KTM 790 Adventure/R - Exclusive Review

[@KevGoesRiding]

This was an awesome review of the 790! especially enjoyed the interview with the guy who toured 14000km with it. THANK YOU!

[@DriveMagRiders]

Thank you, we enjoyed his story too, it's truly inspirational.

[@dexio85]

That older guy you were interviewing was very honest and helpful

[@RyanManly]

Does anyone know who that was? A journalist? Blogger? Dakar rider? KTM employee? If he has other stuff out there I'd love to see it.

[@DriveMagRiders]

He is Joe Pichler, an Austrian adventurer who spent 30 years travelling around the world on his bike. Here's his website: www.josef-pichler.at

[@RyanManly]

DriveMag Riders thanks!

[@madman432000]

Interesting what he says about changing to tube type rims and not tubeless rims for long term.

[@MotorosVandor]

i've seen nearly every test from this bikes (in english, in german, and in italian), but THIS was the best so far!! Thank you guys! BR, from Hungary

[@dexio85]

Hahaha, same here :) I will get mine in 2 weeks, killing time by watching the reviews I suppose :)

[@roberthicks686]

Absolutely agree. Best review hands down. The interview and recommendation on tube rims was also very helpful.

[@DriveMagRiders]

Thank you so much guys for taking the time to write us, it's really exciting and motivating to have your feedback. Cheers!

[@GerhardCombrink]

What a bike, it’s as if KTM listened to what I’ve been asking for and built a bike exactly to my specs. Thank you KTM. So, the ultimate garage for someone who enjoys exploring now contains a BMW R1250 gs adventure and a KTM 790 adventure R. Between these to you’re golden for whatever floats your boat.

[@essexriderunleashed9321]

I've got cheap version of the "ultimate garage" coz I have BMW 1150gs and ktm 640 adventure 😁🤔

[@beamdoctor5637]

we all managed for decades without these high level bikes, I think I can wait 2 years while the rush to buy them are over.

[@maxliu4604]

I also have 1250GSA, and got 790R 3 days ago, should I have to laughing? 🤣🤣🤣

[@disekjoumoer]

The best review of this bike. It's a dream machine. Light, nimble, powerful enough and a low, low centre of gravity.

[@SanDiegoRider]

RIP brother. Thank you for all the information and laughs. You are missed but your teachings live on through us all!

[@uragovea5473]

The best review I've seen so far. Thank you.

[@ADVRaiderKTM]

Been counting down to your review! Excellent!

[@DriveMagRiders]

Thanks!

[@pinkiewerewolf]

Great review, as always from DriveMag Riders. The 790 Adventure series is THE bike that ADV enthusiast have been asking for, on paper. I think you showed (barring future issues from long term use) that the 790 is THE solution that we've been clamoring for. The interviews were informative from people that had some good seat time on the bikes.

[@dougiequick1]

Not what I have heard guys lusting for ...not the 460llb part! Guys were even being silly thinking 300llbs.....most trying to keep it real at 350 ....but no one (that I heard) was originally ready to settle for heavier than 400llb...and THAT grudgingly so. I don't even know if it possible to deliver a 100hp multi cylinder adventure motorcycle sub 400llb at anything like an affordable price. Will take some seriously trick parts made of titanium, aluminum alloys and carbon fiber I think ....maybe lose one rotor off the front wheel ...maybe some new tech engine ...a 2 stroke fuel injected hybrid of some type....OR maybe downsizing to a 500cc with tech to get the same power out of less engine? maybe pushing the price up to the $20k level might be what it takes ....maybe a combination of some these things...I don't know I'm not saying I won't buy the 790R ....I might if they sweeten the price enough .....but honestly the weight is disappointing ...and don't ANY of you go singing KTM praises for this! We need to stand shoulder to shoulder and demand BETTER! If we don't? Then why will they ever try to bring it to us? IF it really does "only" weigh 460 full up....(I trust them NOT) IF I say, then I will grudgingling say "it's a start at least"

[@dougiequick1]

And one great thing is that Honda is going to HAVE TO just slash the price on the Africa Ton to sell any more of em whenfor the same money a guy can get a much lighter bike with he same power....I'm thinking $9,999 should be the new MSRP on Africa Ton....no? AND that fat as hell Tiger bike also ...and all the rest of em! DROP them prices like a rock you bike builders! The revolution has begun!

[@fredthebarber]

I’ve been waiting for this review! Thanks for an in depth view!

[@DriveMagRiders]

Thanks. Cristian

[@Ernepper]

Best video and test so far! Cant wait until I can ride the bike my self.

[@DriveMagRiders]

Thank you. You're gonna love it. Cristian

[@CasalGSA]

Another awesome review... Congratulations Cristian for your approach at all your reviews. Always is good to see a "normal rider" giving us your real impressions of the bikes.

[@DriveMagRiders]

Thanks. Cristian here.

[@FailGag]

As always an excellent review. I love this bike.

[@ambassador5350]

Keep up the GOOD WORK. Some of the best reviews on KZbin.

[@wadejensen3301]

Best review I have seen yet on this bike..... I really enjoy your work guys....and I am jealous as hell of your job!

[@DriveMagRiders]

Thanks, Wade. More reviews coming up.

[@javiercruz7275]

Great review on the 790 ADV! always look forward to your reviews. Best regards from Malaga, Spain

[@DriveMagRiders]

Thanks. I miss Malaga. Cristian

[@javiercruz7275]

DriveMag Riders Cristian, you guys got the best channel on KZbin, absolutely love it seen all you videos, and this one is the best review on the KTM 790 out there, can’t wait to see more of your thoughts and comparisons on it!

[@imopn]

Great video. So many amazing new bikes. Im thinking of getting either this 790, the Yamaha T7 or the Triumph Scrambler 1200. Definitely my three favorite bikes at the moment...

[@DriveMagRiders]

Thanks. Cristian

[@imopn]

@Pierre et Thomas Yeah sounds like a good summary and agree with you... but man that Triumph Scrambler 1200!! I have never looked twice at a Triump before but it has me excited. Its not as heavy as you would think for such a large displacement bike, might even be slightly lighter than my 800GS, its much more premium finish than all these plastic bikes, high end components, loaded with all the features people want in bikes as standard, engine has all the low down torque I personally like, will pull like a Diesel. And lastly it oozes style. Cant wait to test drive all 3 of them. All 3 are really exciting bikes bringing something new. Makes the BMW range look pretty stale.

[@LookattheBiggerPic]

Good intro review - looking forward to when you can test the R model on your terms and in your way - the R model is squarely on my core Harem list now! Much thanks for all you do!

[@DriveMagRiders]

Thanks. Looking forward to test it.

[@fl28882]

DriveMag Riders Can you already say when this test will be? I am still on the verge between a new bmw and this ktm.

[@gonzalocf8882]

Great video, congrats for the quality and objectivity of the channel (one of the best). It would be great an analysis of the 790 Adventure S

[@prabhugautham]

You too fell like Zach very enduring environment you had been through. Thanks for making a wonderful video for us and as usual looking for more.

[@glennsjobom4370]

As always a great review of a great bike, please continue :-)

[@RedRupert64]

Thanks for another great review - you guys are the best 👍🙂

[@DriveMagRiders]

Thanks. Cristian

[@furiouspat3956]

Definitely the best review of this bike, i was waiting for a lot, thanks you, friends. You seem very enthusiastic, according to you the standard version is the new référence of the catégory between 800 tiger, 850 GS and even Africa Twin ?

[@DriveMagRiders]

Thanks. We hope to make a direct comparison. But the 790 Adventure seems to be the most off-road capable one. Not sure about the road comfort though. Cristian

[@mereclander]

Very good quality vídeo and the test: perfect!!

[@speedglider2536]

Nice rider skills...rarely seen in motorcycle bloggers

[@blooskyy7]

Brilliant review

[@eqaulo]

Best and most complete review! Been waiting for this, a big thank you! Counting down the days to take delivery of my 790 Adv R, 26 days to go :). Keep it coming DriveMag Riders! Greetz from Belgium.

[@DriveMagRiders]

Thanks! Congrats for your new bike! Let the adventure begin. Cristian

[@eqaulo]

@@DriveMagRiders Thank you :)

[@BP-id4cq]

Outstanding review! Thanks. Hopefully you guys do an accessories and luggage review soon.

[@samuelsanchez2818]

The best review

[@victortroncoso7941]

Magnifico video ... Que neumaticos llevas montados en arena desierto?

[@ktm690endurorally]

Great review!

[@bikashanand9172]

I am so excited that 390 adv is launching in India. KTM is love.

[@stefanhorlacher1583]

the bike to have, great vid !

[@ghosticesniper3154]

Great review 👍🏻. I currently own the ktm 950 sm and this looks like the next bike I want

[@JakeMurrayFTW]

Really great video. I always enjoy your candid reviews. I think you may have sold me one of these bikes, haha. So jealous, what a blast! :)

[@rramirrezz]

very nice done work mate - i really love your vids.

[@brucekendall52]

Best review yet,thks.

[@rog1342]

god sake, awesome video, congratz and thx

[@Motowanderlust]

Very nice review!!

[@beyond_i346]

Great review , loved it.

[@0815Luther]

Great review & nice footage, keep up the good work :-)

[@thejohnnerparty]

Good review as always. Question: You've ridden both the BMW F850 GS & now the KTM 790 Adventure /R. Do you have a preference?

[@DriveMagRiders]

Thanks. In off-road, the KTM 790 feels better, although the 850GS is still good. On-road, not decided yet.

[@mecanicahondatransalpxl6508]

It's obvious that KTM is trying to remark the 790 Adventure as an asphalt-trail bike, and 790 Adventure R as an enduro-trail bike. But ¿when do we'll have a video with 790 Adventure in a real adventure, gravel, paths, crossing rivers, mud???

[@roadnwater]

How would the suspensions compare between the two models for riding mostly on road, but with broken pavement of sharp bumps. Of particular concern is any lack of high speed compression damping of too much stiffness.

[@itethe]

Regarding the weight of Adventure bikes, I'm 6'1" 250 lbs and my 530 lb Africa twin seems ok to me. I'm roughly half the weight of the bike. Now if I were a 150 lb guy I would feel intimidated. Why do people not look at rider to bike weight ratio instead of purely the weight of the bike.

[@barryweaver8833]

So the 800 is the new 990?

[@kain7134]

Basically

[@motoRoutero]

Good job, great review ! 👍

[@Italybdbike]

5'5" height of mine is it suitable for me, seriously interested to buy this one. Thanks

[@slowboat6021]

thanks for great review, I was about to go and buy one then i realised I was dreaming.

[@adamkeren66]

@DriveMag , this is by far the best review on those bikes so far! i have a question , to your opinion , how off-road capable is the standard version? I am asking this becouse i go offroading every week for a few hours , but most of the time will be spent on road.... which one would you choose in that kind of usage ? thanks

[@cgmtv]

The R. It will handle the road too.

[@DriveMagRiders]

If you're tall enough, go for the R.

[@ciszero]

great vid man! keep this up.

[@Lazyassrider]

When will KTM launch this in India?

[@joedoe7506]

what do you guys think about the new super adventure s 1290 2021?

[@chrisbarg5491]

did you try the adventure R on the tarmac? Very interested

[@crjmoto]

Looks like a winner

[@grimgr]

very good test! I am juste waiting for the feeling of the R on road. It seems a perfect bike for each day, enjoy week end with friend, and 2 monthes adventure for huge hollidays with of road!!!. Is she the perfect bike??

[@DriveMagRiders]

It could be. It's very off-road capable, it should be great for day to day use. The only thing to discuss is the touring point of view. But I think it's good. Cristian

[@grimgr]

@@DriveMagRiders Thank's. Hope you can attack on road with the good setting. You will test it for us? :p

[@whitedrguy6503]

Great review guys, looks like a great bike. Couple of issues I have is one, reliability, being a new bike from KTM, it will maybe take a few years to iron out all the bugs, like most KTMs. Two is the price, it is very close to the same price as the 1090 here in Australia, over $21,000.

[@storm42100]

Yes close price but the 690 has a lot more tech !

[@tdeloriea]

Great review

[@laurentaubert7331]

Really good job again for this video, as usual. Thank you. And I have to say I envie you ! You are such a lucky guy. :) I have just tried the standard version of the 790 adventure at my local vendor shop. I have to say it is so an easy bike to ride. What a perfect balance at low speed, and your are so confident. Peraphps the lower windshield is better. I found some buffeting in the big one. Also I am not an enduro pro, and I was wondering if the bike isn t too thin for catching it well when you stand on it ? But anyway my opinion it is a very very very good bike . I want one ! :)

[@jasonmiltrup8647]

Have KTM explained why they didn't put a Dakar front end on this bike???? Does the one it comes with perform better????? Seems to me like it would have been a perfect opportunity to show that it's different to both the 690 and smaller range and the 1090 and larger range.

[@skyguzman6999]

Can you install the front fender of the R variant to the S variant?

[@wanderlpnw]

Does it have tubeless wheels?

[@DriveMagRiders]

Yes

[@robertpolkamp]

Apparently the T7 does not have tubeless wheels so excellent question. Just when you assume all spoked wheels are tubeless they make an ass of you and me (assume)

[@DriveMagRiders]

Actually, I prefer tubeless over the tube type.

[@davidck1]

15:34 the "international protect your eyes" statement :)

[@1990-t1j]

Better than the 990. I had a 950 for two years in the mid-00s. I want one of these, the R.

[@1990-t1j]

The most accomplished one-bike-do-anything machine.

[@Kendoji1]

You guys really do make the best bike videos.

[@mirkoakov]

How was the seat height of the Adventure R?

[@schiussi]

t's indeed a well done video and I 100% agree on reviews of the Motorcyclist Magazione. Merzouga and its Erg Chebby help to feel in full control of the bike. Sand down there is very compact and helps the driving. If you could head east and enter in Algeria, around Taghit, sand would have been much more soft and down there this bike would tell the truth about its behaviour in sandy deserts. My opinion? It would work: high suspensions (to be made stiffer) and free space under the bash plate would let it pass over even some (not deep) fesh fesh.

[@Jamby7]

Such a great...Such a wonderful...Such a Thorough...Just truly an incredible review! You take the time to talk to experts like Chris Birch and on the flip side you talk to a world traveler who discusses going 2-up with his wife on the 790! That's Everything I want to know! I want a bike I can ride on the street to get to the dirt! And I want that bike to be able to take the Mrs. on some beautiful dirt roads from time to time! And I want a bike that doesn't weigh over 500lbs with crazy high 35" seat height considering my inseam is only 31"! Thank you so much for all of this wonderful information! You've knocked it out of the park! - American reference to a Home Run in Baseball. ;-)

[@DriveMagRiders]

Thanks. Cristian! Enjoy the ride!

[@vedranmatanic3653]

Which one corners better?

[@GMANS_BIKES_CARS]

Great vid, the guy at 3.20secs kept me laughing as thought it was Borat 🤣

[@florinsi]

Well, ktm is an indian bike so ... his humor fits ;)

[@mrmica]

I don't know how difficult can be for the manufacturer to implement one hand operating windscreen on bikes. How pricey can it be to develop and implement a windscreen that can be easily manipulated with one hand! what is more dangerous, driving on a highway with wind buffeting or one-sec adjustment of the windscreen?

[@GTXBUDMOTO]

with sir zach makina?

[@hACknAT]

So how much time riding in offroad condition will take to crack up that SMART POSITIONED gas tank ?

[@DriveMagRiders]

It's not gonna crack. Cristian

[@FanOWater]

Great review. I've been waiting for you guys to get your shot. Can I ask how tall the R model felt once sitting on it? Do you need a long inseam or can short guys get their feet (or toes) on the ground? Thanks!

[@DriveMagRiders]

The R doesn't feel right for short guys, unless they are experienced riders. I am 1.74 cm (5 ft, 8,2) and it felt at the limit.

[@FanOWater]

@@DriveMagRiders Thanks for the reply! I am 174 cm's tall too. I hope they release lower seats or lowering kits soon. I've pre-ordered this version because I want the adjustable suspension. Cheers

[@juliendufour4513]

is your screen broken?

[@davidck1]

0:03 from 0 to crash under 3 seconds

[@leonardjablanovic3269]

You made two videos with the same version of the KTM 790 s motorcycle. One video with the 790 s model and the other with the 790 r model but both videos have the same 790 s model motorcycle. This motorcycle does not look like the KTM 790 r version

[@syumassh]

Great review; choice of music could be better though :p

[@madman432000]

Need to see some crash tests in rocks and woods to check durability of tank.

[@tobiasniemann8946]

Very good. Thanx

[@rocnktm]

Great review, great bike! That bike looks as big and heavy as a KTM 1090. $13,500 seems to be a little too much for a 790cc bike. That is Honda African Twin price and they are 998cc. My KTM 690 Enduro R cost me $10,000 and has 65HP. IMO, with a larger gas tank, my 690 can do anything the 790 can do and more. It is maller and lighter, with more ground clearance. I am sad, I was really looking to upgrade to this new 790. I was hoping for a bike my size and weight, with a little more horsepower and a little more range. I can't out ride my 690, and I am sure I will never be able to out ride the 790, no reason to upgrade, too big, too heavy, just a waste of money. Don't get me wrong, I love KTMs, and i am not trying to step on anyone's toes. Just my opinion.

[@JuanRamirez-eg6rl]

I love KTM

[@guibospe]

Só fera do motociclismo!

[@mbtfp]

Did you break the display? ;)

[@Salva.S]

I was thinking the same ! 😉 I looked 2-3 times to be sure.... Great review ! Thank's a lot !

[@jernejsvab8114]

Great as always, are you planning on Yamaha Tenere 700 and Guzzi V85TT test also? I am working on getting driver licenses for motorcycle and planning to buy enduro bike, but cant choose between tenere and guzzi. Heart says guzzi, but economical part says tenere. As always you guys doing good job, love yours reviews. Stay cool

[@DriveMagRiders]

Hello. The Guzzi is already confirmed. Still waiting for the Tenere to come. Thanks for watching!

[@TheGavrilaN]

Ma ajuti, te rog, cu inaltimea la saua R-ului? O comparatie cu inaltimea ta, mi-ar fi cu folos.Cum ajungi, cu varfurile/talpile/tocurile ori deloc?

[@DriveMagRiders]

Salut. Am 174. Ma simteam mai confortabil pe versiunea S, dpdv al inaltimii. Saua la R ar trebui sa fie pe la 850 mm, parca. Atingeam cu varful cizmei.

[@Vara91391]

17:12 Look, a guy selling Made in China "local gems" for ridiculous prices. On ebay you buy the same crap for less than 1$ 20:38 No way. That is not an Enduro. That is an adventure/touring bike that you can play a bit more off-road than a 990 Adv.

[@FreshnessFactor]

Is there a listed payload capacity yet?

[@DriveMagRiders]

We'll have to check the specs or the manual.

[@116fletch]

KTM excel in domination of all markets

[@GustavoEVargasC]

Great 💪

[@fariqaiman]

nice review.. but the headlights is ugly 😀

[@raymanwayoga8181]

Welcome to Tanzania too

[@generaldistrust]

YAMAHA - we love you so much, but HERE: THIS IS THE ART OF CUSTOMERS\FANBASE SATISFACTION! Please LEARN from it.. a hope. KTM, a salute! Even though I will probably won't have the money for this masterpiece.. ever?

[@toby7504]

Great review, but l think l have to let this bike grow on me, just dont like the looks of it. Looks thin on top, fat on the bottom. Just think the T700 looks so mutch cooler.

[@stuarthunter7559]

I want to see how it handles on wet slimy British roads with cats eyes and drain covers

[@dougiequick1]

Guys are saying KTM has delivered on exactly what they have been asking for....I can start to think that too except 460llbs? is that what all of us dreamed for? I mean really? A 460llb motorcycle? I mean it sure sounds better than 500llb but still....ya know? Overwhelmingly on these video comments most of us originally aimed seriously lower than 460llbs! No? And honestly who is not going to add even more weight to it? I can not stomach riding this motorcycle without crash guards ....I don't care how strong they claim the carbon fiber fuel tanks to be....drop this bike on pavement at any speed? all that weight grinding the fuel tank onto the road? Like a giant grinder? NOPE! HAS to bare minimum before even riding it on the street have crash guards! SHOULD be stock IMPO! Not sure how much weight other options will add also ....quick shifter? Gota have it! Cruise control? mandatory! Pannier racks ? Of course even to drape soft bandanna pack over em and have something to lash to....point being I think it safe to say even if the 460 llb latest admission is accurate? Still gonna be a 480 motor cycle I am riding real life ...and THAT is less than fairytale exciting. Picking up a any motorcycle weighing North of 460llbs is NOT easy and sure not fun. I still believe a manufacturer COULD deliver a seriously lighter bike in this displacement/power class ....Yamaha gets the accolades for lightest so far 452 curb weight, but apparently they seriously lose to the 790 in power delivery! Yamaha had better deliver on much lower price is all I can say ....like THOUSANDS less! 70 vs 100hp? I can't wait to see a showdown between the two bikes! Race em against one another around a Motocross track? THAT would test every aspect of handling suspension and brakes real life dirt acceleration against a stopwatch! I'm thinking anyone trying to decide which to get would by THAT magazine issue!

[@davidck1]

1:57 the most horrible sound "music" ever heard :))

[@ivanag683]

The team is find ☺.Thanks God-fall in sands. Maroco beautiful destination for drive.This is very good moto adventure 😎👍but missing BMW .

[@cmmgray]

how the hell can this be an extra £3k on the Duke 790

[@RedRupert64]

This is a premium bike, the Duke is more simple and some corners have been cut. This is in no way a criticism of the Duke - it needs to be the way it is because of its place in the market - it's a brilliant bike; they both are!

[@cmmgray]

RedRupert64 i understand what your saying, but the naked bike comes with lot of premium features, so I’m sorry another £3k+ on top is a joke from ktm. BMW are no better. I do their bikes, but no prices they are asking. I’ll stick with Japanese bikes thank you

[@wanderlpnw]

Cause they can? Lol, seriously though the suspension is probably around $2k more on the R. Lots of research in this, too.

[@cmmgray]

Will Ashmore I’m talking about the road version

[@cmmgray]

Also considering KTM have their bike made in India,I was expecting the price around £9000-£10k max