KTM 790 Adventure Production Model Unveiled At EICMA 2018

 

After extensively testing prototype versions of the 790 Adventure throughout this year, KTM has finally pulled the wraps off the production-spec version of the 790 Duke-based adventure tourer. KTM will offer the 790 Adventure in two different variant - Adventure and the Adventure R. Both are expected go on sale in international markets early next year. India debut is likely on the cards. 

If there’s any bikemaker who knows a thing or two about making a thoroughbred off-roader, its KTM. Don't believe us? Just take a look at the firm's Dakar track record. And just like the KTM 450 Rally, the 790 Adventure aims to rev the hearts of adventure junkies. Developed alongside its Dakar counterpart, the 790 Adventure sports quite a few similar elements from the concept that was displayed last year. 

While the production version doesn't stray away too much from its prototype design, changes can be seen at the front end with a revised front-end design which houses the inverted LED headlamps, shortened windscreen, and an exposed fairing. While the standard bike features split seats and dual-purpose tyres, the Adventure R gets a single-saddle seat with extreme Metzeler Karoo tyres 

Both variants feature the same 799cc parallel-twin engine seen on the 790 Duke. However, here it makes 95PS of power and 86Nm of torque. We expect it to offer better low-end grunt for better off-road performance.

Being an adventure-tourer, the motorcycle gets fully adjustable long-travel WP suspension at the front and rear along with PDS (Progressive Damping System). The standard variant gets 43mm non-adjustable WP Apex forks at the front and a WP monoshock unit at the back, with only preload adjustability. Meanwhile, the 790 Adventure R gets fully-adjustable 48mm WP XPLOR forks at the front and a monoshock unit at the rear. While the suspension travel on the standard bike is 200mm on both ends, the Adventure R features 240mm of wheel travel.  

Braking hardware consists of 4-piston front brake callipers with ABS along with optional off-road ABS. The saddle also sits low for easy manoeuvrability and so does the 20-litre fuel tank for optimum centre of gravity. Speaking of which, KTM claims it offers a range of upto 450km on an open road. Both bikes gets serrated footpegs with removable rubber covers as well.

KTM also offers an 'Off-road Ride Mode' on both the bikes, which allows for a smoother throttle response and a fair amount of slip before intervining. There's also a 'Rally Mode'  where the intervention from riding aids can be controlled from Level 1 to 9, with Level 9 being comparable to 'Rain Mode' while Level 1 can be considered as having no intervention at all. 

Along with the 790 Adventure, KTM also showcased the 690 SMCR and the 690 Enduro. With plenty of features on offer, the 790 Adventure might just be the most value-laden motorcycle in its segment. When launched, it'll go up against segment veterans like the Honda Africa Twin, Triumph Tiger 800 XC range and the BMW F 850 GS.