EICMA 2017: KTM 790 Adventure – the mud-caked prototype

While we waited with bated breaths to see the 390 Adventure, KTM unveiled the 790 Adventure prototype at the EICMA Show in Italy, earlier today. Adding to our disappointment is the fact that it is very unlikely that the production model will end up on our shores anytime soon.

The 790 Adventure prototype is based on the new parallel twin platform, which is also used in the 790 Duke. The styling draws inspiration from the bigger adventure bikes, and features all the rugged cues like a tall riding stance, long travel suspension, bash plates and spoke wheels. The LCD instrument console is mounted on a Dakar bike-style tower. It rides on 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels shod with off-road tyres. 

We can expect the engine to be offered in the same state of tune as the 790 Duke – 103bhp and 86Nm of torque. Considering that the 790 Duke weighs just 169 kilograms, we can expect the 790 Adventure to be one helluva ride. And looking at the prototype, it seems someone did have a good time hooning the bike through some mud tracks before it was hauled onto the stage. While the 790 Duke will go on sale in the next few weeks, it will be a year before the 790 Adventure will be ready for the production lines.