2024 KTM 790 ADV - first ride

[UncleDave]

I believe the US version of the transalp is de-tuned. It makes 90HP in the rest of the world. Here in the USA it makes 83HP.

For me it was KTM > Suzuki > Honda > Tenere.

The Suzuki doesn’t really feel 507lbs heavy when riding it, But it definitely doesn’t have as balanced of a feel as the KTM.

I admittedly didn’t ride a transalp, but I didn’t like the low hanging sump, the tubed tires, and the lackluster electronics package. I really feel like Honda needs to add cruise, and some sort of belly protection as standard. They then should increase the price to match the others IMO. I suppose one could spend a grand on it a get all that aftermarket, but seems they could include most of it as standard.

For me I keep my bikes stock and ride so I don’t want to spend a bunch on them to customize. I may add heated grips to the KTM in the future as it can be controlled via the existing TFT which is nice.

I don’t think the KTM is 100% perfect or ideal, but it offers a heck of a good package for under $11k. I paid right at 10k plus $700 for a tech pack and I felt like it was a lot of bike for the money.

Ive yet to see the perfect motorcycle (which is why you need a bunch right! ) but I think today the KTM is the one to beat.

I havent seen much about the new BMW with the non german mill.

 

[donnyj08]

Ive yet to see the perfect motorcycle (which is why you need a bunch right! ) but I think today the KTM is the one to beat.

I havent seen much about the new BMW with the non german mill.

I looked at an F800GS. Sweet bike, but for $14k with similar options I couldn’t justify it.

What oil are you using in KTMs? Im not convinced Motorex 10w50 is worth $23 a QT…

 

[UncleDave]

I looked at an F800GS. Sweet bike, but for $14k with similar options I couldn’t justify it.

What oil are you using in KTMs? Im not convinced Motorex 10w50 is worth $23 a QT…

I dont have a KTM at the moment.

My motorcycle type devices currently are-

A Suzuki 1200 I run motul, AMSOIL, or Redline in.
Yamaha 700 quad, a Kaw 450 quad both use Yamalube.
A highly modded polaris RZR 1000 with an aftermarket turbo I run off the shelf mobil 1 in.
The quads and RZR are set up for sand duning.

I need another street bike so when friends visit I can host a ride. Well....thats the story I tell my wife.

 

[ZeeOSix]

I'm still looking at Dual-sport and lighter ADV bikes, as I want to explore more dirt roads and trails. I can't decide what to go with.

If price is no object ($13K +), this is big displacement, light weight and good suspension. Fuel capacity is only ~ 2 gallons. Since the bike is relatively light, don't know why Husqvarna didn't put a cherry on top and go with at least a 3 gallon tank.

 

[UncleDave]

If price is no object ($13K +), this is big displacement, light weight and good suspension. Fuel capacity is only ~ 2 gallons. Since the bike is relatively light, don't know why Husqvarna didn't put a cherry on top and go with at least a 3 gallon tank.

If I were 80/20 dirt, this would be awesome, but Im closer to 80/20 road.

 

[02SE]

If price is no object ($13K +), this is big displacement, light weight and good suspension. Fuel capacity is only ~ 2 gallons. Since the bike is relatively light, don't know why Husqvarna didn't put a cherry on top and go with at least a 3 gallon tank.

The small tank is an issue for the riding I'd like to do. I wonder if there are any aftermarket larger capacity tanks available?

 

[ZeeOSix]

The small tank is an issue for the riding I'd like to do. I wonder if there are any aftermarket larger capacity tanks available?

There are larger tanks out there for the 2020-2023 FE, so there'll be some for the 2024 I'm sure.

 

[We're Metals]

Yes, The honda dealer had one on the lot when I brought my suzuki in for service.
I gave it a casual round the block, and though it seemed like a really nice bike with upper middle end componentry.

I dint experience the top end " clipping" thats described on fort nine, Not sure if thats the euro or us version - but it seems to be a thing.

Dont like the tube tires, or the big sump bulge,
I also dont like that cruise is eliminated from a package that has all the hardware needed.

I also dont like KTM charging me extra for code, but good on them for at least allowing it.

I would really like the Honda, but Im pretty sure Id LOVE the KTM. For me it goes.

in the 700-800 class for me its KTM> Honda> Suzuki> Tenere

I cat get local service on a APrilia, ducati, or trumpet, but probably wouldnt get one if I could, but I know they are great machines.



View attachment 219840

For sure. The low sump and the lack of cruise certainly is a low spot. People have been cracking the CB500 pans for years and It would be nice if Honda would be better about at least including a stirdy skid plate.

 

[ZeeOSix]

I'm still looking at Dual-sport and lighter ADV bikes, as I want to explore more dirt roads and trails. I can't decide what to go with.

If you're still looking and want light weight with lots of power, look into the "GasGas" brand. They look like nice bikes, but pretty pricey. They have a 500cc and 700cc single cylinder dual sport. I think the 700 has around 70 HP and weighs in the mid 300 lbs range wet. The ES500 has a 9L gas tank and weighs 255 lbs dry, and is essentially a moto-x bike setup for dual-sport use and street legal.

https://www.gasgas.com/en-us/models/motorcycles.html

 

[donnyj08]

If you're still looking and want light weight with lots of power, look into the "GasGas" brand. They look like nice bikes, but pretty pricey. They have a 500cc and 700cc single cylinder dual sport. I think the 700 has around 70 HP and weighs in the mid 300 lbs range wet. The ES500 has a 9L gas tank and weighs 255 lbs dry, and is essentially a moto-x bike setup for dual-sport use and street legal.

https://www.gasgas.com/en-us/models/motorcycles.html

Same bike as the KTM 690. Sweet machine! If I rode mostly dirt I’d buy one or the 501/500EXC as well.

The 790 ADV is surprisingly good on a dirt path. I hit a few dirt trails on my trip west.

So Far 5 months later and I have 10k miles on the 790 ADV. It’s been awesome and reliable so far. Still sounds like a bucket of bolts idling but runs awesome! I might check the valves and Cams early this winter.

 

[We're Metals]

4,800 miles. Bald rear tire and a small crack in the lower gas tank. Appears just to be through the painted shell, doesn't vent fumes or leak anything but I just want the dealer to look at it.

 

[sw99]

Is this the one with the Chinese made engine?

 

[donnyj08]

Is this the one with the Chinese made engine?

Yes,

10,189 miles on it in 5 months. Runs awesome!

 

[sw99]

Putting it through the paces for sure