2019 K TM 790 ADVENTURE AND 790 ADVENTURE R
FIRST REVIEW
P84
As mentioned, this is the first KTM ad-
venture machine to come with the new Rally
mode, which allows the rider to get into the
ECU and independently vary traction control
on the fly (from off [zero] to the maximum
intervention of level nine). It's like Race mode
on the Super Duke. Through Rally mode, the
rider is also able to vary the specific throttle
response they want—Street, Off-Road or
the separate Rally map, which gives a more
aggressive throttle response compared to
Off-Road. Like Off-Road mode, Rally mode
also disengages lean-angle sensitive ABS
and allows you to lock the rear wheel while
having ABS on the front—or you can switch
the system off entirely and do skiddies all day
long. In Rally mode, you can make the bike
as soft or as aggressive as you want. Like
Road throttle with no MTC or ABS? Go for it.
Like Off-Road throttle with level 5 MTC and
Off-Road ABS? Rally mode lets you do that.
The 790 also runs KTM's Motor Slip Regu-
lation system that works together with the
PASC to reduce the chance of the rear wheel
hopping and locking under deceleration. This
system is, however, disengaged in Off-Road
and Rally modes.
One annoying thing is if you're in Rally
mode with ABS switched off, and you kill
the ignition, the system will default to ABS
on when you start up again, so you have to
make a conscious effort to switch the ABS
off each time.
Further into the electronics, you get a 12V
socket for charging devices (although not a
USB port), and the Adventure R can come
with Cruise Control, heated grips the Quick-
shifter+ system, but these are optional extras.
FROM THE HOT SEAT
The main thing you probably want to know is,
does all that tech amount to a good bike? The
answer is unequivocally—yes.
The 790 R absolutely lives up to the hype,
and the best part is—it's got next to nothing to
do with the electronics. The chassis and motor
combine to give an amazing riding experience,
throwing so much confidence at the rider, you
begin thinking you can explore areas you'd
otherwise not have dreamed.
