KTM 790 Adventure
2026 KTM 790 Adventure: 95 hp adventure bike, 799 cc LC8c twin, 203 kg without fuel, €11,299 in France. Full specs and press reviews.
At a glance
The KTM 790 Adventure is KTM's middleweight twin-cylinder adventure bike: a 799 cc LC8c engine rated at 95 hp and 87 Nm, 21- and 18-inch spoked wheels, adjustable WP APEX suspension and 203 kg without fuel. The successor to the 890 Adventure since 2025, positioned below the 890 Adventure R, it is listed at €11,299 by KTM France for 2026, with a promotional price of €9,799 as of 12 October 2026. Reviewers praise its lively engine, suspension, IMU-based electronics and price, but criticise paid options once Demo mode ends, a non-adjustable screen, engine heat and doubts over the reliability of the LC8c engine.
World press review
Meta-score
7 sources
Press ratings
2025 comparison test against the Honda Transalp, Suzuki V-Strom 800DE and Yamaha Ténéré 700: second of four, five points behind the Suzuki; the sportiest of the group, not without compromises.
Lively, vocal engine, suspension effective on the road, an off-road 'superstar', £2,000 cheaper than the 890 Adventure; non-adjustable screen too short, engine heat, false neutrals with the quickshifter, paid options.
Five-bike comparison test in 2023: superior engine and rider aids, low fuel consumption, speed and comfort on the road; handlebars too low for standing, suspension limited off-road, slightly notchy gearbox.
Agile, strong brakes, engine smoother than the original 790's, good finish; heat on the feet in town, non-adjustable screen, fork dive under hard braking, tyres struggling in mud, paid options.
Test of the 2019 790 Adventure (previous generation), scored 16.9/20: balance and control, engine, suspension and electronics, good off-road ability, more accessible than the big Adventure models.
Press synthesis
What the world’s press says
No review covers the 2026 model year, which carries over the 2025. Only two publications have scored the current generation: Autotrader 4/5 (2025 model year, adjustable suspension) and MCN 4/5 (2023 model year, same engine, frame and bodywork, non-adjustable suspension). The meta score of 80/100 therefore rests on a narrow base. MOTORRAD ranks it second of four in a 2025 comparison test, behind the Suzuki V-Strom 800DE; Visordown, 1000PS (2023 model year) and Moto.it (2024) reviewed it without a numeric score. Caradisiac gave the 2019 790 Adventure, from the previous generation, 16.9/20: this score is not included in the calculation. No French review of the 2023-2026 790 Adventure was found.
What reviewers like: a lively, strong and vocal engine, smoother than the original 790’s (MCN, Visordown, Moto.it, Autotrader, 1000PS); quality WP suspension that works well on the road (MCN, Visordown, Moto.it, Autotrader); IMU-based electronics that its Japanese rivals lack (MCN, Autotrader), with traction control rated the best in the class by 1000PS; an agile, easy bike (Autotrader, Moto.it) and an off-road “superstar” according to Visordown; a competitive price (Autotrader, MCN, Visordown, 1000PS, Moto.it); low fuel consumption (1000PS) and build quality judged on a par with Austrian-built models (MCN, Visordown). MOTORRAD describes it as the sportiest bike in its test.
What they criticise: paid options once Demo mode ends (MCN, Visordown, Autotrader, Moto.it); doubts over the reliability of the LC8c engine (Autotrader, MCN); a non-adjustable screen, too short for tall riders (Visordown, Moto.it); engine heat at low speed (Visordown, Moto.it); handlebars too low for standing and suspension limited off-road (1000PS); a slightly notchy gearbox (1000PS) and false neutrals with the quickshifter (Visordown); fork dive under hard braking and tyres that struggle in mud (Moto.it). MOTORRAD notes that its sportiness comes with compromises.
Key quotes
"All of which you get for an impressively competitive starting price with the 790 Adventure. In a crowded market of otherwise very similar looking bikes that’s a real selling point, and if reliability wobbles prove to have been addressed this is a very strong player in an incredibly competitive field."
"Great fun to ride with excellent suspension and a strong motor, there is little to dislike about the 790 Adventure and lots to really admire."
"Only five points behind the Suzuki, but 180 degrees apart in character. Say KTM 790 Adventure and you mean sport."
"All things considered, the new 790 Adventure is just as much of an off-road superstar as its bigger sibling is."
"The 790 Adventure is clearly designed as an accessible variant for everyday riding and touring. At the end of the day, it offers a great price/performance ratio and great performance."
"So which one should you choose in the end? Well, given the significant price difference, the right choice could well be this 790 Adventure."
"The KTM 790 Adventure brings a real plus in terms of balance and control. Engine, suspension and electronics add to this quality to make the Austrian bike an appealing, versatile traveller."
Pros
- Lively, strong 95 hp LC8c twin, smoother than the original 790’s
- WP APEX suspension, adjustable since 2025, effective on the road
- IMU-based electronics (cornering and Offroad ABS, traction control)
- Agility and a low centre of gravity thanks to the wraparound tank
- Cheaper than the 890 Adventure it replaces
- Moderate fuel consumption and a 20-litre tank
Cons
- Quickshifter, cruise control and Rally mode are paid options
- Reviewers’ doubts over LC8c engine reliability
- Non-adjustable screen
- Engine heat at low speed
- Low handlebars for standing off-road
- No A2 version documented by KTM
Our review
Where does it sit in the KTM range?
The 790 Adventure is KTM’s entry-level twin-cylinder adventure bike, below the 890 Adventure R. In its November 2024 press release, KTM presents it as the successor to the 890 Adventure, “a more affordable but extremely capable” model. Designed in Mattighofen (Austria), it is built in China by CFMOTO, KTM’s partner. The 2026 model year, the only one listed in KTM France’s range, carries over the 2025: same specifications, same model description; the owner’s manual only changes the name of the USB socket, now USB-C.
How much does it cost?
KTM France lists a recommended retail price of €11,299 including VAT, excluding registration costs, for both colours, orange or white. As of 12 October 2026, the model page also shows a promotional price of €9,799, with no end date given. The price has varied: €11,399 in 2023, €12,399 in 2024 and 2025. In the UK, it is listed at £9,999. In the United States, KTM sold the 2025 for $10,999 (plus $750 freight); no 2026 is listed there.
KTM has mentioned no 35 kW version for the A2 licence since 2023; only the 2019 specification sheet announced one. MCN and Visordown write that an A2 restriction is possible: check with a dealer.
How good is the engine?
The 799 cc LC8c parallel twin (88 x 65.7 mm, 12.5:1 compression) gets Bosch engine management with ride-by-wire, a knock sensor, a slipper clutch and a six-speed gearbox. KTM France claims 95 hp and 87 Nm, without engine speeds; the launch press release for the 2023 model year gave 95 hp at 8,000 rpm and 88 Nm at 6,500 rpm. Since 2023, rotating mass has been increased by 20%. MCN finds it far more refined than the original 790’s engine and stronger than its Japanese rivals’; Moto.it likes its low-rpm smoothness, Visordown its sound, and 1000PS rates it above the competition.
How does it ride?
The chromoly steel frame uses the engine as a stressed member, and the low-slung 20-litre tank lowers the centre of gravity. Since 2025, the 43 mm open-cartridge WP APEX fork is adjustable for compression and rebound, and the WP APEX shock for preload and rebound; both offer 200 mm of travel. Tubeless spoked 21- and 18-inch wheels, Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tyres, a 1,509 mm wheelbase and 233 mm of ground clearance complete the package. KTM claims 203 kg without fuel, the manual about 200 kg; 1000PS weighed it at 216 kg fully fuelled. Autotrader finds it easier and more agile than expected; Visordown rates it effective on the road and excellent off-road, while 1000PS finds its suspension limited off-road and Moto.it notes fork dive under hard braking.
What electronics?
The 6D IMU manages Bosch 9.3 MP cornering ABS, Offroad ABS and lean-sensitive traction control, which also handles wheelies. Street, Rain and Offroad modes, the 5-inch TFT screen, the steering damper, engine protection and LED lighting are standard. Rally mode, Quickshifter+, MSR engine-braking control and cruise control are software options, active in Demo mode for the first 1,500 km; KTMconnect connectivity requires the optional Connectivity Unit. In 2023, MCN and Visordown quoted a £859.87 options pack in the UK; French prices are not published.
Fuel consumption and maintenance
KTM publishes no homologated fuel consumption on its 2026 pages, only CO2 emissions of 100 g/km; 1000PS reports a factory figure of 4.2 L/100 km. In its 2023 comparison test, 1000PS recorded 4.52 L/100 km, giving about 440 km of range from 20 litres; KTM claimed up to 450 km in 2023. The manual calls for an oil change every 15,000 km or 12 months, and a valve clearance check and spark plug replacement every 30,000 km.
Who is it for?
It requires a full A licence and suits riders who want a versatile adventure bike, at ease on the road and capable on gravel, with a seat adjustable to 840 or 860 mm. For serious off-road riding, KTM keeps the 890 Adventure R.
Where does it come from?
The first 790 Adventure (2019-2020), built in Austria, was replaced in Europe by the 890 Adventure in 2021. The 790 returned in 2023, built by CFMOTO and sold alongside the 890 Adventure, then replaced it in 2025, taking over its adjustable suspension. ADV Pulse published spy shots of a future 790 Adventure in July 2026; KTM has announced nothing.
Recalls
No recall was found for the 2023-2026 790 Adventure with NHTSA, Safety Gate or RappelConso. The 2019-2020 models were subject to two campaigns (rear brake hose, front brake master cylinder). In 2024 MCN reported allegations of defective camshafts on some LC8c engines, to which KTM responded publicly; no official campaign was found.
Specifications
| Displacement | 799 cc |
|---|---|
| Power | 95 hp (70 kW) @ 8,000 rpm (KTM France 2026: 95 PS, no engine speed given; 8,000 rpm according to KTM's 2023 790 Adventure press release) |
| Torque | 87 Nm (KTM France 2026, no engine speed given; 88 Nm at 6,500 rpm in KTM's 2023 press release) |
| Weight | 203 kg (without fuel, KTM France); about 200 kg without fuel according to the 2026 owner's manual |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 2.14 |
| Seat height | 840 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 20 L |
| Fuel consumption | CO2 100 g/km (KTM France); 4.2 L/100 km factory figure according to 1000PS (cycle not specified) |
| Maintenance interval | Oil change every 15,000 km or 12 months — Valves: 30,000 km (KTM 2026 owner's manual) |
| Engine type | LC8c parallel twin, 4-stroke, DOHC, 4 finger-follower-actuated valves per cylinder, liquid-cooled |
| Cooling | liquide |
| Transmission | 6-speed, chain drive, PASC slipper clutch |
| License | A |
| MSRP | €11,299 |
Engine detail
| Bore x stroke | 88 x 65,7 mm |
|---|---|
| Compression ratio | 12,5:1 |
| Fuel system | Electronic fuel injection, Bosch engine management with ride-by-wire, knock sensor |
| Valve train | DOHC, 4 finger-follower-actuated valves per cylinder, chain-driven |
| Starter | Electric |
Chassis & running gear
| Frame type | Chromoly steel frame, engine as stressed member, powder-coated; chromoly tubular steel trellis rear subframe |
|---|---|
| Rake angle | 25.9 ° |
| Trail | 107.8 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1509 mm |
| Ground clearance | 233 mm |
| Front suspension | 43 mm WP APEX open-cartridge upside-down fork, adjustable compression and rebound (clickers on the fork caps), 200 mm travel |
| Rear suspension | WP APEX monoshock, adjustable preload (knob) and rebound, 200 mm travel |
| Front brake | Dual 320 mm floating discs, four-piston radial calipers |
| Rear brake | Single 260 mm disc, two-piston floating caliper |
| Front tire | 90/90-21 (Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR) |
| Rear tire | 150/70 R18 (Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR) |
| ABS system | Bosch 9.3 MP cornering ABS (6D IMU), Offroad ABS activated automatically in Offroad or Rally (optional) mode |
Electronics & rider aids
| Riding modes | Street, Rain, Offroad, Rally (optional) |
|---|---|
| Traction control | Yes |
| Anti-wheelie | Yes |
| Quickshifter | Optional Quickshifter+ |
| Cruise control | No (Optional: switchgear button, paid software feature) |
| Dashboard | 5-inch colour TFT, optically bonded mineral glass |
| Connectivity | KTMconnect (Turn-by-Turn+ navigation, music, calls) with the optional Connectivity Unit |
| Other features | 6D IMU, Lean-sensitive MTC traction control, switchable (adjustable in Rally mode), Offroad ABS linked to ride modes, MSR engine-braking control (optional), Demo mode: software options active for the first 1,500 km, Steering damper, Heated grips, heated seat and tyre pressure monitoring (optional), USB-C and 12 V sockets, Full LED lighting, Aluminium engine protection |
Ergonomics & rider fit
| Riding position | Adventure: upright, wide handlebars, two-piece seat adjustable to two heights (840 / 860 mm) |
|---|---|
| Wind protection | Tall fixed screen (not adjustable) with central slot, hand guards |
| Max total weight | 450 kg |
The 790 Adventure offers an upright adventure riding position with wide handlebars. Its two-piece seat adjusts to 840 or 860 mm; KTM offers a one-piece Rally seat and other seats as accessories. Autotrader finds this height lower than the class average and believes the low centre of gravity reassures shorter or less experienced riders; Moto.it reaches the ground easily and finds the pillion seat generous. The tall screen is fixed: Moto.it finds it protective up to 160 km/h, Visordown too short for tall riders, despite a central slot that limits buffeting. 1000PS finds the position comfortable on the road but the handlebars too low for standing on gravel; Visordown finds the rear brake pedal tucked in too far and, like Moto.it, notes engine heat at low speed. MCN likes the span-adjustable levers. The permissible total weight is 450 kg.
Ownership & maintenance
4.52 L/100 km (1000PS, 2023 comparison test); 51 UK mpg, about 5.5 L/100 km (MCN, 2023 model year)
L/100km
Real-world consumption
~~440 km (calculated: 20 L tank / 4.52 L/100 km recorded by 1000PS); KTM claimed up to 450 km in 2023
km
Estimated range
| Oil change | every 15,000 km or every 12 months |
|---|---|
| Valve check | every 30,000 km |
| Spark plugs | every 30,000 km |
| Chain | Tension checked and chain lubricated at every service; chain, rear sprocket, front sprocket and chain guide checked every 15,000 km (520 X-Ring chain) |
Warranty
4 years / Mileage not specified: 2-year manufacturer warranty extended by 2 years with the Premium Manufacturer Warranty, subject to services by an authorised KTM dealer
KTM’s 2026 owner’s manual specifies a first service at 1,000 km, then an oil change with filter and strainers every 15,000 km or every 12 months, and air filter replacement every 15,000 km. Valve clearance is checked and the spark plugs replaced every 30,000 km; brake fluid is replaced every 24 months and coolant every 48 months. The 520 X-Ring chain is adjusted and lubricated at every service, and the drivetrain checked every 15,000 km; the spokes are retightened after 1,000 km. Autotrader praises these long intervals. In France, the 790 Adventure has been covered since the 2025 model year by the Premium Manufacturer Warranty: up to 4 years of cover (2 years of manufacturer warranty plus 2 additional years), provided services are carried out by an authorised KTM dealer; a paid extension is available up to 12 years or 80,000 km.
Direct competitors
Compare →| Model | MSRP | Power | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| KTM 790 Adventure | €11,299 | 95 hp (70 kW) @ 8,000 rpm (KTM France 2026: 95 PS, no engine speed given; 8,000 rpm according to KTM's 2023 790 Adventure press release) | 203 kg (without fuel, KTM France); about 200 kg without fuel according to the 2026 owner's manual |
| Yamaha Ténéré 7002026 | €11,299 | 73.4 hp | 208 kg (wet) |
| Honda XL750 Transalp2026 | €10,349 | 91.8 hp | 210 kg (kerb) |
| Suzuki V-Strom 800DE2026 | €11,299 | 84 hp | 230 kg (kerb, full tank) |
| Aprilia Tuareg 6602025 | €12,300 | 80 hp | 204 kg (kerb) |
Generations
Compare →- 790 Adventure2019 – 2020
799 cc · 95 hp · 89 Nm · 196 kg (without fuel)
KTM's first LC8c parallel-twin adventure bike, unveiled at EICMA 2018 and built in Austria: 799 cc engine derived from the 790 Duke, low-slung 20-litre wraparound tank, 21/18-inch wheels, non-adjustable 43 mm WP fork, A2 version offered.
- 890 Adventure2021 – 2024
889 cc · 105 hp · 100 Nm · 200 kg (without fuel)
Replaced the 790 in Europe: engine enlarged to 889 cc and Euro 5 compliant, crankshaft with 20% more inertia, knock sensor; facelifted in 2023 (450 Rally-inspired front end, adjustable fork), then replaced by the 790 Adventure in 2025.
Compare with this generation → - 790 Adventure (fabriquée par CFMOTO)2023 – 2024
799 cc · 95 hp · 87 Nm · 203 kg (without fuel)
The 790 returns, designed in Mattighofen, built by CFMOTO in China and sold alongside the 890 Adventure: Euro 5, 20% more rotating mass, reworked throttle bodies, knock sensor, new front end and taller screen, 5-inch TFT, Pirelli Scorpion STR tyres; non-adjustable fork.
- 790 Adventure (suspensions réglables)2025 – today
799 cc · 95 hp · 87 Nm · 203 kg (without fuel)
Open-cartridge WP APEX fork adjustable for compression and rebound and WP APEX shock adjustable for preload and rebound, taken from the 890 Adventure, two new colours; replaces the 890 Adventure. The 2026 model year carries over the 2025.
| Generation | Displacement | Power | Torque | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 790 Adventure2019 – 2020 KTM's first LC8c parallel-twin adventure bike, unveiled at EICMA 2018 and built in Austria: 799 cc engine derived from the 790 Duke, low-slung 20-litre wraparound tank, 21/18-inch wheels, non-adjustable 43 mm WP fork, A2 version offered. | 799 cc | 95 hp | 89 Nm | 196 kg without fuel |
| 890 Adventure2021 – 2024 Replaced the 790 in Europe: engine enlarged to 889 cc and Euro 5 compliant, crankshaft with 20% more inertia, knock sensor; facelifted in 2023 (450 Rally-inspired front end, adjustable fork), then replaced by the 790 Adventure in 2025. Compare with this generation → | 889 cc | 105 hp | 100 Nm | 200 kg without fuel |
| 790 Adventure (fabriquée par CFMOTO)2023 – 2024 The 790 returns, designed in Mattighofen, built by CFMOTO in China and sold alongside the 890 Adventure: Euro 5, 20% more rotating mass, reworked throttle bodies, knock sensor, new front end and taller screen, 5-inch TFT, Pirelli Scorpion STR tyres; non-adjustable fork. | 799 cc | 95 hp | 87 Nm | 203 kg without fuel |
| 790 Adventure (suspensions réglables)2025 – today Open-cartridge WP APEX fork adjustable for compression and rebound and WP APEX shock adjustable for preload and rebound, taken from the 890 Adventure, two new colours; replaces the 890 Adventure. The 2026 model year carries over the 2025. | 799 cc | 95 hp | 87 Nm | 203 kg without fuel |
Manufacturer figures (otherwise specialist press). Weighing conditions differ between generations: compare weights with care.
Available colors
Manufacturer recalls
No known recalls for this model.