2020 KTM 790 Adventure R Rally Preview

Hard core adventure riders will appreciate what KTM offers with its limited-edition 790 Adventure R Rally machine ($19,499). KTM touts this bike as "the absolute most off-road-capable" motorcycle in its 2020 model line-up. The bad part? It's only building 500 of them…

Based on the already capable 790 Adventure, the Rally edition expands its versatile pedigree with the fitment of higher-spec WP suspension. Specifically, the fork uses a cone-type valve technology for improved hydraulic dynamics. Rear suspension duties are handled by a premium XPLOR Pro-series shock that uses low-friction internals and separate high- and low-speed compression damping circuits. This permits the rider to fine-tune suspension action when loaded. The shock continues to actuate without a linkage and mounts directly between the frame and swingarm. Front and rear suspension travel increases by 1.2 inches.

The Rally rolls on stronger DID Dirt Star spoked wheels in standard fitment (21-inch front and 18-inch rear) with Metzeler semi-knobby tubeless tires. A 1.2-inch taller seat and wider footpegs were fitted to make the motorcycle easier to control in the rough stuff.

Although the 799cc parallel twin engine is unchanged it breathes from a less restrictive off-road specific air filter from the KTM PowerParts catalog. Spent gasses flow through a lighter Akrapovic titanium muffler.

Visually, the Rally-spec 790 uses a special orange/white/navy blue color scheme that pays tribute to KTM’s Factory Rally Racing team. The underslung 5.3-gallon fuel cell also wears carbon fiber guards.

No word on when the Rally is expected to arrive at US dealers, but if you want one in the garage, it would be wise to hurry to the local KTM dealer.