KTM 790 Adventure R Returns

[Hugh Janus]

It appears that the 799cc LC8c-powered 790 Adventure R will make a return to fill the gap between the single-cylinder 690 Adventure R and 890 Adventure models. (KTM/)

When KTM launched the 889cc “890″ version of its compact LC8c parallel-twin engine, it was only a matter of time before the mainstay “790″ models that used the earlier 799cc version would be replaced. The Duke became an 890 in 2020 and the Adventure adopted the same powertrain in 2021. But now the smaller motor is making a comeback and spreading through the range as KTM aims to create more affordable, midsized machines.

The US market already gets the reborn 790 Duke as an alternative to the pricier 890 Duke R, and elsewhere the 790 Adventure has been relaunched in 2023—with up-to-date styling—as a less expensive alternative to the 890 Adventure. Next, it seems that the more off-road targeted 790 Adventure R is making a comeback

The 790 Duke has already returned to the US for 2023. (KTM/)

The introduction of this new-generation of 790 models comes on the back of KTM’s increasingly close cooperation with CFMoto. The Chinese company has been a partner for several years, initially manufacturing engines for KTM and more recently taking on responsibility for entire bikes as part of a joint venture. CFMoto also runs the KTM distribution and dealer network in China and uses its own version of the 799cc LC8c parallel-twin engine in its own bikes, the Ibex 800 (or 800MT in other countries) and the new 800NK.

A CFMoto/KTM joint venture produces the 799cc LC8c that powers the CFMoto 800NK and the new KTM 790 range. (CFMoto/)

On the other side of the deal, KTM has recently taken over duties distributing CFMoto’s motorcycles in Europe. By leveraging the lower production costs of the Chinese venture to create the revived 790 models, it’s plugging a gap in its midrange lineup between the single-cylinder models (like the 690 Enduro R) and the increasingly powerful and well-equipped 890 machines.

The 790 Adventure has been relaunched in Europe already, and now a Chinese type-approval document has revealed that the CFMoto/KTM joint venture is also manufacturing a new 790 Adventure R. A photo of the bike accompanying the approval confirms that it’s visually like the updated 2023 890 Adventure R, with the same, more cohesive styling that replaces the insectoid look of the previous model. However, as the name suggests, it uses the smaller, less powerful, 799cc engine.

While the 890 Adventure R makes 103 hp from its 889cc engine, the new 790 Adventure R has 94 hp on tap from its slightly smaller twin. Although the Chinese approval document doesn’t give torque, the engine spec is sure to be the same as that of the 2023 790 Adventure, with 64 lb.-ft. compared to 74 lb.-ft. for the 890 version.

Like the 890 Adventure R (pictured), the 790 Adventure R will get an upgrade from WP’s Apex suspension to the more stout Xplor units. (KTM/)

It’s clear from the visual similarities that the 790 Adventure R has the same 5.3-gallon fuel tank as the 890, as well as sharing all the rest of its bodywork—although the bike in the approval document lacks its windshield and doesn’t appear to have its final paintwork. There’s just a “KTMR2R” sticker on the side, which is the name of the KTM/CFMoto project, and 790 branding on the fork cowls.

Where the 2023-spec 790 Adventure that’s already been launched in Europe has WP Apex suspension, the 790 Adventure R seen here appears to use WP Xplore components, like the 890 Adventure R. It also has the R look thanks to the high-mounted front fender and deep-treaded knobby tires.

In the markets where both 890 and 790 variants of the same models are offered, the 790 bikes are around 15 percent to 20 percent less expensive than the 890s. If the 790 Adventure R seen here makes it to the US, that suggests it would likely sticker between $12,000 and $13,000, compared to $15,199 for the existing 890 Adventure R.

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