That’s 95hp in old money,
and very impressive
altered anything and was comfortable. It is a
sit up/sit on riding position very similar to a
dirt bike. However, the compromise between
an effective off-road riding position and on
road comfort has been very well bridged. The
seat is comfortable and the screen still very
effective despite being quite short. Overall,
it’s a very comfortable and business-like
riding position, but definitely more suitable
for the taller rider.
ENGINE
The KTM engine is impressive! At only 799cc
the eight-valve DOHC parallel twin makes
70kW at 8000rpm and 88Nm of torque at
6600 rpm. That’s 95hp in old money and
it’s punchy, very responsive with a dynamic
power delivery that makes for an exciting
ride. On a wet road this fun power delivery
can easily overwhelm the rear tyre – my
advice is to turn the TC back on when on tar
110 KIWI RIDER
seal because on road the TC is excellent and
will allow controlled wheel slip when pressing
on. Also, the engine can be smooth and
refined when ridden delicately if required –
so the best of both worlds. Of course, there
are various power modes that soften or
strengthen the power delivery as necessary
for rain and road, but to fully experience the
motor at its best the TC must be turned off.
Then you get the Full Monty so to speak and
it truly is a fun engine.
The six-speed gearbox shifts beautifully
when you use the clutch but I found that
under load in the sand the shift assist would
not work until you backed off a little and took
load off the gearbox. The slipper clutch is
awesome on road and you can really whistle
down through the gears quickly without a
care in the world knowing it will keep the
back end inline and under control.