KTM 790 Adventure R: Suspension & Beyond

The world of adventure motorcycling is constantly evolving, with manufacturers pushing the boundaries of capability and performance. Among the most revered names in off-road prowess, KTM consistently delivers machines that embody their 'Ready To Race' philosophy. The 2020 KTM 790 Adventure R stands as a testament to this, developed directly from KTM’s formidable off-road race DNA. It's not just a motorcycle; it’s a serious travel-capable off-road machine, meticulously engineered for the most extreme escapes imaginable. Balancing the raw power of a twin-cylinder engine with the lightness and agility typically found in a single-cylinder off-road bike, the 790 Adventure R opens up a realm of new riding possibilities for the hardcore adventurer. But what truly sets this rugged explorer apart, particularly when tackling challenging terrain? A key element lies in its sophisticated suspension system.

Unrivalled Ride: The WP Suspension Advantage

One of the most frequently asked questions about the KTM 790 Adventure R, especially among those eyeing its formidable off-road credentials, is whether it features WP suspension. The definitive answer is a resounding yes. The 2020 KTM 790 Adventure R, carrying over all its impressive features from the 2019 model, comes equipped with high-performance WP suspension. This is a significant advantage, as WP Suspension is a renowned, KTM-owned brand, synonymous with top-tier off-road performance and adjustability.

For the 790 Adventure R, KTM has fitted a sophisticated setup designed to withstand and excel in the most demanding conditions. The rear suspension, specifically, is a WP Xplor PDS shock absorber. The 'PDS' (Progressive Damping System) design is particularly beneficial for off-road riding, as it eliminates the need for a linkage, reducing complexity and potential points of damage when navigating rocky or root-strewn trails. This system provides progressive damping, allowing it to handle both small bumps with plushness and large impacts without bottoming out.

What truly elevates the R-model's suspension is its full adjustability. Unlike the standard 790 Adventure, which features only rear preload adjustment, the 790 Adventure R's WP components allow riders to fine-tune compression, rebound, and preload settings for both the front forks and the rear shock. This level of customisation is crucial for adventure riding, where variables such as rider weight, additional luggage, and varying fuel loads can significantly impact a bike's handling. The ability to adjust the suspension to suit personal preferences and specific riding conditions means the 790 Adventure R can maintain optimal performance whether you're cruising on tarmac, tackling fast gravel roads, or navigating technical singletrack. This longer-travel, fully adjustable setup is a primary reason why the 'R' model feels so incredibly composed and capable when the going gets tough, allowing for a surprisingly quick pace over rough terrain.

KTM 790 Adventure R vs. Standard 790 Adventure Suspension Comparison

To highlight the distinction, here’s a comparison of the suspension features between the 790 Adventure R and its road-oriented sibling, the standard 790 Adventure:

The Heart of the Beast: Engine & Performance

At the core of the KTM 790 Adventure R is the powerful yet compact 799cc LC8c parallel twin engine. This engine, initially seen in the KTM 790 Duke, has been specifically tuned for adventure riding, delivering its torque lower down the rev range. This results in smooth acceleration and plentiful performance, making it ideal for both long stretches on the open road and technical off-road climbs. Pumping out 95 hp (70 kW), this engine is paired with a 6-speed sequential gearbox and boasts an impressive fuel range of approximately 450 km from its 20-litre tank.

The LC8c engine is celebrated for its compact design, which contributes significantly to the bike's overall agility and low centre of gravity. To ensure a smooth ride, even during long transport stages, the engine incorporates two balancer shafts that effectively minimise vibration. Furthermore, long service intervals of 15,000 km mean less time in the workshop and more time exploring. The engine's design also features an advanced cooling system, crucial for maintaining performance during hours of riding in hot and demanding conditions.

Chassis & Ergonomics: Built for Extreme Adventure

The KTM 790 Adventure R's chassis is engineered to conquer all extremes. It utilises a tubular CroMo steel frame with the engine acting as a stressed member, contributing to both strength and a reduced overall weight. The lightweight steel trellis subframe is designed to be compact yet robust, capable of handling harsh conditions synonymous with serious off-road riding. A steering damper enhances stability, particularly at higher speeds or over rough terrain.

One of the most innovative design features is the low-slung 20-litre fuel tank. While visually distinct, this design serves multiple critical purposes: it significantly lowers the bike's centre of gravity, vastly improving handling and making the bike feel remarkably lighter and more manageable, especially when fully fuelled. This unique tank also keeps the bike narrow in the knee area when standing, offering superior control during off-road manoeuvres. It also allows for a straighter and lower seat, providing the rider with more freedom to move and aiding better accessibility.

Ergonomics on the 790 Adventure R are meticulously designed for extreme riding. The aluminium-tapered handlebar offers maximum control and can be adjusted in six different positions, providing 30 mm of adjustment range for a personalised fit. The robust footpegs are developed for superior ergonomics, accommodating both street and off-road boots, and feature removable rubber inserts for enhanced off-road grip. The single-piece, off-road style seat is shaped for maximum freedom of movement and grip, while still offering comfort for long days in the saddle. Even the low-profile windshield is designed to allow the rider to move freely when standing, offering an unobstructed view ahead.

Stopping Power: Brakes & Safety Systems

Bringing the mighty 790 Adventure R to a halt on any terrain is handled by a capable braking system. Up front, twin 320 mm diameter brake discs are paired with 4-piston, radially mounted calipers. At the rear, a 260 mm diameter brake disc is actuated by a double-piston floating caliper. This combination provides an ideal mix of control and stopping power across all riding conditions.

The bike is equipped with Bosch 9.1 MP ABS, which includes Cornering-ABS for enhanced safety during turns and a dedicated off-road mode. This off-road ABS allows for the rear wheel to lock, enabling controlled slides, while maintaining front-wheel ABS for confidence. The system can also be disengaged entirely for experienced riders seeking full control.

Intelligent Control: Rider Aids & Electronics

The 790 Adventure R is packed with advanced electronics designed to assist riders in a variety of conditions, enhancing both performance and safety. Key features include:

• MTC (Motorcycle Traction Control): KTM’s lean-angle sensitive traction control system, which reacts immediately to disproportionate rear-wheel rotational speed, ensuring optimal grip.
• Ride-By-Wire: This system electronically translates the rider's throttle commands into optimum throttle valve positions for the current riding situation, ensuring precise and smooth power delivery.
• Ride Modes: Standard modes include Rain, Street, and Off-road. The 'R' model comes standard with a highly desirable Rally mode.
• Rally Mode: This mode offers more direct throttle response and allows for precise fine-tuning of slip adjust (eight levels) to match surface conditions, rider skill, and ride requirements. Crucially, in Rally mode, selected ABS and traction control settings are maintained even when the bike is switched off, unlike other modes where rider aids default to 'on'.
• TFT Display: A full-colour TFT display provides clear, easily navigable access to all rider assistance systems and bike information via a bar-mounted menu switch.

Maintaining Your Ride: Addressing Brake Squeal

While the KTM 790 Adventure R is a marvel of engineering, like any mechanical component, its brakes can sometimes develop issues, one common complaint being a high-pitched metallic squealing noise during braking. This can be incredibly frustrating and noticeable, especially when riding in urban areas. Understanding the common causes and potential solutions can help you maintain your bike's braking performance and quietness.

Why Do Brakes Squeal?

Brake squeal typically occurs due to high-frequency vibrations between the brake pads, calipers, and discs. Several factors can contribute to this:

• Pad Material: Many modern motorcycles, including the KTM 790 Adventure R, use sintered brake pads. These pads contain a high amount of metallic compounds, which offer excellent braking performance, especially in wet conditions and at higher temperatures. However, their metallic content can make them more prone to noise, particularly when cold or lightly applied.
• Lack of Lubrication: The backing plates of brake pads, and the pins they slide on, require a thin layer of high-temperature ceramic or silicone-based brake lubricant. This lubrication helps to dampen vibrations and prevents direct metal-on-metal contact between the pad and caliper components. If this lubrication is absent or has dried out, squealing can occur.
• Dirt and Contaminants: Accumulation of brake dust, dirt, or other contaminants on the pads or discs can also lead to noise.
• Glazed Pads or Discs: Overheating can cause the pad surface to become hard and shiny (glazed), reducing friction and increasing noise. Similarly, discs can become glazed.

Troubleshooting and Solutions

If your KTM 790 Adventure R's brakes are squealing, here's a structured approach to resolve the issue:

1. Clean and Lubricate Components:
   • Remove the brake pads from the calipers.
   • Clean the pads thoroughly with a steel brush and dedicated brake cleaning solution. Ensure no residue remains.
   • Clean the brake calipers, especially the areas where the pads slide and the piston faces.
   • Apply a generous, even layer of high-temperature ceramic or silicone brake lubricant to the back of the brake pads (the side that contacts the caliper pistons, not the friction material) and on the pins that the pads slide on. Ensure the lubricant does not get onto the friction surface of the pads or the brake disc.
   • Reassemble everything carefully, ensuring proper alignment.
   • Test ride the bike. As one rider experienced, this often provides immediate relief, though the noise might return if the initial lubrication wasn't sufficient or if the underlying pad material is particularly prone to noise.
2. Consider Pad Replacement:

   If cleaning and lubrication offer only temporary relief, or if you prefer a quieter braking experience, changing the brake pads might be the next step. Different pad types offer varying characteristics:

   • Sintered Pads: As discussed, these are standard on many high-performance bikes. They offer excellent bite, fade resistance, and wet-weather performance due to their metallic content. However, they can be noisier and cause more rotor wear. If performance is paramount and a little noise is tolerable, sticking with quality sintered pads (and ensuring proper lubrication) is an option.
   • Organic Pads: Made from natural materials (like rubber, resin, and carbon), these pads are generally much quieter and cause less rotor wear. They offer a softer initial bite and are ideal for general street riding or riders who prioritise quietness. However, they typically have lower fade resistance at high temperatures and may not perform as well in wet conditions compared to sintered pads.
   • Semi-Sintered Pads: A hybrid option, these combine elements of both organic and sintered pads. They aim to offer a balance of good braking performance, reasonable noise levels, and acceptable rotor wear. They can be a good compromise for riders looking for better performance than organic pads without the full noise potential of sintered ones.
   • Carbon/Kevlar Pads: Often used for racing, these require a significant amount of heat to perform optimally and are generally not recommended for street use where brakes might not reach those temperatures. Using them on the street could result in poor cold braking performance.

   For a rider prioritising quietness and good performance in wet or cold conditions without being a 'hardcore' track rider, a high-quality semi-sintered pad would likely be a suitable choice. Always consult with a reputable mechanic or parts supplier to ensure compatibility and suitability for your specific riding style and conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does the 2020 KTM 790 Adventure R come with WP suspension?

Yes, absolutely. The 2020 KTM 790 Adventure R is equipped with high-performance, fully adjustable WP suspension components, including a WP Xplor PDS shock absorber at the rear, designed for extreme off-road riding.

What type of engine does the KTM 790 Adventure R use?

The KTM 790 Adventure R is powered by a liquid-cooled 799cc LC8c parallel twin engine. This compact and powerful engine produces 95 hp (70 kW) and is tuned to deliver strong torque lower in the rev range, making it ideal for adventure riding.

What makes the 790 Adventure R stand out for off-road riding?

Its exceptional off-road capability stems from several key features: the fully adjustable, long-travel WP suspension, a lightweight CroMo steel frame with a low centre of gravity, the unique low-slung fuel tank design for improved handling, and a suite of advanced rider aids including Off-road ABS and Rally mode.

How does the unique fuel tank design improve handling?

The 790 Adventure R's fuel tank design places the majority of the fuel volume as low as possible, effectively lowering the bike's centre of gravity. This significantly enhances handling, making the bike feel lighter and more agile, particularly when fully fuelled. It also keeps the bike narrow in the knee area for better off-road control.

Why are my KTM 790 Adventure R brakes making a squealing noise?

Brake squeal is often caused by high-frequency vibrations. Common culprits include the metallic content in sintered brake pads, insufficient lubrication on the pad backing plates and pins, or contamination. Cleaning the pads and calipers thoroughly, then applying a high-temperature ceramic brake lubricant to the non-friction surfaces, often resolves the issue. If the noise persists, considering a switch to a less aggressive pad material, such as semi-sintered or organic pads, might be beneficial.

What's the difference between the 790 Adventure R and the standard 790 Adventure's suspension?

The 790 Adventure R features longer-travel, fully adjustable WP suspension, including a WP Xplor PDS rear shock, making it highly capable for extreme off-road terrain. The standard 790 Adventure, while still using WP components, has shorter travel and only offers rear preload adjustment, making it more road-biased in its suspension setup.

Conclusion

The 2020 KTM 790 Adventure R is undeniably a purpose-built machine for the discerning adventurer who seeks to challenge themselves and conquer tricky terrain. Its exceptional design, rooted in KTM's rally heritage, delivers a compelling blend of power, agility, and control. The inclusion of high-performance, fully adjustable WP suspension is not merely a feature; it's a fundamental pillar of its extreme off-road capability, allowing riders to push limits with confidence. Coupled with its innovative low-slung fuel tank, powerful LC8c engine, and comprehensive electronic rider aids, the 790 Adventure R truly redefines what a mid-capacity adventure bike can achieve. Whether you're navigating technical trails or embarking on continent-crossing journeys, this machine is engineered to deliver an unforgettable riding experience, ready to take on any adventure you throw its way.

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