IF YOU'VE had a ride on the current KTM 790 Duke, you'll know what a corking little bike it is, with a 95bhp engine that is just insane.
And now, the firm has released the final details on the Adventure version of the 790. Now it's not much of a surprise - they've been showing off a prototype version for a few years now. But it looks like a very serious piece of offroad-biased adventure-touring work.
There are two versions - the base Adventure (above) and the more exotic Adventure R (below), with longer travel suspension, Karoo 3 dirt tyres and different bodywork.
What's surprising is how similar the two versions are - they share the same 21' front wheel, the engine tune is the same, fuel capacity is at 20 litres for both, and brakes are also the same. The big difference is in the suspension - the R gets 240mm-travel 48mm WP XPLOR front forks, compared with the 43mm chaps on the base bike. The rear shock is also different. Both weigh a claimed 189kg dry and make 95bhp@8,000rpm.
Away from the engine and chassis, the base bike has a normal close-fitting front mudguard, while the R has a big old beaky chap. A bit of a coup for Avon tyres as well - the British firm is supplying the Trailrider rubber for the Adventure, with Metzelers on the R.
KTM's obviously thrown the electronic sink at the Adventures too - there's a big old colour TFT dashboard, smartphone integration, optional cruise control, multi-adjustable traction control, cornering ABS - you know the score.
It looks like BMW's F850 GS Adventure isn't going to be getting things all its own way this year... We can't wait to have a spin on this beastie!
