adventure motorcycles

KTM 890 Adventure R: Detailed Specs, Performance, and Features

KTM 890 Adventure R: Detailed Specs, Performance, and Features

1. Overview

Adventure bikes are among the most appealing, agile, and robust motorcycle categories, offering versatile characteristics and modern features that enhance the rider’s adventure riding experience. Numerous motorcycle brands are currently producing adventure bikes and they are popular as well. However, KTM has turned out to be more distinctive and has earned a special place for producing some of the best and most versatile adventure bikes. KTM’s adventure bikes have transformed the adventure bike market, especially the brand’s middleweight category motorcycles. Due to KTM’s outstanding accomplishments, middleweight adventure motorbikes have become a more well-known choice for most skilled riders.


The KTM 890 Adventure R has redefined the abilities of adventure motorcycles. The company makes adventure-focused motorbikes that are profoundly competent for rough terrain and can navigate most kinds of landscapes without any problem. Offering an ideal mix of performance and skill, the KTM 890 Adventure R is becoming one of the top favorite motorbikes of experienced motorcycle riders. Launched in 2021, this adventure bike has all you anticipate from a KTM motorbike, with more power and force. The KTM 890 Adventure R is appropriate for both average and advanced riding abilities.


Continue reading this article to learn more about the KTM 890 Adventure R, including its specs, engine, performance, ergonomics, and much more.

2023 KTM 890 Adventure R
Photo Credit: KTM

2. Specs Details: 2023 KTM 890 Adventure R

2023 KTM 890 Adventure R
Maker KTM
Motorcycle 890 Adventure R
Launched in (Year) 2021
Current Production Status Continued
Year Model 2023
Color Scheme Triple Tone: White, Blue, and Orange Graphics 
Base MSRP $15,199
Engine
Engine Displacement 889 cc
Engine Type Four-Stroke, Parallel-Twin Engine
Engine Cooling System Liquid-Cooled
Torque 87.3 Nm
Horsepower 103.26 hp
Compression Ratio 13.5:1
Stroke 68.8 mm
Bore 90.7 mm
Fuel Delivery System DKK Dell’Orto with 46 mm Throttle Bodies
Estimated Fuel Mileage 44 mpg
Starter System Electric Starter
Drivetrain
Clutch Mechanically Operated, PASC™ Anti-Hopping Slipper Clutch
Gearbox Six-Speed
Final Drive Chain Drive
Chassis
Frame Powder-Coated Chromium-Molybdenum-Steel Frame
Suspension
Front Suspension Fully-Adjustable 48 mm WP XPLOR-USD Inverted Front Forks
Wheel Travel 9.4 in
Rear Suspension Fully-Adjustable WP Xplor PDS Rear Shock
Wheel Travel 9.4 in
Brakes
Front Brake 320 mm Dual Disc with Radially-Mounted Four-Piston Calipers
Rear Brake 260 mm Single Disc with Dual-Piston Floating Caliper
ABS Standard
Wheels and Tires
Wheels Front: Wire-Spoked 21 x 2.50 in Rear: Wire-Spoked 18 x 4.50 in
Tires Front: Continental TKC80; 90/90-21 Rear: Continental TKC80; 150/70-18
Dimensions
Rake 26.3°
Seat Height 34.6 in
Ground Clearance 10.4 in
Wheelbase 60.2 ± 0.6 in
Dry Weight 432 lb
Fuel Tank Capacity 5.3 gal

3. Looks and Design

Looks: KTM 890 Adventure R
Paint Job Available in a single triple-tone paint job which includes:
  • Iconic KTM Orange
  • Plain White
  • Dim Blue
Skid Plate This bike now features a solid skid plate to keep the engine and its parts safe from external elements and shocks.
Front Section Towards the front, there is a stylish diamond-shaped headlight and a firmly-mounted windscreen.
The handlebars feature blacked-out round side mirrors and hand guards for riders.
Dashboard The dashboard features an advanced 5-inch screen with various functions and controls to keep the rider informed about the motorcycle and its operating conditions.
Wheels and Tires The motorcycle features a wire-spoked large front and a relatively smaller rear wheel. However, the front tire is a bit narrow compared to the relatively fat and wide rear tire.
Overall
  • Appealing middleweight adventure bike
  • Modern aesthetics
  • Lightweight design
  • Compact

4. Engine and Performance: KTM 890 Adventure R

Engine

The KTM 890 Adventure R features a decently powerful and compact LC8c engine with a displacement size of 889 cc. The LC8c power plant is a liquid-cooled, four-stroke, parallel-twin engine capable of modern adventure performance. The 889 cc parallel-twin engine also includes dual counterbalancers to eliminate vibrations and ensure a smooth riding experience. The 889 cc engine also ensures smooth delivery of 103.26 hp of horsepower and 87.3 Nm of torque, thanks to the compression ratio of 13.5:1, a stroke of 68.8 mm, a bore of 90.7 mm, a 435° firing order, and a single-piece crankshaft.

Drivetrain

The engine power is controlled by the mechanically-operated, PASC™ anti-hopping slipper & assist clutch, ensuring a smooth clutch operation. Along with the six-speed transmission, the rider can also purchase the optional quick-shifter for clutchless gear shifting. The KTM 890 Adventure R’s engine is punchy enough to keep you moving uphills without stalling. It will make it look easy to maneuver on gravel, rocks, and mud.

5. Riding Aids and Features

Modern Rider Aids

The KTM 890 Adventure R comes equipped with standard adjustable ABS, allowing riders to alter its interference while off-roading in the off-road mode. It also comes with traction control, and ride-by-wire throttle, giving riders the option to choose between switchable rider modes. Thanks to the 5-inch TFT color screen display, riders can now connect their smartphones, accept calls, and switch on turn-by-turn navigation.

Average Tech Package

When it comes to performance, the KTM 890 Adventure R is on par with most of the high-end adventure bikes from notable manufacturers; however, it lags slightly behind in the tech department.

Trial Tech Package (Demo)

KTM also offers a trial tech package for riders, allowing them to use the optional features, such as a quick shifter and cruise control for 1,500 km. To continue using these features after 1,500 km, the rider has to pay for them.

6. Handling and Ride Quality

Handling and Ride Quality
Photo Credit: Cycle World
Handling Capabilities and Ride Quality: KTM 890 Adventure R
Off-Roading This motorcycle gives you the best experience on multiple terrains without stalling and breaking down.
On-Road Touring Apart from its superior dirt riding performance, you can easily take this bike on roads for a comfortable on-road touring experience.
Tires The MITAS Enduro Trail front and rear tires are specially designed for the KTM 890 Adventure R, which guarantees several advantages, including:
  • Better fuel economy
  • Improved Maneuverability
  • Increased Durability
All these benefits ensure better off-road performance on challenging terrains.
Suspensions The fully adjustable off-road capable 48 mm WP inverted front forks and the WP rear shock bring the most value for the money. The front and rear suspensions are ideal for superior comfort and handling on both on- and off-road tracks, thanks to their impressive long wheel travel of 9.4 inches at both ends. The suspension system allows you to easily stand on the pegs to overcome most obstacles while off-roading.
Frame The chromium-molybdenum-steel frame with the engine as the stressed member helps keep the overall weight low, ensuring a perfect power-to-weight balance.
Mass Distribution The mass distribution has been perfectly centralized to make the overall design more compact.
Verdict The KTM Adventure R is on par with most high-end and heavyweight-class adventure bikes, providing top-notch off-road performance.

7. Ups & Downs: KTM 890 Adventure R

Ups & Downs: KTM 890 Adventure R
Ups Downs
Robust power delivery Availability in only a single color option
High flickability Taller seat height
Handles smoothly Relatively fewer tech features than competitors
Compact and lightweight design Not a highly suitable motorcycle for shorter riders
Adequate ground clearance
Ideal dirt riding performance
Switchable ABS
A separate, specialized off-road mode
Aesthetically pleasant
Off-road-oriented suspensions
High-performance shocks
Low center of gravity

8. Ergonomics and Ride Comfort

KTM 890 Adventure R Ergonomics and Ride Comfort
Space for Riders / Rider Triangle The ergonomic triangle ensures adequate space to adjust your limbs comfortably.
Saddle Another notable feature of the KTM 890 Adventure R is its dual sports-style narrow saddle.
The seat height has been increased to improve ground clearance, now reaching 34.6 in, which might make it unsuitable for shorter riders.
Riding Posture This motorcycle offers an upright riding position/posture that allows riders to ride continuously for hours without getting fatigued.
Handlebars Position The handlebars position falls naturally within the comfortable reach of riders, ensuring more room for their arms to have better control and command over the motorcycle.
Design and Engineering The gas tank is designed to blend perfectly with the rider’s seat. This bodywork allows the rider to sit in a more commanding position and enhances flexibility while off-roading.
Also, the rider can comfortably sit with both knees pressing against the fuel tank to have better control over the motorcycle.
Footpegs Position The mid-mounted foot pegs are perfectly placed to ensure the rider can easily stand on the motorcycle whenever required.
Overall
  • Superior off-road capability and maneuverability.
  • Optimal on-road comfort and performance.

9. Competitiveness

Regardless of being a small-scale motorcycle company compared to giant motorcycle brands like the Big Four Japanese manufacturers, Harley Davidson, Ducati, and BMW, KTM still manages to compete with the top-end adventure bikes with its adventure bike lineup.


The KTM 890 Adventure R is many times better and more powerful than the Yamaha Tenere 700, the Suzuki V-Strom 800 DE, the Honda Transalp, and the Aprilia Tuareg 660. Even the Husqvarna Norden 901 fails to match the performance and build quality of the KTM 890 Adventure R.


The KTM 890 Adventure R competes with one of the most notable adventure bikes in the market, including the Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition, Ducati DesertX, and the Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro. It is more than just good luck that has allowed KTM to establish itself in the huge market worldwide with its top-of-the-line adventure bikes like the KTM 890 Adventure R.

10. Final Verdict

Falling in the middleweight category, the KTM 890 Adventure R brings riders sheer class and excellence in terms of versatile performance. It is one of the best off-road-capable motorcycles in the market, with top-quality mechanical parts and tech features that ensure the best on and off-road adventure riding experience. The KTM 890 Adventure R is well-suited for both intermediate and skilled riders, thanks to its adequately powerful and torquey engine, which makes trail riding simple and easy. With 9.4 inches of wheel travel and perfectly shaped ergonomics, this adventure bike can keep the rider engaged in adventure touring continuously for hours. Though there is a bigger version of this adventure bike, called the KTM 1290 Adventure R, is available in the market, the KTM 890 Adventure R still has more perks and grunts if you are looking for a more agile and easily controllable motorcycle offering better stability.


In spite of their off-road capability, riders can also take their adventure bikes comfortably on long on-road tours. However, you may need to install side cases to carry some useful stuff with you on the tour. At Viking Bags, you can find adventure bike aluminum side cases specially designed for your Harley Davidson Pan America and the Triumph Tiger 1200.

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