I recently switched from the CRF300L Rally to the Norden 901 after test riding a KTM 890 Adventure. They are pretty incredible and it feels like I've taken my riding to a whole new level. KTMs mid range ADV platform is amazing and something you have to experience for yourself. This is coming from a KTM hater of over 10 years. All 7 of my previous bikes were Japanese.
I agree with most of what said....except the off-road part... I have zero doubts about the weight management on this being far superior to the DesertX. Drop the two on rough terrain and tell me which one holds up better and is easier to get back up. For that the 890 will win all day. Also the DesertX air filter location is HORRIBLE for its intended purpose.
You are definitely correct, the KTM is the only truly off road capable middleweight bike.. Having that weight up high destroys the ability to correctly manage these adventure bikes in the nitty gritty stuff..
Hate people sayingthe "DesertX is the best mid size ADV" that and the 890 (and especially the R) are not even in the same ballpark, the 890 is hands down a better bike. Air intake on the 890 up in the tail below the seat is definitely far superior. I have an africa twin long termer atm and it's a whale by comparison, even though it's only supposed to be 20 kg heavier and the same power??? No way. The 890 is a bicycle by comparison, it rides itself off road, the AT feels like a badly placed rock will send you face first in the sand... And not least of all, price.... The Base 890, or even the new 23MY 790 is just incredible value, and even the 890R is a cheap bike all things considered if you're into rough off road.
@@AntaresSQ01 I have an Africa twin, exactly how I feel about the top heaviness, beautiful bike for touring, too scary Off-Road with my limited off road riding experience. Trying to decide between Norden 901 and KTM 890 adventure.
Quick pricing comparison, KTM 890 Adventure MSRP is $13,950 and Tech Pack is additional $550, total = $14,500, which is $2600 cheaper than the Ducati DesertX at $17,095. The 890 Adventure R which is even more off-road worthy is $15,200 + $550 tech pack = $15770, $1325 cheaper than DesertX.
To add to this, the Norden 901 is $14,499 but comes with a more comfy seat, and cruise and quickshifter are not paywalled like the KTMs. In my opinion it offers the superior value.
Too piggy back off that the Norden 901 expedition costs 15800 and includes everything under the sun besides a heated pillion seat. 1300 cheaper than the Ducati
Having rider aids on a bike you already own that you still have to PAY for is like having on-disc DLC for a video game. The content is there, they just want extra. It's actually almost worse, since they give you a taste of what you WON'T have.
It is interesting to see youtube reviewers try to assess ADV bikes without actually putting the bike through the paces offroad. The 390 always surpasses expectations when being put in harsh conditions, even when competing with heavier and "more capable" bikes, from what I have seen. It would be interesting to see how much further the 890 could be pushed.
It is adequate at 7.5” or so (KTM says 7.9” but that isn’t what I have experienced). You will scuff some rocks and whatnot at that height, so you will want to replace the plastic scuff protector with a good one. It is a capable ADV for sure with its light weight. If you go on group rides you won’t tire out as much as those with the heavier bikes.
Don't forget with the DesertX, even if it is a better bike, you're paying for DESMO service as well when it comes up for it. So if it's your workhorse and you're putting a ton of miles on it, get ready to open your bank account for that, every year or two. There is also no service manual available so good luck working on it yourself, the user manual just tells you to go to the dealer, and if you miss any of the Ducati services, they'll be happy to void the hell out of your warranty. That's what drew me off of the Duc.
As someone who works at a KTM dealer, I at least trust the Ducati to not break on it's owner before the first service is due. I cannot express enough how much I DO NOT recommend the 890 ADV for people who actually want to ride their bike. It breaks my heart how many new owners are back in for faults/flaws in their bikes and are unable to ride them for months on end while KTM uses their owners as test mules to work out the kinks rather than working them out before releasing the bike.
@@TheMotoFolk I know you shouldn't have to but people can/should be able to fix anything that goes wrong on a Motorcycle themselves very quickly as long as parts are available..
FYI the current pricing on the tech pack is $699 + tax for the tech pack. I've had another dealer try and charge even more than that. I walked away from that dealership...
I had a 390 ADV and Loved that bike!. I know this powertrain is amazing and torkey!. I'd go with the Rally version of the 890 ADV myself, but the other bike I'd consider is the Yammy T9 I think it is? I'm not a big fan of the DesertX. I woudll still prefer the KTM over the Ducati or Yamaha. Having said that, I'd get either a KTM 890 SMT or a Ducati Hypermotard SP. I have a road/touring bike that I can track (CB1000R Black Edition), I already have an Enduro DS bike (KTM 500 EXC-F), and often, I stick supermoto tires on that bike and it is fun when I stiffen the suspension a bit, but I am considering getting an non DS bike like the KTM 450 XCF-W and swap the dual-sport for a 890 SMT if I can find one. OC
I was really hoping you’d try out the quick shifter especially on the 40-80 You mentioned the seat height and I do believe it is adjustable, It’s not on my 890r though. My dealer gave me discount on keeping tech pack, not sure if all dealers can or will. Thanks for the review
Love his reviews but do sometimes wish he was better with spec sheet. Has 105 hp and 74 ft pounds. 463 pounds leads the class. T7, transalp, and Tuareg are lighter by roughly 5-10 pounds but has considerable more torque and hp
ive ridden my buddies 20203 390, i dont know how comparable it is to the 890, but damn what a bike, suspension and braking are too notch, its speeds up well and has great weight ratio, im looking into buying the 890 and hope it lives up to the expectations i have for it!
oh it most certainly will. the parallel twin is so much fun. i wanted a 390 for years and eventually decided to go for the 790 once i had the cash saved up. im so glad i did. endless smiles per gallon
23:08 - I recently bought a '23 790 Duke and when i went to turn on my turn signals and both lights flashed on the screen i thought i had somehow turned on hazard lights.. im also not a big fan of that. but i guess in a way it helps make it more visible to remind you to turn them off should you forget.
Nice reviews, thank you . Look like a big motorcycle dealer. For the HP... all the specs I saw they write 105 hp....... About the flasher... I don't like the way they do.... thas cost no more to separate right and left... and is more efficient to see left and right... that is not a turn-off, gor me but... a little be cheap....for premium bike.... I just sold my r1200gs 2018 ( I run for 4 years), and soon I m gonna buy this one 890 standard 2023. I know I m gonna like this one. But the flasher no left ans right..... 🤪
Every comment thread every Reddit post , the most googled term pertaining to any adv bike is about making them smaller. So yeah I sure would hope they start listening like this.
I went ahead and forked out for the tech pack when purchasing the bike.....they assured me that I'm good and don't have tor return for them to activate it.....some shops will charge some coin to activate it as well....
why? it's a good idea on a business stand-point. they don't have to make another version without the rider aids. some of us don't need those rider aids.
@@JinKazama92 because you're still paying for the rider aids hardware even if you don't want them. They aren't giving you a discount. It's like they are trying to be like H-D except with H-D you are paying to add hardware not just paying to have the dealer turn the software back on. I worked at a H-D dealer and if there were things that we could turn on or change by plugging into the digital tech we did it for free.
@@benlaseter7719 and what I would consider rider aids (traction control, abs, etc) are still there and operational. Cruise control, quick shifter, rally mode and msr are shut off and cost $700 to turn back on.
@@mattfreimark5248 That’s great for you! Unfortunately it doesn’t change the logic for buyers who do desire those things and still ate their part of the cost.
The gas tank on those 890 are weird, I understand that they have the low hanging tank for the low weight point, but it makes the bike feel small up top. Not a fan that if I drop it the protection is the tank that sticks out.
Hey! I’m about to get a bike to ride through Europe and I’ve been thinking about 890 Adventure vs Tiger 900 rally pro any thoughts? Will mostly do street riding. The rally seem to have nice comfort and very good wind protection, to bad this KTM had the wrong screen on for comparison.
If you can look past all the “Woohoo’s, ya ya’s & OMG’s !! ……..this comes across as a bit of a ‘sales’ schpeel ! I found it ‘laughable’ that the rider did’nt know how to use the TFT screen thoroughly before riding, mostly when he didn’t know how you could ‘save a Mode setting into User Mode, these are very expensive ‘add ons’ that KTM is trying to sell us here and you breeze over it by saying……”oh, whatever”. Not convinced that the extra tech is ‘solid’ or even desirable.
I recently switched from the CRF300L Rally to the Norden 901 after test riding a KTM 890 Adventure. They are pretty incredible and it feels like I've taken my riding to a whole new level. KTMs mid range ADV platform is amazing and something you have to experience for yourself.
This is coming from a KTM hater of over 10 years. All 7 of my previous bikes were Japanese.
Was Japanese bikes all my life, but as soon as I experienced the factory suspension on the 2023 890R... I bought it the same day 😅
Same thing. Too bad I wouldn't have money for proper meintenance of this bike :)
Hey Chase, the 2023 Adventure....KTM specifies HP @ 105...
I agree with most of what said....except the off-road part... I have zero doubts about the weight management on this being far superior to the DesertX. Drop the two on rough terrain and tell me which one holds up better and is easier to get back up. For that the 890 will win all day. Also the DesertX air filter location is HORRIBLE for its intended purpose.
You are definitely correct, the KTM is the only truly off road capable middleweight bike.. Having that weight up high destroys the ability to correctly manage these adventure bikes in the nitty gritty stuff..
Hate people sayingthe "DesertX is the best mid size ADV" that and the 890 (and especially the R) are not even in the same ballpark, the 890 is hands down a better bike. Air intake on the 890 up in the tail below the seat is definitely far superior. I have an africa twin long termer atm and it's a whale by comparison, even though it's only supposed to be 20 kg heavier and the same power??? No way. The 890 is a bicycle by comparison, it rides itself off road, the AT feels like a badly placed rock will send you face first in the sand... And not least of all, price.... The Base 890, or even the new 23MY 790 is just incredible value, and even the 890R is a cheap bike all things considered if you're into rough off road.
@@AntaresSQ01 I have an Africa twin, exactly how I feel about the top heaviness, beautiful bike for touring, too scary Off-Road with my limited off road riding experience. Trying to decide between Norden 901 and KTM 890 adventure.
i agree 100%, Loving my 2023 890!!
Quick pricing comparison, KTM 890 Adventure MSRP is $13,950 and Tech Pack is additional $550, total = $14,500, which is $2600 cheaper than the Ducati DesertX at $17,095. The 890 Adventure R which is even more off-road worthy is $15,200 + $550 tech pack = $15770, $1325 cheaper than DesertX.
To add to this, the Norden 901 is $14,499 but comes with a more comfy seat, and cruise and quickshifter are not paywalled like the KTMs.
In my opinion it offers the superior value.
@@marcochavane3124 That’s a solid option 👍
Chase stay getting these details wrong 🤣
Too piggy back off that the Norden 901 expedition costs 15800 and includes everything under the sun besides a heated pillion seat. 1300 cheaper than the Ducati
Having rider aids on a bike you already own that you still have to PAY for is like having on-disc DLC for a video game. The content is there, they just want extra.
It's actually almost worse, since they give you a taste of what you WON'T have.
What a multitalented engine is the 890 twin!
the guy at the beginning didnt know what to think about a dude standing out front talking to himself 😂
🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩 KTM 890 Adventure
It is interesting to see youtube reviewers try to assess ADV bikes without actually putting the bike through the paces offroad. The 390 always surpasses expectations when being put in harsh conditions, even when competing with heavier and "more capable" bikes, from what I have seen. It would be interesting to see how much further the 890 could be pushed.
Is the ground clearance for the 390 OK?
It is adequate at 7.5” or so (KTM says 7.9” but that isn’t what I have experienced). You will scuff some rocks and whatnot at that height, so you will want to replace the plastic scuff protector with a good one.
It is a capable ADV for sure with its light weight. If you go on group rides you won’t tire out as much as those with the heavier bikes.
This is the best thing I have ever ridden.
I think the KTM Adventure R or Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition are more comparable to the the DesertX
KTM 890 Adventure🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩
Also found neutral not engaging on a new bike but pushing a bit forward worked.
Firmer seats are more comfortable for longer distance. It's Science.
Don't forget with the DesertX, even if it is a better bike, you're paying for DESMO service as well when it comes up for it. So if it's your workhorse and you're putting a ton of miles on it, get ready to open your bank account for that, every year or two. There is also no service manual available so good luck working on it yourself, the user manual just tells you to go to the dealer, and if you miss any of the Ducati services, they'll be happy to void the hell out of your warranty. That's what drew me off of the Duc.
As someone who works at a KTM dealer, I at least trust the Ducati to not break on it's owner before the first service is due. I cannot express enough how much I DO NOT recommend the 890 ADV for people who actually want to ride their bike. It breaks my heart how many new owners are back in for faults/flaws in their bikes and are unable to ride them for months on end while KTM uses their owners as test mules to work out the kinks rather than working them out before releasing the bike.
@@TheMotoFolk
I know you shouldn't have to but people can/should be able to fix anything that goes wrong on a Motorcycle themselves very quickly as long as parts are available..
Damn that's a good looking adv bike
FYI the current pricing on the tech pack is $699 + tax for the tech pack. I've had another dealer try and charge even more than that. I walked away from that dealership...
Also it's a shame you didn't get to try it off-road, apparently it really shines in rally mode.
Thanks for the good review. I stopped in to Mountain Motorsports in Roswell and got that bike with the low windscreen.
I had a 390 ADV and Loved that bike!. I know this powertrain is amazing and torkey!. I'd go with the Rally version of the 890 ADV myself, but the other bike I'd consider is the Yammy T9 I think it is? I'm not a big fan of the DesertX. I woudll still prefer the KTM over the Ducati or Yamaha. Having said that, I'd get either a KTM 890 SMT or a Ducati Hypermotard SP. I have a road/touring bike that I can track (CB1000R Black Edition), I already have an Enduro DS bike (KTM 500 EXC-F), and often, I stick supermoto tires on that bike and it is fun when I stiffen the suspension a bit, but I am considering getting an non DS bike like the KTM 450 XCF-W and swap the dual-sport for a 890 SMT if I can find one.
OC
I was really hoping you’d try out the quick shifter especially on the 40-80
You mentioned the seat height and I do believe it is adjustable, It’s not on my 890r though. My dealer gave me discount on keeping tech pack, not sure if all dealers can or will.
Thanks for the review
Love his reviews but do sometimes wish he was better with spec sheet. Has 105 hp and 74 ft pounds. 463 pounds leads the class. T7, transalp, and Tuareg are lighter by roughly 5-10 pounds but has considerable more torque and hp
ive ridden my buddies 20203 390, i dont know how comparable it is to the 890, but damn what a bike, suspension and braking are too notch, its speeds up well and has great weight ratio, im looking into buying the 890 and hope it lives up to the expectations i have for it!
oh it most certainly will. the parallel twin is so much fun. i wanted a 390 for years and eventually decided to go for the 790 once i had the cash saved up. im so glad i did. endless smiles per gallon
go for it! I love my 2023 890!
Fuel sitting so low is a GAME CHANGER!
Have a poop b4 u ride makes about the same difference.
OC If I was buying an ADV bike, I'd skip all three of the bikes you mentioned and go full send for the 890 Adventure R.
23:08 - I recently bought a '23 790 Duke and when i went to turn on my turn signals and both lights flashed on the screen i thought i had somehow turned on hazard lights.. im also not a big fan of that. but i guess in a way it helps make it more visible to remind you to turn them off should you forget.
Nice reviews, thank you . Look like a big motorcycle dealer. For the HP... all the specs I saw they write 105 hp.......
About the flasher... I don't like the way they do.... thas cost no more to separate right and left... and is more efficient to see left and right... that is not a turn-off, gor me but... a little be cheap....for premium bike.... I just sold my r1200gs 2018 ( I run for 4 years), and soon I m gonna buy this one 890 standard 2023. I know I m gonna like this one. But the flasher no left ans right..... 🤪
im pretty sure the tech package is 1000$US, atleast thats what it costs for my 790.
Every comment thread every Reddit post , the most googled term pertaining to any adv bike is about making them smaller. So yeah I sure would hope they start listening like this.
the indicator being one light on the dash would be frustating
I have a 390 Adventure. Finding neutral on that dude is like trying to crack a safe.
Big rock moto said he liked the DE 800 suspension better than his 890
I went ahead and forked out for the tech pack when purchasing the bike.....they assured me that I'm good and don't have tor return for them to activate it.....some shops will charge some coin to activate it as well....
Oh thats smart Bob. Thanks for letting us know!
I have vrand new R model. Does your tick/ rattle load. Are you concerned about lifter, rocker or any other issue?
Great review! How do you like the revit dirt gloves? Good in hot weather?
Bigger screen works well, I get no head buffeting...I'm 5'9"...
XSR1000 guna be 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
I am confused your ride to California only has one video. So what happened is there more or not till next year what’s been over 11 months ago?
Hello! What is your height and weight?
How is it compared to the ibex 800? For highway and city rides
Please do a first ride on a 2023 yamaha xmax 300 🙏
His little sound check dances are getting out of hand😂😂
Nice bike see if you can test ride a new BMW f900r really cool bike
please do rc 390 2023 do comparison old vs new
If price is the issue, get the 2023 KTM 790. Almost the same bike.
This. Now that is a LOT of bike for the money. Where I live it's cheaper than the base T7 - same price as the NC750X DCT.
That's some bull about having to pay for rider aids that are already on the bike.
why?
it's a good idea on a business stand-point. they don't have to make another version without the rider aids. some of us don't need those rider aids.
@@JinKazama92 because you're still paying for the rider aids hardware even if you don't want them. They aren't giving you a discount. It's like they are trying to be like H-D except with H-D you are paying to add hardware not just paying to have the dealer turn the software back on. I worked at a H-D dealer and if there were things that we could turn on or change by plugging into the digital tech we did it for free.
@@JinKazama92 You’re 100% eating the R&D cost on the MSRP of the bike regardless of whether or not you have access to the software.
@@benlaseter7719 and what I would consider rider aids (traction control, abs, etc) are still there and operational. Cruise control, quick shifter, rally mode and msr are shut off and cost $700 to turn back on.
@@mattfreimark5248 That’s great for you! Unfortunately it doesn’t change the logic for buyers who do desire those things and still ate their part of the cost.
I’m pretty sure the 890’s are rated at 105 horsepower. Not a good start to gaining credibility.
The gas tank on those 890 are weird, I understand that they have the low hanging tank for the low weight point, but it makes the bike feel small up top. Not a fan that if I drop it the protection is the tank that sticks out.
It also makes it easier to pick up because it does not lay flat, kind of like a bmw
Hey! I’m about to get a bike to ride through Europe and I’ve been thinking about 890 Adventure vs Tiger 900 rally pro any thoughts?
Will mostly do street riding. The rally seem to have nice comfort and very good wind protection, to bad this KTM had the wrong screen on for comparison.
Get tiger defo
I don't like that it didn't come with a hydraulic clutch
Is it raining?
700 for the tech pack
None of three. 390 adventure hands down
Be warned. Have a look at John Young’s horror story with his 23 Adventure R. Huge electrical gremlins.
1 month review?
I see ktm as CFMoto now or the other way around like Honda and Acura 😂
If you can look past all the “Woohoo’s, ya ya’s & OMG’s !! ……..this comes across as a bit of a ‘sales’ schpeel ! I found it ‘laughable’ that the rider did’nt know how to use the TFT screen thoroughly before riding, mostly when he didn’t know how you could ‘save a Mode setting into User Mode, these are very expensive ‘add ons’ that KTM is trying to sell us here and you breeze over it by saying……”oh, whatever”. Not convinced that the extra tech is ‘solid’ or even desirable.
Do the new zx6r
Won’t be at dealerships until October
@@pauly1k oh alr dam i gotta wait a bot lol
Why only 95hp out of a 890
105hp
It will make a lot more tuned and with some goodies from Rottweiler performance😎😂they are corked up from factory.
Hard pass