SPIED! 2019 KTM 790 Adventure

SPIED: KTM aims to make 790 great for back-lane blasts

When it comes to off-road focused adventure bikes KTM lead the pack, but their bikes can be compromised on the road. That was obvious when they unveiled the hardcore 790 Adventure R prototype last October, but new spyshots confirm there will also be an S model and that should be right at home tearing up the tarmac. Both bikes will be powered by the 799cc parallel-twin found in the 790 Duke (tested in MCN last week). The engine makes 103.3bhp and 63.5ftlb of torque, although KTM may retune it for more punch in the middle with a little less top end. Much like the Duke, we expect the Adventure to get top-quality electronics including cornering ABS, traction control, a quickshifter and rider modes. The suspension will come from WP and it will have a steel frame. Both bikes appear to have a 21in front wheel and 18in rear.

The bike in our picture is the most complete we’ve seen yet. All the plastics are well finished, as are the pillion grab rails and the exhaust. There are clips to attach panniers and a topbox, along with ready-togo accessories such as a power take-off point.

KTM boss Stefan Pierer told MCN that the 790 Adventure will follow the Duke quite closely, so we expect the bike to be unveiled in November. We believe KTM will be looking to keep it priced at around £9000, to compete directly with BMW’s strongselling F850GS and Yamaha’s forthcoming Tracer 700-based Ténéré T7.