Red Bull KTM
Ready To Race Qatar MotoGP season opener
More has changed than most for the France based Tech3 Racing Team as we head towards MotoGP season 2019.
After many years on Yamaha machinery and much success, twice coming third in the Team’s Championship, and Andrea Dovizioso finishing fourth in the 2012 MotoGP World Championship on a Tech3 Yamaha, Hervé Poncharal’s Tech3 squad have become the first satellite squad supported by KTM in the MotoGP World Championship.
KTM will have four entries in MotoGP for season 2019 as Tech3 runs a new satellite KTM effort
The transition to the Austrian machinery has no doubt raised many challenges for the entire team, but they are determined to meet those challenges head on, as Team Manager Hervé Poncharal explains.
Hervé Poncharal – Red Bull KTM Team Manager
“Finally, we are in Qatar and the 2019 MotoGP season is going to start. A new season beginning is always something very exciting, but clearly for the Red Bull KTM Tech3 team this year is even more thrilling than the previous because we are opening a new chapter, we will commence a new adventure, we have a new motorcycle manufacturer working with us with KTM, a new title sponsor with Red Bull and a new oil partner with Elf, so it seems we are almost starting from scratch. Of course, we were working really hard during off-season in Spain, Malaysia and Qatar, but we are also very eager and impatient to see what is going happen in first race. Clearly, we are not in a position at moment where we can challenge the top, but the mission this season is to reduce the gap to the fastest riders. I believe with Miguel Oliveira, we have an incredible rider with a huge potential and the strong desire to be part of this project and making it moving forward. Hafizh is in same spirit, he still has to forget a little bit about what he was doing on last years’ machine, but I think they get on very well together and they understand the importance of MotoGP for KTM, plus they can witness the level of commitment from the engineers in Austria, they can feel they are factory riders with a racing department behind them with evolution coming almost every test and this is what makes this new season very entertaining. Our target is to be as close as possible to the full factory KTM MotoGP riders and of course all together to race the level of performance of our KTM RC16 machine and the whole team is 100% dedicated to this mission. We can’t wait to start on Friday night in Losail!”
2019 Red Bull KTM RC16 MotoGP
The riders too have had to meet new challenges. Malaysia’s Hafizh Syahrin acquitted himself very well throughout his debut year on the Tech3 Yamaha machinery, however he has struggled to adapt to the KTM. The 24-year-old has been at the very back of the field in almost every test session, but hopes to turn that form around as the season progresses.
Hazifh Syahrin – 2019 MotoGP Qatar Test – Day 3
Hafizh Syahrin
“I’m looking forward to the first race very much! We had some tough pre-season tests, where we tried to adapt to the bike step by step. It was pretty good and I felt better and better with the bike, although we were still quite slow, but we believe that we can arrive at the top one day with this amazing group, so we keep on working hard, try to understand everything and keep the mind fresh to be ready for race day. Let’s see what we can do, I hope to be further up in the standings than during the preseason tests.”
Hafizh Syahrin – 2019 Red Bull KTM Team
After coming into the squad straight from Moto2, Miguel Oliveira has no other MotoGP machine as a reference point. Also 24, the Portuguese rider finished as runner-up to Francesco Bagnaia in the 2018 Moto2 Title chase, and seems to be adapating well to the powerful MotoGP bikes.
Miguel Oliveira – 2019 MotoGP Qatar Test – Day 3
Miguel Oliveira
“I think the approach for the first GP is always quite simple, it’s to do my best and try to do my job as always, plus making the team happy with my performance. I feel it’s important for me to finish the race, to get experience and to get to know where to improve my riding. The most important thing is to gather this experience in my first race in MotoGP, I don’t think about any result in specific. Of course, the outcome is always important, but as it’s the first race for me, I don’t focus on anything definite. My goal is to do a good job, give my maximum and to leave Qatar with a smile.”
Miguel Oliveira
2019 MotoGP Round One Schedule (AEDT)
East Coast Daylight Savings Time
KTM Australia has announced the pricing for all their 2019 adventure models, including the new 790 Adventure and Adventure R, arriving in June 2019.
The 790 models start at $21,195 ride away and an extra $1500 for the R model at $22,695.
That compares with the BMW F 850 GS which starts at $17,990 (plus on-road costs) and goes up to $22,305 for the Rallye X model.
The KTMs arrive several months before its major new mid-mid-sized competitor, the Yamaha Ténéré 700.
790 Adventure
The much anticipated 790 Adventure is powered by KTM’s new-generation LC8c 799cc in-line twin-engine with 70kW of power (95hp) and weighing in at only 189kg.
KTM claims 400km of range from the 20-litre tank. And it should all be smooth riding with two balancer shafts and long service intervals of 15,000km.
Suspension is, of course, WP, with 43mm forks, 200mm of travel, 233mm clearance and an 850mm seat height, compared with the Ténéré 700 at 880mm.
The engine sits in a CroMo steel frame with an open-lattice swingarm.
Finally, a manufacturer has provided an easy-to-adjust handlebar. It can be set in six different positions with a 30mm adjustment range making it comfortable no matter what size the rider and whether standing or sitting.
Instruments are in a 5-inch TFT display with a wide range of configurable information. The display varies according to light and the rev counter blinks to indicate when to shift.
Electronic rider aids include traction control, cornering ABS, and an off-road mode with a smooth throttle response.
Other tasty features are LED lighting, steering damper and hefty 320mm twin discs with four-piston radially mounted callipers.
Factory accessories include an up/down quickshifter, heated grips and cruise control, as well as the usual protection parts and luggage.
790 Adventure R
The R model adds longer-travel 240mm suspension, Karoo 3 dirt tyres, 48mm WP XPLOR forks, upgraded shock and different bodywork.
690 Enduro R
690 Enduro R
The 690 Enduro R which returns in 2019 with several updates will cost $17,595 ride away.
It was previously available at $14,695 plus on-road costs.
One of the best for long-range touring is the addition of two balancer shafts to smooth out the LC4 single.
It also now gets the super-duper fully-adjustable WP XPLOR suspension.
There are two changeable rider modes (off-road and street), cornering ABS and traction control.
Styling is now sharper and slimmer, with a redesigned seat.
KTM Australia has also confirmed ride-away pricing for the rest of their 2019 adventure range: 1090 Adventure R $24,295, 1290 Super Adventure Super Adventure S $28,395 and 1290 Super Adventure R $29,195.
KTM have confirmed that the eagerly anticipated new 790 Adventure will arrive in Australia this June with 790 Adventure retailing for $21,195 ride away, while the slightly more up-spec 790 Adventure R will sell for $22,695 ride away. This week KTM also clarified the pricing of the complete 2019 KTM Adventure Range.
2019 KTM Adventure Range Pricing
2019 KTM 790 Adventure – $21,195 Ride Away
2019 KTM 790 Adventure R – $22,695 Ride Away
2019 KTM 690 Enduro R – $17,595 Ride Away
2019 KTM 1090 Adventure R – $24,295 Ride Away
2019 KTM 1290 Super Adventure / S – $28,395 Ride Away
2019 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R – $29,195 Ride Away
Tam Paul – KTM National Brand Manager
“We have been faced with many external pricing pressures; the Team at KTM Australia has been working hard to minimize the impact to the Rider. In review of currency comparisons we are priced in line with our European counterparts and all models represent exceptional value.”
KTM 790 Adventure
The main differences between the 790 Adventure and its 790 Adventure R siblings are 40mm less suspension travel at both ends, 200mm versus 240mm. Predictably, this also affects seat height, with the 790 Adventure perch at 830-850mm, while the 790 Adventure R is fixed at 880mm.
The 790 Adventure suspension is of the WP APEX specification, while the 790 Adventure R is of XPLOR specification. The differences in those specifications relate to the focus of the suspension tuning, with XPLOR damping and spring rates more focussed on the off-road end of the spectrum. WP also recently released XPLOR PRO and APEX PRO shocks and forks for those that want to take their suspension towards race level performance, these are complete replacement items that can also be purchased from KTM Australia when they become available later in the year.
Along with the aforemention height-adjustable two-part seat, the standard KTM 790 Adventure also gets more wind protection. However the user configurable ‘Rally’ mode that is standard on the R model is an optional extra on the standard Adventure.
Optional add-ons for both models are Quickshifter+ and Cruise Control.
KTM quote 95 horsepower at 8000 rpm and 88 Nm at 6600 rpm for both 790 Adventure models. This is 10 hp down on the stomping 790 Duke streetbike that first utilised this new parallel twin from KTM, but the claimed 88 Nm torque of the 790 Adventure is marginally higher, and at 6600 rpm, that peak twist arrives 1400 rpm earlier than the 790 Duke, which itself boasts prodigious mid-range punch.
LC8c cylinder head
The incredibly small engine packaging (only fractionally larger externally than the 375cc single in the 390 Duke), gives KTM the room to fit a long swingarm and more space for the fuel cell. A special effort was made to have the air-filter easily accessible for cleaning and servicing
Fuel tank extends down the sides of the KTM 790 Adventure
The small engine dimensions also allow for plenty of ground clearance while maintaining a reasonable seat height.
KTM 790 Adventure
Clearance on the 790 Adventure is 233 mm while the 790 Adventure R has 263 mm of clearance.
KTM 790 Adventure R
Seat height on the Adventure is adjustable between 830 and 850 mm while the saddle on the 790 Adventure R is a taller 880 mm.
KTM 790 Adventure R
Both are also claimed to tip the scales at 189kg without their 20-litre fuel cells being topped up.
KTM 790 Adventure Fuel cell
Thus we can extrapolate that the 790 Adventure weighs in at 204kg fully fuelled and ready to ride.
KTM 790 Adventure R
Again those slim and compact engine dimensions have played their part in keeping the fuel low with the tank extending down alongside the engine, similar to what we once saw in the 990 Adventure models some years ago.
KTM 790 Adventure R
KTM claim a fuel range as high as 450 km from the new bikes and while this might be possible when being nursed, realistically a rider will more likely able to count on a 350+ km range in most touring duties.
KTM 790 Adventure
Predictably, KTM owned WP provides the suspension for both bikes.
KTM 790 Adventure WP Shock
Inverted 43 mm forks on the Adventure grow to more premium 48 mm XLPOR forks in the R.
KTM 790 Adventure and Adventure R forks (Right)
Suspension travel at both ends is 200 mm for the Adventure and 240 mm on the R.
KTM 790 Adventure
Both bikes roll on an 18-21 inch spoked rim combination.
KTM 790 Adventure R
Easily adjusted from the left bar-mounted menu switch, the KTM 790 Adventure has different ride modes to enable riders to explore the full potential of the bike.
KTM 790 Adventure
Street, Offroad and Rain riding modes, along with the optional Rally mode (standard on the R), alter the behaviour and feeling of the engine.
KTM 790 Adventure and Adventure R feature radial mount four-piston calipers and 320 mm discs up front and 260 mm rear
Changing a ride mode changes the throttle response, the traction control level and, depending on the mode, the peak power. Rider aids are there to assist you in variable situations, featuring KTM’s MTC (Motorcycle Traction Control), cornering ABS, off-road ABS (deactivating ABS at the rear while front wheel ABS intervention is reduced and data from the lean angle sensor is not considered), an Offroad ride mode and the more advanced Rally mode which enable the rider to adapt the character of the bike more freely.
KTM 790 Adventure
The KTM 790 Adventure is also equipped with the state-of-the-art TFT display. Easily readable in all conditions, the full color, 5″ screen’s configuration is variable and automatically adapts to changes in environmental light.
KTM 790 Adventure
The main information is arranged in a position where the rider can immediately see it, while additional displayed information can be chosen by the rider with the integrated KTM MY RIDE system is integrated. This allows pairing with a smartphone for receiving (or rejecting) phone calls, listening to music and, using the optional app, navigating with on screen turn-by-turn directions along with audio prompts.
2019 KTM Adventure R Technical SpecificationsKTM 790 AdventureKTM 790 AdventureKTM 790 Adventure with luggageKTM 790 AdventureKTM 790 Adventure RKTM 790 Adventure RKTM 790 Adventure RKTM 790 Adventure R
KTM are counting down the days until they open “KTM Motohall’s” doors in May. Just in time for the new season, the KTM Motohall will welcome KTM fans from all over the world to its unique experience destination in the center of KTM’s hometown of Mattighofen.
Dakar 2019
The doors of the KTM Motohall will soon be officially opened to visitors and employees. The building is located in the heart of the town, just a stone’s throw away from the where the company was founded, and has an innovative design, with a striking metal construction in the form of a tire track pattern as the architectural highlight.
The KTM Motohall has over 100 “READY TO RACE” exhibits, but is much more than just a traditional motorcycle museum. As well as recounting the impressive history of how the company became a solid foundation for the two-wheeled culture in the entire region, the KTM Motohall also provides an exciting insight into the present.
Toby Price – Image by Sebas Romero
The exhibition center was created by a team of architects from Upper Austria, consisting of Hofbauer: Architect working in close collaboration with “X-Architekten”. What’s more, the renowned Atelier Brückner was also brought on board to work on the design as a whole. The experts from Stuttgart have brought a total of 2600 square meters to life with exhibits, installations, video technology, and racetracks. Interactivity is a core concept of the KTM Motohall.
The main focus of the final phase of the construction work is currently on the restaurant and bar, the large Innovation Lab, the events venue with capacity for 400 people, a spacious shop, workshops, the three-story underground parking garage, and a large motorcycle parking area.
The opening weekend of the KTM Motohall will finally arrive on May 11 and 12.
2019 has started brightly for KTM with success at the Dakar at the slightly mangled hands of our own Toby Price, in the Supercross arena with Cooper Webb taking four wins already this season, and victory also on the French beach sand thanks to Briton Nathan Watson. Now it is the turn of the tarmac team to try and emulate some of the off-road glory that KTM are synonymous for.
2019 Red Bull KTM Team
Stefan Pierer – CEO KTM Group
“Racing is the core content of our DNA. That means forced innovation every week or every two weeks. We see on the TV or the internet how many tenths of a second are missing and that really drives us to do everything what we can in the end to touch the top of the podium. That’s our philosophy and that has driven us to success over the last thirty years but in this racing world we are still beginners: this is our third year. This is a five year programme and by the end we want to see podiums and for the upcoming racing season I’d like to see single digit results; that’s realistic because we are still collecting data and we miss all the experience of our competitors. For 2019 – in gambler’s speak – it’s ‘all in’.”
Stefan Pierer – CEO KTM Group
Two impressive fledgling seasons in MotoGP have seen the Austrian manufacturer grasp their first points, first top ten finishes and end the second term with their maiden podium trophy in Valencia.
2018 MotoGP Race Results Valencia 1 – Andrea Dovizioso (ITA) DUCATI 24’03.408 2 – Alex Rins (SPA) SUZUKI +2.750 3 – Pol Espargaro (SPA) KTM +7.406
Mike Leitner – Red Bull KTM Team Manager
“2019 is our third season in MotoGP and it is already a milestone thanks to the presence of Tech3 and a new rider in our factory team. It will be very challenging but we hope we can continue the road to the top. We’ll have some bumps on the road but we have worked well in the winter and should be able to look forward to some positive moments this season. I really hope the partnership with Tech3 will give us essential information to improve our MotoGP bike and the total KTM package in order to make the next step in positions and race results.”
2019 Red Bull KTM Team – Hafizh Syahrin’s ride
The MotoGP effort has now doubled with the experienced Red Bull KTM Tech3 unit placing another two RC16s on the grid under the Tech3 umbrella.
2019 KTM RC16 MotoGP
Pit Beirer – KTM Motorsport Director
“For us this is another very special moment in our racing story and it’s a milestone for us to have that structure in place. Our road race project has been building consistently since 2012 in terms of structure, confidence and people. I would say we have an amazing ‘path’ in place where you can go from a Rookies bike through all the categories to a MotoGP bike. In the premier class two motorcycles is not enough to be able to develop technology up until the highest level so having a second team in the MotoGP gives us an amazing feeling that our system is in place. We will work with this programme and that doesn’t only mean young riders and trying to get them through but also the bikes for each category with a strong in-house line-up and effort. That’s why today is very special.”
2019 KTM MotoGP Team Launch – Pit Beirer and Pol Espargaro
Pol Espargaro (28 in June) will begin his third season with the factory RC16 and his sixth in the premier class.
2019 KTM RC16 MotoGP
Pol Espargaro
“We have a big target in front of us this year and I think we are in a good place. Johann has integrated into the team well and already looks fast. It means that we are set for the season. I thought Miguel was very fast at the test and that was surprising for a rookie and I know Hafizh is working really hard. All the info the Tech3 guys can bring will be helpful for me, the team and all the engineers. I know, from my experience, that Tech3 are good for helping and teaching the riders, and also improving the bike. 2019 will be about improvement: nobody is perfect and I learn something every year. I think with Johann as a teammate hopefully I can learn from him and apply it to myself to be a better rider and a better worker. I just want to give the best of myself in 2019 and the most I can to the team.”
He is joined for the first time by fellow former Moto2 World Champion Johann Zarco (29 in July) – the most successful Frenchman in Grand Prix history.
Johann Zarco – Red Bull KTM Race Team
Johann Zarco
“I’m happy to be here, and this is my first factory team presentation! I discovered Mattighofen and the KTM factory for the first time in January and I was very impressed. After a few tests now I am very happy: I feel that the people in the team trust me and it’s nice to feel that confidence. We’ve done some good work so the motivation is high. Even when we make big improvements at a test we still see that we have a lot to do and have steps to make. It helps to move forward. I believe in what we can do. I would say I am a fast rider so I can give good information and I am very proud to be part of this story in KTM.”
Johann Zarco – Red Bull KTM Race Team
Red Bull KTM Tech3 field the promise of Hafizh Syahrin (25 in May and the first Malaysian to compete in the premier class and now set for his second MotoGP year) and Miguel Oliveira. Oliveira is another ‘first’ for his country – Portugal – in MotoGP and the recently-turned 24 year old rookie is the first rider to have come up the Moto3 and Moto2 KTM ladder. MotoGP is backed up by the rapid test team duo of Mika Kallio and Dani Pedrosa.
2019 KTM RC16 MotoGP
Miguel Oliveira
“I’m very happy with the new colours, the bike is amazing. The look of everything is just incredible, quite different from what we are used to. It’s such a nice project, that KTM and Red Bull got together; to have two factory teams on the grid is something pretty unique and it shows clearly that KTM wants to try and dominate this class and road racing in general. I’m just really proud and I feel privileged to be a part of this project.”
Miguel Oliveira
Hafizh Syahrin
“I’m really excited about the new livery. I think it’s truly different than everything else on the track. I can’t wait to be on track with this bike in Qatar. It looks amazing and I guess even more so under the floodlights in the desert. I’m very delighted about this look and can’t wait to get the season started!”
Hafizh Syahrin – 2019 Red Bull KTM Tech3 Team
Herve Poncharal, Red Bull KTM Tech3 Team Manager
“It’s been great to show the world our new livery. I saw the colours for the first time at the end of December I couldn’t believe it: this is such a cool bike. For sure, the most important for a racing bike is to be fast and we are working on that. The test we had in Sepang a few days ago was very interesting. But if the bike can be fast and good-looking, it’s a big bonus. Therefore, we are more than proud to have shown what our livery will finally be and I can’t wait to see it under the floodlights in Qatar because it will look even more amazing. Hopefully, we can see these bikes with this livery in strong positions.”
2019 KTM RC16 MotoGP
The MotoGP line-up will travel to Qatar for the last three-day dial-in test later this week before the 2019 MotoGP season gets underway in Qatar and just two weeks before the 19-round season begins at Losai on the weekend of March 10.
KTM Australia has recalled model year 2015/16 1290 Super Adventure motorcycles over a possible fuel leak.
The official notice issued through the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission says an error occurred in the moulding process of the fuel tank.
“There may be a fuel leakage at the lower fitting insert for the fuel tank fairing in the seat area,” the notice says.
“Should a fuel leak occur, escaping fuel could cause damage or may result in fire.”
The Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) of the 278 affected 1290 Super Adventure models are listed at the end of this article.
1290 owners
Owners will be contacted by direct mail, notifying them of the recall and requesting they make an appointment with their local authorised KTM Australia dealer.
We have published this recall notice in case the bike has been privately sold and KTM Australia no longer has a record o the owner.
“Authorised dealers will complete an inspection of the tank production information. This will determine the required course of action, which may include a corrective measure,” the notice says.
In 2016, KTM recalled the 2015/16 1290 Super Adventure over an an oil leak in the semi-active rear shock absorber.
Even though manufacturers and importers contact owners when a recall is issued, the bike may have been sold privately to a rider unknown to the company.
Therefore, Motorbike Writer publishes all motorcycle recalls as a service to all riders.
If you believe there is an endemic problem with your bike that should be recalled, contact the ACCC on 1300 302 502.
To check whether your motorcycle has been recalled, click on these sites:
KTM’s Ultimate Race event is offering 12 lucky riders the opportunity to race against each other in an exclusive class at the Dakar Series race in Morocco. They receive an all-expenses paid trip, including flights, accommodation, entry fees and a full race service on a factory-prepped KTM 790 Adventure R that has been built from Dakar DNA.
KTM Ultimate Race
Riders will also be coached by some of the world’s best adventure ambassadors and treated like Factory supported riders during the trip. The new initiative from the KTM Factory to bring together the global KTM adventure communities.
With six KTM Adventure Rallye events now taking place all over the world, two lucky riders from each Rallye-hosting country will qualify to take part. And to top off an already epic experience, the winner of the KTM Ultimate Race at Merzouga will receive an incredible prize: a 790 Adventure R to keep and 2 x VIP tickets to the Dakar Rally.
So how do you qualify for this once-in-a-lifetime experience?
As the Merzouga Rally 2019 takes place immediately after the 2019 KTM Australia Adventure Rallye (March 30th – April 5th 2019), there will be a stand-alone qualification event to find the two Australian riders.
Held in conjunction with the 2019 Transmoto 12-Hour at Batemans Bay, the KTM Ultimate Race Qualifications: Australia will be run on Friday March 1st and Saturday March 2nd before the 12-Hour – meaning there will be plenty of spectators around to heckle riders throughout the challenges.
KTM Ultimate Race
Certain requirements must be met for those wishing to participate in the Qualifications, as set across all countries.
Riders must compete on a V-Twin KTM Adventure bike (950, 990, 1090, 1190, 1290) that they own: the bike cannot be borrowed or rented.
They must hold a current MA racing license. One-Day licenses can be purchased on the day, however the two qualification winners must have a valid MA license to participate in Merzouga.
Riders can’t have raced professionally or participated in the Dakar Rally in the past 10 years, and they must have a GPS unit capable of following GPX tracks and an Instagram account.
The Qualification challenges will be tough, therefore we advise only experienced adventure riders to participate! The terrain of Morocco will be a serious task, therefore we are not holding back during this Qualification.
WP APEX suspension 74hp LC4 single – PASC slipper clutch
Arriving in Australia March 2019
The KTM 690 SMC R returns in 2019 and promises to bring the KTM Ready to Race approach to the street. A lightweight, agile, punchy single-cylinder, with premium chassis components, backed up by new performance-enhancing electronics and a lot more grunt that is now delivered via a much smoother power delivery. That’s what KTM are claiming their 690 SMC R will bring to the table when it lands in Australian showrooms from March.
2019 KTM 690 SMC R
2019 KTM 690 SMC R Features
Dynamic LC4 single-cylinder 4-stroke engine
690cc displacement
55 kW (74 hp) @ 8000rpm
73.5 Nm @ 6500 rpm
Electronic fuel injection, ride by wire, two balancer shafts
PASC slipper clutch
Fuel capacity approx – 13.5 litres
Dry weight approx – 146 kg
Six-speed transmission with Quickshifter+ for clutchless up and downshifts
Ultra lightweight chrome-molybdenum steel frame
Sharper, slimmer bodywork in the latest KISKA design
Two ride modes
Cornering ABS with advanced Supermoto ABS mode
Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC)
Die cast aluminum swingarm and linkage type rear suspension
Fully adjustable WP APEX shock absorber
Fully adjustable WP APEX 48 upside-down fork with separate damping circuits
Optional low chassis kit for 40mm lower seat height
Brembo brake system
2019 KTM 690 SMC R – Image by Rudi Schedl
Street Weapon
Powering the KTM 690 SMC R is a new generation LC4 engine, with the single-cylinder engine now dishing up 74 hp and 73.5 Nm of torque – and KTM boasting a smoother and more sophisticated power delivery than ever.
Along with improved power, torque and consumption from the updated engine, the fun now goes further with the new KTM 690 SMC R thanks to a fuel tank capacity increased by 1.5 litres to 13.5L total. The completely redesigned fuel tank also acts as a load bearing part of the chassis; stiffer in construction to help provide optimal feel and handling.
2019 KTM 690 SMC R
Fresh bodywork is sharper and slimmer than the previous model, developed alongside the latest generation of KTM offroad motorcycles to aid with easier handling. Adjustable levers feature on the rubber-mounted, lightweight tapered handlebars that can be placed in four different positions.
The new ergonomics continue with an improved seat that KTM claim increases comfort while aiding control and grip in extreme riding situations. To make the Supermoto more accessible than ever, a 40 mm seat height reduction is also possible via the official KTM PowerParts low chassis kit (standard seat height 890 mm). All this has been done while maintaining extreme lean levels with handlebar-scraping cornering ability, if the rider is up to the challenge!
2019 KTM 690 SMC R – Image by Rudi Schedl
The suspension was specially developed by WP and KTM for the 690 SMC R. Up front are fully adjustable WP APEX 48 USD forks, sprung in both legs but with separated damping in each tube; rebound handled on the right and compression on the left, with 30 clicks of adjustment available for each. The forks are mounted in forged triple clamps with an offset of 35 mm, adjustable to 33 mm.
2019 KTM 690 SMC R
Helping to put the torque on the tarmac is a fully adjustable WP APEX shock absorber connected to the single-piece cast swingarm via a linkage.
2019 KTM 690 SMC R – Image by Rudi Schedl
On the braking side of the equation a high quality Brembo four-piston radial caliper bites a 320 mm disc up front and helping to push the Bridgestone S21 rear tyre into opposite-lock corner entries is a Brembo two-piston caliper working hard on a 240 mm rear disc.
2019 KTM 690 SMC R
Getting the most from the KTM 690 SMC R’s performance in all situations is assisted by a suite of rider assistance systems. Two ride modes – Street and Sport – are joined by cornering ABS, lean angle-sensitive motorcycle traction control, motor slip regulation (MSR) and Quickshifter+ (up & down), with the familiar Supermoto ABS mode aiding rear slides backed up by front-end confidence.
Some bikes take a while to grow on you, to properly understand how to get the best out of them. Where the sweet spot of the engine lies, the better shift points, body positions, those sort of things. With others you just jump on and they feel familiar to what you’ve ridden before so you can benchmark them easily.
KTM 790 Duke
The KTM 790 Duke fell into a third category for me. It wasn’t familiar at all. But within minutes I had fallen for the drivetrain, and within an hour my opinions on electronics were forever changed. This thing is a cracker of a bike. But it’s also a bit of a contradiction.
2019 KTM 790 Duke
While the 790 Duke is a doddle to jump on and ride – it’s not an easy thing to master punting it hard, simply because its capabilities are so high. Even now after spending the best part of a week and a half on it, my head is still trying to trying to come up to speed.
I deliberately didn’t do any fresh research before picking up the bike. Besides, Trev has covered the 790 Duke specs in great detail after attending the world launch in Gran Canaria (Link).
KTM 790 Duke takes a different slant again on the parallel twin
I just wanted to ride the bike and share how it felt to ride. So throwing the leg over didn’t immediately feel natural for me compared to what I’m used to day to day (a Tiger 800xc I’ve done close to a bazillion kays on).
The ergos felt OK, being really low, almost scooter low, really narrow, with the feeling of being almost perched over the front wheel. And the seat felt like it was made of several different individual sections and angles. Am I supposed to sit forward or back? One of those, ‘That’s weird but I’m sure it’ll make more sense on the go’ moments.
2019 KTM 790 Duke
Pulling away from standstill, the clutch take-up was nice and smooth and the engine happily crawled along the sidewalk in Elizabeth street Melbourne among foot traffic, while dragging a bit of clutch meant no sign of chugging, as some twins will. The low speed stability from the overall geometry is really, really impressive. It feels even lighter than it is – and slow walking pace among pedestrians was done with the feet on the pegs and absolute confidence straight away.
KTM 790 Duke Engine
So then I pulled out onto the road and opened it up… only to be left thinking, ‘Are you sure this is a 790cc? There’s way more shove than any 800cc twin has right to have off the bottom’. The bike feels plenty stronger than the quoted 105hp and is punchy but smooth right through the rev range. That engine is a gem. The fueling is mint. Amazing actually. Especially in Street mode which is almost impossibly smooth for a twin.
2019 KTM 790 Duke
The last mid-size twin I rode was an 848 Duc and while I did like that engine quite a lot, it fades into obsolescence compared with the 790. This one feels closer to the older 990cc KTM V-Twins in terms of output which is no bad thing. The big difference however is the fuelling in the 790 which is just so spot on – helped no doubt by some fairly masterful electrowizardry.
Historically I’ve not been a fan of electronic intrusion, but this bike has utterly changed my mind on that front. In no way does it intrude, on the contrary, that smoothness from this new Austrian lump is quite likely only possible because of the digital smarts built into the fuelling, engine management, quick shifter and traction control systems.
2019 KTM 790 Duke – TFT display with day/night mode
It actually wasn’t until the first stop for fuel that I played around with the superb TFT dash to see what modes were available (Street, Sport, Rain and Track), what was turned on and what wasn’t. And it was then that I realised that it hadn’t been me alone perfectly matching revs on downshifts, but that I was getting some assistance, and surprisingly to me at least – it’s all the better for it. Far better.
KTM 790 Duke
It makes you want to explore the bike even more. Speaking of the dash… What a thing of beauty it is. The ex-designer in me loves the clarity and simplicity of the layout as well as the function of the controls. The redline is orange, of course – another nice bit of branding. And it has a day-time (white background) and night-time (black background) display that switches over automagically based on ambient light I’m guessing. Nifty.
While its a bit of a gripe that the ride mode reverts to Street every time you turn it off, at least the riding modes can be changed on the go. Just be aware of what’s behind you, as you have to close the throttle for five-seconds to do it.
2019 KTM 790 Duke
Other little niggles? I’m not quite sure why the indicator light on the dash can’t show you which indicator is on, and the indicator switch itself feels slightly fragile. While I’m on switch gear – the toggle switch for high beam requires a left hand grip adjustment for me to use it each time. Not sure that’s a good thing. But they’re minor niggles really, when taking the brilliance of the rest of the bike into account.
On the road the gearbox shift is light and at first, felt almost overly sensitive in its eagerness to shift gears at the slightest touch. Occasionally, even a few days after picking up the bike, I’d shift up a little earlier than anticipated. After the first stop I was playing around with clutchless shifts in both directions, which it soaks up effortlessly.
2019 KTM 790 Duke – Switchblock
Auto rev matching brings revs up to match the new ratio while the slipper clutch further calms things down if the revs are wildly out in either direction. Have I mentioned this thing is smooth? Remarkable. First gear isn’t overly tall and the engine pulls really strongly even at highway speeds in top gear. I’m not talking big bore strong, and it does taper off above standard highway speeds, but it’s far stronger than I had expected. Stronger than anyone would need 99 per cent of the time.
Brakes are nice and strong with plenty of initial bite, without being so strong that they’d be intimidating for less experienced riders. There’s plenty of stop and confidence to trail brake deep into turns without any issues. They just work.
2019 KTM 790 Duke
The exhaust note was another nice surprise for a stock pipe too. Its rorty and bubbly on over-run, and loud enough under power without being obnoxious. I’m not sure you’d need a slip on to be honest. But it couldn’t hurt, could it…?
Styling-wise it’s typical of the current crop of KTMs and has some neat touches, as well as some things that will no doubt polarise punters. Personally I like it, but I reckon the 1290 Super Duke is a better looker, but that’s subjective. The extreme looking headlight makes more sense when you’re on the bike than off it, as its tucked away so low that basically you don’t see anything other than the dash beyond the bars.
The only other gripe from me was the thin plastic strip wrapping around the rear of the fuel tank that can be flexed with a gentle wobble. Just seems a bit cheap for what is otherwise an obviously really, really well put together bike.
KTM 790 Duke
Suspension is quite firm without being overly harsh. Trev called it a Tardis and I agree, in that it’s a bit of a mystery how something so small can have as much room. I got off after some decent stints in the saddle and didn’t feel the slightest bit stiff. Its epic in traffic too, filtering through like a hot knife through butter and yet is happy to cruise along on the highway.
2019 KTM 790 Duke
That odd feeling seat makes more sense as soon as you point it at a corner, because as great as the driveline is, it’s the handling of the 790 that stands out for me. The little Duke tips in faster than thought speed, feels natural on its side and will change lines as soon as you can look at a new line. Any wonder they’re calling it a scalpel.
That work they’ve obviously done to keep the physical dimensions of the engine so small combined with the overall low weight makes this a nimble bike to tip in, but it never feels overly flighty or unstable, just super agile.
2019 KTM 790 Duke
Just how fast does it steer? After over a thousand kilometres, I was still finding myself having to sit the bike up occasionally mid corner to ease the line out a little. The thing just wants to turn. I actually started to ask myself if it’s possible to make a bike steer too fast.. And I haven’t decided yet. It really is a bit of an engineering marvel on the road – how they’ve managed to design a bike to steer so well, and yet not want to shake its head at all, is amazing.
KTM 790 Duke
Riding my Tiger 800xc back to back only highlighted the diminutive physical dimensions of the bike. The Tiger isn’t a massive bike, but by comparison, the 790 Duke engine feels about half of the width of the 800cc triple. And the wheelbase ‘feels’ about 2/3rds of the Tiger. Obviously it’s not THAT short, but it really does feel short. Not having a visible headlight cluster swinging in the breeze in front of the bars only accentuates the impression.
KTM 790 Duke
The little Duke just urges you to have some fun and ride it hard. And you’re probably going to be punting it along at a quicker pace than you think, as the grunty twin doesn’t need to have its neck wrung to get the best out of it. Several times I looked down at the speedo and was a little surprised at the number staring back at me..
Make no mistake, the 790 Duke is so light and agile that it demands full focus to punt along anywhere near its limits, which I genuinely don’t think I approached all that often on the roads between Melbourne and Apollo Bay over a couple of weeks. Not that it shakes its head or does anything untoward, it’s just steers so bloody well it takes proper commitment to do the bike justice. A half decent rider with a few weeks on this little weapon would no doubt be difficult for anyone to shake on a twisty bit of tarmac…
KTM 790 Duke
For me and I’m guessing a lot of other riders, a naked bike is now a very real contender for our next machine. My years of sports bikes and road racing are behind me, and uber-high speed hijinx on the road is becoming less and less of an option as speed limits on good sections of road are continually reduced, and consequences raised. So full faired sports bikes don’t make as much sense as they once used to. Not when there’s so much performance available in bikes like this. If you haven’t ridden one of these jiggers, it’s time you did. It opened my eyes more than a bit.
KTM 790 Duke
That said.. I personally can’t stop thinking about what that superb engine would be like in the upcoming rally package. The idea excites me a lot and I probably should really ride the 1290 SuperDuke to compare it eh Trev… Trev..?
