RUST Magazine: RUST #43

KTM 790 ADVENTURE R
We could do some math there: the
1290 makes 158hp and weighs 217kg
(claimed, dry) whereas the 790 makes
95hp and weighs 189kg. So the 1290
has a power to weight ratio equating to
0.728hp per kilo, while the 790’s is 0.503.
Hmm, you’d think the 1290 would
stomp the 790 then. Only I suspect
the computer on the 1290 seriously
holds back on those 160-odd horses
– it knows unfettered access will
land you in a whole heap of
trouble. In all probability
much of the time the 1290
is only dishing out circa
100-120hp. And
this means
in general
riding
the 790 is able to pace itself much closer
to the 1290’s performance than you’d
think.
But it’s not wild, just nicely peppy.
And with a ride position that feels
not unlike a motocrosser, where you
feel like you sit on the bike, not in, it’s
almost a playful experience. And – I’m
sure I’ll be saying this a hundred times
over – it feels controllable. Placed on
the motorway and directed toward
Chez JB the 790 cruised at the same
speeds as the 1290. 80-85mph is easily
sustainable, the wee screen does a good
job of deflecting windblast and the
engine isn’t straining or buzzing doing
that. It’s a happy speed for the 790.
Ooh, and the gearbox – I liked that
too. Light and quick shifting – that is
after I had disabled the Quickshifter+.
Boy, that’s one thing I didn’t like. Maybe
it’s cool for road racers, but for idling
along it’s too eager. If you so much as
inadvertently stroke it with your toe it
cuts the ignition, so you get this sudden
jerking action. I tried to educate my
toes to either be faster moving or more
sensitive, but the toes refused, gear
changes with Quickshifter+ remained
an uncoordinated series of lurches
and lunges. Electronic aid disabled,
everything smoothed out.
w
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