Exclusive: KTM 790 Adventure spotted, India launch imminent

The KTM 790 Adventure test mule has been spotted in Pune, undergoing endurance testing, which suggests that the bike is reaching the end of its testing phase and will soon be ready for consumers to buy. The 790 Adventure will be the first middleweight adventure bike that the Austrian manufacturer will have gotten to India. Expect the launch to happen within the first three months of 2021.

Powering the KTM 790 Adventure is a Euro5 compliant version of the 799cc parallel-twin found on the 790 Duke. But obviously, it is in a different state of tune to improve the low and mid-range of the bike, which is where ADVs stay for majority of their usage. The engine is good for 94bhp of power and 88Nm of torque. KTM claim a range of 450kms with the 20-litre fuel tank.

Suspension duties on the KTM 790 Adventure are handled by WP APEX 43 USDs up front which offer 200mm of travel and the WP APEX monoshock at the rear which is good for 200mm of travel as well. The frame on the 790 Adventure is a tubular chromium-molybdenum-steel frame that uses the engine as a stress member. Seat height is 850mm and the ground clearance is 233mm. Dropping anchors on the 790 Adventure is done courtesy two radially-mounted J Juan calipers chomping down on 320mm rotors and a single two-piston caliper mounted on a 260mm disc. Adding to the bike’s off-road credentials is the combination of 21-inch and 18-inch front and rear spoked wheels. The dry weight stands at just 189kg making it one of the most light ADVs in its segment.

The 790 Adventure is loaded with electronic goodies that include a Bosch 9.1 MP system that controls cornering and off-road ABS which are also disengageable. The ride-by-wire throttle enables riding modes (Street, Rain, Off-road and an optional extra - Rally) and lean sensitive traction control with off-road modes, which is also switchable depending on your level of ambition.

The KTM 790 Adventure should make its way to Indian shores only in the standard variant. We expect the price to be around Rs 12 lakh ex-showroom. Don't sign that cheque for the Triumph Tiger 900 yet!