The KTM 790 Duke hasn’t even made it to American soil yet — though, it strangely can race in the production middleweight class at Pikes Peak… — and we are already talking about its off-roading sibling, the KTM 790 Adventure R.
Built around the same 799cc parallel-twin engine found in the Duke model, the Adventure variant takes things to a whole new level for ADV riders.
Promising light weight, plenty of off-road power, and Dakar-inspired chassis components, this should be the adventure-tourer that dual-sport riders have been asking for.
With the production version of the KTM 790 Adventure R set to debut later this year at the annual industry trade shows, most of our appetite has been sustained by the prototype bike, which has been making the marketing rounds.
Adding some details along the way though, we have a slightly better idea of what to expect in a few months’ time.
First up, KTM tells us that the 799cc engine used on the Duke will be retuned for use on the Adventure model, with a wider torque band being the order of the day.
This should suit off-road riders better, so they won’t be searching for peak power, as is done on the street-focused model.
The second detail KTM has let slip is that the fuel tank range is set at 250 miles, which should mean a five to six gallon fuel tank on the motorcycle.
If that sounds like a lot of fuel on a tiny machine, keep in mind that the low-slung bodywork pods in front of the rider’s feet are part of the fuel tank system.
We keep seeing other publications referring to this pieces as winglets, or speculating further about their function. They’re fuel tanks, just like on the Dakar bike.
Fully adjustable suspension will be standard, courtesy of WP Suspension, and the rear shock will eschew a rear linkage, in favor of a progressive damping system (PDS). Wheels will be 21″ / 18″ and capable of fitting most popular dirt bike tire sizes.
Cornering ABS, traction control, and ride modes will be standard as well, making the KTM 790 Adventure R one of the most robust bikes in the segment.
We eagerly await is arrival in the United States, which hopefully isn’t too long after its arrival in Europe.
Source: KTM
