It was only a couple of years ago when KTM brought us the 790 Adventure, but already the Austrian firm has replaced the bike with an even more potent model, the 890 R and 890 R Rally.
Due in New Zealand dealerships in April 2021 with yet to be determined pricing, the new 890 Adventure R is in a simplified sense an evolution of the 790 platform, with a larger capacity LC8c engine which initially debuted in the 890 Duke R the most glaring change between models.
Other changes include revised electronics, upgraded brakes, improved shifting functionality and a reinforced clutch.
The new engine generates 105 hp and 100 Nm of torque, that's 10 hp and 12 Nm more than the bike’s smaller brother, the outgoing 790 Adventure R.
The crankshaft also features 20% more rotating mass and according to KTM the overall effect of the engineering around the powerplant means a more stable and consistent output, noticeable with low RPM torque. The added mass also means added cornering stability for long-distance riding on the throttle.
Fully adjustable WP XPLOR suspension, overhauled ABS software and new traction control algorithms are just three aspects that mould the KTM 890 ADVENTURE R as the company’s refined definition of an exhilarating ‘allrounder’.
Much like they did when the 790 Adventure R debuted, KTM is also offering a limited edition 890 Adventure R Rally model at launch, which once again ups the ante with race-spec parts.
Limited to a total of 700 bikes (200 of which are destined for the USA), the 890 Adventure R Rally was developed with help from KTM's dominant factory rally team, with the bike tuned used data collected by the rally riders to perfect the bike's setup straight out of the crate.
As you'd expect, top of the range WP Pro Components ensure all-action, fully adjustable suspension while the power output of the new 4-stroke, twin, DOHC, Euro5-ready engine is boosted by an ultra-light Akrapovic silencer. By how much KTM doesn't say in the official release.
The Rally model sees a raft of niche details altered over the base bike with specific chassis race settings, rally footpegs (wider, lighter and mud-free), a straight seat, clear screen and winglets, and racing graphics with KTM's Quickshifter+ and RALLY ride mode as standard.
As for the base 790 Adventure which features a lower price of entry and less advanced suspension, we expect this too to be superseded by a model featuring the 890cc engine. KTM hasn't officially stated what the future of the model is, but KTM Australia Marketing Manager, Rosie Lalonde, told onthrottle.co.nz there will be an announcement coming soon.
"The 890 Adventure R will replace the 790 Adventure R in the adventure model range. News on the standard model is yet to be released, so stay tuned for future updates, she said."
Despite being the less desirable model in the family, we don't expect the base bike will be dropped from the lineup, as it offers KTM a foothold in the cheaper end of the middleweight adventure market while simultaneously giving shorter riders an option in the highly capable twin-cylinder Adventure lineup.
KTM 890 ADVENTURE R – MODEL HIGHLIGHTS
New 889cc engine with an added 90cc of displacement
Engine featuring 20% more rotating masses (Euro5)
More power with 105 hp @ 8,000rpm
Added torque with 100 Nm @ 6,500 rpm
Reinforced clutch
Improved ABS and Traction Control
Reworked shifting for faster gear changes
Updated Quickshifter+ (optional)
New handlebar switch for Cruise Control function
Chassis upgrades with aluminium steering head tube & lighter subframe
Reworked front & rear brakes
New suspension settings
KTM 890 ADVENTURE R RALLY – MODEL HIGHLIGHTS
Limited edition, 700 units [500 INT & 200 US]
Updated engine & electronics
WP XPLOR Pro Components Suspension
Akrapovic exhaust (35% lighter than standard)
Straight racing seat (with 910 mm height)
RALLY mode and Quickshifter+ included
Narrow anodized wheel rims with tubes
Clear screen winglets and racing graphics and colours
Carbon fibre tank protectors and Rally footrests