KTM 890 Adventure R and Adventure R Rally features, specs and rivals

KTM announced the launch of two new middle-weight adventure bikes last night, as the 890 Adventure R and 890 Adventure R Rally were unveiled to the world.

The bikes will pick up where the capable 790 Adventure range left off, utilising the perky engine from the 890 Duke R, the best that suspension partner WP has to offer, and obviously, all of KTM’s sizeable off-road knowhow.

Here’s everything we know about the two new models.

KTM 890 Adventure R engine and gearbox

The biggest news with the two new models announced is the upgrade in engine capacity, with the 890 Adventure range now inheriting the 889cc mill from the 890 Duke R. The change means the bike now makes 9bhp more than the 790 Adventure, along with nearly 9lb-ft of torque.

To achieve this, KTM has given the engine more rotational mass, with the crank claimed to be 20% heavier than before. It sounds strange to do this, although KTM is stating that gives the bike a more stable and consistent output. It should also have the knock-on effect of improving stability on and off-road, not that was really an issue with the 790 Adventure.

Thankfully the 890 Adventure range looks to be getting some gearbox improvements – it's really one of the only things we could fault the old bike for. The shift on the 790 was slightly clunky and had a ‘will it, won’t it’ feel when going up and down the ‘box. If KTM has done the same job on this that they did on the 890 Duke R, this bike should be much improved.

Adding some longevity to the bike is the news that the new mill is Euro5 compliant – hopefully with a few more years included.

KTM 890 Adventure R Rally suspension

As with any off-roader, the connection between the rider and the ground is key, and it’s no surprise who if supplying the hardware on this front. The limited-edition Adventure R Rally gets top-spec XPLOR PRO 7548 forks to the machine, with an XPLOR PRO 6746 shock at the rear.

KTM 890 Adventure R and Adventure R Rally equipment

As with the 790 Adventure, the new 890s will benefit from a full colour 5” TFT dash. Within the dash, users can configure the bike’s updated riding modes settings. Both machines will get Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC) which has been updated for 2021. The new system uses two sensors, one to measure the front wheel lift and the other to measure the rear wheel spin. KTM is claiming the new system is smoother, with an almost imperceivable intervention. Obviously, both models allow the rider to turn the MTC off completely. Both machines also feature the IMU controlled cornering ABS system as before, with an off-road ABS system also included on each machine.

The 2021 890 Adventure R and Rally will also get a dedicated Off-Road Ride mode, which sharpens up the throttle response and reduces the peak power slightly. The system allows for a small amount of rear-wheel slip and the anti-wheelie setting is reduced to help get over obstacles. Unlike some of the other riding modes, the traction control is not lean-sensitive, meaning the rider can hit berms without fear of the system intervening.

Rally Mode

Sadly, it looks as though Rally Mode will only be available on the Rally as standard, and the R as an option – it was previously standard. This mode provides an almost instantaneous throttle connection and nine levels of rear-wheel slip control.

What are the KTM 890 Adventure R’s main rivals?

The biggest threat to the KTM on ability alone comes from Yamaha and its much-lauded Ténéré 700. It may not be quite as technologically advanced, but in terms of ability, it’s pretty close. Next up would be the BMW R850 GS Adventure, although again, it’s lacking the gadgets and gizmos of the orange machine. Triumph’s Tiger 900 Rally Pro is probably the closest to the KTM in terms spec, equipment, and capability.

KTM 890 Adventure R and Adventure R Rally specs