ktm tft display made in china

It’s an unusual move from KTM to revive a model which they have already superseded (with the 890 Adventure line-up) but the bigger news is this first major wholesale shipping of the model production to China.

The redesign is straight out of Mattighofen and they say, pretty high up the press information to make the point, that the process will be supervised by KTM staff on the ground in China. Transcontinental cooperation is not new for KTM and the main thrust of this new venture with CFMOTO is to feed motorcycles “directly into the furthest corners of the globe” they say.

The original 790 Adventure was a great bike of course, helping forge the then new trend for middleweight Adv bikes. For the 790’s comeback KTM say they wanted even more ‘rideability’ from the LC8c motor that pumps out 95hp at 8,000 rpm and 88Nm at 6,500 rpm but also tweaks that would meet the criteria for Euro 5 emissions targets – even if that claim or aim to reach “further corners of the globe” with this model makes EU emissions regs seem like a side issue.

The 2023 KTM 790 ADVENTURE is now more stable at constant speed and has gained more cornering poise thanks to a 20% increase of rotating mass; an alteration that hasn’t compromised the highly rated agility of the motorcycle.

This is one of the largest modifications to ensure this vibrant generation of the KTM 790 ADVENTURE will be an impeccable choice for moving in, around and then outside of the city limits. The 15,000 km service intervals remain in concrete.

The dependability of the KTM 790 ADVENTURE is hiked with the reworked Power Assist Slipper Clutch with new friction plates and the engine breathes freer with a new airbox.

The bike also benefits from the latest 6D sensor, otherwise known as the Inertia Management Unit, that can be found on larger KTM siblings like the KTM 890 ADVENTURE and KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE models. This sophisticated device informs the Cornering Motorcycle Traction Control and other aspects such as ABS, Motor Slip Regulation and the administration of Ride Modes. In terms of features the KTM 790 ADVENTURE holds very similar billing to its larger sibling: the KTM 890 ADVENTURE.

ABS programs now automatically switch between the Ride Modes, removing the need for more configuration. KTM has installed an innovative ‘DEMO’ function on the 2023 KTM 790 ADVENTURE; owners can trial the full slew of optional riding extras for the first 1,500 km before deciding which settings they’d like to purchase and keep.

A 20-liter tank and potential 450 km fuel economy broadens the horizons of even the hardest adventure rider. For all the time spent in the comfy 2-piece saddle (which can be swapped and augmented through KTM’s PowerParts assortment for single or heated units) the 2023 KTM 790 ADVENTURE provides even more concessions to the eager traveler.

The lights are full LED sets and the dashboard view is brighter and better with the 5” TFT reacting to ambient lighting and utilizing a redesigned menu system of new infographics for faster and easier customization. Syncing the KTMConnect App will now lead to even more beneficial navigational and travel options, such as profiling the ‘top ten’ calls and contacts and adjusting the parameters of turn-by-turn guidance on the go.

As with the forerunner to the 2023 edition, the KTM PowerParts range is plush with KTM 790 ADVENTURE components for protection or aesthetic add-ons. Owners won’t have to consider extra defense against hits and dents to the front of the bike however thanks to the light aluminum engine protector, fitted as standard. The plastics (injected molded with graphics for more resistance) have also been reshaped to guard the tank and seat against unwanted knocks.

The upcoming 790 Adventure boasts redesigned bodywork and graphics. Other highlights include an updated TFT menu system, a Euro5-compliant LC8 engine, and Pirelli Scorpion STR Rally tires as standard for better performance off-road.

It is no secret that KTM has long been outsourcing production from various international partners such as CFMOTO and Bajaj (India). However, it is only this time that KTM has been more inclusive and announced that CFMOTO will be the one manufacturing their middleweight adventure bike from China.

“The process will be supervised by KTM staff on the ground. The transcontinental cooperation is not the first for KTM and will ensure the adventure spirit can feed directly into the furthest corners of the globe.”

It goes without saying that TFT screens are becoming a more common feature on motorcycles these days. Even entry-level beginner-focused two-wheelers are starting to feature this fancy tech—heck, even some e-bikes come equipped with full-color TFT screens. That said, what exactly is a TFT display, and is it even any better than an analog instrument cluster? On top of that, why do more and more manufacturers seem to be slapping a TFT screen on all their models?

Well, for starters, a TFT, or Thin-Film-Transistor Liquid Crystal Display, is similar to what you find on your smartphone. Although not necessarily as fancy and capable of displaying millions of colors as your brand new iPhone, the TFT screens on most premium motorcycles are touted as full-color, and feature graphics and animations that really elevate the riding experience. As such, it’s no surprise that more and more manufacturers are outfitting their bikes with this tech. Indeed, three years ago, the notion of having a bike with a full-color display was exciting. These days, however, it’s pretty much a standard feature.

I’m sure you remember the days when an SD card with a 512MB memory would set you back thousands of pesos. Nowadays, you can pick up a 256GB microSD card for the same amount of money, and from a reputable brand. The same is true with TFT screens, and quite frankly, all facets of technology. That being said, it could be argued that fitting a motorcycle with a TFT display is in fact cheaper and more cost effective than opting for an analog instrument cluster, especially if you’re a manufacturer with economies of scale at your disposal.

Take, for example KTM, and its full color screens found across the board in its model range. The screen on the 390 series is pretty much the same as that of the 790 and 1290 models, albeit encased in a different housing. Underneath it all, however, it’s pretty much the same tech, and so it makes perfect sense for KTM to fit all its bikes with this technology—much to the delight of tech-hungry consumers like ourselves.

Indeed, well-crafted analog displays like that on the Triumph Thruxton could very well soon be a thing of the past, or something reserved for enthusiasts and collectors. Like a beautifully crafted watch, a high-quality analogue gauge cluster is truly something to behold, and something purists and classic aficionados hold near and dear to their hearts. As such, it could be argued that the mechanical instrument cluster could soon be considered a premium feature among high-end classic-style motorcycles.

At the end of the day, TFT displays have their benefits, and it can be argued that these benefits are strong enough to send analog gauge clusters the way of the dinosaurs. For starters, they’re adjustable, and easily configurable. They’re also a lot more visible with auto-contrast technology allowing them to adjust automatically to ambient light. Furthermore, they simply allow manufacturers to stuff in more data, keeping the rider informed about their bike. A TFT screen is pretty much like a tablet for your bike, allowing you to keep tabs on all the information it has to offer you.

The CFMoto 1250 TR-G is finally on the Chinese market, and boy, is it interesting. First off, it’s perhaps the most ambitious collaboration between KTM and its Chinese partners that we’ve seen yet. Second, it’s a pretty massive sport tourer, continuing China’s interest in a category that everyone else has pretty much forgotten.

The CFMoto 1250 TR-G uses a liquid-cooled 72-degree V-twin engine that’s derived from KTM’s LC8 engine. It reportedly makes 140 horsepower at 8,500 rpm and 88.5 pound-feet of torque at 7,000 rpm. That’s much less jam than the latest-gen LC8, but it’s a massive upgrade from the old knock-offs of Japanese engines. It does follow in the same pattern, though, of tinkering with an established design.

CFMoto loaded this bike with modern electro-tech, though, including a 12.3-inch TFT screen with Bluetooth connectivity, a tire pressure monitoring system, a sound system (equipped with JBL speakers), switchable engine maps, cruise control, cornering ABS, adjustable traction control—you name it. While not as high-spec as the latest Euro machinery, it’s not far behind, and probably on-par or superior to many Japanese-built bikes on the market.

Add it all up, and you’ve got a bike that’s barely a step below BMW’s latest sport tourers, at least on paper. Wild! Almost everyone has abandoned making a serious sport tourer, with the FJR1300 reportedly gone, and nothing else equivalent from Japan or Europe, with the exception of BMW’s RT and RS lines, and KTM’s Super Duke GT.

The CFMOTO 800MT is based around the 799cc LC8c parallel twin that came from KTM. This is a result of their partnership (see below). It’s a cracker of an engine, making (in the 800MT) 70 kW or 95 hp, and with a lot of character from its 285 degree crankshaft, helping it mimic the delivery of KTM’s V-twins.

The CFMOTO 800MT Touring comes with fully adjustable KYB suspension, a quickshifter, a big TFT screen, fog lights, radial-mounted J.Juan brakes with Cornering ABS as standard, and so much more. On other brands’ bikes, these are usually expensive add-ons.

The engine is based on the KTM LC8 V-twin that first appeared in the RC8 superbike. Of course it’s detuned and made more suitable for a long-distance tourer.

The bike has a ton of high-spec gear, like semi-active WP electronic suspension, big 12.3 inch TFT display, Brembo radial-mounted calipers, and cornering ABS. It even has a multimedia sound system.

The significant phase of the partnership started in 2014 when KTM started manufacturing KTM 200 and 390 Dukes for KTM in China. They’re sold under the CFMOTO KTMR2R brand. (For global markets KTM partners with Bajaj in India to manufacture its 390 Duke and RC 390 for international audiences. And the new 2022 KTM RC 390 has some amazing specs!)

As part of the CFMOTO KTMR2R partnership, KTM transferred manufacturing of the parallel twin 799cc LC8c models (including the 790 Duke and 790 Adventure) to China from 2020.

KTM is also transferring technology for the LC8 V-twin engine, including the 990 and 1080 V-Twin models. The first fruit of this, interestingly, is a 1279cc LC8-derived engine, to power the 1250 TR-G tourer. It makes 105 kW or 140 bhp.

Back in 2021 we reported that Chinese manufacturing giant CFMoto was on the verge of releasing an 800cc bike with adventure bike aesthetics and KTM parts, including the Austrian maker’s 799cc liquid-cooled LC8c parallel twin. And out into the wider world this new bike went, as the 800MT Sport and 800MT Touring versions, with little word of when or if we might have access to it in North America.

Much of the bike is as we originally reported. To refresh, KTM has long been involved with China’s CFMoto, with the Austrian giant, trading information about its mechanical technologies and quality control systems in exchange for access to CFMoto’s global manufacturing facilities and supply chain. Nothing sinister here. In fact KTM’s payback trickles straight down to the consumer by keeping prices in check, and on the flip side, CFMoto customers buy a higher quality product.

While CFMoto has been working for many years with Kawasaki to create models with shared genetics, the 800 Adventura models mark its first physical manifestation of its joint venture with KTM to reach the states. Yet at the same time, the new bike doesn’t look much like a KTM at all. There’s the engine, of course, purposely handed off in 2021 just as KTM moved to the current 890cc mill for its North American Adventure series, and a familiar steel tube frame, though the Adventura does use a unique aluminum swing arm system.

Wheelsets for both models, cast on the Street and spoked on the Terrain, are 19/17-inches. Instead of the leggy WP suspension on KTM’s middleweight adventure bikes (9.4 inches of travel front and rear), CFMoto went with a cost-saving KYB inverted fork offering an adjustable 6.3 inches of travel, while an adjustable single shock in the rear gives 5.9 inches.

Cruise control is also standard, as well as traction control and two electronic ride modes (Rain and Sport), which are switched via a 7-inch color TFT display. Both models also provide USB and 12V DC outlets and feature LED lighting and fog lights. The medium-height windscreens above the pinched beaks look to be the same size on both machines and a gnarled plastic hand knob suggests adjustability.

The Adventura models are the largest displacement motorcycles from CFMoto to make it to the U.S., and appear to offer a new level of quality as well. Of the fit and finish, the tester who rode the Terrain went as far as to call its paint and aesthetics a step above KTM’s.

Traditionally the most attractive thing about Chinese products has been the price, but in this case, KTM’s involvement adds quite a bit of value, making $9,499 for the Street model (before transport and assembly fees) sound like a good deal. The Terrain touring version starts at $10,499. Color choices for the Street are Nebula Black or Twilight Blue while the Terrain is only available in the Twilight Blue motif.

KTM AG (Kronreif & Trunkenpolz Mattighofen) formerly KTM Sportmotorcycle AGAustrian motorcycle, bicycle and sports car manufacturer owned by Pierer Mobility AG and the Indian manufacturer Bajaj Auto. It was formed in 1992 but traces its foundation to as early as 1934. Today, KTM AG is the parent company of the KTM Group, consisting of a number of motorcycle brands.

KTM is known for its off-road motorcycles (enduro, motocross and supermoto). Since the late 1990s, it has expanded into street motorcycle production and developing sports cars – namely the X-Bow. In 2015, KTM sold almost as many street as off-road bikes.

The company secured its first racing title in the 1954 Austrian 125cc national championship.International Six Days Trials, where Egon Dornauer won a gold medal on a KTM machine.

In 1957, KTM built its first sports motorcycle, the Trophy 125cc.moped, named Mecky, was launched in 1957, followed by Ponny I in 1960 and Ponny II in 1962 and Comet in 1963.

As the company continued to expand, the workforce totalled 400 in 1971, and forty years after it was founded, KTM was offering 42 different models. Additionally, KTM was able to produce motorcycles for the racing industry. During the 1970s and 80s, KTM also started to develop and produce engines and radiators. Radiators sold to European car manufacturers constituted a sizable part of the company"s business in the 1980s.

In 1991, the company was split into four new entities: KTM Sportmotorcycle GmbH (motorcycles division), KTM Fahrrad GmbH (bicycles division), KTM Kühler GmbH (radiators division) and KTM Werkzeugbau GmbH (tooling division).

Now owned by KTM Motorradholding GmbH, which was formed by Cross Holding (a Cross Industries daughter), and other investors, KTM Sportmotorcycle GmbH started operation in 1992 and later took over the sibling tooling division KTM Werkzeugbau. In the following years, while steadily increasing production and turnover, investing in new production and R&D facilities,Cross Industries owner Stefan Pierer.

In 1994, KTM started production of the Duke series of road motorcycles, in 1996, KTM motocross machines were first decked out in KTM"s signature orange color,Supermoto and Adventure motorcycles. In 2007, the company debuted the KTM X-Bow sports car.

In 2013, KTM acquired the formerly Swedish motorcycle maker Husqvarna Motorcycles from its prior owner BMW Motorrad AG.Husaberg into Husqvarna Motorcycles from which it had spun off in the 1990s when Husqvarna was sold to the Italian company Cagiva.

As the final result of the restructuring process, KTM Motorradholding GmbH had become KTM AG in 2012. In 2015, KTM generated a turnover of over 1 billion Euro and employed 2515 people by the end of that year.KTM Sportmotorcycle GmbH, KTM Werkzeugbau GmbH and KTM Kühler GmbH (today WP Radiators). KTM Fahrrad GmbH (KTM Bike Industries) remains an independent company and is owned by Chinese investors. KTM-Group today contains the brands KTM, Husqvarna Motorcycles and GasGas Motorcycles.

Furthermore, KTM Sportmotorcycle GmbH and Husqvarna Motorcycles GmbH operate 24 and 8 distribution subsidiaries worldwide, respectively, most of them in European and Asian countries and in the US.

KTM started exporting their GS model to the US in 1968 through an American importer, John Penton under the Penton brand. This joint venture lasted until KTM established KTM America Inc. in Ohio in 1978.

In 2005, KTM-Sportmotocycle began a partnership with ATV manufacturer Polaris Industries with the goal of shared research, and more importantly shared distribution networks. This partnership was a two-year trial arrangement, at the end of which both parties had the option of merging the two companies into one.

In 2006, KTM announced that the partnership with Polaris had been downgraded, and would instead only supply their 450cc and 510cc RFS engines to Polaris.

In January 2008, Bajaj announced that it would jointly develop two new 125cc and 200cc bikes for Europe and the Far East. The bikes would be badged KTM.

KTM entered motorsports competing in motocross racing. KTM won its first championship in 1974 when Guennady Moisseev claimed the 250cc Motocross World Championship.world titles since 1990. With Ryan Dungey"s 2015, 2016 and 2017 victories in the supercross world championship, KTM gained a successful presence in supercross racing as well. In 1994, a KTM factory team debuted at the Dakar Rally. In 1998, KTM riders won second to twelfth place. With consecutive wins from 2001 to 2019, the manufacturer has dominated the rally for 18 years now. KTM teams successfully compete in other rally raid events like the Atlas Rally or the Rallye du Maroc. KTM has won 37 cross country rallies world titles since 2003 and has won the FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship 15 times, most recently in 2015.

In 2003, KTM started sponsoring and supporting road racing in various capacities, with the most successful results stemming from their supermoto efforts. From 2003 to 2009, a KTM factory team competed in the 125 cc class of the motorcycle Grands Prix, and between 2005 and 2008 in the 250 cc class. Notable successes in the 125 cc class were the second and third place in the overall ranking scored in 2005 by KTM riders Mika Kallio and Gábor Talmácsi, the second place in 2006 by Mika Kallio, the third place in 2007 by Tomoyoshi Koyama and the 2005 KTM victory in the 125 cc constructor"s championship. In the 250 cc class, Mika Kallio won third place in 2008. Since the first Rookies Cup season in 2007, KTM has supplied the bike for the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup. In 2009, KTM announced their withdrawal from Grand Prix motorcycle racing in all classes, and did not return until 2012 in the new Moto3 class.

In 2012, KTM won the Moto3 manufacturers" championship. During the next season, KTM riders prevailed in every race of the Moto3 class and won the world title as well as second and third place, making KTM the obvious victor of the manufacturers" standing. KTM won the manufacturer title in the 2014 and 2016 as well as the world title in 2016 in the Moto3 class. Starting in 2017, KTM fields bikes in both MotoGP and Moto2 classes as well. The main class team features Bradley Smith and Pol Espargaró as full-season riders, and Mika Kallio as wildcard rider. The Moto2 KTM Ajo team features Miguel Oliveira and Brad Binder.

Steadfastly independent and confident of their company"s abilities, KTM chose to use a steel trellis frame where all other manufacturers used aluminum. In addition, KTM insisted on developing their own racing suspension through their WP subsidiary (all other manufacturers used Öhlins). KTM demonstrated their prowess in doing things their own way by winning their first Moto GP premier class race on August 9, 2020, with rookie Brad Binder crossing the finish line in first place.

KTM"s official company/team colours are orange, black and silver. To create a strong brand identity, all competition-ready KTMs come from the factory with bright orange plastic with "KTM" emblazoned on the side of the radiator shrouds. All KTM bikes also come from the factory with a Motorex sticker on the outside of the motor. All first fills of oil come from Motorex as well. Some official KTM teams use different colors for their bikes, most noticeably in the Dakar Rally.

KTM manufactures a wide range of off-road motorcycles. Not all of their models are available in every country. The following section lists bikes that are sold in the US.

Enduro – The street-legal EXC enduro versions of KTM"s XC cross-country bikes are supplied with plusher non-linkage suspensions, a wider-ratio gear box and lights.

Free Ride – A KTM original class of off-road motorcycle that could be described as a cross between Enduro and trials bikes. The Freeride 250R is powered by a lighter, modified version of the 250 EXC Enduro engine and has a specially developed six-speed gearbox with close transmission ratios in the lower gears and a wide ratio for the sixth gear.

New European emission laws have increased the pressure on two-stroke bikes, as their engines are less fuel efficient and produce more pollution than four-stroke engines. However, with newer advances in technology, two-strokes have begun to burn cleaner and pass stricter environmental standards. Starting in 2017, all newly registered motorcycles must conform with the Euro 4 regulations for emissions management. In May 2017, KTM unveiled a new two-stroke engine with direct fuel injection. By pressure-injecting an electronically controlled amount of fuel into the transfer port of the cylinder, the new TPI (transfer port injection) engines will be more fuel efficient and cleaner than classic carburetor two-stroke engines, albeit more complex and expensive. By 2018, 250 and 300 EXC TPI enduro models will be powered by the new engine.

Supermoto – KTM was the first manufacturer to offer a competition-ready supermoto bike to the public. However, the company stopped supermoto production in 2016 to focus on stock 690 SMC R machines. For the 2019 Model year, the 690 SMC R model was completely renewed. The bike now has the latest version of the single cylinder LC4 power unit, introduced for the MY2016 Duke. The previous supermoto models included the 625 SMC and the race version 560 SMR. The 141 kg light 690 SMC R model has a 48 kW liquid-cooled one-cylinder four-stroke motor (LC4) and a hydraulically actuated APTC slipper clutch.

Adventure tourers – KTM currently produces the 1090 Adventure, 790 Adventure, and 1290 Super Adventure dual-sport adventure bikes in versions with different seat height, wheels and suspensions that endow the machines with a road (S), off-road (R – for rally) or touring (T) bias.

The 1090 Adventure and 1290 Super Adventure bikes are powered by 75 degree V-twin four-stroke motors (LC8). The 790 Adventure is powered by the new LC8c parallel twin four-stroke motor. All 3 feature a slipper clutch, electronically controlled riding modes (sport, street and rain) with the 1290 and 790 featuring a TFT display and the 1090 featuring a twin (analog plus LCD) display.

Sports tourer – The KTM sports tourer 1290 Superduke GT (Gran Turismo) is a version of the 1290 Superduke R naked bike that has been modified for more touring comfort with a longer and more robust frame, modified handlebar, larger fuel tank and modified 75 degree V-twin four-stroke LC8 motor. Like the 1290 Super Adventure, the 1290 Superduke GT features three electronically controlled riding modes.

Naked bikes – With the Duke and Superduke models, KTM currently offers naked bikes with 125, 200, 250, 390, 690, 790, 890 and 1290 cc displacement. The 125 (not available in the US), 200, 250, 390 and 690 and 690 R Duke models have a single-cylinder four-stroke LC4 motor. The 790, 890 Duke use a new twin-parallel engine. The 1290 R Superduke model is equipped with a 75 degree V-twin four-stroke motor (LC8).

Supersport – KTM sport bikes currently offered in the supersport category include the RC 125 (not available in the US) and the RC 390. Both are street-legal versions of bikes that compete in street races. With the RC16, KTM has presented a 1000 cc sport bike that will race in the MotoGP class of the 2017 Road Racing World Championship Grand Prix.

In Asia, KTM also markets RC 200 and RC 250 street bikes. KTM is also planning to introduced a new 150cc bike in its RC lineup in the Asian countries. This would be the KTC RC 150, that will powered by a 149cc, single-cylinder engine and 6-speed gearbox. This will be launched at a more affordable price, so everyone can opt for it.

Superbike – Currently, KTM has retired from superbike production and competitions.1190 RC8 superbike, a light, powerful homologated (street-legal) bike for superbike competitions with an LC8 motor and without any of the electronic driving aids that the otherwise comparable Superduke and Super Adventure models offer.

Since 1992,KISKA, a Salzburg-based design firm. KISKA also designed four versions of the X-Bow and is responsible for the overall branding for KTM and Husqvarna.

The KTM X-Bow (pronounced cross-bow) is a series of lightweight, two-seater sports cars known as the X-Bow R, the X-Bow RR, the X-Bow GT and the X-BOW GT4.Audi engine and a carbon fibre chassis developed in cooperation with Italian racing car manufacturer Dallara, making it the world"s first street-legal car with a full carbon fibre monocoque.

The KTM 390 Duke and RC 390 are 373.2 cc (22.77 cu in) displacement single-cylinder engine motorcycles assembled by Bajaj Auto, and KTM Asia Motorcycle Manufacturing, Inc. (KAMMI) for the Austrian manufacturer KTM.standard debuted at the 2012 EICMA show in Milan, Italy, and went on sale in India and the Philippines in 2013 and in the US in 2015.sport bike was presented at EICMA the following year.

Pierer said in December 2015 that KTM and Bajaj plan to replace the 125, 200, and the 390-series Duke and RC lines in 2017, based on all new platforms, in part tarnavo meet Euro IV emissions standards, and to incorporate new technologies such as ride-by-wire.

After 2017, the 390 series" front brake disc was increased from 300 mm to 320 mm. The headlight was redesigned and converted to LED. The display became a color TFT panel with phone pairing capability. Seat height was increased from 800 mm (31.5 in) to 830 mm (32.7 in) and wheelbase was decreased 10 mm. The brake and clutch levers were also made manually adjustable.

In 2018, KTM updated its Duke 390 with some minor changes, where it added a deflector plate on the left side of the chassis, to avoid exhaust heat near the riders leg.Euro IV emission standards.

A sport bike version of the 390 Duke, the KTM RC 390 was presented at the 2013 EICMA motorcycle show in Italy, though most details had been leaked a few weeks earlier.road racing style bike has the same 373 cc engine making a claimed 44 hp (33 kW) @ 9,500 rpm with a claimed weight without fuel of 147 kg (324 lb). With a fuel capacity 10.0 l; 2.20 imp gal (2.64 US gal), the wet weight would be 150 kg (340 lb).trellis frame than the Duke, which KTM says is stiffer than the 390 Duke.Metzeler 110/70ZR17 front and 150/60ZR17 rear.rake), the RC"s fork has a steeper 66.5° head angle (or 23.5° rake).

KTM added a racing version of the RC 390, the RC 390 Cup for use by motorcycle racers ages 13 to 21 in the ADAC Junior Cup, a MotoGP event. The RC 390 Cup has no lights or mirrors, and no ABS to reduce weight, and an upgraded WP suspension, fully adjustable front and rear. The engine is detuned to a 38 hp (28 kW) with a block-off plate, and has an Akrapovič exhaust.

KTM revised the RC 390 in 2017 by adding a slipper clutch, adjustable brake levers, ride-by-wire throttle, a larger 320 mm front brake rotor, larger mirrors, and some cosmetic and ergonomic changes.

Chinese manufacturers are making a mark in the global motorcycling scenario with Benelli and CFMoto leading the charge. Both the brands enjoy significant popularity in other markets as well, owing to their business ties with renowned brands like KTM and MV Agusta. CFMoto and KTM enjoy a rather happy relationship where the former retails the latter’s motorcycles in China and enjoys shared technology in return. CFMoto has been busy coming up with an ADV-tourer based on the KTM 790 Adventure and the same has now been unveiled officially.

Like we mentioned earlier, the 800MT is derived from the KTM 790 Adventure and in the same wake, borrows its engine as well. The 799 cc LC8 parallel-twin engine makes just about 95 bhp of power, and a healthy 78 Nm of peak torque. The numbers are quite similar too and due to the KTM-derived mill, fly-by-wire throttle, engine maps, and cruise control come along for the ride. It gets Bosch’s cornering ABS and traction control along with a suite of electronics including a 7-inch IPS display, keyless start, heated grips and heated seat, built-in navigation, and even an automatic headlight dipping system.

There are some key differences in cycle parts though. While the KTM 790 Adventure uses suspension from WP, the CFMoto 800MT makes do with KYB. On the other hand, braking department is taken care of a Spanish brand named J. Juan. Suited for on-road touring instead of dirt road blasting, the 800MT features a top-mounted gas tank, unlike the KTM’s low-slung fuel cells. CFMoto also opts for a traditional adventure bike two-up seat in lieu of the 790 Adventure’s enduro-inspired unit.

CFMoto offers two 800MT configurations to cater to a wide array of customers. Both variants feature a 19-inch front wheel and a 17-inch rear. The standard trim features cast aluminium rims while the slightly dirt-focussed variant gets spoked wheels, dual-sport tyres, and a standard engine bash plate. The CFMoto 800MT however is a lot heavier than the KTM 790 Adventure it’s based on. The 800MT comes with a kerb weight of 231 kg.

While CFMoto is planning to expand its portfolio in India and will launch the 650NK soon, it won’t be wise to expect 800MT to arrive soon here since we don’t even have the KTM 790 Adventure to start with.

X-BOW, the super sports car by KTM and the first four wheeled model in its history is now equipped with the Smart. Starting this year, in fact, KTM has decided to adopt our compact instrument cluster featuring square and modern lines which remind the modern smartphones and perfectly fit in the futuristic style of the car.

Smart stands out for its 4.3" color TFT screen and 10 indicators for turn signals, lights and fuel. Smart"s hardware heart is a powerful microcontroller that supports 2.5D graphics, similar to those of videogames, that allow it to display images with a certain detail and depth.

The Smart TFT features sophisticated production technology and is covered by a mineral glass optically bonded on it. Both characteristics ensure visibility in every condition of sunlight, even intense.

KTM received the first prototypes in 2018 together with MTA Studio tool, our proprietary software that allowed the company to rapidly and independently develop a custom-made product and to align the screen-printed graphics of the cover glass and the indicators with the image of its brand.

MTA also supplied to KTM MTA Gate, a specific tool designed for EOL (end of line) department which allows software updates and the quick and safe configuration of certain vehicle parameters, like for example the language, for additional customization.

Ever since entering a partnership with KTM, there has been a noticeable bump in the technology and performance of CFMOTO’s machines. CFMOTO doesn’t keep the fact that it uses KTM tech in its bikes a secret, and it seems to be working for them, especially when it comes to building a strong global presence. Indeed, when it comes to Chinese-made motorbikes, CFMOTO is considered as one of the best.

To start with, CFMOTO has equipped the 800 MT Explore Edition with a sophisticated blind spot monitoring system powered by radar sensors at the back of the motorcycle. This makes lane changes, especially at night and in low visibility conditions, much safer. To accommodate the radar system, the 800 MT Explore Edition has been fitted with a bigger TFT screen now measuring eight inches. The unit is now touchscreen, and comes with Bluetooth connectivity and voice control.

The all newKTM Adventure 790 gets updated with bigger fairings and the windscreen which has been made larger to provide enhanced wind protection to the rider. The lighting of this bike is all-LED and the 5-inch TFT screen for the instrument cluster comes brighter and gets an ambient light sensor. Moreover, the user interface of this Adventure bike is redesigned with a new menu system and infographics.

According to KTM, the new user interface will help riders to navigate in a more efficient way. The bike gets a KTMConnect application which provides turn-by-turn navigation and other information.

The tyres of the KTM Adventure 790 are said to be spruced from Pirelli and they are Scorpion STR tyres with bigger tread blocks, focused for off-roading. Previously, this KTM bike was equipped with Continental tyres. The company has also added a ‘DEMO’ function on the 790 Adventure so the owners can try the full slew of optional riding extras for the first 1,500 km before deciding which settings the riders would prefer to purchase and keep. Additionally, the ABS automatically turns on or off when the rider changes the riding mode.

China has about 200 motorcycle manufacturers slaving away to bring people the joys of hitting powerband on a Beijing street. Many of the larger ones are engaged in joint ventures with better-known brands like Jianshe which has a deal with Yamaha, or Loncin which is beasties with BMW and CFMoto which is in close contact with KTM and its Kiska design house. Some brands perhaps more familiar to us are in fact all Chinese with SWM being owned and built by Shineray, while Benelli is actually Qianjiang.

CFMoto’s upcoming MT800 looks like it will be the spearhead for future adventure efforts with an engine straight out of the KTM 790 Adventure as well as KYB suspension (read more about it here). The bike is a big statement and while pricing is yet to be released, if it comes in substantially less than $15,000 then it will find willing wallets keen to empty themselves straight away.

In 2017 Zongshen entered the Dakar rally on their then-new NC450 Rally bike. None of the five bikes finished but to the company’s credit only one through a mechanical issue. The engine was then placed in the RX4, Zongshen’s flagship adventure model. They sell in the US as a CSC RX4 at just 4,995.00 and it comes with a 7-inch TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity as well as LED lighting, adjustable windscreen, spoked wheels, bashplate and crash bars and topped off with a three-piece pannier set. That’s the equivalent of an adventure bike family meal.

It promises a TFT screen with Bluetooth connectivity, BOSCH EFI, tubeless tyres, spoked wheels and LED lights as well as a power output of 49 horsepower and a weight of 192 kilograms. The 650DS appears to be a step forward from the Loncin DS8 that debuted in 2018, also with the G650GS engine but with less refined styling.

KTM first introduced the 790 Duke to Canada in 2017, and then replaced it a couple of years later with the 890 platform. Now, the 790 Duke is coming back to Canada for 2023, in updated form.

Judging by KTM’s press release, it appears the 790 Duke is intended to once again be the base model in the LC8c lineup, with the 890 Duke R positioned as a more high-spec version of the platform. There is no comment yet on whether or not we will also see a 790 Adventure return to the lineup, as that machine was replaced by the 890 Adventure and we’ve seen no indication that will change.

At one point, the story was thatthese newer 790 models would be built in China, as part of KTM’s partnership with CFMoto. CFMoto certainly builds KTM-branded bikes for its home market, but we’ve seen no confirmation that the new 790 models coming to Canada will be made in China.

In base form, the new 790 Duke will have cornering-sensitive traction control and ABS (with Supermoto mode, allowing you to lock the rear wheel), along with Rain, Street and Sport ride modes, all-LED lighting, and a 5-inch TFT screen. KTM’s Quickshifter+ is available as an option (for clutchless upshifts and downshifts), along with adjustable engine braking, tire pressure monitoring, cruise control and a Track mode.

The 1301 cc V-twin is reworked, to meet new emissions standards, and the bike once again comes with WP Apex semi-active suspension, allowing the rider to select electro-adjusted preload for Rider, Rider & Pillion, Rider & Luggage or Rider, Pillion & Luggage weights. Anti-dive function also comes standard. There’s a new 7-inch TFT screen and new switchgear, new (lighter) wheels, new ContiSportAttack 4 tires, and Sygic-powered Turn-by-Turn PLUS navigation. This bike certainly sounds like a lot of fun—the outgoing model sure was—but we haven’t seen a price tag for this machine either, or an arrival date. More info and specs here.

The CFMoto CF1250 is the most powerful motorcycle to be ever made by a Chinese bike manufacturer. It is the result of the partnership between KTM and CFMoto. For the ones unaware of the previous developments, CFMoto manufactures bikes for KTM in China. Models such as 200 Duke and 390 Duke currently roll-out of its Chinese factory, while the KTM 790 Duke and 790 Adventure has been slated for future production.

The CF1250 is based on the KTM LC8 V-twin motor taken from the 1290 SuperDuke. CFMoto has reworked the engine with new casings and the end result is a 1279cc V-twin which is known to churn out 140 PS of maximum power at 8,500 rpm and 120 Nm of peak torque at 7,000 rpm.

The bike features a 12.3-inch colour TFT LCD instrument cluster which is huge even for car standards. The screen is capable of displaying a plethora of information in a simple and uncluttered format. It boasts mobile phone integration for caller ID, navigation, and more.