KTM fans who rode on the firm’s recent Adventure Rally in Sardinia had a nice bonus surprise. As expected, they enjoyed three days in the Mediterranean riding around led by guides including off-road racer Chris Birch. But the Austrian firm also gave attendees the first look at the 2019 KTM 790 Adventure R. Not only was there a presentation on the upcoming bike, but also an opportunity to see it in action.
There was a concept version shown in 2017, but it’s a nice chance for 150 KTM fans to get to see the pre-production 2019 KTM 790 Adventure R up close and give some feedback. The idea of the bike is to appeal to those who want a smaller, lighter adventure motorcycle with capabilities closer to a larger enduro machine. So it’s apparently been developed alongside the new Dakar-winning KTM 450 Rally. And it’s the first middleweight Adventure since the 640 model ran from 1997 to 2007. It’s been described by KTM PR manager Luke Brackenbury as ‘the most performance-focused middleweight travel enduro’, answering demand for a ‘very hardcore, mid-capacity Adventure bike’.
As you might expect, the 2019 KTM 790 Adventure R will share the LC8c 799cc parallel twin engine already in use for the KTM 790 Duke. But it’s re-tuned for a wider spread of torque which will be more applicable off-road. That means it won’t have the same 103bhp peak power as the Duke. But if it loses 10bhp in the process, it should still have enough top end speed for road use, and will be more manageable on loose dirt.
To improve balance and handling, the 2019 KTM 790 Adventure R uses low slung fuel pods, similar to the 450 Rally. That also means it can have a lower seat height than you might expect for an adventure bike, along with adjustable ergonomics. So it should be great for shorter riders. And at the same time, the tank range is claimed to be more than 400km (248 miles), which is pretty impressive. So you’ll benefit from a low centre of gravity whilst also being able to go further than circles around the nearest petrol station.
Being a shorter rider, and having had dual sports bikes with small fuel tanks in the past, that’s the part that really appeals to me about the new 790 Adventure. And it should also help if you have to push or pick up the bike whilst greenlaning or adventuring off-road.
Other confirmed details include fully-adjustable WP suspension front and back. It’s got long travel for off-road use, and has the KTM Progressive Damper System which allows direct mounting rather than a suspension linkage. The bike will also have radial mounted, 4-piston front brake calipers with ABS and offroad ABS options, and spoked wheels in proper off-road sizes so you can get a good choice of tyres. It’s likely to be a 21″ front and 18″ rear, which is about the only thing it’ll have in common with the 640 Adventure from 10 years ago.
The pre-production first look at the 2019 KTM 790 Adventure R was presented by Chris Birch to the assembled group of KTM owners.
Birch said “I’m honestly blown away by the new KTM 790 ADVENTURE R. Naturally, I’ve got a lot of experience on enduro bikes and the awesome ability of the big KTM ADVENTURE models, and this just feels like the perfect combination of them both. Obviously, what I rode is still a prototype, but it´s looking in terrific shape. Can’t wait to ride the final product!”
Full details of the 2019 KTM 790 Adventure R will be made available at the EICMA show in Milan on November 6th, 2018, which is still a while to wait. But I’m looking forward to finding out more, particularly the price. It’s about time we had more options for those wanting a middleweight mix of decent road performance and great off-road capabilities. Especially for those who don’t want to carry a stepladder to get on their bike and a support team to help pick it up anytime it gets dropped.
2018 KTM Adventure Rally in Sardinia:
KTM has also shared some pictures from the annual adventure rally event. Owners of existing Adventure models could sign up to spend 3 days learning about off-road riding, bike maintenance and just enjoying off-road exploring with KTM staff and guests including racers like Chris Birch, an eight time New Zealander Enduro champion, triple Roof of Africa winner, and competitor in the Dakar. This year saw 150 riders exploring Olbia in Sardinia, so if you like the look of the event and own a KTM, keep an eye open for details of the next event in 2019.
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