KTM have a cracking range of adventure bikes for riders who need something to get them out and about on weekends or longer summer holiday rides. Adventure bikes are ideal for exploring the great outdoors, which is why there are so many of them available.
Their nimble and lightweight design makes them perfect for off-road riding and their high power output makes them excellent as secondary road bikes that can handle long trips with ease.
Most KTM models also come with standard features such as ABS, ETM technology (Electric Traction Management), cornering lights, LED daytime running lights and a tool kit. Some even feature adjustable suspension and traction control to offer the more advanced off-road capability.
What is an adventure bike?
Adventure bikes are designed for trail riding with off-road capability, making them great for exploring mountains, forests, deserts and more. They are generally lighter and nimbler than a regular road bikes and have slightly more powerful engines to give them better on- and off-road performance. They are also more likely to come with off-road-specific features such as suspension or traction control.
Adventure bikes are a sub-category of the all-around touring bike category and you’ll often find them featured alongside Tourers and Trail runners in bike shop showrooms. Despite this, many adventure bikes are also suited to city riding thanks to their lighter weight and agility.
KTM 690 Enduro R
The KTM 690 is a great all-rounder that’s ideal for both off-road and on-road riding thanks to its 4-cylinder, 4-valve engine. The engine produces a massive 126PS and 117Nm of torque, making it a strong off-road performer that can handle long distances without breaking a sweat. It’s also comfortable and easy to ride thanks to its well-balanced engine and suspension. The 690’s hydraulic brakes also offer a good feel and stopping power, making it a good all-rounder.
The 690’s Adventure model comes standard with a detachable petrol tank and ABS, which gives you peace of mind when off-road. The 690 also features adjustable suspension and an adjustable windscreen, making it well-equipped for off-road riding. The 690’s lightweight aluminium frame makes it easy to carry around and is corrosion-resistant for off-road use.
KTM 796 SuperDuke
The KTM 796 is a fun, practical and capable adventure bike designed for both on- and off-road riding. Like the 690, the 796’s engine produces a massive 126PS and 117Nm of torque, making it a strong off-road performer that can handle long distances without breaking a sweat. It’s also comfortable and easy to ride thanks to its well-balanced engine and suspension.
The 796’s electric start makes it easy to get going in cold weather and its cornering lights, cornering ABS and upside-down fork provide confidence when off-road. The 796 also features an adjustable suspension, adjustable windscreen and an adjustable seat, making it well equipped for off-road riding. The 796’s lightweight aluminium frame makes it easy to carry around and is corrosion-resistant for off-road use.
KTM 950 Adventure
The KTM 950 is a practical adventure bike that’s great for both on- and off-road riding thanks to its powerful, liquid-cooled, 8-valve engine. The engine produces a massive 116PS and 135Nm of torque, making it a strong off-road performer that can handle long distances without breaking a sweat. It also features comfortable and easy-to-use dual 296mm front brakes, making it easy to control on-road.
The 950’s low seat and adjustable suspension make it comfortable for long-distance riding and its storage capacity makes it an excellent choice for off-road adventures. The 950’s aluminium frame makes it easy to carry around and is corrosion-resistant for off-road use.
KTM RC 390
The KTM RC 390 is a fun, practical and capable adventure bike that’s great for both on- and off-road riding thanks to its powerful, liquid-cooled, 8-valve engine. The engine produces a massive 114PS and 130Nm of torque, making it a strong off-road performer that can handle long distances without breaking a sweat. The 390’s low seat and adjustable suspension make it comfortable for long-distance riding and its storage capacity makes it an excellent choice for off-road adventures.
The RC 390’s aluminium frame makes it easy to carry around and is corrosion-resistant for off-road use. The 390 features a number of standard features, including ABS, cornering lights, LED daytime running lights and a tool kit. Other models to consider The KTM 690 Enduro R is our top pick for an adventure bike, but there are plenty of other models worth considering.
Why choose an adventure bike?
Adventure bikes are designed for exploring off-road, making them great for discovering mountains, forests, deserts and more. They are generally lighter and nimbler than a standard road bikes and have slightly more powerful engines to give them better off-road performance.
They are also more likely to come with off-road-specific features such as suspension or traction control. Adventure bikes are a sub-category of the all-around touring bike category and you’ll often find them featured alongside Tourers and Trail runners in bike shop showrooms. Despite this, many adventure bikes are also suited to city riding thanks to their lighter weight and agility.
Technical specification of the best KTM adventure bikes
- Engine type: Liquid-cooled, 8-valve, DOHC, 4-stroke
- Engine capacity: 1290cc
- Power output: 126PS at 9,000rpm
- Torque: 117Nm at 8,000rpm
- Transmission type: 6-speed
- Clutch type: Wet multi-disc clutch
- Frame type: Aluminium
- Front suspension: Telescopic fork with adjustable preload,
- Rear suspension: Swingarm with adjustable preload
- Front brakes: Front 2x 296mm with ABS,
- Rear brakes: 2x 245mm with ABS
- Tyres: Front 120/70 ZR17, Rear 180/55 ZR17
- Fuel tank capacity: 14 litres – Final drive: constant mesh belt
Final thoughts
Adventure bikes are designed for exploring off-road, making them great for discovering mountains, forests, deserts and more. They are generally lighter and nimbler than a standard road bikes and have slightly more powerful engines to give them better off-road performance.
They are also more likely to come with off-road-specific features such as suspension or traction control. The fact that they are also more manoeuvrable and easier to park than a standard bike makes them an excellent choice for city use as well.
