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KTM unveils upgraded 790 Adventure for 2023

Production to be based in China and the Philippines

The engine has been re-tuned for better combustion and to meet Euro 5 standards. PHOTO FROM KTM

KTM’s middleweight 790 Adventure bike is one of the best in its class, but it was largely superseded in the US and Europe by the introduction of the more powerful 890 Adventure. The Philippine market, however, continued with the 790 as this was the bike that the local KTM Asia Motorcycle Manufacturing Inc. (KAMMI) plant had the tooling for.

For next year, however, KTM wants to maximize its investment in the 790 platforms by scaling up its production through a partnership with CFMoto. Redesigned in Mattighofen, Austria, the 2023 model continues with the 95hp, LC8c parallel-twin motor that has been retuned to meet Euro 5 emissions targets.

You'll need to pay extra to unlock all the rider modes after the free 'demo' period. PHOTO FROM KTM

It also uses reworked throttle bodies for cleaner and more efficient combustion, a new ‘knock control’ sensor to enable a higher tolerance for low-octane fuel, and a 20% increase in rotating mass for reduced vibration.

The optional Quickshifter+ system enables faster shifting, while a reworked exhaust system with a new catalytic converter and pre-muffler design promises an even better “machine gun” soundtrack. It will still come with lengthy 15,000km service intervals.

The clutch has also been redesigned with new friction plates, while the engine breathes better with a new airbox. A new 6D Inertia Management Unit similar to the one fitted to the 890 Adventure and the 1290 Super Adventure is used to manage the Cornering Motorcycle Traction Control, the ABS, the traction control, and the Ride Modes.

Paywall/Free Trial marketing has found its way into the bike, unfortunately. Brand-new bikes will have a Demo function with all optional riding extras functioning until the first 1,500km, after which customers may opt to pay for the settings they’d like to keep, or else the bike will deactivate these aids.

The integrated fairing is designed to be tough and able to take on aftermarket mounts. PHOTO FROM KTM

The bike uses a 43mm WP Apex suspension fork with 200mm of travel, with a similar allotment for the preload-adjustable rear shock. The chromoly frame continues to use the engine as a stressed member.

The bike does away with the old beak in favor of a front mask, and now wears an integrated fairing. The latter is bolstered for additional mounts and other GPS devices.

The windscreen is higher and larger for more wind protection, while the five-inch TFT dash reacts to ambient lighting and features a redesigned menu with new infographics for faster and easier customization. The 20L tank potentially offers a little over 400km of range.

KTM says the 2023 model will sound better than ever. PHOTO FROM KTM

While CFMoto will be handling the production of US- and Europe-bound 790 Adventures, Philippine- and SEA-market customers will be pleased to know that the bike will still be assembled here. According to Maynard Marcelo, community development manager for KTM Philippines: “All the parts and components of our middleweight bikes come from Austria. We have no arrangements with CFMoto whatsoever with regard to sourcing parts or any other components. The arrangement between KTM AG, our parent company, and CFMoto is separate.”



Andy Leuterio

Andy is both an avid cyclist and a car enthusiast who has finally made the shift to motorcycles. You've probably seen him on his bicycle or motorbike overtaking your crawling car. He is our motorcycle editor and the author of the ‘Quickshift’ column.



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