Lots of people ride bikes to feel more alive having an exciting experience. KTM delivers, where other more reliable bikes will be with you a long time, but bore you to death.
Im looking at the 790 or a vstrome 800re for more road usage. Its a very hard decision to make. The ktm feels more fun to ride while the suzuki is refined.
Thanks for the great review. So if you were going to do 100% asphalt with the 790, would you still choose it over the Transalp and Vstrom 800? I'm stuck between the 3, so your thoughts much appreciated. Thanks.
790 is probably the most sporty bike among these. The V Strom the most comfortable. Transalp in between. I'd pick - well I picked - the KTM because I love the kind of hooligan-character it has.
@@erkutgurun Congrats! Hope you enjoy it. I got mine last weekend. Unfortunately weather is getting cold and rainy now here in Germany. So can't really ride. :(
Nice review, I love to see these wheelies and jumps on that bike, it's my dream jajaja. I own one of these bikes from three months ago and I love it, obviously it's not perfect, I agree about the poor engine breaking, but developing the trail braking it becomes just a little issue, not the end of the world as you say, but it was new for me, so take care about that if you buy it. I did the first 1000 km with rainy weather in just two days and the rain mode worked perfectly, also I rode it hard on highways and watched through the hole as well, great moment. In offroad, very important for me because the road we have, it gives you a lot of confidence. Greetings from Chilean Patagonia. Visit us.
I'm so confused! I've been going back and forth with different bikes... And just found out the 790 Adventure is back! I was so disappointed when they stopped production. Maybe my all-time favorite bike was my highly modded Suzuki DR650 'Adventure' bike. I wanted a modern version of it and thought the KTM 790 would be it. The KTM is MAYBE 10lbs heavier and superior in every other way. My DR just needed about 10 more HP to make going up mountain roads fully packed a bit faster. With 95HP, I'll be surprised if I use half that. Basic maintenance (filters/oil) looks quite easy. And at $10,999 in the U.S.... That's REALLY darn nice.... You should do KTM's product photography. The bike looks SO MUCH sportier in your video! People are concerned about this bike being made in China.... You get what you pay for anywhere. So if you are paying people good money, you get good quality. KTM is not going to have their bikes made to horrible quality. Doesn't Triumph has most of their bikes (about 71%) built in Thailand. And if anything, I would think that would be worse than China. Is there any quality issues? None. Royal Enfield is made in India. Quality issues? None. The Yamaha Ténéré 700 is an option at about the same price. I just think this would be a more polished and fun bike to ride in different conditions. Thanks for the super review!
I'd rate the stall resistance from my experience with it. Even with adjustment i don't quite get on with the big chunky clutch lever for one finger feathering, but otherwise I think the extra 20% rotational mass makes a difference. It also has a nice wide 2nd gear range, so it's not prone to chug or run out of puff without need to shift up and down.
Those levers are horrible. Rode an 890, much preferred my 950 Adv. I said the the salesman...it's like a pair of HiTech walking shoes off the shelf in Millets, but the 950 is like a pair of hand-made Hoggs. Nothing wrong with the HiTechs, but not in the same class
Hello from South Africa. I’m seriously considering upgrading from my G310 to a 790 R (2020 as that fits in my budget) what is your experience with maintenance and reliability? Thank you.
You say previous 790 lacked stall resistance, but is that really a thing or is really lack of fine clutch control? With very good clutch control you can hold throttle above stall point without having the increased RPM's translate into increased wheel speed or loss of traction. Just a thought. There is no benefits of going easy on the clutch in tough riding conditions or technical sections. Just abouse the clutch and service and replace when needed and you will have much more control, better grip and an overall better time riding ADV bikes in places they aren't really performing on par with Enduro bikes or dirt bikes.
Generally speaking, its much easier to ride a bike in trickier or slower terrain that doesn't stall easily. Of course, you can adjust your riding style to match, but its still an issue. The 890 adventure R was much better than the old 790, but unfortunately, didn't get the chance to test it much on this new 790 adventure. Thanks, Aaron KNOX
Great video, I was going for the 890 but now I’m having second thoughts for the 790, 10990 against 14800 euro and the mirrors on the 790 look nicer 😃. Is the only difference a bit more power an adjustable front forks? Can I get the 790 and still enjoy it as much as the other? Thanks Marco from Italy
Thanks! Great question! I think the 890 adventure R would be a bit more capable if you are planning to jump it and go on harder terrain as it has a better suspension... but that being said, I think the 790 is more confidence inspiring as it is lower to the ground and just felt very easy to manage for a bike adventure bike... but the price difference is pretty big isnt it, I am sure you could have a great time on both! Aaron KNOX
Really interesting review my dad an I have been looking for two new adv bikes for our trip to Norway / Nordkapp / Iceland after a house move up to Scotland providing everything goes ok as possible with an prostate MRI an the results he has from that that's being done in an hour or two been watching vid's to take our mind off it. I think Adam at motology really nailed it with his 890R review that it's not just experienced riders that benefit from high quality suspension but beginners to miss read that terrain or a washout or line an the better suspension will get you through it without bottoming or knocking a foot of the footrest. That's something I wish the Japanese bikes would really improve on. It's what makes me hesitant about the T7 and some of the others the 300 Rally suspension was comically bad when I'd bought that which looking back put me off green laning to be honest. We are quite split between the 890R/Norden 901 or T7. With a bit more research so far we love the low COG of the KTM's but naturally the reliability is one concern with the cam issues people have had, an immobiliser faults. We had 2x 390s in the past which ended up rejected with issues for full refunds. The insurance was also better for me on the 890R/Norden an T7 than the new 790 hardly anyone was quoting on that an it was considerably more something to check out if you are looking at one. It'd be interesting to see cost of ownership mentioned to first service, valve service cost and stuff like pannels etc. Keep up the brilliant work on the channel. Really love the honesty in the reviews im more likley to go out an spend money on a bike after hearing the pros n cons rather than just one sided pros great review.
So I sold my drz 400 s and I'm picking up this bike. I love to ride off road and will be pushing this bike. Is this a bad idea for a guy that will ride it like Chris Birch ? Just not to his level lol
14:30 No engine breaking.. might control the previous stalling issues ... Unless reliability makes it a turd, it's a well priced, capable modern bike 😁
Just bought one. My new motorcycle buying experience was not great. The guy going over the bike before I rode off didnt seem to know much about it. When I left on the bike I then notice the tank was totally empty. Had a thimble about of gas. So had to fill up first thing. Then while riding home I noticed the clutch cable so dam loose. The lever pulled in was hitting the switch gear housing which was also loose and out of position. Not the end of the world, but DAMN.👎 fixed it up when I got hm.
The weight is less than 215kg fully fuelled. They've been weighed. Shame you didn't test the stall resistance. The original 790 was poor at that, even the 890 (I have one) is pretty rubbish low down. It really needs a shorter internal 1st gear from the factory, and taller 6th gear to reduce buzz on the motorway. Now one the subject of Knox, it's about time they released some gear suitable for ADV riding and just the British summer.
Really great video! For 2024 KTM is pulling the 890 ADV (non-R) from the US market, and replacing it with the 790, although it’s puzzling that KTM would downgrade the suspension from what was on the 890 S. I’m a torn between the 790 and the Tuareg 660 for my next bike. Regarding the 790, my thought is that a $2000 investment can probably bring the suspension up to at least the level of the 890 S, although that would bring the 790 cost to about $1000 less than what I’m seeing 890 R’s going for now in the US. Too many things to consider! As for the “China issue”, last time I checked most iphones are being assembled in China, and I’m old enough to remember when Japanese trail bikes first started coming to the US in large numbers and they were viewed as inferior in quality to European bikes, and we know how that turned out. Enjoyed your video.!
@@julianmarin8512 good point. But then the bike is only $1,500 cheaper than a new, discounted 2023 890R on local dealer floors. That, along with questions about 790/890 reliability and quality control, made the decision a bit easier for me, and I bought the Aprilia 660.
Nice video and presentation... But for me in an off-road bike, especially an ADV meant for distance riding, reliability is vitally important. As "real owner", someone that will be riding and maintaining the bike for years, without a team of KTM techs in a van ready to meet the bike's needs, how it holds up season after season is also a major concern. KTM and China, are not known for short or long term reliability in their products. The combo in this 790 gives me no confidence...
@@Okke-j2n Your English is awful, I can barely understand what you are trying to say. My advice, if you are going to make a counter point, do it to someone that understands your language. More importantly, stick to reading comments in your own language, so you understand what a person is actually saying....Which will save you time form making negative, nonsensical comments.
Inteligent engaging exciting review if you want a off road adventure this is the way forward in this class (size) if your on road mainly then you need something else ✊🏁
You guys can’t expect to get any issues with brand new bikes closely prepped and taken care of by the KTM tech team… I suspect these 2nd gen ‘Chinesium’ made bikes will be superior to the first gen made in Austria which were horrifically plagued. They are just fantastic when they do work! T7 Extreme version is good enough for me but the Standard one is just fine as well 🍻🍻
The reason people get hot under the collar is they want the manufacturing of KTM to be in its home country. The reason for this is multifaceted: 1. It provides jobs for Austrians. 2.Customers perceive tighter quality control when manufactures factories are in their home country. 3. It provides tax revenues to the community where the motorcycles are manufactured. 4. It is better for the environment to manufacture in Austria, as China is a major polluter.
Chinese need jobs too. KTM has no observable quality control. VAT is 20% even on the 790 - what are they doing with it? The Chinese are leaders in green tech and implementation. Most of the EUs green tech comes by way of China. Didn't Germany just recommision their coal burning electric generation?
Wow, an overpriced, Chinese made KTM? Gee, what could go wrong? Try getting back to us after 10k miles on that thing. I mean really, the Euro made KTMs have a reputation for reliability, just not a good one.
Great review....cheers!
La 790 y 890 son las mejores motos actualmente, lo hacen todo bien.
Gran revisión y buen pilotaje!!
KTM 790 adventure looks beautiful ❤️. Videography is also amazing 🤩
Thanks! Aaron KNOX
I’ve just bought a 2020 and only intend to use it on road. Great bike, reasonable comfort, tons of power and shed loads of fun.
Me too same bike that you have and I like it.
DREAM BIKE
Nice video and very nice 790 Adventure 😉👍💪 thank you master 🏆🖐 greetings!
Lots of people ride bikes to feel more alive having an exciting experience. KTM delivers, where other more reliable bikes will be with you a long time, but bore you to death.
Nice review, spot on 👌
Im looking at the 790 or a vstrome 800re for more road usage. Its a very hard decision to make. The ktm feels more fun to ride while the suzuki is refined.
Thanks for the great review. So if you were going to do 100% asphalt with the 790, would you still choose it over the Transalp and Vstrom 800? I'm stuck between the 3, so your thoughts much appreciated. Thanks.
790 is probably the most sporty bike among these. The V Strom the most comfortable. Transalp in between. I'd pick - well I picked - the KTM because I love the kind of hooligan-character it has.
@@nairamize4996 you’re absolutely right. I just bought a 790 yesterday. And I’m absolutely loving it!
@@erkutgurun Congrats! Hope you enjoy it. I got mine last weekend. Unfortunately weather is getting cold and rainy now here in Germany. So can't really ride. :(
Nice review, I love to see these wheelies and jumps on that bike, it's my dream jajaja. I own one of these bikes from three months ago and I love it, obviously it's not perfect, I agree about the poor engine breaking, but developing the trail braking it becomes just a little issue, not the end of the world as you say, but it was new for me, so take care about that if you buy it. I did the first 1000 km with rainy weather in just two days and the rain mode worked perfectly, also I rode it hard on highways and watched through the hole as well, great moment. In offroad, very important for me because the road we have, it gives you a lot of confidence. Greetings from Chilean Patagonia. Visit us.
Agree!
Nice comprehensive review. Mustard
Glad you liked it!
The camera at the studio is not well aligned with the 5 lamps at the back. 😅
I'm so confused! I've been going back and forth with different bikes... And just found out the 790 Adventure is back! I was so disappointed when they stopped production. Maybe my all-time favorite bike was my highly modded Suzuki DR650 'Adventure' bike. I wanted a modern version of it and thought the KTM 790 would be it. The KTM is MAYBE 10lbs heavier and superior in every other way. My DR just needed about 10 more HP to make going up mountain roads fully packed a bit faster. With 95HP, I'll be surprised if I use half that. Basic maintenance (filters/oil) looks quite easy. And at $10,999 in the U.S.... That's REALLY darn nice.... You should do KTM's product photography. The bike looks SO MUCH sportier in your video!
People are concerned about this bike being made in China.... You get what you pay for anywhere. So if you are paying people good money, you get good quality. KTM is not going to have their bikes made to horrible quality. Doesn't Triumph has most of their bikes (about 71%) built in Thailand. And if anything, I would think that would be worse than China. Is there any quality issues? None. Royal Enfield is made in India. Quality issues? None.
The Yamaha Ténéré 700 is an option at about the same price. I just think this would be a more polished and fun bike to ride in different conditions. Thanks for the super review!
Top notch review Aaron 👌
Hello. I understand that this bike has almost no engine braking at throttle down? Is it not possible to adjust this parameter in the settings menu?
Not possible unfortunately.
Excellent refiew!
Very tempted, but now thinking to just get a used 901. Hmmm.
I love kTm😁.
I'd rate the stall resistance from my experience with it. Even with adjustment i don't quite get on with the big chunky clutch lever for one finger feathering, but otherwise I think the extra 20% rotational mass makes a difference. It also has a nice wide 2nd gear range, so it's not prone to chug or run out of puff without need to shift up and down.
Those levers are horrible. Rode an 890, much preferred my 950 Adv.
I said the the salesman...it's like a pair of HiTech walking shoes off the shelf in Millets, but the 950 is like a pair of hand-made Hoggs.
Nothing wrong with the HiTechs, but not in the same class
Hello from South Africa.
I’m seriously considering upgrading from my G310 to a 790 R (2020 as that fits in my budget) what is your experience with maintenance and reliability? Thank you.
love TFT dashboard
You say previous 790 lacked stall resistance, but is that really a thing or is really lack of fine clutch control? With very good clutch control you can hold throttle above stall point without having the increased RPM's translate into increased wheel speed or loss of traction. Just a thought. There is no benefits of going easy on the clutch in tough riding conditions or technical sections. Just abouse the clutch and service and replace when needed and you will have much more control, better grip and an overall better time riding ADV bikes in places they aren't really performing on par with Enduro bikes or dirt bikes.
Generally speaking, its much easier to ride a bike in trickier or slower terrain that doesn't stall easily. Of course, you can adjust your riding style to match, but its still an issue. The 890 adventure R was much better than the old 790, but unfortunately, didn't get the chance to test it much on this new 790 adventure. Thanks, Aaron KNOX
Labi runāji
Great video, I was going for the 890 but now I’m having second thoughts for the 790, 10990 against 14800 euro and the mirrors on the 790 look nicer 😃. Is the only difference a bit more power an adjustable front forks?
Can I get the 790 and still enjoy it as much as the other? Thanks Marco from Italy
Thanks! Great question! I think the 890 adventure R would be a bit more capable if you are planning to jump it and go on harder terrain as it has a better suspension... but that being said, I think the 790 is more confidence inspiring as it is lower to the ground and just felt very easy to manage for a bike adventure bike... but the price difference is pretty big isnt it, I am sure you could have a great time on both! Aaron KNOX
@@KnoxArmourbetter warranty also✌️
The engine break missing that you're talking about you can get it with the 890 I guess. Thanks for the video
Same issue on the 890.. Thanks, Aaron KNOX
I always appreciate your reviews guys thank you. I’m in Australia & I have to ask…is it ever not raining where you guys are?! 😅
Nope, but love riding in mud, you always get a soft landing 😂
Haha, yes it has rained almost constantly on every bike test we've done recently! Aaron KNOX
i love this bike
Really interesting review my dad an I have been looking for two new adv bikes for our trip to Norway / Nordkapp / Iceland after a house move up to Scotland providing everything goes ok as possible with an prostate MRI an the results he has from that that's being done in an hour or two been watching vid's to take our mind off it.
I think Adam at motology really nailed it with his 890R review that it's not just experienced riders that benefit from high quality suspension but beginners to miss read that terrain or a washout or line an the better suspension will get you through it without bottoming or knocking a foot of the footrest.
That's something I wish the Japanese bikes would really improve on. It's what makes me hesitant about the T7 and some of the others the 300 Rally suspension was comically bad when I'd bought that which looking back put me off green laning to be honest.
We are quite split between the 890R/Norden 901 or T7. With a bit more research so far we love the low COG of the KTM's but naturally the reliability is one concern with the cam issues people have had, an immobiliser faults. We had 2x 390s in the past which ended up rejected with issues for full refunds.
The insurance was also better for me on the 890R/Norden an T7 than the new 790 hardly anyone was quoting on that an it was considerably more something to check out if you are looking at one.
It'd be interesting to see cost of ownership mentioned to first service, valve service cost and stuff like pannels etc.
Keep up the brilliant work on the channel. Really love the honesty in the reviews im more likley to go out an spend money on a bike after hearing the pros n cons rather than just one sided pros great review.
So I sold my drz 400 s and I'm picking up this bike. I love to ride off road and will be pushing this bike. Is this a bad idea for a guy that will ride it like Chris Birch ? Just not to his level lol
Loving the 'tache! Time for a Harley? 😂
are the wheels/tires tubeless ?
yes
14:30 No engine breaking.. might control the previous stalling issues ... Unless reliability makes it a turd, it's a well priced, capable modern bike 😁
Just bought one. My new motorcycle buying experience was not great. The guy going over the bike before I rode off didnt seem to know much about it. When I left on the bike I then notice the tank was totally empty. Had a thimble about of gas. So had to fill up first thing. Then while riding home I noticed the clutch cable so dam loose. The lever pulled in was hitting the switch gear housing which was also loose and out of position. Not the end of the world, but DAMN.👎 fixed it up when I got hm.
The weight is less than 215kg fully fuelled. They've been weighed. Shame you didn't test the stall resistance. The original 790 was poor at that, even the 890 (I have one) is pretty rubbish low down. It really needs a shorter internal 1st gear from the factory, and taller 6th gear to reduce buzz on the motorway. Now one the subject of Knox, it's about time they released some gear suitable for ADV riding and just the British summer.
Thanks! Watch this space... Aaron KNOX
Really great video! For 2024 KTM is pulling the 890 ADV (non-R) from the US market, and replacing it with the 790, although it’s puzzling that KTM would downgrade the suspension from what was on the 890 S. I’m a torn between the 790 and the Tuareg 660 for my next bike. Regarding the 790, my thought is that a $2000 investment can probably bring the suspension up to at least the level of the 890 S, although that would bring the 790 cost to about $1000 less than what I’m seeing 890 R’s going for now in the US. Too many things to consider! As for the “China issue”, last time I checked most iphones are being assembled in China, and I’m old enough to remember when Japanese trail bikes first started coming to the US in large numbers and they were viewed as inferior in quality to European bikes, and we know how that turned out. Enjoyed your video.!
Many thanks... decisions, decisions... Aaron KNOX
Hello! You can get andreani kit for the front and Ohlins back for like 1800 bucks on the 790 and you have a low bike with great suspensions
@@julianmarin8512 good point. But then the bike is only $1,500 cheaper than a new, discounted 2023 890R on local dealer floors. That, along with questions about 790/890 reliability and quality control, made the decision a bit easier for me, and I bought the Aprilia 660.
Nice video and presentation... But for me in an off-road bike, especially an ADV meant for distance riding, reliability is vitally important. As "real owner", someone that will be riding and maintaining the bike for years, without a team of KTM techs in a van ready to meet the bike's needs, how it holds up season after season is also a major concern. KTM and China, are not known for short or long term reliability in their products. The combo in this 790 gives me no confidence...
I think the KTM China combo will work as a synergy towards more quality control, and hence reliability. One would hope!
@@davidmallia628 I'd hope also, but I'm not going to buy one to find out.
I'm thinking about picking up an adventure bike this winter any recommendations like a top 3 or 5 you can think of? I'd like to do a 50/50 build.
@@JDeezle21 ... If I buy a new ADV it'll likely be the Suzuki V-Strom 800DE, if I go used I'll go for a 17-18 Honda Africa Twin.
@@Okke-j2n Your English is awful, I can barely understand what you are trying to say. My advice, if you are going to make a counter point, do it to someone that understands your language. More importantly, stick to reading comments in your own language, so you understand what a person is actually saying....Which will save you time form making negative, nonsensical comments.
i wonder why they have no engine braking adjustment in the CPU - so much tech for users but this has been left out, hmmm bit of a mind boggler
Insurance quote 232? So London makes a 17x difference I guess with 4k quotes. Astonishing.
Inteligent engaging exciting review if you want a off road adventure this is the way forward in this class (size) if your on road mainly then you need something else ✊🏁
Many thanks, appreciate it! Aaron KNOX
Any issues on the cam shaft?
Aye,he did 20.000 f/miles that afternoon...f/twat comment
Reliability was a big issue on previous models.
China's not about build quality, more about the human rights / political reservations people have
You guys can’t expect to get any issues with brand new bikes closely prepped and taken care of by the KTM tech team…
I suspect these 2nd gen ‘Chinesium’ made bikes will be superior to the first gen made in Austria which were horrifically plagued.
They are just fantastic when they do work!
T7 Extreme version is good enough for me but the Standard one is just fine as well 🍻🍻
The reason people get hot under the collar is they want the manufacturing of KTM to be in its home country. The reason for this is multifaceted:
1. It provides jobs for Austrians.
2.Customers perceive tighter quality control when manufactures factories are in their home country.
3. It provides tax revenues to the community where the motorcycles are manufactured.
4. It is better for the environment to manufacture in Austria, as China is a major polluter.
I think Chinese workers are more disciplined towards quality control at the CFmoto plant. European work ethic is on the decline.
Except the original 790 and 890s had abysmal quality control. I'm willing to bet the 790 built in China is going to be better.
Chinese need jobs too.
KTM has no observable quality control.
VAT is 20% even on the 790 - what are they doing with it?
The Chinese are leaders in green tech and implementation. Most of the EUs green tech comes by way of China. Didn't Germany just recommision their coal burning electric generation?
You ride like someone who will be telling us about your most recent injury soon.
Haha, hard to properly test bikes without pushing a bit. You don't learn much about them by just tickling the throttle... Thanks, Aaron KNOX
Wow, an overpriced, Chinese made KTM? Gee, what could go wrong? Try getting back to us after 10k miles on that thing. I mean really, the Euro made KTMs have a reputation for reliability, just not a good one.