KIWI RIDER 07 2018 VOL.1 | Page 12

ROAD NEWS KTM 790 ADVENTURE R his could be the bike that the collective mid-size adventure market has been wishing for. Bridging the gap between the company’s road and enduro machines, the 790 Adventure R looks set to be the Goldilocks machine for the more serious adventure rider. KTM chose its European Adventure Rally on June 20 as the event to provide the first look at the 2019 KTM 790 ADVENTURE R. The all- new parallel-twin powered adventure bike has been developed in tandem with KTM’s latest Dakar-winner, the KTM 450 Rally. The annual European event, this time hosted in Olbia, Sardinia, provided incredible on and off-road tours across three days of guided riding and tuition from KTM ambassadors and racers, including Kiwi enduro star Chris Birch - eight times NZ enduro champ, triple Roof of Africa winner and 2010 Red Bull Romaniacs laureate. Birchy rode the new bike during the event. After riding the bike, Birchy said: “I’m honestly blown away by the new KTM 790 ADVENTURE R. Naturally, I’ve got a lot of experience on enduro bikes and the awesome ability of the big KTM Adventure models, and this just feels like the perfect combination of them both. Obviously, what I rode is still a prototype, but it’s looking in terrific shape. Can’t wait to ride the final product!” >