KTM 790 Adventure R: specifications, pros and cons, compatible accessories
The lowest tank on the market, and the model with the most accessories in the range
Twenty liters distributed on either side of the engine, beneath the knees: a solution no other manufacturer has copied and one that noticeably lowers the center of gravity. With 53 catalog accessories, it is the easiest KTM model to equip.
- In summaryThe most capable mid-size bike off-road, and the one with the widest range of accessories.
- Do these firstCHG222 crash bars, pannier racks, auxiliary light mount.
- SharedAlmost everything is shared with the 890 Adventure and the Husqvarna Norden 901.
- AttentionThe DENALI auxiliary light mounts are for the 2019-2020 model years.
- BrandsLOBOO, DENALI, Kaoko, Endurrad.
Who it is recommended for
It is the right bike if
- You are over six feet tall, or accept stopping with only one foot down: the seat is 880 mm high and the R has no factory-lowered versions
- Off-road riding is not a Sunday exception but half the trip
- You want a travel twin that stays under 190 kg dry, not a 250 kg maxi-bike
- You want a bike that is easy to equip: 53 catalog accessories, the highest number in the KTM range
- You are shopping used: it costs less than the 890 and has almost the same components
Look elsewhere if
- You mainly ride on highways: the aerodynamic protection is minimal and you can feel it above 120
- You use a large tank bag: the side-mounted tank leaves little space in front of the seat
- You do not want the maintenance: the WP XPLOR suspension needs servicing if you really use it
- You are under five feet nine inches tall and want to get both feet on the ground even when stopped on a slope
- Ordering accessories by eye: the 790 and 890 look interchangeable, but the tank decals and electrical parts have different part numbers
In short: this is the KTM for real off-road riding, not the KTM for highway stretches. If you need the same bike with more displacement and better suspension, look at the 890 Adventure R, which shares almost all accessory part numbers; if your actual use is on-road with long two-up rides, the 1290 Super Adventure S is the more sensible choice.
Technical specifications
| Technical specifications | Engine |
|---|---|
| Parallel twin-cylinder, 799 cc, 285-degree crankshaft | 95 hp at 8,000 rpm |
| Power | 88 Nm at 6,600 rpm |
| Torque | 6-speed, chain final drive |
| Chassis | Steel trellis frame, long-travel WP XPLOR suspension |
| Wheels | 21-inch front, 18-inch rear, spoked |
| Weight | 189 kg dry |
| Fuel tank | 20 liters, positioned low on either side of the engine |
| Seat height | 880 mm |
| Production | from 2019, later joined by the 890 Adventure R |
Pros and cons
Pros
- Very low center of gravity thanks to the side-mounted tank
- WP XPLOR suspension with genuine enduro travel
- The widest accessory catalog in the KTM range
- Low weight for a touring twin-cylinder motorcycle
- Many part numbers shared with the 890 Adventure and Norden 901
Cons
- 880 mm seat height: tall, and the R has no factory-lowered versions
- Minimal wind protection
- The side-mounted tank limits the choice of large tank bags
- Suspension that requires maintenance when used seriously
- Less highway comfort than road-focused rivals
What to mount, in order of priority
On a motorcycle that really goes off-road, protection comes before luggage.
- 1
CHG222 crash bars with skid plateAvailable in high or low versions. Fits the 790, 890 Adventure, and Husqvarna Norden 901. - 2
Side case framesIncludes hardware, threaded inserts, and tool: the basis for mounting hard or semi-rigid luggage. - 3
Auxiliary light mounts 2019-2020They use the 790's mounting points: no straps on the skid plate, no vibrations. - 4
Aluminum side casesTo be paired with dedicated frames: the long-distance touring solution for a motorcycle born for off-road riding. - 5
Top case plateTo mount rear luggage on the luggage rack: also useful on its own, without side cases. - 6
Kaoko mechanical cruise controlFits the 690, 990, 1090, 1190, 1290, and 790 Adventure: it makes all the difference on long trips. - 7
2.5-3.5-liter tank bagWith the side-mounted fuel tank, there is little space in front of the seat: the small size is preferable here.
Compatibility table
The 790 shares much of its componentry with the 890 and the Husqvarna Norden 901.
| Accessory | 890 Adventure R | Husqvarna Norden 901 |
|---|---|---|
| CHG222 crash bar | yes | yes |
| Luggage racks and top case plate | yes | to be checked |
| 790 2019-2020 auxiliary light mounts | no | no |
| Kaoko cruise control | to be checked | no |
| Tank stickers | year-specific part number | no |
| Soft luggage and mirrors | yes | yes |
Brands with dedicated accessories
LOBOOThe main brand hereCHG222 crash bar, luggage racks, side cases, top case plate, CWJ221 auxiliary light bracket.
DENALILightingAuxiliary light mounts for 2019-2020 model years, LED lights, and SoundBomb horns.
KaokoCruise controlMechanical throttle stabilizer, shared with much of the Adventure range.
EndurradCompletionMotorcycle cover, waterproof bags, and detail accessories.
Frequently asked questions
Do the 790 accessories fit the 890 Adventure?
Crash bars, luggage racks, and top case plate: yes, the LOBOO part numbers are listed for both. The auxiliary light mounts, tank stickers, and electrical parts are different, however, as they depend on the model and model year.
What about the Husqvarna Norden 901?
The CHG222 crash bar is also listed for the Norden, which shares the platform. For the luggage racks, it’s best to check the part number before ordering.
Which tank bag is used with the side-mounted fuel tank?
A small size, 2.5-3.5 liters. The space in front of the seat is limited compared with a bike with a traditional fuel tank, and a large bag would end up covering the dashboard.
High or low crash bars?
The lower one protects the engine covers and crankcase, while the upper one also protects the plastics and fuel tank. If you ride on challenging dirt roads, the full version is worth it.
790 or 890 Adventure R?
Mechanically very similar: the 890 has more displacement and revised suspension. If you’re looking for the best price, the used 790 is an excellent choice, and many of the accessories are the same.