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?
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
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Honda CRF1100L ES Africa Twin
Without panniers he was adventuring nowhere - so at least Bertie's got something sorted now
BMW R 12 nineT
Chad gets a track day surprise when BMW's R 12 nineT turns out to be surprisingly fun on track
Test fleet: VOGE 525 DSX
After testing the Voge's abilities on a long ride, it was time to take it to the Cotswolds and see how it would manage on the rougher stuff
Portuguese Perambulations
Nearly over before it had begun, a brief workshop stint allows Spain and Portugal to be explored
Highway to Heaven
Three friends take on the challenge of riding the length of Canada, from Vancouver in the southwest to Inuvik in the north. The road is long, the conditions merciless, and wildfires are tearing through the country. To top it all off, the final leg of the journey is the ultimate test of gravel riding skills, nerves, and courage - it's the legendary Dempster Highway...
Battlaxes at the ready!
We tend to take tyres for granted, never really looking at them in any detail, or at how they work, just hoping that they keep us shiny side up at all times. Even in the wet
Ducati Riding Experience
When I rode the Ducati DesertX to France last year, I did have a bit of an explore on some easy fire roads and gentle green lanes in the wilds of the Médoc area, but was left with the feeling that, had I the experience, the DesertX would have been capable of taking me along some more extreme trails to some even more exciting places. If only there was a way of finding out just how well the Italian adventure bike could cope with some more extreme terrain...
Four pot flyer
Many said that sports bikes, and particularly bikes in the traditional Supersports class that was populated by 600cc inline fours, were dead. Maybe they spoke too soon?...
Eastern adventurer
With an increasing interest in smaller capacity adventure bikes, the market expands with a new entry
First Time Lucky?
It's ironic that the first all-new MV Agusta model to hit the marketplace right after Italy's No.1 trophy brand was acquired by Austrian giant Pierer Mobility, owner of off-road titans KTM, should be the company's first dual-purpose model of the modern era, powered by MV's all-new 931cc three-cylinder engine that's destined to form the basis of a whole series of new models in coming months and years.
