Call it the “second coming” of the KTM 790 Adventure. With the launch of the platform in 2019, the Austrian manufacturer raised the bar for performance adventure bikes in the midweight segment until being discontinued a couple of years later. Now, not long after news of an updated 890 Adventure made headlines, KTM has announced they are bringing back a reworked KTM 790 Adventure to their lineup for 2023.  

According to KTM, the new 790 Adventure was re-designed in Austria but the actual production run will be carried out in China by their long-time partner CFMoto under the highest standards. In fact, the Austrian manufacturer states that “the process will be supervised by KTM staff on the ground at CFMoto’s first-class facilities.”

For its comeback the 790 Adventure receives bodywork changes similar to those of the 2023 890 Adventure, including a new front mask between the head of the bike and the fuel tank which gives way to an integrated fairing. The section not only offers better protection from the elements but it is tougher and bolstered for the addition of mounts and other GPS devices if necessary. 

Although the 2023 KTM 790 Adventure still pumps out 95 hp and 65 ft-lbs of torque, the 790cc parallel-twin has been improved to meet EURO5 standards. Reworked throttle bodies bring a cleaner and more efficient connection due to the enhanced combustion, and the ‘knock control’ sensor affords a higher state of ignition and better capacity for low octane fuel; a reassuring characteristic for the different qualities of gasoline found while traveling. 

The bike also delivers a smoother ride thanks to a 20% increase in crankshaft weight; an alteration that KTM says hasn’t compromised the agility of the motorcycle. A reconfigured optional Quickshifter+ enables faster shifting; all of which can be heard through the very latest exhaust system with a 2023 catalytic converter and pre-muffler. The 15,000 km service intervals remain unchanged.

KTM has also reworked the Power Assist Slipper Clutch with new friction plates and the engine breathes freer with a new airbox. The 2023 790 Adventure also receives the latest 6D sensor, otherwise known as the Inertia Management Unit, that can be found on larger KTM siblings like the KTM 890 Adventure and KTM 1290 Super Adventure models. This sophisticated device informs the Cornering Motorcycle Traction Control and other aspects such as ABS, Motor Slip Regulation and the administration of Ride Modes.

The suspension for the new 790 has also been revised with optimized settings. Upfront, the bike is equipped with a 2023 spec 43 mm WP APEX Suspension fork offering 7.9 inches (200 mm) of travel with the same allotment for the shock, which has preload adjustability. The construction of the CroMo frame, in which the engine is used as a stressed member, guarantees a robust and stiff constitution for pillion and load-carrying as well as clever positioning of the rear shock for a low seat height of 33 inches (840 mm).

For extra defense against hits and dents the front of the bike is equipped with a light aluminum engine protector fitted as standard. The plastics (injected molded with graphics for more resistance) have also been reshaped to guard the tank and seat against unwanted knocks.The bike also comes with more off-road oriented PIRELLI SCORPION STR tires. 

Other updates include a new larger, higher screen that provides more wind protection, full LED lights, a reworked 5” TFT reacting to ambient lighting and utilizing a redesigned menu system of new infographics for faster and easier customization. Syncing the KTMConnect App will now lead to even more beneficial navigational and travel options, such as profiling the ‘top ten’ calls and contacts and adjusting the parameters of turn-by-turn guidance on the go.

In terms of rider aids, the new 790 receives similar updates to its larger sibling: the KTM 890 Adventure. ABS programs now automatically switch between the Ride Modes, removing the need for more configuration. The new bike also comes with the ‘DEMO’ function which allows owners to try out the full slew of optional riding extras for the first 1,500 km before deciding which settings they’d like to purchase and keep.

The 2023 KTM 790 Adventure comes in two colorways and is expected to begin shipping during the month of April 2023. Although KTM North America has not formally announced the bike, the site is showing a new entry for the 790 Adventure. No pricing has been revealed yet but we’ll keep you posted once there is official word.

UPDATE: KTM North America has let us know that there are no current plans to bring the reworked model to the US even though it is showing on their website.

2023 KTM 790 Adventure Specs