First shown in 2021 as a successor to KTM’s first parallel twin adventure bike, the 890 Adventure took the already excellent 790 Adventure and added power, sophistication and refinement. Two versions were available with the 890 Adventure R offering up even more off-road capability than the standard model.
Both were improved further for 2023 with the adjustable suspension being modified, seat comfort upgraded and wind protection improved, and all are among the best middleweight adventure options with punchy performance, sophisticated electronics and good road and dirt manners. To make things a little more confusing, KTM also announced the return of the 790 version, albeit now as a more budget alternative and made by CF Moto in China.
But back to the 890. It's still not perfect, it isn’t cheap, the style is a bit less mainstream and build a bit divisive. The modes are a little baffling, the dash digits a tad small, the windscreen’s not adjustable (and is noisy) and its style is a little cold and characterless compared to, say a Triumph Tiger or Ducati Multistrada V2. But all that said, it’s a capable and entertaining performer with genuine quality where it counts (dash, engine, suspension, electronics, brakes) and has a few clever design features, particularly the ‘pannier’ fuel tank which keeps the CofG low, and it works impressively well.
The previous 790, with 95bhp, was hardly lacking, but by being bored and stroked to 890cc the parallel twin’s power has been boosted to 103bhp with the torque to match. That’s significantly more than all rivals bar the Multistrada 950. With three switchable riding modes (which aren’t as distinct and well-defined as some) it’s at its most impressive accelerating hard above 6000rpm when, clicking through the gears, the 890 is a seriously brisk bike. The only slight criticism is a slightly fluffy throttle response in some modes at lower rpms and a rather metallic, soul-less delivery. But hit 8000rpm and most of that’s forgiven.
KTMs traditionally have fine, sharp-handling chassis with quality WP (which it owns) suspension – and the same is true of the 890 Adventure. For this style of bike, the KTM is sharper with a lower centre of gravity than most (for which you can thank the unusual ‘pannier’ fuel tank), plus it also has a decent quality, compliant ride. In addition, probably because of its unusually low stance and CofG, the 890 Adventure also seems to have little of the ‘weight transference’ either front to rear (under acceleration) or rear to front (under braking) many tall adventure bikes suffer from. Even the brakes impress, comprising of a pair of big 320mm front discs clamped by KTM-branded, radial four-piston calipers, which give plenty of sharp bit and power.
For an off-road-capable adventure bike the 890 Adventure is surprisingly low and ‘cute’, mostly thanks to the pannier tank, so if you like your adventure bikes to have substance and stature, you’d be better with the taller, longer-suspension, more off-road ‘R’ version. Other than that, the 890 Adventure’s riding position is without complaint. The seat is narrow enough at the front for off-roading, yet broad at the rear for added touring comfort. It’s adjustable (through two heights) too, as are the handlebars.
Practicality-wise, the new breed of middleweight adventure bikes, such as the 890 but also including Triumph’s Tiger 900, Ducati’s Multistrada V2 and BMW’s F800 and 900GS, are popular because they are less daunting, cheaper and more manageable than bigger machines from their respective manufacturers. They are among the most versatile bikes of all and KTM’s 890 is right up there with the best. It’s as light, slim, low and manageable as any, better than most off road and a true ‘bike for all reasons’.
KTM adventure bike are usually characterised by having fairly basic, lightweight, off-road inspired layouts (which then benefit from better than average suspension, brakes and electronics) and the same is true of the 890 Adventure. As a result, its electronics are among the best in the class, there are LED lights all round, adjustable bars and seat, a decent TFT dash and even cruise control.
All that said, it’s a mid-range, mid-performance bike, and the 890 Adventure is never going to cost as much, or be as expensive to run as, say, the Austrian firm’s larger adventure and more generously equipped offerings. It also, at £12,699, is around the same price as Triumph’s 900 Tiger and cheaper than Ducati’s Multistrada V2. That said, however, it is noticably more expensive than the reintroduced 790 Adventure (£10,499), Suzuki V-Strom 800DE (£10,999) and Yamaha 700 Ténéré (£10,166).
As you can tell from the list above, middleweight, more manageable, affordable (and better off road) adventure bikes have become one of the most competitive classes of all in recent years but the 890 Adventure remains one of the best. For all it’s not perfect, it shines out for its punchy performance and genuine off-road ability. It may lack the style, substance and character of some, but it’s a brilliant all-round performer at a reasonable price.
2024 KTM 890 Adventure specification
Price: £12,699
Engine: 889cc parallel twin, DOHC, four valves per cylinder, liquid cooled
Power: 105hp (77kW) @ 8000rpm
Torque: 100Nm (73.7lb-ft) @ 6500rpm
Transmission: Six-speed, chain final drive
Frame: Tubular steel trellis
Suspension: (F) Fully-adjustable 43mm WP USD forks, (R) Preload and rebound damping-adjustable mono shock.
Wheels: Alloy-rimmed wire, 21 x 2.50”/18 x 4.50”
Tyres: (F) 90/90 x 21 (R) 150/70 x 18
Brakes: (F) 2 x 320mm discs, four-piston radial calipers, (R) 260mm disc, two-piston caliper. ABS
Weight: 210kg (kerb)
Wheelbase: 1,509mm
Seat height: 840-860mm
Fuel tank: 20 litres
Fuel consumption: 64mpg (claimed)
Service intervals: 12,000 miles/12 months
Warranty: 24 months unlimited mileage
Contact: www.ktm.com
Words: Phil West
Photos: KTM
