Spotted in the Wild
KTM’s 790 Adventure has always been a formidable player in the middleweight segment, but recent spy photos suggest the Austrian brand is preparing its next major move. A heavily updated prototype, believed to be the next 790 Adventure, was caught undergoing
testing, showcasing a host of changes that go well beyond a simple model-year refresh. While the distinctive orange frame and aggressive stance are still present, the bike looks leaner, more modern, and ready to address some long-standing debates among enthusiasts. The photos reveal a motorcycle that has been significantly restyled from front to back, hinting that KTM is not just tweaking the formula but evolving it for the future.
A Sharper, Brighter Face
The most immediately obvious change is at the front. The prototype sports a completely new headlight assembly, moving away from the wide, insect-like split headlight that has been a polarizing feature of the 790 and 890 platforms. The new design features a more compact, vertically stacked projector LED unit flanked by sleek daytime running lights. This brings the bike’s aesthetics in line with KTM’s latest design language, as seen on prototypes of the upcoming 990 Adventure. Beyond just looks, this redesign is expected to offer better illumination for nighttime riding—a crucial feature for any serious adventure tourer. The entire front fairing appears narrower and cleaner, complemented by a tall windscreen designed to improve rider comfort on long highway stints.
Stopping Power Gets an In-House Upgrade
The headline-grabbing changes continue with the braking system. The test mule was clearly equipped with new brake calipers bearing the ‘WP’ logo. This is a significant development, as WP is KTM’s renowned in-house suspension subsidiary. The move indicates that KTM is expanding WP’s portfolio to include braking components, following a trend of vertical integration. By developing brakes under the WP umbrella, KTM can exert greater control over the chassis and component synergy, potentially leading to more refined braking performance tailored specifically to the bike's dynamics. This shift from third-party suppliers to an in-house solution is a major strategic move for the brand.
The End of an Era for Low-Slung Tanks
Perhaps the most dramatic change, and one that will have riders talking for months, is the move away from the signature low-slung fuel tanks. For years, this design has been a point of both praise and contention; lauded for its benefit to the bike’s center of gravity and handling, but often criticized for its aesthetic and perceived vulnerability in off-road tip-overs. The spy shots show the prototype has ditched this design in favor of a more traditional, single-piece fuel tank. The surrounding bodywork is smoother and more cohesive, creating a slimmer and visually lighter profile. While the final fuel capacity is unknown, the new design represents a major pivot in KTM's design philosophy for its middleweight platform.
Evolution, Not Revolution
Despite the dramatic visual overhaul, the heart of the machine appears to be an evolution of the current platform. The proven 799cc LC8c parallel-twin engine is expected to be carried over, likely producing similar power figures of around 95 horsepower and 87 Nm of torque. The main steel trellis frame and swingarm also appear to be familiar components, suggesting KTM is refining a successful chassis rather than starting from scratch. The prototype was seen with the current 5-inch TFT display, indicating that KTM will likely continue to differentiate the 790 from the higher-spec 990 in terms of its tech package. This suggests the updated 790 Adventure will aim to be a more refined, visually appealing, and potentially more user-friendly machine without abandoning its core performance credentials.
