KTM's 790 Adventure comes off a major update that is so thorough, it would be easier to tell you what wasn't updated. Seriously though, the twin-jug powerplant saw an improvement in emission control to qualify to sell anywhere in the world.
As part of the KTM Adventure family, all the already-extensive, ride-control electronics are newly buffed with the addition of a lean-sensitive component for even greater safety on any surface. New suspension improves the ride, and if you spring for it, the Quickshifter+ comes tuned for even faster shifts. New bodywork, a new screen, and new tires round out the package.
Due to shipping costs and a desire to reach all corners of the motorcycling world, KTM will have its Chinese partner, CFMOTO, handle production with oversight from KTM representatives. This is not an unusual state of affairs as KTM has long used transcontinental partners, so this is just a continuation of the {status quo}. We'll look to the U.K. version today as it hasn't shown up on the U.S. market since KTM dropped the 790 and re-imagined it into the 890 Adventure in 2021.
2023 KTM 790 Adventure
- New 5.0-Inch TFT Display With Redesigned Menu System
- In-Mold Graphics
- Refined Ergonomics and Rally-Inspired Bodywork
- Taller Windscreen
- Improved Cornering Stability
- Improved Engine And Reworked Clutch
- Model: 790 Adventure
- Engine:: 799 cc Parallel-Twin
- Power Output: 70 kW (95 HP) @ 8,000 RPM
- Torque: 87 Nm (64.1 LB-FT) @ 6,500 RPM
- Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
- MSRP: £9,999
- Powerful Engine
- Nice Electronics Package
- Definite Dual-Surface Capabilities
- Limited Colorways
- Could Use More Suspension Tweaks
2023 KTM 790 Adventure Performance And Capability
Power for the 790 Adventure comes from a parallel-twin plant. While it puts out the same power and torque as before, it does so now with a Euro 5 emissions rating that opens up new markets for this model.
Liquid cooling gives it good stamina for hot weather and stop-n-go traffic, as well as technical off-road work that generates little in the way of cooling airflow. Such conditions can kill an air-cooled machine, or at least, force it to the side of the road for a cooldown.
Bore and stroke mic out at 88 mm and 65.7 mm respectively for a 799 cc displacement. This engine comes with knock sensors that enable the engine to tolerate low-octane fuels, just the thing for riding in areas with limited fuel options.
The 2023 KTM 790 Adventure produces 70 kW (93.8 horsepower) and 87 Nm (64.1 pound-feet). Power flows through a slipper clutch for the first of many safety systems. It provides a light clutch-lever pull weight with a broad friction zone for ease of control at low speeds. A ride-by-wire throttle feeds data to the Bosch Engine Management System, with consideration to the Motor Slip Regulation, Cornering Traction Control, and a Ride Modes feature to bind them.
A new catalytic converter helps the engine meet its Euro 5 obligations. Plus, and this is really nifty, the factory installed a Demo feature that lets you preview all the electronic riding extras for 1,500 km before making you decide whether to pay to keep them. A six-speed transmission crunches the ratios with a tough, chain-type final drive for a 790 Adventure top speed of 225 km/h (140 mph).
Design
The bodywork on the 790 Adventure, reworked for agility and low-drag penetration, has a new windscreen to protect the pilot. A generous vent draws air in behind the glass to relieve the vacuum and smooth out the air ahead of the pilot's helmet to mitigate that wearisome head-buffet effect.
A new, five-inch Thin Film Transistor display bundles the instrumentation and electronics control into one location with a reworked menu system. The redesigned front structure carries dual, side-by-side headlights, complete with DRLs, and the high-mounted blinkers are out of harm's way. All LED lighting is excellent for two-way visibility with the world.
Stock hand guards protect your meat hooks and a very beefy bash plate beefs up this Adventure bike's off-road chops. The grill over a broad radiator prevents stone strikes or terrain strikes from perforating the radiator itself.
In addition to the engine electronics, the 790 Adventure comes ready to deliver music, navigation, and phone access, all through the KTMconnect app, to support all of your adventures on the blacktop and the brown alike. It even comes with roadside assistance for an extra little safety net should you have need of it.
A large, 5.2-gallon fuel tank contributes its usual characteristic hump to the flyline and gives the Adventure some legs. A pillion pad and footpegs join with the J.C. handles to accommodate a partner right off the showroom floor. All the gear in the rear is high and tight keeping it out of harm's way along with a short mudguard for fling containment.
KTM 790 Adventure Specs | |
|---|---|
Seat Height | 840 mm (33 .1 in) |
Ground Clearance | 233 mm (9.2 in) |
Fuel Capacity | 20 L (5.2 gals) |
Dry Weight | 199 kg (438.7 lbs) |
Chassis
KTM tuned the frame for agility with a 25.9-degree angle of rake. It's made up of Chrome-Molybdenum Steel and uses the engine as a stressed unit to eliminate a large chunk of framing along with its associated weight.
A new set of forks float the front with 43 mm WP APEX forks and a WP APEX monoshock out back with the only tweak in the obligatory spring-preload feature. Both ends have a generous, 200 mm (7.87-inch) travel that will soak up some serious punishment.
Laced rims, ever the favorite of off-road riders, round out the rolling chassis and come shod in new street knobbies that have improved off-road performance for the MY23 model. Dual, 320 mm discs and four-bore calipers slow the front wheel with a 260 mm disc and two-pot anchor out back. The ABS feature comes with an Off-Road Mode, so you can quickly dial in as you change your setup to suit.
Chassis & Suspension | |
|---|---|
Frame | Chromium-Molybdenum Steel, powder coated |
Front Suspension/ Travel | 43 mm WP APEX/ 200 mm |
Rear Suspension/ Travel | WP APEX Monoshock/ 200 mm |
Rake | 25.9° |
Front Tire | Mitas Enduro Trail |
Rear Tire | Mitas Enduro Trail |
Front Brake | Dual 320 mm disc, radially-mounted 4-piston caliper |
Rear Brake | 260 mm disc, 2-piston floating caliper |
ABS | Bosch 9.3 MP (incl. Cornering ABS and off-road mode, disengageable) |
2023 KTM 790 Adventure Price And Availability
The 2023 KTM 790 Adventure costs £9,999. You can choose between all-new white or black bodywork, and there's a full line of accessories to help you boost that sticker at the checkout.
Pricing & Features | |
|---|---|
Features | New 5-Inch TFT Display, Cornering, and Off-Road ABS, Ride Modes, Traction Control |
Colors | White, Black |
Price | £9,999 |
Competitors
This is an impressive machine from KTM, but I wanted to see how one of the Big Four stacked up. Yamaha's Ténéré 700 looks like a likely mark.
Yamaha Ténéré 700
The Tuning Fork Company's 689 cc engine immediately puts the Ténéré 700 at something of a size disadvantage against the larger Austrian lump. Unsurprisingly, it puts out 54 kW (72.3 horsepower) and 68 Nm (50.1 pound-feet) against 70 kW and 87 Nm for a significant power deficit. This marks a trend that continues into the electronics section that has three modes but is not lean-sensitive like its counterpart.
Yamaha has its own infotainment app, much like everyone at this point, to break even there, but as for the KTM's higher electronics, the Yamaha has no answer. Suspension and brake hardware is a wash. In spite of its relative lack of sophistication, the Ténéré costs £10,110.00 to disadvantage it once again.
He Said
“KTM really knows how to build a bike, even if they have a reputation for uncomfortable seats in general. Unlike many bikes that claim off-road ability, this one actually has it with a seriously sweet electronics suite to boot. A definite contender within its weight bracket.”
She Said
My wife and fellow motorcycle writer, Allyn Hinton, says,
“The 790 Adventure has a favorable power-to-weight ratio, and the low center of gravity gives it slow-speed maneuverability and stability at speed. There's a slew of improvements this year, some of which improve comfort and the rest improve handling and performance. We lost the 790 when the 890 came in for the 2021 model year, but there's still hope it'll be back. It's a much better bike than it was in 2020.”
FAQ
Q: Why was KTM 790 discontinued?
KTM replaced the 790 Adventure with the 890 Adventure in 2021 because of Euro 5 admission standards. For 2023, the 790 Adventure is relaunched in markets outside North America fully Euro 5 complaint.
Q: Is the 2023 KTM 790 Adventure coming to the USA?
At the time of this writing, the 790 Adventure is shipping to some markets, but KTM North America makes no announcement for release into the U.S.
Q: How much horsepower does a 790 Adventure have?
The KTM 790 Adventure with its 799 cc engine produces 70 kW (93.8 horsepower) at 8,000 RPM and 87 Nm (64.1 pound-feet) of torque at 6,500 RPM.
Q: What is the top speed of the KTM 790 Adventure?
The top speed of the 2023 KTM 790 Adventure is a claimed 225 km/h (140 MPH).
Q: What is the price of KTM 790 ADV 2023?
For 2023, the KTM 790 Adventure comes in a choice of black or an all-new white colorway, each for £9,999.