As Good As It Gets

KTM’s new 790 Adventure R takes on the rugged, ever-changing conditions of mid-Wales. Can the new Adventure R live up to our high expectations?

- Adam ‘Chad’ Child

I couldn't be any further from those glamorous images KTM portrays on its social media and posters. I’m a middle-aged dad, in mid-Wales, it’s cold and it looks like it’s about to rain. Will KTM’s new 790 Adventure R perform in the ‘real-world’ and in less experienced hands?

There’s only one way to find out.

YOU’VE GOT THE LOOKS

Even before climbing on to the tall 880mm seat, I have to admire how the R looks – I like it. I like the low, unique twin fuel tank, which holds 20 litres of fuel.The TFT display is eye-catching, the styling is aggressive, but without being over the top – a mistake KTM has made in the past. The knobbly off-road biasedMetzeler Karoo 3 tyres add to the rugged appeal.

PROOF IS IN THE RIDE

This R model has a non-adjustable seat (however it is adjustable on the standard model), which might be 880mm high, but due to its slim profile, it’s not too alarming for a short rider like me. On paper, it’s higher than a standard BMWR1250GS (850mm) or even Honda’s 21in front-wheeled Africa Twin (870mm), but it doesn’t feel it. Because the weight is kept low due to the unique twin fuel tanks, the 220kg claimed wet weight isn’t overpowering either.

While off-road riding on any ‘road’ adventure bike, its weight and physical size are always at the forefront of my mind, but not with the KTM.There’s no doubt it’s a tall bike, but you shouldn’t be put off by the ‘on paper’ high seat height.

EASE OF USE