new features, and some minor tweaks in the engine to give it more low-end grunt while helping it meet Euro 5 emission standards. The 790 Adventure was first introduced back in 2018 when it set the benchmark for the middleweight Adventure segment.
The bike’s versatility meant riders could cruise on the tarmac for long periods enjoying the comfort of its long travel suspension, wind protection, and upright riding position, or take it off the pavement when needed while still being utterly confident the KTM 790 Adventure could handle everything thrown at it. Now, redesigned in Mattighofen, Austria, KTM has shifted the 790 Adventure production to CFMoto’s state-of-the-art factory in China, while under the supervision of on-site KTM staff. KMT and CFMoto's partnership has been bearing fruit for both parties and has been slowly expanding to incorporate the production of more models and engines in China.
The 790 Adventure Sits Perfectly In The Middleweight Segment
This motorcycle will sit between the lightweight single-cylinder KTM 390 Adventure and the more pricey middleweight KTM 890 Adventure. The 2023 KTM 790 Adventure engine is the tried and tested LC8c parallel twin, with 95 horsepower @ 8,000 rpm and 65 pound-feet of torque @ 6,500 rpm. This engine shows its grunt earlier than when applied to the naked KTM 790 Duke, and that suits this application rather well as difficult off-roading scenarios are usually taken care of more successfully with more power available low in the rev range.
KTM claims the new 790 Adventure will be more stable at speed and have a more predictable behavior around corners. This is further helped by a steering damper that keeps the front end stable while flicking between tight turns or riding through uneven surfaces. The engine features a ‘knock control’ sensor that allows for more flexibility for low-octane fuel, which also fits the spirit of the bike well since long adventures might force the rider to fill her up with whatever gasoline is available at the pump. Service intervals remain conveniently long at about 9,000 miles.
It Will Be Produced In A State-Of-The-Art Facility In China
Being made in CFMoto’s facility in China is actually an advantage. The factory was built once the Joint-Venture between KTM and CFMoto was celebrated just a few years back when the agreement was signed in 2017, with the ‘breaking ground’ ceremony taking place in late March 2018. The factory has an annual output capacity of 50,000 motorcycles. Initially, it made small displacement KTM motorcycles like the 200 and 390 Duke, but eventually they began producing the 790 engine for KTM and now is also manufacturing the bikes that use this engine such as the Duke 790 and the 790 Adventure.
The 2023 KTM 790 Adventure features include a 43 mm upside down WP Apex Suspension fork with 7.87 inches (200 mm) of travel, upfront and at the back, with the rear suspension offering a preload adjustment. The fuel tank holds 5,28 gallons (20 liters) of fuel and its design follows the lines of the bike, and the total range can be as high as 280 miles (450 km). The new windshield has a rally-inspired design, is larger, and offers more protection from the elements with anti-buffer aerodynamics. The KTM 790 Adventure also features full LED lights and a bright and clean looking 5” TFT display. This display has a mineral glass display to protect it from scratches and improve glare resistance. The tires are Pirelli Scorpion STR with large tread blocks for more off-road focus. These tires have an off-road bias but are well-suited and durable on the pavement as well.
Ergonomics Are As Comfortable As You Can Get On An Adventure Bike
The ergonomics of the bike are as good as can be expected from a premium brand like KTM. The seat is narrow enough to improve rider movements, while not being too narrow to the point of being uncomfortable (that's you Yamaha Ténéré 700). The slim shape of the fuel tank is there to help handle the bike while standing up.
The engine acts as a stressed member of the frame, which is protected against hits and dents to the front by a light aluminum plate. This architecture allows for a sturdy build while saving weight. KTM claims this also allowed space for better positioning of the rear shock, allowing for the seat height of this Adventure motorcycle to be a more accessible 33.07 inches (840 mm). This is important for many riders since Adventure bikes sometimes have a very high seat height, which can be intimidating for some customers. The graphics featured on the bodywork of the KTM 790 Adventure are produced with in-mold technology, providing a better finish and will be more durable than the usual stickers.
Rider aids included by KTM to provide a better overall riding experience, with the rider having more control of the bike in different situations include cornering ABS, which KTM claims allows riders to use full braking power mid-corner, as well as off-road ABS, traction control with anti-wheelie and lean angle sensitivity, as well as selectable ride modes. The off-road ABS is automatically turned on when off-road ride mode is selected. This essentially reduces ABS actuation on the front wheel and completely deactivates it in the rear which allows for controlled slides as the rider enters a corner while off-roading.
The 2023 KTM 790 Adventure should be available in dealers Stateside starting in April. Its MSRP is still not disclosed, but as a reference, the base MSRP of the 2023 KTM 790 Duke is $9,199. It’s likely the 790 Adventure will be more expensive than that, but hopefully not by much, and that will give consumers in the US access to an outstanding Adventure bike from one of the world’s best makers at a reasonable price.