Historically, Austrian manufacturer KTM has been well known for its off-road bikes, producing class-leading enduro, motocross and supermoto machines.
The success of these can be judged by the small matter of the legendary Dakar Rally – won by KTM this year and, incredibly, every year since 2001.
But the company has, for some time, offered an excellent and, in my view, often underrated range of road and dual-purpose bikes.
The 790 Adventure I am reviewing here falls into the latter category.
It’s one of what KTM terms its “Travel” range – an adventure-style road bike with true off-road capability.
At 799cc, it’s a mid-range creature, mixing it with the likes of Triumph’s Tiger 800 XCa and BMW’s F850 GS.
It certainly looks the part, my test bike coming in white on a black trellis frame, with the large graphics leaving you in no doubt as to which model it is.
Spoked wheels and a 21in front confirm that the KTM has proper off-road ambitions.
On board, the seat height is a comfortable 830mm, with optional adjustments up to 850mm and right down to 800mm.
There’s a substantial screen, that two-part seat is firm but comfortable and the wide, upswept alloy bars can be adjusted to six positions.
The chunky off-road style footpads are toothed and have rubber inserts.
A groovy, good-sized TFT dash in the cockpit tells you everything you need to know.
There are three ride modes, plus an optional extra Rally mode, which allows you to adjust the amount of rear-wheel slip from one to nine.
Head off and I immediately noticed two things.
Firstly, how light and agile this bike feels and, secondly, that the ergonomics encourage you to slide forward over the tank, almost as though you are on a motocross machine.
The parallel twin motor is the same one that’s in KTM’s excellent 790 Duke street bike – the most powerful in the business.
It’s re-tuned here to give more mid-range oomph and it’s an absolute beauty – super lively and eager, but smooth and refined at the same time.
It works even better with the optional quickshifter.
Handling is also excellent, aided to a large degree by the low centre of gravity.
This is due to the fact the ‘tank’ is actually two tanks ‘draped’ over the top of the engine and own either side.
There’s also WP Apex forks – non-adjustable – and a rear WP shock – adjustable for preload – which combine to make the bike feel assured and dependable through the twisty stuff.
And there is plenty of stopping power via KTM-branded 320mm front discs and four-pot calipers.
The 790 also features cornering ABS, with specific road and off-road settings – the latter allowing the rear wheel to lock.
The Facts
KTM 790 Adventure
Engine: 799cc parallel twin
Power: 94bhp @ 8,000rpm
Torque: 66 lb ft @ 6,600rpm
Colours: Orange; white
Price: £11,099
