10 Things We Like About The KTM 890 Adventure R

Jun 11, 2023

The KTM 890 Adventure R offers incredible performance for those adventurers who need the ultimate off-road focussed ADV

The grueling Paris - Dakar Rally is probably one of the reasons that many motorcycle brands are dishing out a variety of adventure bikes today. Seen as the pinnacle of two-wheel engineering performance where a motorbike not only has to withstand rigorous off-road terrain but must also have the endurance to tackle any obstacle at high speed for days on end.

KTM is no stranger to the rally having claimed 19 victories in its history, and with no signs of backing down, the Austrian brand has somewhat gained recognition as an “extreme” motorcycle brand. Not only characterized by its iconic bright orange color scheme but also as seen by the range of motorbikes they offer can be said to live up to its “Ready to Race” motto.

With that said, KTM’s mid-range adventure bike, the 890 Adventure R, is said to tick all the boxes on an adventure rider's wishlist, and in a way, we see that this is kinda true. With a number of added tweaks that are said to improve the motorbike from its previous iterations, these are 10 reasons why we think the KTM 890 Adventure is a bike you may want to consider.

Related: 10 Things We Love About The New KTM 790 Adventure

Fitted with an 889 cc engine that promises 105 horsepower and 74 foot-pounds of torque, the 890 Adventure R provides pure adventuring performance at a twist of the throttle. The 2023 model sees a tweaked WP APEX suspension that can be easily fine-tuned to match any rider's preference. The bike is also packed to the brim with technology from rider aids, such as ABS and traction control, to offering multiple riding modes to suit any situation. Cruise control comes as standard and navigation via smartphone can be done through Bluetooth connection, making the 890 Adventure R a viable tourer as well as an adventure bike.

As mentioned before, the 890 Adventure R is fitted with an Austrian-designed 889 cc engine which is fitted with a power-assisted slipper clutch and a six-speed gearbox. Riders can access this power through a fly-by-wire throttle that provides precision throttle control for better handling when off-road. Riders can opt to add a bidirectional quick-shifter that will help accentuate the bike's performance.

The bike’s performance is only heightened thanks to the many electronic aids that KTM has packed into this adventure two-wheeler. Read on for more information on the technology in the 890 Adventure R.

KTM has not just tweaked but has improved the suspension of the 890 Adventure R in its 2023 update. The suspension settings were derived from the Dakar-Winning KTM 450 Rally, so you know you’re getting the best that KTM can offer when riding off-road.

Fitted with a 48mm WP XPLOR fork up front that offers both rebound and compression adjustability, which is easily accessible from the fork caps. At the rear KTM uses a mono-shock, also by WP XPLOR, that comes adjustable for rebound and preload. The wire-spoked wheels are wrapped in Mitas Enduro Trail off-road tires.

Although KTM claims that the 890 Adventure R is a comfy tourer, that couldn't be further than the truth. Yes, the seat is slightly more plush than the previous iteration, but it still feels as hard as a dirt bike saddle. You’ll find standing on the pegs more comfortable than sitting in the saddle for a long rides.

Ergonomic-wise, riders a little under six foot will find this bike very approachable, with a seat height of 32 inches. When seated the ergonomics are neutral providing a manageable riding position and posture. Taller riders may want to add bar risers as their hands may be positioned slightly lower when standing on the pegs. Shorter riders need not fret as KTM also provides a lowering kit to make this bike more accessible to various riders of different heights.

An intermediate rider who is wanting to dip their toes into off-road riding will find the electronic aids on the KTM 890 Adventure R a lifesaver. All the information regarding the available rider options is clearly visible on the newly updated 5-inch color TFT screen.

The full suite of rider aids includes KTM’s latest iteration of traction control, cornering ABS, and off-road ABS. Available ride modes include Street, Off-road, and Rain, plus an optional Rally mode. On a side note, these options need to be purchased separately by the rider after the demo mode expires after 1,500 kilometers (932 miles).

With a fuel capacity of 5.3 gallons and a reserve that offers 0,8 gallons, the 890 Adventure R is claimed to be 52.3 miles per gallon. That is roughly closely 280 miles on a full tank, depending on the riders riding.

Another unique feature of the 890 Adventure R is the shape of the fuel tank. KTM has engineered the fuel tank into a horseshoe shape causing the center of gravity of the bike to be very low. This is highly beneficial when riding off-road, as having the slushing fuel lower down, makes it more maneuverable on rough terrain.

KTM’s line of motorbikes has always been recognizable due to their radical designs, and the updated look of the 890 Adventure R for 2023 gives off extreme rally vibes. Like the suspension setup, the fairings on this bike resemble that of the 450 Rally.

The sharp lines of this adventure bike are made more prominent with the new fairing kit, and the Duke-inspired front headlight gives it a much more commanding presence when compared to its predecessors. This along with in-mold graphics that provide better durability and a high front fender to keep the front wheel rotating through heavy dirt, makes this bike ready for any off-road adventure.

Under all that pretty fairing, KTM once again uses the Dakar-winning 450 Rally as a reference to rework a solid chassis utilizing forged aluminum brackets that provide maximum rigidity and stiffness. Despite being very tough, the material used is still light making the 890 Adventure R highly agile and nimble enough to handle any terrain. It pretty much feels like a dirt bike, but provides way much more fun.

The moment you grab the handlebars, your eyes are sure to be immediately brought to focus on the new state-of-the-art 5-inch TFT color display. The function has been improved to help easily display information that is comprehensible to any rider. Fitted with optically bonded mineral glass, the display is ensured to be scratch-resistant and glare-free.

Each function of the menu features a corresponding infographic that highlights the field that is being adjusted directly by the rider. Navigation of the menu is kept simple by utilizing arrow buttons on the left-hand side of the handlebars and is very intuitive even through heavy gloves.

We won’t deny that KTM has been renowned by several riders as being an unreliable brand. Despite being fun to ride and claiming to be ready to race, sometimes a simple hiccup in the bike's electronics which make it fun in the first place can quickly render it useless.

Yet, this is not true for all KTMs, especially its adventure line of bikes, being one of the brand's most popular two-wheeler. Over the years, KTM has continued to strengthen its aftermarket support from services to parts, not only in the USA but also around the world. So, if you decide to take your 890 Adventure R for a tour around the world, you are sure to find aftermarket support with ease.

Since owning his first motorcycle in 2008, Rinaldi has never looked back and has ridden all bikes, big and small. He is currently sporting a Yamaha MT25.