2009 DT BOOK ONLINE

luggage frames are compatible with
different types of aftermarket soft luggage
as well. Another bonus for putting
luggage frames on your bike is that they
offer extra protection should you suffer
a fall. For our overnight trip though, we
were presented with the KTM Powerparts
rollbag, which is easily fitted on top of
the pillion seat without the need of any
luggage plates or frames. The bag is also
dust and waterproof, making it a great
option for any weekend warrior.
We kit up early on a Saturday morning
and leave Gauteng heading north on
the N1 highway towards Pienaarsrivier.
In terms of comfort, the seat was cosy
enough to actually sit for most of the
loaded with the “Rally” mode option,
which further extends off-road MTC
functionality. This feature does not come
standard on the KTM 790”S” model, it is
however something I would recommend
getting if you are planning to spend a lot
of time away from the tarmac.
The first obstacle presents itself when
the road we normally take is closed and
a big heap of sand blocks our way. No
problem, I get over the heap of sand with
an easy twist of the throttle, even with a
full tank of fuel the low slung tanks as well
as low down weight of the engine make
the bike easy to manage when going over
obstacles. The lower seat height (when
compared to its “R” counterpart), definitely
TRAX “Dirt Convert” KTM 790 S Rider Review
The Long way to Lephalale
Our Mizz B Muszynski continues on her Great trek to put the Dirt
Convert Trax KTM 790 S through its paces…
She says:
In Part 1 of the review featured in the July issue, Trax KTM
kindly provided me with the Dirt Convert KTM 790”S” to
take on a lockdown ride. The Dirt Convert is the basic KTM
790“S” model, equipped with knobbly tyres, a high front
fender and a stand-out decal kit. We did a shortish local ride
to get a feel for the bike.
This is part two…
For this ride I took it upon myself to test the bike as extensively
as possible without contravening every single lockdown
regulation. Needless to say this was not an easy task with so
many travel restrictions! I’ll discuss my first impressions and
thoughts on the different riding modes and aftermarket options.
I’ll answer some questions posted on social media. We took
to some single track trails and traverse a rocky pass along the
Crocodile River and literally threw the bike into the deep end
and honestly, it did just fine Actually it left us thirsting for more…
Taking the long way to Lephalale
As the KTM 790 is marketed as an offroad
capable travel bike our review could
not possibly be complete without taking
it on a longer distance trip. We looked at
the map and set our eyes on the town of
Lephalale, which is conveniently situated
between some of the best dirt roads and
passes that part of Limpopo has to offer.
When considering a travel bike, luggage
options are important and I looked at
some of the different offerings from the
KTM Powerparts catalogue available to
this model. For longer tours there are
luggage plates and frames which can
be used in conjunction with the lockable
Touratech top box and hard cases. The
combined 700km’s we did on our trip to
Lephalale and back, the tall windscreen
deflecting the wind with minimal buffeting.
In “Street” mode you have full use of
the 95hp the bike offers, which makes
cruising along at highway speeds and
overtaking cars a breeze, while the MTC
(Motorcycle Traction Control) and ABS
kept me feeling safe, even when the road
surface was not ideal.
I even got to practice my emergency
braking when a naughty bakkie swerved
suddenly in front of me, the 320mm front
brakes slowing us down just in time to
avoid a potential accident.
Shortly after we passed the provincial
boundary roadblock we reach our first
dirt road. The bike I’m riding has been
plays a role as it makes it easier to get
that confident footing when doing more
technical manoeuvres.
Those of you who have ridden in
Limpopo before know very well there
is a sandmonster lurking around every
corner. Sand on a bigger adventure bike
can often become a nightmare and I was
curious to see how the 790”S” would
fare, considering that with its smaller
wheels, this wasn’t my usual pick for
traversing this type of terrain. As we rode
along the tribal land towards Bela-Bela
it became clear to me why the KTM 790
was launched in the Merzouga Desert.
It performed exceptionally well, sailing
smoothly over the sea of sand like a
ship as we made our way further north. I
believe the ease with which it handles the