KTM 790 Adventure R: specifications, pros and cons, compatible accessories
The lowest-mounted tank on the market, and the model with the most accessories in the range
Twenty litres distributed on either side of the engine, below the knees: a solution no other manufacturer has copied, and one that clearly lowers the centre of gravity. Almost the entire catalogue is shared with the 890 Adventure and the Husqvarna Norden 901.
- In summaryThe most off-road-capable middleweight in the KTM range.
- Do this right awayCHG222 crash bars, handguards, skid plate.
- SharedAlmost everything with the 890 Adventure and the Husqvarna Norden 901.
- Auxiliary lightsTwo options: a LOBOO tube mount or DENALI 2019-2020 brackets.
- BrandsLOBOO, DENALI, Kaoko, Endurrad.
Who it is recommended for
It is the right bike if
- You are over 1.80 metres tall, or accept stopping with one toe only: 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
- A shared catalogue is convenient for you: almost every part number also fits the 890 Adventure and Norden 901
- You are shopping used: it costs less than the 890 and has almost the same components
Look elsewhere if
- You mainly ride on motorways: wind 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 maintenance: the WP XPLOR forks need attention if you really use them
- You are under 1.75 metres tall and want to get both feet flat on the ground, even when stopped on a slope
- Ordering accessories by eye: the 790 and 890 look interchangeable, but tank decals and electrical parts have different part numbers
In two words: it’s the KTM for real off-road riding, not the KTM for motorway stages. If you need the same bike with more displacement and suspension capability, check out the 890 Adventure R, which shares almost all accessory part numbers; if your actual use is on-road with long trips for two, the 1290 Super Adventure S is the more sensible choice.
Technical specifications
| Engine | 799 cc parallel twin, 285-degree crankshaft |
|---|---|
| Power | 95 hp at 8,000 rpm |
| Torque | 88 Nm at 6,600 rpm |
| Transmission | 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 alongside 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
- Accessories shared with the 890 Adventure and Norden 901
- Low weight for a touring twin-cylinder motorcycle
- Costs less used than the 890 with the same equipment
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 genuinely used
- Less highway comfort than road-oriented rivals
What to install, in order of priority
On a motorcycle that genuinely goes off-road, protection comes before luggage.
- 1
CHG222 crash bars with skid plateAvailable in a high or low version. Suitable for the 790, 890 Adventure, and Husqvarna Norden 901. With the tank positioned alongside the engine, this is the protection that matters most. - 2
CHS222 aluminum handguardsCrossbar and shell included. On a motorcycle with a 21-inch front wheel, they are the second purchase, not a cosmetic accessory. - 3
Oversized kickstand plateCNC aluminum with a non-slip surface, suitable for the entire Adventure range, the 690 Enduro R, and the Norden 901. Off-road, the standard kickstand sinks into the first soft ground. - 4
Side-case framesWith bolts, threaded inserts, and tool included: the base for mounting hard or semi-rigid cases. - 5
Aluminum side casesDesigned to pair with the dedicated frames: the long-distance travel solution for a motorcycle built for off-road riding. - 6
Top case plateFor mounting rear luggage on the luggage rack: also useful on its own, without side cases. - 7
CWJ221 auxiliary light bracket22 mm tube with adapter, for the 790 Adventure and 790 Adventure R. It is the simple solution; alternatively, the DENALI mounts for the 2019-2020 model years use the bike's mounting points, without clamps and without vibrations. - 8
GPS navigation mount12 or 22 mm bar, suitable for the 390 and 790 Adventure and the Norden 901. On an adventure bike used for off-road travel, the GPS must be held firmly, not left hanging from the handlebars. - 9
19 mm handlebar riserBlack or silver, for the KTM Adventure and Husqvarna ranges. With a lot of standing riding, raising the handlebars changes the riding position on long stretches. - 10
Kaoko mechanical cruise controlFits the 690, 990, 1090, 1190, 1290, and 790 Adventure: on long transfers between stretches of dirt, it changes the whole day.
For the tank bag, the small 2.5-3.5-liter size with its mounting ring is the best choice: with the tank positioned on both sides of the engine, there is little space in front of the seat, and a large bag ends up covering the dashboard. The collection also includes Wanderer semi-rigid panniers, which do not require a frame, the PIKE TRACKER top case, the 18-liter ALPS bag, folding mirrors with adapters, and the motorcycle cover.
View all accessories for the 790 Adventure RCompatibility table
The 790 shares much of its componentry with the 890 and the Husqvarna Norden 901.
| Accessory | 890 Adventure R | Husqvarna Norden 901 |
|---|---|---|
| Crash bar CHG222 | yes | yes |
| CHS222 handguards | yes | yes |
| Skid plate | yes | yes |
| Handlebar risers | yes | yes |
| Luggage racks and top case plate | yes | to be verified |
| CWJ221 auxiliary light bracket | no, it is for the 790 | no |
| DENALI auxiliary light mounts 2019-2020 | no | no |
| GPS navigation mount | no, it is for the 390 and 790 | yes |
| Kaoko cruise control | to be verified | no |
| Soft luggage and mirrors | yes | yes |
Brands with dedicated accessories
LOBOOThe main brand hereCHG222 crash bars, CHS222 handguards, skid plate, risers, luggage racks, side cases, top case plate, CWJ221 auxiliary light bracket, and navigation mount.
DENALILightingAuxiliary light mounts for 2019-2020 model years, attached to the mounting points.
KaokoCruise controlMechanical throttle stabilizer, shared with much of the Adventure range.
EndurradCompletionMotorcycle cover and small accessories.
Frequently asked questions
Do the 790 accessories fit the 890 Adventure?
Crash bars, handguards, skid plate, risers, luggage racks, and top case plate: yes, the LOBOO part numbers are listed for both. However, the auxiliary light bracket, navigation mount, fuel tank decals, and electrical parts differ, as they depend on the model and model year.
And on the Husqvarna Norden 901?
Crash bars, handguards, skid plate, risers, and navigation mount are also listed for the Norden, which shares the platform. For the luggage racks, it is best to check the part number before ordering.
How do I mount the auxiliary lights?
Two options. The LOBOO CWJ221 bracket uses a 22 mm tube with an adapter and is the simplest solution. The DENALI mounts, for 2019-2020 model years, attach to the bike’s mounting points instead: they cost more, but have no clamps and do not vibrate.
Which tank bag is used with the side-mounted fuel tank?
A small bag, 2.5-3.5 liters. The space in front of the seat is limited compared with a bike with a conventional fuel tank, and a large bag would end up covering the dashboard.
High or low crash bars?
The lower one protects the crankcase and engine bottom, while the upper one also protects the plastics and fuel tank. If you ride challenging off-road terrain, the complete version is recommended.
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.