2025 KTM 790 Adventure gets upgraded with the 890 WP suspension – further reason to buy the cheaper 790 model or 2K more for the 890? We’re confused.

We’ll hold our hands up and confess we’re getting a little confused about the KTM Adventure 790 and 890 model range. The 890 Adventure Rally, sure, we got the high-spec, more off-road model parked and understood.

But why are there two middleweight adventure bikes with just 100cc capacity difference? KTM explain the 790 stands alongside the 890 Adventure R as a “more affordable, but extremely capable stablemate”, thanks, in part, to the 790 being manufactured in China.

Aren’t KTM competing with themselves (and partner brand in the Far East, CFMoto) with the same bikes? Aren’t most people just going to look at the retail prices and pick the cheapest one? Things get more confusing still (but only if you live in Argentina or Brazil) is you check out the 790 Adventure R.

Anyway, there are updates to the 790 Adventure and they should make it more attractive for 2025 because of the new and improved suspension always makes a better bike. It must be pointed out that the upgrade still isn’t a match for the 890 Adventure R, despite what KTM tell us. 

Read more about that here: First Look: 2025 KTM 890 Adventure R

The 2024 model, if you needed reminding, featured new throttle bodies for cleaner, more efficient fuelling and a ‘knock control’ sensor, an updated Power Assist Slipper Clutch, with new friction plates and a new airbox.

The Austrian manufacturer, which seems to be going through a very difficult financial time right now (as we write at the end of 2024 there are strong rumours about the production of bikes in the new year) has upgraded the 790 further to answer some customer feedback it seems. That means a suspension upgrade to new, adjustable 43mm WP APEX open cartridge front forks and WP APEX shock absorber. 

Take note though, open cartridg eis an improvement for sure but the suspension is not the same as the 890 Adventure R which has 48mm forks and runs the WP Xplor front and rear (more off-road oriented than the Apex kit). If seat height is important to you the 790 has 840/860mm (adjustable at the seat) and sits 233mm off the ground on 200mm of suspension travel. That compares to 880mm seat height, 263mm and 240mm of travel on the 890 R.

As well as new graphics, the suspension upgrade means each fork leg now having separate compression and rebound damping control via adjusters on the top cap of each fork leg. This allows for a more precise setup when riding two-up or more extreme offroad trails even while you ride.

The adjustable WP APEX shock absorber has 200mm travel with a rebound damping adjuster and a hand adjuster for the spring preload – again, making alterations easy in different riding situations.

2025 KTM 790 Adventure Highlights

• New orange and white colours across two models
• KTM 450 RALLY inspired bodywork and windscreen offer advanced aerodynamics and weather protection.
• Parallel-twin, 799 cc DOHC engine with dual balancer shafts, PASC slipper clutch, and Dell’Orto throttle bodies. with integrated knock sensor.
• 5” TFT display with USB connector, intuitive graphics, and Turn-by-Turn + navigation (KTMconnect app needed).
• New adjustable WP APEX 43 mm front forks for more precise set-up in a range of riding conditions.  
• New WP APEX rear shock with adjustable rebound damping and hand-adjustable preload.
• Spoked 21” front and 18” rear wheels with anodized hubs and Pirelli Scorpion STR tires.    
• Large aluminium engine guard mounted to the low-slung 20-liter / 5.3-gallon fuel tank.
• ABS system with 9.3 MP modulator links Offroad ABS Mode to Offroad ride mode.   
• Rider aids include Street, Offroad, Rain and optional Rally ride modes and Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC). Optional features include Motor Slip Regulation (MSR), Quickshifter+ for clutchless up and down shifts, heated grips, heated seat and cruise control. 
• Demo Mode allows sampling of the full electronic rider aids suite for the first 1,500 km.
• LED headlight, brake light, and turn indicators.    

KTM 790 Adventure 20925 specifications

Engine Type: Parallel twin, four-Stroke, DOHC

Displacement: 799 cc

Bore/Stroke: 88 / 65.7 mm

Starter: Electric; 12V 10Ah

Transmission: 6 Gears

Fuel System: DKK Dell’Orto, 46 mm Throttle Body

Lubrication: Pressure Lubrication with Two Oil Pumps

Cooling: Liquid Cooling with Water/Oil Heat Exchanger

Clutch: PASC (Power Assisted Slipper Clutch), Cable Operated

Ignition: Bosch EMS with Ride-By-Wire

Frame: CroMoly Tubular Steel, Engine as Stressed Member

Subframe: CroMoly Steel Trellis 

Handlebar:  Aluminum, Tapered, Ø 26/22 mm

Front Suspension: WP APEX USD Ø 43 mm

Rear Suspension: WP APEX Monoshock

Suspension Travel Front/Rear: 200/200 mm; 7.9/7.9 in

Front/Rear Brakes: Disc Brake 320 mm / 260 mm

Front/Rear Wheels: 2.50 x 21”, 4.50 x 18” 

Front/Rear Tires: 90/90-21”; 150/70-18”

Steering Head Angle: 25.9º

Wheelbase: 1,509 mm ± 15 mm / 59.4 ± 0.6 in

Ground Clearance: 233 mm / 9.2 in

Seat Height: 860 / 840 mm; 33.8 / 33 in

Tank Capacity: 20 l / 5.3 gal

Weight without fuel, Approx: 203 kg / 447.5 lb

The new KTM 790 Adventure will be available at authorised KTM dealers in March of 2025. Prices not yet known.

More information: www.ktm.com