790 Adventure leads KTM assault

KTM Australia says the new 790 Adventure and R models will arrive here in June 2019, several months before its major new mid-mid-sized competitor, the Yamaha Ténéré 700.

The 790 Adventure is not the only new product from KTM on display at the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan.

They also feature the new 690 SMC R (arriving in March 2019), 690 Enduro R (April), 1290 Super Duke GT (February) and SX-E 5 mini electric trail bike (December).

The latter is a KTM version of the Husqvarna EE 5 electric minicycle, tapping into the Euro frenzy over electric motorcycles.

790 Adventure

The much anticipated 790 Adventure is powered by KTM’s new-generation LC8c 799cc in-line twin-engine with 70kW of power (95hp) and weighing in at only 189kg.

KTM claims 400km of range from the 20-litre tank. And it should all be smooth riding with two balancer shafts and long service intervals of 15,000km.

Suspension is, of course, WP, with 43mm forks, 200mm of travel, 233mm clearance and an 850mm seat height, compared with the Ténéré 700 at 880mm.

The engine sits in a CroMo steel frame with an open-lattice swingarm.

Finally, a manufacturer has provided an easy-to-adjust handlebar. It can be set in six different positions with a 30mm adjustment range making it comfortable no matter what size the rider and whether standing or sitting.

Instruments are in a 5-inch TFT display with a wide range of configurable information. The display varies according to light and the rev counter blinks to indicate when to shift.

Electronic rider aids include traction control, cornering ABS, and an off-road mode with a smooth throttle response.

Other tasty features are LED lighting, steering damper and hefty 320mm twin discs with four-piston radially mounted callipers.

Factory accessories include an up/down quickshifter, heated grips and cruise control, as well as the usual protection parts and luggage.

The R model adds longer-travel 240mm suspension, Karoo 3 dirt tyres, 48mm WP XPLOR forks, upgraded shock and different bodywork.

1290 Super Duke GT

KTM engineers have tweaked the 1301cc 75° V-twin LC8 engine from the 1290 Super Duke R and revised resonator chambers, titanium inlet valves and a new mapping.

The result is only an kilowatt of power to 130kW, while torque is actually down 3Nm to 141Nm.

KTM has also added and up/down Quickshifter.

Electronic rider aids include lean angle sensitivity for braking power and traction control and different ride modes – including the optional ‘Track’ mode.

There is a new aerodynamic windshield developed in a wind tunnel with multiple height positions and improved one-handed adjustability.

The new 6.5-inch TFT full-colour screen is claimed to be visible in direct sunlight and has a variety of menus chock full of info.

KTM MY RIDE smartphone connectivity allows the rider to use phone functions (navigation, phone, music) via an app through the bike’s screen.

Cosmetically it now has a Duke family appearance and a new LED headlight with daytime running light and tank spoiler-mounted LED cornering lights.

The latest generation WP semi-active chassis has “deeper analysing sensors” to adjust to surface conditions with a switch to select damping for Comfort, Street and Sport.

There are two new storage compartments on the side of the tank for a mobile phone, wallet, etc. One side has a USB charging socket.

Heated grips come standard.

690 Enduro R

The 690 Enduro R returns in 2019 with several updates.

One of the best for long-range touring is the addition of two balancer shafts to smooth out the LC4 single.

It also now gets the super-duper fully-adjustable WP XPLOR suspension.

There are two changeable rider modes (off-road and street), cornering ABS and traction control.

Styling is now sharper and slimmer, with a redesigned seat.

690 SMC R

Also returning for 2019 is the R supermotard version with an advanced electronics package and 6kW more power to 55kW and 73.5Nm of torque.

It also features two balancer shafts and dual-spark cylinder head.

KTM promises improved rider ergonomics, multiple electronic rider aid systems and new WP suspension.