nice looking bike but I don't think its really a uk, western Europe type bike, would say its more 70/30 dirt/road type bike. Might suit Africa, middle east, Australia where there's more off-road type ridding available.
Nice first ride review. Two comments: (1) KTM seem to have some quality issues with the electrics on all the 790 bikes. I picked up a 790 Adventure for a day’s ride and the brake light was permanently on. A friend had a 790 Duke with indicator issues. A different friend has quick-shifter issues on his 790 Duke. Not good at all. (2) the wind buffeting Mr Flyer experienced at speed is very rider/helmet/ screen dependent. I suffered terrible wind buiffeting with the high screen on my 1290 SA-S and cured it by fitting the shortie screen from the SA-R. Looks like Mr. Flyer has the opposite problem!
Centre of pressure wise, could it be their tester found out that the R's extra grunt & the bigger screen's area did not good bedfellows make? A sudden crosswind, when at max welly behind a see through bill hoarding, may well exceed the sailboarding skills of the average rider & cause all sorts of wayward naughtiness to occur : )
@@domster200 It may be, but aerodynamics also find it to be about two square meters of zero porosity drag at almost ninety degrees to the airflow, trendy or not, you don't need sudden gusts hitting two feet above the bike's thrust line at speed. This has been a quality twaddle production : )
@@loddude5706 Meanwhile in the real world, frame mounted screens are never a problem however large. The massive mudguard and front wheel are likely to cause instability at speeds above 60mph being attached to the forks.
Hey TMF coincidentally I was sat on this on Saturday at the local dealer, they had both models and when I say both models that was all they had for this year to sell, two bikes and they were sold already. The fuel tank is a bit worrisome though if you had a really good spill on a hard surface I wonder if it could survive. I was waiting to see you ride this one, the price is definitely in the right range compared to some of the other brands, it is around $5K less than the BMW and Triumph 800's in Canada. I think the Honda Africa Twin is the real bargain in this current lineup of bikes, It's not too monstrous like the GS1250 and Tiger 1200 it's kind of in-between. I priced the GS and the Tiger and they are close to $30K in Canada all decked out now, which is just stupid money for 5 months of riding. The Africa Twin all decked out is like $16K which is totally reasonable. Enjoy the Summer TMF great to see your reviews more frequently, one of the best guys out there testing bikes.
When will manufacturers just put heated grips and seats on as standard and integrate the switches nicely? My car is nicely all integrated and not some dodgy looking bolt on switch.
I'm glad they put Cruise Control on that model a welcome addition. I'm glad you don't have to fumble through a menu to turn on the heated grips. Seems like a very nice machine. Good job on the video btw.
I’m not crazy about KTM styling but it’s probably great off road! Have you ridden the new cb500x? For a smaller cc bike it’s quite a good bang for your buck! I think people would like your review on it.
I buy my consumables (air and oil filters) and other goodies from KTM Versand in Germany, who ship worldwide. Their prices are 60%-65% of my distributor’s prices. The saving on a set of 4 plugs alone covers the air freight to Australia. Parts are cheaper than they were for any of the 3 GSs I’ve had...but stock dealer prices are higher.
@@MrKdr500 Well, if it's snowing I'd have a Toyota but right now I'll stick with my Ducati. Yes I know they are expensive, that was my point. The best bike for the money is the Royal Enfield 650.
A multitude of problems reported by owners with this bike, much more than usual on a new bike. These include, TFT that suffers with condensation inside. Faulty fuel gauge which shows empty when not. Various oil and coolant leaks. Gear linkage screws unscrew themselves leaving you with one gear. White residue in fuel tanks seen. Lights that stay on and flatten battery if you switch the key to off while your still slightly moving. Better speak to your dealer about these before purchase. Or preferably wait a bit till they sort it out properly.
I got a change to ride this exact bike. Two things stood out: 1. The engine is very different from my Nuda 900 (also a vauxy V-twin). The nuda engine has much more low end grunt. The KTM is much more rev happy. Very well behaved potent little engine. 2. The controls felt a bit "without feel". Very light, I did not really adapt to it in my 60 minute ride. Otherwise.....feels like a proper big bike. I love the fact I can only get my tippy toe's down. Make me feel like I'm on a big boy bike...:D.
Hi TMF. Love watching your reviews. They're all spot on. I have a question though and it's what is the bike exhaust sound on your videos when they start because that sound is fabulous. I'd love a bike that sounds like that. Cheers.
Thanks for the review, TMF. I really like this bike, being a bit of a KTM fanboy as I am, but I'm waiting for the SMT version, which should be out next year or so.
you want the top edge of the screen as far away from your face as possible for when you land from a jump on an off road ride, hence the small screens on off road bikes.
Don’t love the look of the headlight but love pretty much everything else about this bike. The electronics package is impressive for a middleweight. Thanks for the review.
I was ridding in the woods today, stopped for gas and saw a guy that had just hit a tree with his 790. He didn’t even have a license plate on it yet. Maybe 2 weeks old. Beautiful bike.
Great video and looking forward to more reviews. I have one on order for delivery in early September. Interesting that your comments in the summary are more related to your hight than the bike itself :) Thanks
Great review as always. Couple of questions. At what speed did you find that it became too loud and too much buffeting? AND do you think if you had the regular taller screen it would solve all those issues? Also did you find out if you can swap the 790 seat and actually get a little lower? I'm your height. Thanks!!!
It's fairly common to not have an adjustable clutch lever, even on expensive bikes... My S1000R came with an adjustable brake lever but the clutch lever span was fixed.
Very nice bike. For me it could be the ideal all rounder. KTM seats often leave a bit to be desired so I hope it’s nice and comfortable for a longer ride. Also it would be nice to see what it’s like to ride in a standing position off-road in your next one! Good review MrF and a good start to the week. Cheers bud!
Yes the tall one would make all the difference....worst bike I've ever ridden for turbulent airflow, you can see the peak of my helmet vibrating on the video in parts....
Cheers for the review, informative and interesting as always. Couldn’t help but notice the helmet you was wearing and your comment about turbulent air flow at high speeds.. would the style of helmet not exacerbate things at those speeds anyway?
Due to more and more present TFT screens on motorcycles, I think it is time for you to show the screen on while doing iphone camera walk around? Isn’t it? With this camera we could actually see something in oppose to gopro. You could do it quickly, just show the startup routine of the screen and go through couple of functions. Advanced version would be that you mount iphone so that it records the screen while you ride and you show that screen in the corner of a video and you could actually talk about those screen options during ride. Sorry for long one, just trying to help to step up your great videos ;)
Another quality review. I've never been drawn to KTM'S. I recognise that they're really good bikes, but the looks of most of them just put me off. This one, however, is one of the few that I actually like the looks of and I absolutely agree that this size of adventure bike makes much more sense than some of the bigger/heavier bikes on the market. My only reservation on the appearance is the TFT screen, which looks to me (from the review, because I haven't seen one in the flesh) like a mobile phone has been turned on its side and attached to the front of the bike.
Thank you for posting. I am trying to figure out if there is something off with my Internet connection, or if the resolution in your video is off. I am seeing a lot of blurriness/out of focus and pixilation. Read recently where KTM sales are exceeding HD sales. A good thing for KTM. The article was very complimentary of the head of KTM. Of course, HD are far more expensive so their revenue is still greater.
I was thinking the other day that no one is using the Tiger 800 as a comparison bike. 700 Tenere F850GS 790 Adv. Probably because these are all twins and the Tiger hasn't changed much since it being introduced in 2011. Just goes to show, if it ain't broke, don't try to fix it 👍
@@semajohn I have owned all 3, and currently have tiger xrx and 790 adv s. The 790 feels way way lighter than both. U can lean the bike standing next to it all way to the ground and lift it up easily. That's not possible in tiger or f800/f850 without take a shit. Engine is better than f800/f850 but not as smooth as the tiger, but it's lovely and punchy. I like it. Everything about the 790 is nicer than gs. Tiger engine is better than 790 for smoothness only. The seat on 790 is very hard, xrx is lovely seat. Overall I am going not going to miss the tiger, and I am going to be changing the cusion on the seat for the 790. I am going say the 790 is one of the best bikes I have owned in terms of everything. U can add cruise, QS, etc etc and comes standard with crazy electronics.
£12k for an 800? Can't see many people taking it offroad. Would be useful to include prices for service parts and components vulnerable in a low speed spill in your reviews; levers, mirrors, and any plastic panels or parts that are likely to take a hit. That TFT dash for example should you fall off or you hit a branch/tree when offroading. Most offroaders have a small generic LCD display as they often get damaged, and the TFT for a BMW GS is £1400! The LED headlight for a GS is also over £1,000.
The perfect sized adventure bike, be interested in a comparison between this and the new Yamaha Tenere 700. Think the low side tanks are an interesting innovation, doesn't detract too much more from its looks. Do wonder how they would stand up to a drop? (Please don't test this) High speed looks awful 😱
I just came back from a testride. I only ride onroad so i only tested the standard version. I am 180cm tall and i own a V-Strom 1000. Seating position on the KTM is perfect. Seat is quite high but bike is easy to handle. Seat is hard but not uncomfortable. Wind protection is good but loud windnoise. No complaints on the suspension. Bike feels light and handles easy but needs a little bit of a push to go in the corners. Breakes are good but need a little bit of a sqeeze (better on the Vstrom) Engine is the total opposite of the V-Strom. It likes high revs. Quikshifter works perfekt. The hole package is ready to race. It just wants you to push and go fast. I loved it but for me, this does not fit in an Adventure bike. I would not like to go on a long distance trip with this bike. I would not change the Vstrom for it. But i am really looking forward to the 2020 790 Supermoto. This will be the perfect funbike. The 790 package fits perfect for the Duke or for a SM. Great fun to ride! But the 790 Adventure is not the bike for me.
Compared to the 1290R and the GS Adventure does it feel higher or lower the seat position? Also which jacket model is the one in the video? It looks like summertime jacket. Thank you.
Great timing on this review. This just cements my choice of the Triumph Tiger 800 XCa. I’m feverishly trying to sort out the financials to add a second bike to the garage. (🙏) Beautiful scenery on this one TMF. Maybe you upgraded your camera, because the picture is so much sharper. Cheers 👍🏼
If they could get the long distance comfort sorted out this would be the perfect bike to have for camping trips and Bucket list Alaska trips. Love the GSA but can’t justify the price for a third purpose bike...
I had a 790 R as a loan bike whilst my 1290 SAS was fixed, Interesting having such a light tall bike on a windy day in the Pennines! That aside I liked it overall, very comfy riding position although to echo other comments why no heated grips - I had forgotten what it was like to have freezing hands! Also disappointing that KTM still have an afterthought heated grip set up when fitted on the 790 - shame they didn't integrate them as they have with the 1290. As for the engine, no shortage of power but I felt a shortage of character - it gelt buzzy and insubstantial - maybe it needs noisier pipes to fill the void. The finish is superb and it look amazing. Overall its 8/10 from me (road based ride) and I'm not sure what a long motorway slog would be like on one - I think I'd be swapping the screen for a bit of wind protection too!
Hi, finding it hard to get info about seat heights (other than the one piece at 880 or 870).. can you confirm what the lowest seat height you can achieve is? I’m 5’8 and would defo want to aim for 830mm or less if possible..?
Interesting that when you reviewed the BMW F750GS with a smaller screen, although you had wind it was clean and more comfortable. Is it plausible that no screen or a small screen is better than a mid sized and there is buffeting of the helmet before you get to a much larger screen? What was the F850GS screen like (looks similar to the 790 Duke)?
the exhaust is so quiet cause its still got the silencer in! thanks to stupid Euro 5 laws... luckily in Australia we dont follow euro 5 just yet so out comes that silencer first thing!
I really want to like this bike, there is not much on the market at the moment that interests and this offers a lot... but I'm not convinced on some bits of it, so I'm looking forward to your further rides, especially green lanes!
Hi MF - I also have a KTM 790 Adventure R and I just wanted to comment on the helmet buffeting issue. I've ridden quite a few adventure bikes over the years and I've found that along with the wind screen the helmet is one of the most important factors to reduce the wind buffeting. I currently ride with a Shoei X14 and the buffeting is pretty much minimal. I would suggest borrowing one of these helmet if you don't have one and then ride the 790 Adventure R on the highway again, I think you'll be surprised. I spent quite a bit of money changing wind screens on my old 2007 Vstrom 650 only to find out that when I upgraded my helmet the heavy buffeting was reduced dramatically. Also a riding buddy of mine with the same type of Vstrom let me ride his bike which had virtually no wind screen and it was actually better then the Vstrom with the stock wind screen. Your height can also have an effect as you noted. But once again, try some different helmets. I enjoy your video's keep them coming. I think you provide the "average rider" point of view and I like that. I don't need to know how to do stoppies or wheelies, I need to know how a bike performs for the typical rider. Thanks again.
Despite the fact that the fuel tank is at an unusual position, it doesn't make the bike look odd. Overall, I am pleased with the looks of the Adventure R. Rides well too, don't it!? I guess KTM has got a winner here. But I will await your long-termer before arriving at a decision. Get hold of a Ténéré if you can. It will give a better perspective into the middleweight adventure touring. But then, maybe not! I hear an 850 Africa Twin is on the way. Middleweight world is getting sizzling hot now.
Another great review TMF considering the price I would prefer the BMW850GS Rallye which after loading it up works out at around the same price plus if touring the 850 would be far more suitable.
The bikes big advantage over its rivals is its light weight and supposed abilities off-road. You really must take it off-road. I hope that is something you get to do. Guess it's gone back by now though.
Good review as always. I like the standard 790 adv over the R Model. It has a better windscreen and seating position and I found high-speed riding ok. Maybe it's a tyre issue, the standard comes with Avon Trailriders and they worked fine. But in summary I find the KTM too expensive if you'll accessorize it with original powerparts. I'd take the Tiger 800xca with all gadgets included. But anyway, thanks for the great show. 👍
Great review many thanks I was Waiting for this one / Took the 790 Duke for a test ride and loved it / but still was wondering how the R would feel / You gave me the answers to my questions Thanks man 👨 Peace
Big question is going to be whether you pay out the extra for one of these over one of the new Yamaha Tenere' s. Much better size and power for the average punter. To ride those 1250s you have to very experienced.
Another nice TMF review! Cheers for that. Used to be a KTM fan ... looks nice, I think the low down fuel tank does not look too bad, but what on earth did they do to those mirrors!? :O Cheers Tim
Is it really just your luck with those white vans or are there just LOTS of them over there? Either way I feel for you, but it's also kind of funny. It wouldn't be a TMF video without them though.
It is all very well having the fuel down low but what happens if you are off road you take a spill a rock could go clean through that low mounted fuel tank that's my take on it
Come to think about it, in my life “midsized” has a tendency to imply adventure more than skinny or fat. That aside, here’s my query: I’ve owned Beemers with telelever suspension and one of the bikes I presently own is a Honda VFR with integrated front/rear brakes. In my opinion, the Honda’s “simple” system works better to mitigate front wheel dive than the BMW’s. As well, Mazda’s “new” G-Vectoring Control (yeah, I know it’s a car) seems to function similar to the old VFR’s braking system that it somehow compensates for longitudinal g-forces. My depth of technological knowledge is pretty superficial, but my butt tells me that engineers are doing some pretty amazing things to keep the rubber side down. Any chance you could hook up with an expert to explore ‘n explain all this to us mere mortals?
@@code23hyper44 Take a look at the Facebook owners forum... I keep looking and considering a 790 but think I might wait til the teething problem are ironed out 👍
I have a Duke 390 which I love, a Duke 790 would be perfick if I could afford it, but I'm not a fan of this one. I'm not liking the one piece seat and it's too tall!
Really keen on this bike as a do all. How do you feel it compares to Tiger? I rode the standard one for a test and it was good fun but that might be comparing 2019 to my 2013 and a bit unfair.
I’ve been lucky enough to have ridden both tiger and KTM 790 adv. Tiger feels like it’s got more power and generally feels more substantial but still prefer the Ktm as it’s easier to ride, lighter and much better tank range. Larger screen on the non-r model is great too.
Is it just me, or that controller for the heated grips really looks like it was ordered from cheep chinese store.. Just looks odd compared to the rest of the bike, which otherwise looks rather tasty. Saying that as a Yamaha fanboy by the way :)
The bike review you really want to watch are the ones who have owned the bike for a few months and have taken the bike off road on a adventure trip, only then are you going to find out about the bike. Running the bike up a few carriageways and admiring the tft screen isn’t what a serious adventure bike is about.
Thanks for the review. An "adventure" bike that cannot handle high speed touring sounds more like a "big dirt bike", which probably limits its appeal - at least to me, and anyone else who doesn't have great "off the beaten track" riding opportunities on their doorstep.
The R surprisingly enough is more comfortable than the S with the split seats. The S has an odd angle in the thighs region that I found really uncomfortable.
I was waiting for this video. I really wanted one. still do. but I ended up buying a 2015 Yamaha tracer 900.. but only because of the price difference, I love ktm. but are out of my price range
good vid, as per usual. KTM is not bad looking, however, why do manufacturers think only tall people want to do adventure biking. Surely they could design a machine for the people with shorter legs? I have a 1200RT with low seat, nothing else changed on the bike and it works well, but, with the likes of KTM, Honda, Triumph etc, we shorties may like them, but no way could we ride them safely. pity.
Great review TMF. The looks are subjective, of course, but for me, the front is horrible and there isn’t an attractive angle to look at this bike. All the current KTMs have challenging looks at best!!
Agree with you on those Mickey Mouse mirrors. Why KTM couldn't keep the ones from the S which are nicer is beyond me. Also agree with you on the screen. A much better one is clearly needed. It looks rubbish. It's a really nice bike BUT in UK it is totally pointless as the sort of terrain i.e. genuine off road where this bike shines we just don't have or access is prohibited for good reason. Maybe a great choice of bike for the outback of Australia, Scandinavia, Russia, Africa or the wilds of Canada or South America but you would have zero dealer support. Dealers are few and far between even in the UK. What I like most about it though is that KTM is trying to innovate. Moving the fuel tank(s) from on top of the engine down low is a stroke of genius and maybe they will do it with some of their other bikes to make them feel much lighter in handling.
'Mild green lane-ing'? With two (270 or 360?) snorting 400cc KTM singles under (inside?) the tank, & given the tread on those tyres, I'd be looking for deep sand & rooster tails all over the shop; but then again I'm childish. Nail it & have fun : )
Normally like your videos but this one ignores the bikes intended use! Before you say 'I would get the 'S' version and not the R' would've been good to ride an 'S' first. I had an 'S' for a whole day whilst my 790R was in for service....hated it to be honest. Rock hard seat had me uncomfortable within an hour. Screen buffeting was poor and I prefer the shorter screen of the R for that. There's a massive difference in suspension IMO. I can see form the video that your test bike isn't set up for the road very well. That's difficult to sort on every bike I guess but is a simple job on the R. Set it to 20 turns compression and 12 rebound....then try it. My R spends 50% of it's time off-road and it's B-RILLIANT! The low C of G just works. Back to my first comment. If you want a touring adventure bike and don't go off-road then why buy an R? People moan about the screen height and lack of wind protection - not relevant. If you get the tall screen it will almost certainly get broken when you take this bike where it will take you. Like to see a GS with an average-good rider do what this bike will do! :-) Off-road the 790R is a revelation and would trounce any GS. Why not review the S as it's more up your street. However, I don't think you'll like it as a GS man. The 'R' is designed to take you to Wales, do a load of gnarly lanes, in comfort, and then ride it home again. And it's currently head and shoulders above anything else available right now.
Was getting pretty keen on this bike until you did the high speed run and experienced the buffeting. I"m taller so I'm sure it would be even worse for me. I've sold off two bikes now because (among other things) the aerodynamics sucked.
