
Ktm 790 Adventure Review
"The best mid-size ADV money can buy used, caveat emptor."
Used Buyer Review
The 790 Adventure is KTM's sweet spot — light enough to toss around on dirt, capable enough to eat motorway miles without destroying your soul. That parallel twin punches hard from 3,000rpm and the chassis genuinely does what the marketing claims. For a mid-size ADV, nothing else in its class rides quite this sharp. Inspect the frame sliders and crash bungs carefully — these bikes attract optimistic riders who've tested the bodywork against gravity more than once. The LC8c engine is generally bulletproof past 20,000 miles if serviced correctly, but skipped valve checks will cost you. Check service history obsessively. The WP XPLOR suspension is excellent stock but adjusting it requires patience and a decent setup guide. Electronics package is surprisingly sophisticated for the money — cornering ABS and traction control modes actually work. Budget for a quality skid plate and handguards immediately if the previous owner was sensible enough to fit them already.
Pros
Cons
You want bulletproof reliability over riding dynamics
Similar Adventure Reviews
"The adventure benchmark that justifies every penny, used or new."
Tall touring riders wanting one bike only $11,000-$17,500
"The best big adventure triple money can buy used."
Long-distance tourers wanting genuine off-road credibility $10,000-$16,000
"The benchmark adventure bike, best bought used with patience."
Experienced riders wanting the ultimate adventure touring machine $16,000-$22,000
"The sensible used adventure bike that genuinely delivers on every promise."
Riders wanting reliable, versatile, fuss-free adventure touring $4,500-$8,500