Review & Test - 2020 KTM790 Adventure R 

This is by far the best 790 R review on the net.

I respect the time and effort you put into this. Other channels, even the more viewed ones, sadly just have fun for themselves for a couple of hours then upload the video of that. You considering different aspects and actually testing them deserves respect. Thank you.

Got the 790R as my first bike in 31years. I love the dirt and this bike represents so much for me. It is so inspiring, I got another one for my son. A fun and capable bike both of us can enjoy. Amazing job KTM!!

Hands down the best review I have seen (and I’ve been looking at a ton recently, having put a deposit down on a 790 Adv R). Organized, flowing, and the narration is methodical and understandable while the simultaneous riding clips relevant, informative in their own right, and very enjoyable! So well edited for both content and visual, perfect lighting... just, professional!

I’ve spent all Saturday watching reviews and comparisons. This is by far the best review on RU-vid. Thanks for the awesome upload. Can’t wait for COVID19 to end. I’m wanting to step up from my CRF250 Rally, the KTM 390 is very tempting but the 790R just has all the goodies! It’s so good to hear an Aussie, just makes it feel some much more relevant 👍🤓🇦🇺

Had to watch again. Best review I’ve seen yet! 790R is a ripper for sure! The suspension appears to be spot on. The riding position is proper. Ground clearance seems good too. Also, the area you’re riding in has spectacular views! Thanks for this ride mate. Ride safe.

Wow the best review ever on this bike Dave. Nothing left wondering, you covered everything. Well done to you and Clubby, great shots and editing. Looking forward to your next adventure /show

No question, the best review of the 790 by far. Insightful, thorough, well filmed and edited, makes the others look superficial.

Regarding electronics. This is why i bought this bike instead of the Yamaha. As a noob, I wanted the bike to help take care of me and not bite me in the ass when I make a mistake. On my first real adventure out, I left it in slip 8 all day. Hand on heart I believe that the electronics were the only reason I made it up some hills. Crashed it 3 times in mud. All fun and games. I'm loving it

For those new to MAD TV below are some playlists of detailed motorcycle reviews, motorcycle adventure and Chris Birch KTM1190 Extreme videos. MAD TV Motorcycle Tests ru-vid.com/group/PLkM9-Vs7YnzjtGNKHELsYYQRwCQPOEp5j Motorcycle Adventure Long Play ru-vid.com/group/PLkM9-Vs7Ynzi55gvgbVg2Xcy_rp0vqA_R Chris Birch KTM1190 Extreme Videos ru-vid.com/group/PLkM9-Vs7YnzithyN05N74-yoitRsGNwI5

Probably the best motor-cycle review I've seen. Not only informative & enlightening, but entertaining. And the enthusiasm was palpable - and infectious.

Your videos never fail to impress. This is the best evaluation of the 790 that I've seen so far. Keep up the great work! Hopefully I'll have an 890 in my garage by the end of 21.

Fantastic review, David! Very detailed, authentic and fully tested in all terrains 👌🙂. Great trails and superb riding. Thank you!

Like as if I didn't want it before.. Thank you for the high quality, thorough review, Dave!

people, if you're still wondering whether to get a tenere 700 or ktm 790 adventure, you should probably get a t7. 790 and t7 are very different bikes, if this excellent review doesn't sell you on the 790, you're probably a t7 rider and that's okay. go get a t7 and be done with it. if money is a concern, then you should also probably get a t7 and be done with it. 790 is more about emotion and performance. the t7, like a klr, seems sensible. for me, the t7 doesn't appeal at all. no hesitation. I'm not sensible.

Thanks for this review! I did a test ride of the 890R last week. I wish I had the bike for a day ride rather than 30 minutes in Sydney's traffic, but one thing that surprised me is how nimble the bike is for its size. I hope you get to review the 890 soon

Great review, thanks. I especially like the level of detail, feature by feature, very easy to follow and understand. I also like the Aussie voice and style - who else uses the term "gobful of power". I bought one after this review.

Just about the best 790 R review on the web!! Not only informative, but almost a training video too. fantastic. Thank you.

Great video and some incredible riding!!! You all definitely helped in my decision to buy the 790S over the Africa Twin and I haven't a single regret. You've all even inspired me to start my own channel testing it out in the South Florida swamps. =D

Thank you for this most excellent and thorough review. This is the best one I've seen. Yamaha Tenere 700 - $13,900 CDN not including taxes, and not available at my local dealer. KTM 790 Adventure R - $14,700 CDN not including taxes, three in stock at my local dealer. (KTM) Electronics, TC, mode options fully adjustable WP suspension, 20L tank vs (Yamaha) 16L fuel tank and non adjustable, sub par suspension. Hmm.. Kind of disappointing, not going to lie. And I am a Yamaha owner (2019 Yamaha Tracer GT 900). I am wanting to switch to an ADV bike, and have been seriously looking at the Tenere 700, and now I'm not so sure. I feel like I'd get a lot more for that extra $1000 CDN, not to mention the fact that availability of the Tenere 700 here in Canada is sketchy at best.

Great review, sharing this with my cousin who is in the market for an ADV bike. I own a 2020 790 ADV R and new to adventure riding but road cruisers for over 20 years so I was looking for a capable ADV bike I can grow into. This bike is more capable than I will ever be off-road but it has been very forgiving helping me get through climbs and terrain that I should not have attempted yet. I'm amazed how you point it in a direction through tricky terrain and it gets you through it. I'm gaining more confidence every day and honestly believe that if I had chosen another bike without the technology and suspension, I would be having or tackling fewer adventures. I feel this is a bike that I will never outgrow and don't need to modify with aftermarket parts.

Exploring the limits of the bike in the terrain where it belongs !! Kudos to you and your team !! Really a great video. Awesome machine by KTM✌️

By far the best review I’ve seen on the 790. I personally think that it’s your level of intent, how are you going to use the bike, do you do your on maintenance as required, etc.... ask yourself a lot of questions, then pick either the T700 or the 790. Honestly, I would like to have both in the garage!!!! Thanks again for your detail and insight into these bikes. Ride safe my friend!

Really great review. One of the best I’ve seen. Great detail and footage. Thanks a lot Dave and Clubby!

Great review! I'm very surprised that people are claiming you're biased, based on this review. It seemed extremely comprehensive & detailed a lot of features that have been glossed over or ignored in other reviews I've seen. I was torn between this & the T7 for months. What ultimately made up my mind, was the fact I was coming from a DRZ400 and wanted something similarly low-tech. I've had my T7 for a month & don't regret it. Still watching vids about the 790R, though! ;)

At last a review that makes sense, big thumbs up to you both for your effort and time it took to make this

Brilliant review mate! The 790 ADV is really one of the best middle-weight ADV Tourers. Waiting for the 790 ADV India Launch!

I rented a Tenere 700 while in Montana this week. I was amazed how effortless it traveled through loose rocks, mud, and snow with 50/50 tires. The bike was amazing off-road however it’s high center of gravity made me feel like a sail on the highways. I think the 890R with its low center of gravity is going to be the perfect bike for me on a continental divide trip later this summer.

Just discovered your channel with this review--outstanding (and I am a new subscriber). Wonderful filming, tremendously interesting and in-depth review--the time flew by. Well done!

Thank you for awesome review Dave, what a complete trails you chose to explore the abilities of this bike, sure the tech involving help the rider to be more convidence in every track & that's why I really wait how is you experiences will bring new perspectives to us. 👍 Looking forward for added video & still imagine what it will be like if KTM give you a long term review..

Fantastic review, probably the best I saw up to now on YT. And I saw alot about the 790R. Thanks!!

Awesome review Dave. Thanks for the tremendous effort by all those who helped

I like that bike. Got the 2019 edition of the 790 Adv r. I can recommend to get the Quickshifter +. On tarmac at 135 km/h, sixth gear the 790 Adv needs 3.8 L / 100 km.

For those of us not on the metric system... 4.2l per 100km is right at 56 mpg And the 430 km range (400-450 km) mentioned equates to 267 mi. I did the math for me but maybe I can save another curious person some time. Peace.

Wow, that's a review!. I still want my T7 when it finally arrives. I love the simplicity of it . Gas, brake, clutch and go.

Bloody great test review mate.. one of the best on here.. thanks for posting 👍🏻 I’m in

Reminder set. Although not really needed, I'm sat here watching the minutes count down! 🤦‍♂️🤣

Love your videos, always clear and real world experience. You make me to want to live in Austalia.

Thanks for the amazing video, really appreciate your effort, fantastic channel! Now I'm off to sell my T7 and buying a 790R!

Awesome video. What a bike!! What a night :) cheers to Dave and the crew. Hope you had enough pies.

Great review! After a couple of days on the 790r my feelings are mixed. Pros: Power, suspension, range and handling. Cons: Reliability, electronics, looks, price. It a very competent bike, but it’s to complicated, ugly, expensive and unreliable. The bike I rode already had the infamous clutch issues and a new display. The different riding modes are to complicated. Don’t forget to turn the traction control off if you’re rinding in sand or you end up flying over the bars! It’s is better than the T7 in stock form. If you’re looking for a real dirt oriented adventure bike try the AJP PR7.

Such a great review, thank you for all your hard work!!

Good watch and fair review, but seriously the ad ratio needs to be turned down a touch. 5 ads in the first 18mins is insane. Interesting that you had no buffeting, no issues with the seat, and were happy with the power down low. Those the most universal complaints of the 790. I think even the 890 is lacking a little down low.

Great review! I have ridden both the 790 Adv and the T7. They are completely different beasts. If only I could get a 790 Adv R with the CP2 engine and Yamaha reliability... 😄

Great review as always. I still think KTM is a bit to Overpriced in Aus and could certainly take a step back from all technology they cram into a bike. But i would happily own it while its young. Not in 5 - 10 years. SHould also say it nice to see you riding around sunny corner. My backyard for dirtbike fun :)

Excellent video. Good to see this after all your T700 reviews. If you had to choose the T700 or the 790 for another 2 day Adventure ride, which one would you pick (ignoring price difference)?

A lot of attention on the T700 nowadays, but there really is no comparison at all. I have a 2020 KTM 790 R and it's literally the best bike I've ever owned by a mile. The suspension, the motor and the rider aids make the difference. It's not a close comparison, and I grew up on Yamaha.

Ive had the 790 R for 12 months now I would say offroad it will take me anywhere my old 690 would have and just as quick offroad if you have the ability.

Ready to ROCK out of the box! Here in the US, the 790R is only $3.6k more than the T7(Base). To get the T7 suspension close to the 790R, you will have to put an extra $2k+. Seems to look like the 790R is fairly crash ready. The T7 needs several items to make it crash ready...more money. No discussion of electronics. Yamaha was going for a very understandable stance with that move...buuuut one has to think about it a little when comparing price tags. In the end the 790R has an amazing price tag. Sounds like an outstanding bike. I will say it again as I have done for almost two years, the Tenere 700 is overpriced. It is a bummer that I am a Yamaha fanboy. My eyes are still glued to the T7. Thank you for another great video, MAD! Sorry for my long coffee driven comment.

Brilliant review , I was seriously considering the Africa Twin ... now I’ll be test riding this bike

If KTM could somehow incorporate the weird looking " praying mantis " style fairing into the upper shrouds it would improve the looks no end. They should also consider using different paint schemes like Yamaha do for the T700 and give potential buyers more aesthetic options to choose from. Maybe Orange is just not my colour...

Really the best review i saw for this bike, as i consider buying one I found this very helpful, thanks!!!

The plastic tanks do hold up. I ride with someone who has this bIke and he has had a few high speed lay downs and the tanks have held up really well. They take the place of crash bars in my opinion and his bike has suffered nothing more than a few scratches. The bike does have more vibrations than my 2018 Tiger 800 but the riding position for off-road is way better than my bike.

Another great and very detailed review, thanks Dave!

With the T700 you pay less and you get less. With the 790AdvR you pay more and you get al lot of more. I have the 790 Adv R Rally and I am extremely happy

Nice vid, thanks for that. I have had the 790 R for a little less than a year myself. Before that, various enduro bikes and also a KTM 1290 Super Adventure. The 790 actually succeeds in filling a very nice gap. I don't live very close to the dirt, so I need to commute an hour to find gravel and offroad, that made enduros a pain to live with... The 1290 was a great touring nike, but to large and heavy for real offroad. With the 790 I can follow my mates anywhere (almost) they go on their 500's and still cruise there and back, all on one tank of fuel. That is why I love the 790... I kinda like the engine, but I miss the sound of a real V-twin, so I got a 2010 990 SMR for street fun. Some things that annoy me after 4000 km of ownership... it is a real pig to clean... and it collects huge amounts of crap in front of the rear wheel in the grubby stuff. The skid plate is a joke... and it eats tires :) Which I guess is a good thing. I tried the T7, BMW 850, Guzzi 85 ++ before I got the 790, all great machines, but none have the grin factor of the KTM... If you don't like getting a little scared, don't get the KTM :)

Outstanding review and very thorough. Enjoyed seeing the various terrain you took the bike on. Have heard the T7 might be more tractable at lower speeds and harder hill climbs - curious on your observations.

Great review Dave, 2 questions...how many litres did it take after the 430 klm... And does it keep the settings when you turn the key on/off ?

Excellent review! Thank you very much for your time spent on this

Yes! I'm excited for this one (though team tuning forks still has my money for the moment).

Great Review. IMHO the limitation of the 790 is the lack of torque low down, a real killer on technical terrain. Everyone says the 890 addresses this, but am yet to try it

What a weird phenomenon, a positive review for the KTM 790 ADV R and people get toxic (claim it to be a commercial, biased..Etc..) but a positive review for the Yamaha T700 seems to be easier to absorb, i wonder why... Great review! thanks, i own the KTM 790 adv R and i love it! I would like to own the T700 as well but here in Belgium there's not that much offroad riding :'( The Ktm's power is addictive on the streets.

Yeah, I really should not have watched this when I’m thinking about going back to an Adv. Can’t wait to see what you think of the 890 Adv R.

Thanks for a very informative review and explanation of the electronic functions in real world conditions. I know first hand just how slippery Sunny Corner is. (Always wondered why they called it Sunny Corner???) For the amount of power that 790 has the traction on wet red clay is astonishing. No doubt a great bike when new but I'm still out on all the electronics and the reliability of it. A road side fix won't be possible if the thing fails.

Great review and video! Would love to see you do a review of the new 890R to see how it compares

Your comparison with the T700 is going to be interesting. If you have the money, where do you put it?

What is that tail bag you have on there during this review? Which BTW, this review was one of the tipping points in my decision to buy the 890R that resides in my driveway now, and I am super pleased. I really appreciate your efforts and hard work you put into all the videos you put out, some of the best motorcycle videos on the internet.

Great video but even greater for you guys to actually answer some comments and answer properly! For myself I would have liked to hear a bit more about the negatives, even if it is only the price or being asked repeatedly to compare it to the T7. And then, we all would really like that proper comparisons done. Here in South Africa we have not received the T7 yet and it also seems to be not a lot cheaper than the 790....basically the difference of a cheap suspension upgrade...still comparable / not comparable bikes...? Keep up the good work

love this video mate, great work!

Thank you for the "Excellent Full Review". Kind regards from Jordan. Rami Khalaf

A great review, thank you. Very informative.

Nice video, Thanks Dave. I have a 790R and your opinions are very much similar to mines. BTW. Which rear tire have you used for the trip? Pirelli enduro? Cheers

Oh man....I wish we had this kind of territory over here... Picking up my "R" next Saturday.

Thanks for the details review from the experienced rider like you.

Awesome review as always Dave. Now the tough question, after riding it, and after having the T7 for a spell, would you keep the T7 for some types of riding over the 790, or would you say the 790 would cover all of the T7's bases? And, What did you not like about the 790, the things you didn't cover in the video.

Nice job on the review, just snagged a 790 Rally! Any thoughts on some skid plate upgrades and metal over the fuel tanks like Touratech skid and engine guard setup?

I've looked through the reviews on your channel hoping to find one on the Gen2 of the KTM 690 (the one with all the comparable electronics & smoother engine). I know many folks would not place the 690 in the same category as the T7 or 790R but I think it I fits quite well, and would provide many benefits...

I have a 2020 790 R. I wanted the T7 when it was first teased a few years ago as an upgrade to my DR650. I got tired of waiting and when KTM came out with this bike and initial reviews were so positive I ordered one. I must say that your review was great and touched on some points that most reviewers fail to mention, mainly that the electronics give this bike many 'layers' as you put it which can only be appreciated by testing all the settings under variable conditions. I too find the suspension excellent, especially the fork though I find the rear shock high speed compression a bit too much and the spring rate just a wee bit heavy for my weight. Again, great review of a fantastic bike.

A great review and a terrific bike shame that the exhaust dose not match the rest of the bike I would like to see a comparison with the t7.

Thanks for the review. Gives a much better picture of the bike.

Hi Dave, I really enjoyed your review of the 790R, just wondering which tyres you were running?

This video is a waste of my time. I want a 790!, I cant afford a 790 but I watched it anyway. Cheers Dave

Brilliant review mate, how would this rig compare to the revered Yamaha Tenere 700?

Great review, please mention the negatives aswell.

Great review of the 790 Adventure R! Those adventure rides were outstanding where was it and can you consider videoing some recommend off road tours or even publishing a guide including maps. Living in South Queensland finding off road routes covering one, two or three day rides quite difficult which a number of us would like to participate, can you help? THANKS

Nice review I just wonder how you think it compares to the tenere as you're a big fan of that bike as well!

Well, I was sold already but when you added "fair dincum" It was the push I needed. 👊

Thanks for a great review. I probably should have bought the 790R instead of the 1250 GSA :( although I probably need both :)

Which bike would you choose for an round the world trip? I tend to the t7, but the fuel range of the KTM makes me thinking again! Currently the price in Germany is more or less equal. Thanks for the good review!

Damn @MAD you were in the netherlands and you didn't told us ? haha You confuse me, Then you are in the netherlands tanking and then youre gone somewhere else ? By the way those scenerys you are riding in looks awesome! Can you point out to us some regions?

Hi Dave, I would really like to know the tracks/trails you rode in this video to get some ideas for rides around Sydney.

Great review, the R seems like the ticket. My problem is that on the showroom floor I had a rep hold the bike while I mounted and even tippy toe each side was 2 inches from the ground. I have to look at the S version. At 71, riding, racing since I was 14, I have the skills but dont have the stamina I once had so perhaps the S would suffice. Just sold my 6th KTM a 690 enduro and want to stretch my legs longer distances that where not the 690s strength. Your thoughts would be appreciated, thanks.

I have the 1190. Dyno jet and comader 5 are a must. Test put out 146hp at rear wheel.

Just sold mine awaiting the 890 ✌🏾

20.000 Euro !!! That is insane !

Good Day mate Mad Tv tnx for the magnificent review. Here in Philippines the KTM 790 Adventure R prices at around Php 799,000 or around AusD 23,000...No Yamaha Tenere 700 yet. How much is the T700 in Australia?

Hey Dave - great review mate. Wondering if Clubby was riding his T7? If so, how did it handle the same terrain?

I hope you could test soon the new 890 Adventure R, and you are right about to test a motorcycle like this one for 15-30 minutes, for that reason you are here hahahaaa Cheers mate! Regards.

Thorough quality info gents. Great insight to this A1 machine. Almost polar opposite to the T7 simplicity, yet both purpose built for the same experience. Nice to have such variety at hand. (MTC is cheating btw... But acceptable when there's this much power to manage!)

Hello man, I would like to ask You, whitch one would you prefer for a ride around the world... 690R or 790R?