KTM also offers an R version, designed for more extreme off-road use. It uses the same engine, chassis, gearing, clocks, tank and bodywork but 100mm more suspension travel, a taller seat, a shorter (but still adjustable) screen and a tall, motocross-style mudguard. Rally mode allows the traction control to be tailored for different surfaces.
I sampled the R at KTM’s Sweet Lamb Adventure Bike Experience, and its abilities allow an off-road novice like me to brim with confidence, but at the same time allow dude-ish off-road experts to do unspeakable things with it.
Like the stocker, the key is perfect balance, meaning the R feels much lighter than its real 210-odd kilos and an engine that works as well at 2,000rpm as at 10,000rpm.
The suspension means you can hit…
