The KTM 890 Adventure is a replacement of the 790 Adventure, and it is a significantly updated and improved model. The engine has been increased in size to 890cc, and the power output has been increased by 10%. The chassis has been updated with a new trellis frame, and the suspension has been revised.
KTM Has three variants of the KTM 890 Adventure
- KTM Adventure
- KTM Adventure R
- KTM Adventure R Rally
The 890 Adventure R Rally is 98% similar to the 890 Adventure R, with some key differences being the addition of a larger fuel tank, a more powerful headlight, and different ergonomics.
The KTM 890 Adventure has a starting price of $13,399.
The KTM 890 Adventure R has a starting price of $14,599.
The KTM 890 Adventure R Rally has a starting price of $19,999.
KTM 890 Adventure R
The KTM 890 Adventure R is the off-road focused version of the 890 Adventure. It has a longer suspension travel, and a higher ground clearance. The engine is tuned for more low-end and mid-range power, and the weight is kept down by using a lighter battery and wheels.
KTM 890 Adventure R Rally
The KTM 890 Adventure R Rally is the most off-road focused version of the 890 Adventure. It has a larger fuel tank, a more powerful headlight, and different ergonomics. The suspension is softer, and the wheels are larger.
It a limited production bike with around 500 units being made.
KTM 890 Adventure
The KTM 890 Adventure is the street focused version of the 890 Adventure. It has a shorter suspension travel, and a lower ground clearance. The engine is tuned for more high-end power, and the weight is kept down by using a lighter battery and wheels.
Pros
- Lower seat height
- Slim design
- Tunable power delivery
- High-quality components
Cons
- Expensive
- Limited off-road capability when compared to the R and R Rally
The precise drive by wire throttle control and ride-by-wire systems give the rider a major advantage on any terrain and makes slow speed maneuvering easy on and off road. The power is always at your fingertips with the up and down quickshifter+, which is a first in the industry for a bike of this class. The 890 Adventure R is equipped with cornering ABS as standard, which is a feature that is not usually seen on dual-sport motorcycles. This ensures that the rider has the best possible braking performance in all conditions.
KTM has designed the fuel tanks of the 890 Adventure R and 890 Adventure to be as compact as possible, which allows for a shorter wheelbase and improved maneuverability. The fuel tanks are also down low in the chassis to improve weight distribution and handling.
| KTM Adventure | KTM Adventure R | KTM Adventure R Rally | |
| Engine | 889 cc, 8 valve parallel twin engine | 889cc, 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, parallel twin | 889cc, 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, parallel twin cylinder, DOHC |
| Power | 103 hp (77 kW) at 8,000 rpm | 103 Hp | |
| Bore x Stroke | 90.7 mm x 68.8 mm | 90.7 mm x 68.8 mm | |
| EMS | Bosch EMS with RBW | ||
| Power in KW | 77 kW | ||
| Starter | Electric starter | ||
| Lubrication | Forced oil lubrication with 2 oil pumps | Forced oil lubrication with 2 oil pumps | Forced oil lubrication with 2 oil pumps |
| Clutch | PASC™ antihopping clutch, mechanically operated | PASC™ antihopping clutch, mechanically operated | |
| Transmission | 6-speed | 6-speed | 6-speed |
| Chain | 520 X-Ring | 520 X-Ring | |
| Suspension Front | WP Apex suspension | WP XPLOR-USD, Ø 48 mm (Superior to WP Apex suspension) | WP XPLOR-USD, Ø 48 mm (Superior to WP Apex suspension) with 270 mm of travel |
| Suspension Rear | WP APEX – Monoshock | XACT WP PDS mono shock | |
| Brakes Front | 320 mm | 320 mm | |
| Brakes Rear | 260 mm | 260 mm | |
| Tank capacity (approx.) | 20 liters (5.3 gallons) | ||
| Colour | Orange, Black | Orange, Black | Orange, Black Unique graphic design |
| Wet Weight | 210 kg (464 lbs) | 210 Kgs (463 lbs) | |
| Ground Clearance | 264mm (10.4 inches) | 305 mm (12 inches) | |
| Cooling System | Liquid cooled with water/oil heat exchange | Liquid cooled with water/oil heat exchange | Liquid cooled with water/oil heat exchange |
| Compression Ratio | 13:5:1 | ||
| Exhaust | Akrapovic exhaust | Akrapovic exhaust | Akrapovič exhaust (35% lighter) |
| Emission control system | Euro 5 | Euro 5 | Euro 5 |
| Seat Height | 850 mm (33.4 inches) | 879mm (34.6 inches) | Straight racing seat height 910mm (35.8 inches) |
| Gearing | Quickshifter+ technology & Power Assist Clutch (PASC) | Quickshifter+ technology & Power Assist Clutch (PASC) | Quickshifter+ as standard |
| Rims | Narrower rims with tubes | ||
| Tank | Carbon fiber tank protectors | ||
| Footrests | Rally footrests | ||
| Tyres | Avon AV54 Trailrider tubeless tires | Metzeler Karoo 3 adventure tires | Continental Twinduro TKC 80 tires |
| Windscreen | Taller Adjustable | Shorter Non Adjustable | Shorter Non Adjustable |
| ABS | Cornering ABS and available tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) | ||
| Torque | 73 lb-ft (100 Nm) at 6,500 rpm | ||
| Power | 103 hp (77 kW) at 8,000 rpm | ||
| Headlight | LED | LED | LED |
| Tail Light | LED | LED | LED |
| Price | $13,399 USD | $14,599 USD | $19,999 USD |
Why We Love The KTM 890 Adventure Bikes
KTM bikes have a narrow seat that is great when it comes to off road riding and the 890 Adventure is no different. Not only does that help with maneuverability but it can also help shorter riders reach the floor with both feet. This is a big advantage when it comes to dealing with the inevitable stalls and slip-ups that happen when riding off road. It also helps when standing on the pegs for long periods of time.
The 890 Adventure has great power to weight ratio that makes it very flickable. This is especially apparent when riding off road where the bike can be thrown around with ease.
The power delivery is smooth and predictable, which is a big plus when riding in the dirt.
The bike is also very stable at high speeds, thanks to the well-designed chassis.
The suspension on the 890 Adventure is top-notch, and it can handle anything you throw at it. KTM 890 Adventure gets WP Apex suspension. The WP Apex suspension is a step down from the WP Xplor series suspension on the R and R Rally. Suspension travel on the standard 890 Adventure is 1.5 inches shorter at both ends than the Adventure R, and 2.7 inches shorter than the 10.6 inches of travel on the R Rally. Definitely, this change is to improve the streetability of the standard 890 Adventure.
The Brembo brakes are powerful and provide great stopping power.
The Pirelli Scorpion Rally tires are the perfect choice for off-road riding. They provide great grip and are very durable.
The way it carries its weight down low due to the fuel tanks come down on either sides of the bike and this helps with the low center of gravity. This makes the bike feel very planted when cornering and gives the rider a lot of confidence. The tank designs make it such that all the other adventure bikes like the Africa twin and the tiger 900 all feel top heavy when compared to the 890 adventure.
The engine which make 105HP @8,0000RPM is tuned more for low end power and this helps a lot when riding off road where there are a lot of starts and stops. The power is always there when you need it on smooth curvy roads and it never feels like the bike is struggling.
This is an engine that riders of any experience level can enjoy.
The 890 adventure has a nice optional quick shifter that helps a lot when you’re trying to keep the bike in its powerband. This is a big help when riding off road where you don’t want to be shifting gears all the time.
The electronics which includes lean sensitive ABS and traction control are a big help when riding on the road. You can adjust the settings to your liking and it really helps you ride the bike the way you want to.
The 890 adventure also has a nice feature where you can turn the ABS off completely for the rear wheel when riding off road. This is a big help when you’re sliding around in the dirt and you don’t want the bike to automatically brake for you.
There are different riding modes. Street, rain, Off Road and Rally which you can adjust to your liking. The offroad mode pulls down the peak horsepower to make it more manageable and softens the throotle when riding in the dirt. It also ignores the anti-wheelie sensor to allow you to do wheelies more easily.
The rally mode is for when you’re really pushing the bike hard and it gives you the full power of the engine. It also has nine levels of wheel slip control which help you match the power to the traction available.
The 890 Adventure has varying seat height options, you can have on a rally beach seat which is higher, or the standard seat which is lower. This helps a lot with finding a comfortable riding position.
Another plus is the cruise control which helps a lot on long highway stints.
KTM has done an excellent job with the 890 Adventure, and it shows in the bike’s performance.
Things We Don’t Like About The KTM 890 Adventure
The fit and finish doesn’t feel as high quality as some of the other bikes in its class. The switch gear feels a little plastic-y and the dash is very basic.
The headlight could be better, it’s not as bright as we would like it to be.
The fuel economy could be better, we were only able to get about 38 mpg.
The wind protection isn’t great, and you’ll definitely feel the wind blast at high speeds.
The 890 Adventure is a little on the pricey side, but you do get what you pay for.
Biggest Complaint
For most riders the biggest complaint has been the seat. The seat is very hard and uncomfortable, especially for long rides. KTM has addressed this issue for the 2023 model by offering an optional comfort seat.
What is the difference between the KTM 890 Adventure and Adventure R?
The KTM 890 Adventure R is the more off-road focused version with a larger 21-inch front wheel, longer travel suspension, and more aggressive tires. The 890 Adventure is the more street focused version with a 19-inch front wheel.
The KTM 890 Adventure’s ground clearance is 8.7 inches and the seat height is 35.0 inches. The KTM 890 Adventure R’s ground clearance is 9.8 inches and the seat height is 35.8 inches.
The KTM 890 Adventure has a fuel capacity of 4.5 gallons and the KTM 890 Adventure R has a fuel capacity of 5.3 gallons.
The windscreen on the KTM 890 Adventure is adjustable and the windscreen on the KTM 890 Adventure R is fixed.
The KTM 890 Adventure has a 6-speed transmission and the KTM 890 Adventure R has a 7-speed transmission.
The KTM 890 Adventure R has a better suspension that the KTM 890 Adventure. The KTM 890 Adventure has 43mm WP forks with 170mm of travel and the KTM 890 Adventure R has 48mm WP Apex forks with 190mm of travel.
The KTM 890 Adventure has a rear shock with 170mm of travel and the K
shorter travel suspension, and less aggressive tires.
The KTM 890 Adventure R is a great bike for riders who want to do more off-roading, while the 890 Adventure is better suited for riders who plan to do more street riding.
KTM Reliability
KTM bikes have had reliability issues in the past, but they have improved their quality control in recent years. However, they still lag behind Japanese manufacturers in terms of reliability.
KTM Customer Service
KTM’s customer service is good, but they are often slow to respond to issues.
How much does the KTM 890 Adventure cost?
The 2023 KTM 890 Adventure is expected to hit dealerships in December 2022 KTM is yet to release an MSRP for the 890 Adventure, but we expect it to be around $14,999 with the KTM Adventure R costing more.
Like all motorcycles, the 890 Adventure will require regular maintenance and care in order to keep it running its best.
Be sure to check the owner’s manual for specific maintenance intervals, as well as tips on how to care for your KTM 890 Adventure. With proper care, your 890 Adventure will provide you with years of enjoyment.
KTM 890 Adventure vs Competition
When compared to its competition, the KTM 890 Adventure is a great value. It is less expensive than both the BMW F850GS and the Triumph Tiger 800, yet it offers similar performance.
The KTM 890 Adventure is a great choice for riders looking for an affordable and capable adventure bike. It is a great all-around motorcycle that can handle both on
Who Is This Bike For?
This is a great choice for anyone wanting to get their first big adventure bike. It’s perfect for those who want to do some light off-roading but don’t need the extra ground clearance and suspension travel of the 890 Adventure R.
The KTM 890 Adventure is also a great choice for experienced riders who are looking for an exciting bike that they can take on any adventure.
Is A 890cc Bike Too Much For An Adventure Bike?
Many people believe that an 890cc bike is too much for an adventure bike. However, the KTM 890 Adventure has plenty of power and torque for even the most experienced riders it also has a lot of electronic rider aids that help to keep the power under control.
Some of these rider aides include traction control, cornering ABS, launch control, and wheelie control. These features help to keep the power in check and make the 890 Adventure more manageable for even the less experienced riders.
This makes it possible for a less experienced rider to grow into it as their riding improves.
What Are The 890 Adventure’s Suspension Settings?
The KTM 890 Adventure comes with WP Apex forks in the front and a WP rear shock in the rear. The front forks have 170mm of travel and the rear shock has 170mm of travel. The standard model forks setting are not adjustable.
The 2023 KTM 890 Adventure R
The 2023 KTM Adventure R
What Is New On The 2023 KTM Adventure R?
- Reworked bodywork & fairing inspired by the KTM 450 RALLY
- New windshield offering improved airflow
- Reworked suspension settings for reduced long-distance fatigue
- Upgraded 5” TFT display with USB connection & new pictograms
- Improved ABS components with new modulator (9.3 MP)
- OFFROAD ABS linked with OFFROAD MODE & (optional) RALLY MODE
- New & more offroad oriented tires (international models)
- Updated turn-by-turn plus navigation system
- Introducing the DEMO MODE functionality
- Handlebar switch with hazard warning
- LED indicators (US models)
- New engine protector
KTM’s New Demo Mode
KTM has introduced a new demo mode for the 890 Adventure. This allows riders to test out the different riding modes and electronic rider aides before they buy the bike. This is a great feature for anyone who is undecided on whether or not the 890 Adventure is the right bike for them.
Conclusion
The KTM 890 Adventure is a great bike for both on and off-road riding. It is powerful yet nimble, and it can handle any terrain you throw at it. Whether you’re looking to explore the backroads or ride to the grocery store and yes you can use this bike for your daily commute, the 890 Adventure is up for the task.
