10/03/2016
Should You Buy a KTM 790 Adventure S?
The KTM 790 Adventure S emerges as a compelling option for riders seeking a harmonious blend of on-road civility and spirited handling, all while retaining credible off-road capabilities. Positioned as a slightly more pavement-biased sibling to the flagship 790 Adventure R, the 'S' model doesn't compromise significantly on its adventurous spirit. While it features less sophisticated suspension components with fewer adjustment options and slightly reduced ground clearance and travel compared to its 'R' counterpart, it still boasts an off-road-ready wheel setup with a 21-inch front and 18-inch rear, and a respectable amount of ground clearance and suspension travel when measured against rivals in its weight class. For many, the KTM 790 Adventure S could very well be the ideal motorcycle, offering a substantial dose of adventure without the intimidating size and power of the market's largest offerings. While not as exclusively dirt-oriented as the 'R' model or some other twins in this segment, riders contemplating their off-pavement time versus on-pavement mileage will find this bike a strong contender, with the choice between the 'S' and 'R' models largely dependent on those priorities.
KTM 790 Adventure S: A Closer Look at the Specs
KTM has engineered the 790 Adventure S with a thoughtful assembly of components. Let's delve into the specifics that define this versatile machine:
Engine and Drivetrain
At the heart of the 790 Adventure S lies the potent LC8 799cc parallel-twin engine, shared with the 790 Duke but retuned for enhanced mid-range performance crucial for adventure touring. This powerplant delivers a healthy 95 hp at 8,250 rpm and 66 ft-lbs of torque at 6,500 rpm. This output places it in close competition with rivals like the BMW F850GS and Honda Africa Twin, yet the KTM's significantly lower weight contributes to a more responsive, nimble, and agile riding experience. KTM has cleverly integrated two counterbalancers to minimise vibrations, ensuring a smoother ride over long distances. The engine's maintenance intervals are also generous, with valve adjustments recommended every 15,000 kilometres, though more demanding off-pavement use might warrant more frequent checks.
| Engine Displacement | 799cc |
| Engine Type | Parallel-Twin |
| Max Power | 95 hp @ 8250 rpm |
| Maximum Torque | 66 ft/lbs @ 6500 rpm |
| Cooling | Liquid cooled |
| Valve Train | DOHC (8 valves) |
| Final Drive | Chain |
| Fueling | Dell’ Orto w/ 46mm throttle bodies |
| Bore x Stroke | 88mm x 65.7mm |
| Compression Ratio | 12.7:1 |
Chassis, Suspension, and Brakes
The 790 Adventure S features a robust chassis designed for both on and off-road durability. Up front, 43mm WP Apex forks provide 7.8 inches of travel, while the rear is handled by a WP Apex PDS shock absorber with spring preload adjustability, also offering 7.8 inches of travel. The bike's geometry is set with a 25.9-degree rake and 107.8mm trail, contributing to its stable handling characteristics. Braking is handled by twin 320mm discs with ABS at the front and a single 260mm disc with ABS at the rear, providing strong and reliable stopping power. The spoke, aluminium wheel set, fitted with tubeless tyres (90/90 x 21” front, 170/70 x 18” rear), further enhances its off-road credentials.
| Front Suspension/Travel | 43 mm fork/7.8 inches |
| Rear Suspension/Travel | WP Apex PDS shock absorber with spring preload adjustability/7.8 inches |
| Rake | 25.9 degrees |
| Trail | 107.8 mm |
| Front Brake | 2 x 320 mm ABS |
| Rear Brake | 260 mm single disc ABS |
| Front Wheel | Spoke, aluminum rims |
| Rear Wheel | Spoke, aluminum rims |
| Front Tire | 90/90 x 21”, tubeless |
| Rear Tire | 170/70 x 18”, tubeless |
Dimensions and Practicality
The 790 Adventure S boasts a 5.3-gallon (20-litre) fuel tank, offering a potential range of over 280 miles (450+ kilometres) under optimal conditions. Its fuel consumption is rated at an impressive 56 mpg (4.19 litres/100 km). The seat height is adjustable, catering to a wider range of riders, with options at 32.7 or 33.5 inches. With a wheelbase of 59.4 inches (1,509 mm) and a ground clearance of 9.2 inches (233 mm), it strikes a good balance for adventure riding. The dry weight stands at a competitive 416.7 lbs (189 kg).
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 5.3 gallons (20 liters) |
| Fuel Consumption | 56 mpg (4.19 liters/100 km) |
| Seat Height | Adjustable 32.7/33.5 inch |
| Wheelbase | 59.4 in (1,509 mm) |
| Ground Clearance | 9.2 in (233 mm) |
| Dry Weight | 416.7 lbs (189 kg) |
The KTM 790 Adventure S: Standout Features
The KTM 790 Adventure S is packed with features designed to enhance the riding experience, whether on the tarmac or tackling trails.
TFT Display
The modern, full-colour TFT display is a significant highlight. It's highly customisable, allowing riders to prioritise the information they want to see. Crucially, it automatically adjusts brightness based on ambient light conditions, ensuring excellent readability in all environments. Navigation and settings are managed via a intuitive control pad on the handlebar. KTM's 'My Ride' feature is also available, enabling seamless smartphone connectivity for hands-free calls and GPS navigation displayed directly on the screen.
Low-Slung Fuel Tank
A distinctive design element is the horseshoe-shaped, low-slung fuel tank that wraps around the engine. This clever placement significantly lowers the bike's centre of gravity, improving low-speed stability and making technical riding more manageable. The plastic construction, tested rigorously by KTM, proves to be remarkably durable and capable of withstanding off-road abuse. This design also offers protection to the engine, facilitates easier access to the battery and air filter for maintenance, and provides a slimmer profile between the rider's knees for better control in the standing position.
21-Inch Front Wheel and 18-Inch Rear
The choice of a 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheel, both running tubeless tyres, is a clear nod to the bike's off-road intentions. This setup offers superior performance and resilience when venturing off the beaten path compared to the more common 19/17-inch configurations. Despite the larger front hoop, the 790 Adventure S maintains impressive stability on fast, paved roads and through sweeping corners.
Adjustable Windshield
The generously sized windshield offers substantial protection from windblast at higher speeds. Its 40mm of vertical adjustability can be quickly modified, allowing riders to fine-tune wind deflection to suit conditions and personal preference. The design balances effective wind protection with unobtrusive performance during slower, technical riding.
Comfortable and Ergonomic Design
The ergonomics are well-considered, with an adjustable seat that accommodates riders of varying inseams and riding styles. The simple, two-piece seat design is easy to adjust and offers a balanced blend of width and firmness for long-distance comfort. The seat's density is engineered to allow riders to distribute weight effectively onto their 'sit bones', a crucial factor for prolonged saddle time, mirroring principles found in competitive cycling for sustained comfort.
Excellent On-Road Performance
As noted, the 790 Adventure S truly shines on the road. Its low centre of gravity and accessible seat height make navigating twisty roads a joy. While not the most powerful in its class, its 95 hp engine delivers an excellent power-to-weight ratio, translating into engaging acceleration and a lively feel. The braking system, featuring large 320mm twin discs with four-pot radial calipers up front and a 260mm disc with a twin-pot caliper at the rear, provides potent and progressive stopping power with excellent rider feedback.
Useful Electronic Aids
The 790 Adventure S is equipped with a suite of electronic rider aids designed to enhance safety and control. This includes three distinct riding modes: Rain, Road, and Off-Road. Rain mode reduces power and increases traction control intervention, while Road mode offers full power with controlled wheelspin. Off-Road mode dials back power delivery and reduces traction control intervention, with the option to disable it entirely. ABS can also be deactivated in Off-Road mode, allowing for more aggressive rear-wheel control. Advanced features like Cornering ABS and off-road specific ABS configurations further bolster safety, enabling riders to use the rear brake for steering while preventing front-wheel lock-up. The Motor Slip Regulation (MSR) system also assists in managing engine braking during downshifts, preventing rear-wheel instability.
The most up-to-date service schedule can always be found on KTM Dealer.net. Your authorized KTM dealer will be happy to advise you. Page 128 11 SERVICE SCHEDULE Every two years Every year every 30,000 km (18,600 mi) every 15,000 km (9,300 mi) after 1,000 km (620 mi) ○ ● ● ● Check the front brake fluid level. Durable Frame
Constructed from chrome-moly steel, the frame is built to withstand the rigours of serious adventure touring, including carrying passengers and luggage over varied terrains. This robust construction underscores KTM's commitment to creating a reliable machine for long-distance, demanding journeys.
Potential Downsides of the KTM 790 Adventure S
While the KTM 790 Adventure S is a highly capable machine, there are a few areas that could be improved:
Inaccurate Fuel Gauge
The split-style fuel tank design, while beneficial for weight distribution, complicates fuel level measurement. The gauge is notoriously inaccurate until more than half the tank has been consumed, which can lead to inconvenience or uncertainty about remaining range.
Traction Control and ABS Settings Reset
A reported annoyance is that the Traction Control and ABS settings can reset to default upon switching off the ignition via the kill switch or key. This necessitates readjusting these settings each time the bike is restarted, which can be cumbersome during short stops. While some owners report this issue is resolved with software updates or the 'Rally mode' upgrade, it's a point of contention for some.
Limited Suspension Adjustability
While the WP suspension components perform admirably, the front forks lack adjustability, and only the rear shock's preload can be adjusted. This limits fine-tuning of the suspension to suit specific riding conditions or rider preferences, a feature more commonly found on higher-spec adventure bikes.
KTM 790 Adventure S: The Verdict
The KTM 790 Adventure S stands out as an exceptional mid-size adventure motorcycle, offering a superb balance of on-road comfort and off-road prowess. Its accessible power, sporty handling, and robust build quality make it a highly versatile machine. For riders who don't require the extreme off-road focus of the 'R' model or the sheer size and power of larger adventure bikes, the 790 Adventure S presents a compelling package. Its favourable power-to-weight ratio, comfortable ergonomics, and advanced electronic aids contribute to an engaging and safe riding experience. While it faces stiff competition from established players like the Honda Africa Twin, BMW R1200GS, Triumph Tiger 800 XR, and BMW F850GS, the KTM 790 Adventure S carves out its own niche, appealing particularly to those seeking a more manageable yet thoroughly capable adventure touring platform. Its combination of features, performance, and value make it a strong contender for anyone looking to explore the world on two wheels.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the KTM 790 coming back?
The KTM 790 Adventure is indeed set to return, bridging the gap between the 890 Adventure and the 390 Adventure. It will be available for A2 licence holders with a restrictable option. Crucially, production will be handled by KTM's partner CFMoto in China, with KTM oversight to ensure quality standards are maintained.
Is the KTM 790 Adventure S good for long distance touring?
Yes, the KTM 790 Adventure S is well-suited for long-distance touring, thanks to its comfortable ergonomics, adjustable seat, decent fuel range, and the smooth parallel-twin engine. The electronic aids also contribute to a more relaxed and safe journey.
How does the KTM 790 Adventure S compare to the 790 Adventure R?
The primary differences lie in the suspension and off-road bias. The 'R' model features longer travel, fully adjustable suspension and is more dirt-focused. The 'S' model has less suspension travel and is more oriented towards on-road comfort and versatility, making it a better choice for riders who spend more time on pavement.
What are the main pros of the KTM 790 Adventure S?
Key pros include its excellent on-road handling, capable off-road performance, strong yet manageable engine, low centre of gravity for stability, modern TFT display, durable fuel tank, and comprehensive electronic rider aids.
What are the main cons of the KTM 790 Adventure S?
The main drawbacks are the inaccurate fuel gauge, the tendency for traction control and ABS settings to reset, and the limited adjustability of the front suspension.
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