KTM 890 Adventure R - First Impressions

Have KTM created the ideal goldilocks adventure bike, that is not too heavy or too light. Is it a bike that is capable of taking you to the shops and around the world?
We spend a few days on the latest offering from KTM in Australian and discover an incredibly capable and fun bike, with a few surprises up its sleeve.

[@PapaDougsAdventures01]

I picked one of these up at the end of Dec 2021 and am looking forward to riding it when the snow clears

[@defylifeadventure]

I've never understood why people are scared of the electronics and make a deal out of it. They can be turned off or reduced, and by their nature are less likely to fail compared to mechanical items. I wonder if these people were equally concerned about CDI and would like their old points ignition back ;)

[@trevorwright7780]

Hi Steve, great review. Definitely nailed what this bike is about.
I’ve also seen and heard the comments about the electronics on the KTM bikes. Most discussion seems to hang on the adjustable traction control and throttle response when the subject of electronics comes up.
Yes they are great but by far the best part for me is both cruise control and a quick shifter.
I must be getting lazy.
The stock 890 adv R is still a little heavy for my liking so I’ve got mine on a diet.

[@mototherapy9262]

Love from India 🤗

[@steveharper5652]

Good review thx. Bike does have custom quick selection buttons. It is the up and down arrows on left hand bar switch.

[@FraserSteve]

thanks

[@alexmorgan3435]

Love this bike. Rode the lesser S version earlier this summer '21 and liked it. The taller screen is crap. Got lots of buffeting on my helmet and the screen is only adjustable off the bike with spanners!! I just need to move to somewhere like Australia, Norway, South Africa, the US or South America to be able to use it in anger. Not much opportunity in the UK. :@(

[@freebehindbars8654]

Waiting on a 2022 to become available. Our local KTM is only getting dirt bikes. They received a 2021 lot of all the Dukes, with only a few remaining at the dealership. They said they haven’t heard of what will be sent or when it will come. I picked up the one 890R Duke they received, the only 2021 for 150 miles. Thinking about trying the Adventure and wasn’t sold on the 790 after riding it.

[@FraserSteve]

I was a bit the same I wasn’t sold on the 790 - the 890 is a much better bike compared with the 790 Adventure

[@gabrielkopp2036]

Here in the US the ktm 890 is 14,599 US and the tenere 700 is 10,299 US..but we cannot get any tenere 700s so dealers are marking them up to 15 to 16,000 US..we can get the 890 adventure and adventure r and no Mark up on those.. I have decided on the 890adventure r or the husqvarna norden 901 like your review..most reviews have ktms professional riders

[@DR551000]

G'day Steve. Thanks for the review. How does the buffeting compare with your 690 and rally screen

[@FraserSteve]

I think the 690 is better, the 890 probably gives you about 85% of the protection you get from the 690. That’s not to say it’s bad, just not as good as the 690 screen.

[@trevorrichardson6152]

690 and the T7 are not comparable. Completely different category of bike..

[@Second.Nature.Lawn.Michigan]

The electronics were fine for me until I started riding around mud and water. Then I missed my klr that never once stranded me.

[@human1513]

790 & 890's have a lot of reliability problems (electronics and mechanical). Not a bike to ride alone down into a valley, off-road or into a desert.