2023 KTM 890 Adventure R First Impressions (coming from a Tiger 900 Rally Pro!)

This was a few days after buying my 2023 890 Adventure R (which as of posting was about three weeks ago).
I went out to make sure I got enough miles on it for the first service before a camping trip, and while I was out, I decided why not record a few thoughts.
By no means is this complete or planned. Just my raw thoughts while out riding. I do plan to do a more complete overview video with more details.
For now, enjoy my literal first time off pavement on an 890!

[@aaronorr9387]

Awesome!! Me and Paul will have to come down and see that beauty in person once the nice weather settles in.

[@wardkhere]

Yeah dude! We’re actually out today

[@4tech69]

Congrats. Mine arrives next month.

[@wardkhere]

Nice!

[@prov431]

Congrats & enjoy - '23 890S here

[@wardkhere]

Thanks! Hope you’re enjoying yours as well

[@ianmills4218]

Just about to make the same switch here in the UK. Really looking forward to getting the 890R off road, I think it's going to be just that bit more of a thoroughbred in the dirt.

[@wardkhere]

After doing a long road trip (and more offroad) the weekend after I shot this video, here's my high level assessment: Using the stock Tiger 900 RP as a base vs the 890 Adv R: The Tiger is 120% the 890 on the road -- It's more comfortable to settle in and ride long distances, and it feels more street-oriented (maybe due to the rake angle) for twisties. Its wind protection is VASTLY superior... not even a question. The Tiger is 80% the 890 off road -- It's close enough, but the 890 outclasses the Tiger off road in every way. It's lighter, the weight is lower, the stock suspension is way better, the stability is better, and it's just "more fun" because it makes you more confident. You can sit further up on the seat for turns, etc. So overall, it's pretty even. If the Tiger is a 5/5 on road, it's a 4/5 offroad. And if the 890 is a 5/5 offroad, it's a 4/5 on. All depends on what you prefer. I love the long trips, but I want my performance to manifest OFF road, rather than on road. I don't care as much about comfort (although the 890's windscreen is REALLY bad for me at 6ft).

[@mattjohnson3050]

Thanks for explaining as you were riding. It sucks watching just a ride video without communicating. I just got my 2023 890 Adventure about 3 weeks ago also. There aren't any R's in my area, but I don't ride at the ability where it would be needed. I'm new to the Adventure bike world. Sad thing is I have to ride a over an hour just to get to a ATV park. No offroad here in Virginia Beach area that I know of

[@wardkhere]

Yeah man! It's about 45ish minutes for me to get to offroad stuff, so I hear you. Even on the road, it's a great bike, although I do think I prefer the Tiger 900 when it comes to on-road comfort and control. They're just different enough to feel it, but nothing crazy.

[@SteveHofsaess]

I got mine last week,, have you tried to connect Bluet tooth yet?? It is not on the bike

[@wardkhere]

@@SteveHofsaess I haven't tried that yet. I really don't see myself using it all that much even if I did connect it, but I may see how it works and report back.

[@suj3919]

Thanks WOW

[@chasingtrail]

Great video, thank you. I'm considering downsizing from a GSA to one of these.

[@wardkhere]

If you enjoy offroad more than on road, I'd say it's a great choice. Wind buffeting is pretty bad, though, so don't expect the same kind of comfort you've got on the GSA!

[@chasingtrail]

@@wardkhere Thanks for the feedback. I rode an 890 Adventure R demo bike and didn't find the buffeting bad myself, it was a lot better than the Tenere 700 (for me).

[@erickelly7161]

I'm thinking of doing the exact same thing. I want to know about the on road manners ie. Buffering and heat in regards to the 890. Btw I also have a 690 enduro r and a Industry guy told me the 890 rides 90 percent like a 690

[@wardkhere]

@@erickelly7161 I need to put together another video on full thoughts. I have way more to talk about at this point, about 3k miles in. The short version is this: the bike is fun and wants to have fun, both on and off road. I've done some very long road trips on it and very long days offroad. The only complaint I really have is the wind buffeting, but I understand that's individual to the person. If you like to "settle in" on your bike for long road rides, this isn't it. But if you like to have a "lively" time, even on long trips, this bike wants it!

[@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff]

Have you been using the Tiger's Off-Road geometry settings? By default it has a road based geometry setup. For off road use you dump the rear preload and max out the front preload to rake the bike out. This is a specific setup for off road use, it is the only reason there is a front preload adjuster.

[@wardkhere]

I do use that, yeah. Full preload front, no preload rear. It definitely helped! Weird that they don’t market the bike this way. Gotta dig through the manual for it haha. I love the tiger… it’s an amazing bike. The 890 is definitely clicking with me more off-road than the tiger did. But they’re still close! It’s not like a complete blow out. And the Tiger is definitely a lot more comfy on the road. I think it’s a little more flickable through twisties as well.

[@Avery-g-yt]

​@@wardkhereare you saying the r is more flickable than the tiger or vice versa?

[@wardkhere]

@@Avery-g-yt To me, the Tiger is more "flickable" on the street. I feel like it'd be a better "canyon carver" than the 890 R, personally.

[@Avery-g-yt]

@@wardkhere that's odd and maybe I would need more suspension tweaks on the triumph. I haven't played with that during test rides but the tiger 900 rally front end feels vague in a turn to me. Maybe a bit more rear preload and higher damping up front would help the feel. My 890R feels like a laser beam

[@wardkhere]

@@Avery-g-yt That's interesting... I'm not saying the 890 as bad at all, because it's great, but if I had to say which one I felt was more of a street bike and turns in quicker, I would say the tiger 900. I think this is reflected in its geometry. On paper (which I know isn't everything), the Tiger is absolutely more of a street bike (24 degree rake, 17" rear, etc). When you've got proper preload set on front and rear, I would think it absolutely feels... flickier? Everyone attaches to different bikes, though, so could just be riding style, position, etc.

[@perfectlynormal5729]

Now that you've had it for awhile, have you had any issues to deal with?

[@wardkhere]

I haven't had anything major, no. Not compared to some of the things I've read online. So far so good, with a few little minor things that have popped up here and there (TC getting turned back on after a tip over offroad, but power cycling fixes it... things like that).

[@bikegiant1376]

Thanks for posting! I’m curious, what part of the US are you in?

[@wardkhere]

I’m in Nashville 🤙. Are you in the area?

[@bikegiant1376]

Unfortunately, no. I’m in Oklahoma. Ride a Desert X and love it, but I’m big fan of the 890, especially the new one!

[@wardkhere]

Nice. I considered a Desert X. Super cool bike... wanted to go with something more different from the Tiger, though.

[@bikegiant1376]

@@wardkhere I got a buddy who has a Tiger 900 (Bond edition) and in my opinion, the DX is WAY different than the Tiger. Feels more similar to the KTM.

[@wardkhere]

@@bikegiant1376 Ah I hear you... I was thinking with the higher weight (position and numbers), longer wheelbase, and more "touring" seat, it would feel less like the "big dirt bike" category the 890 fills. But I haven't ridden one yet. I'd definitely like to.

[@mikemoik]

the 890R is a cool bike with one drawback: it always makes me driving much too fast for my skills.

[@wardkhere]

Hahaha it definitely makes me want to go fast!

[@humoto1]

Chasing or trying to follow... Biiiiig difference 😂

[@wardkhere]

Haha what are you referring to here?

[@humoto1]

ooops, wrong video.... Tried to comment on the one I have watched before - sorry!

[@wardkhere]

@@humoto1 Oh hahaha no problem

[@chiptaxfree]

What area of the country are riding in? What state what county? Also what's the story with the tiger being in the shop? I've got a KTM 690 and a 500. I'm looking at buying a tiger 900 valley pro. How was your overall experience with that bike?

[@wardkhere]

Just seeing this! I'm in Middle Tennessee. The Tiger was in the shop because of some carbon build-up in the cylinders. Basically got totally new internals. In hindsight, I would have been fine keeping the Tiger, but I do love the 890. They're just different with different focuses. Both amazing bikes that have a lot of overlap. I'd still buy another Tiger if I had $ and room in my garage!

[@MichaelMalsz-rb3gv]

If you don’t mind me asking, how tall are you and how do you find the height?

[@wardkhere]

I’m 6 ft! What do you mean by “how do you find the height?”

[@ridewherever]

@@wardkhere I’m guessing what he means is, is the height of the bike manageable for your 6’ height? Are you finding it to be difficult, easy, in between?

[@wardkhere]

@@ridewherever Ah I see. It's about the same as my Tiger, honestly. The seat height may be slightly higher than the Tiger, but the reach of my legs feels the same (maybe due to a narrower position down to the ground? I have no issues with the height. It's kind of something I didn't consider, since I'm used to riding the Tiger.

[@Slov_]

Moving from a 2018 R1200 GSA after renting a 2022 890 last year. Can't wait for mine! How do you like the CRG mirrors?

[@wardkhere]

Nice… that’s probably a massive change for you. I like the mirrors a lot. I don’t find myself missing the bigger mirrors, and I love how out of the way these are. They feel very integrated into the bike.

[@Slov_]

@@wardkhere How is the wind buffeting? I hear its a good improvement

[@wardkhere]

It may be, but coming from the Tiger… it’s not good. Actually got a massive headache after riding home from picking it up for 4 hours on the interstate. That never happened with the Tiger. I bought Touratech’s clip on spoiler. It helps a lot, but it could be better. I plan to fit a rally kit (with new windscreen, lights, etc) whenever someone releases one for the ‘23. So I’ll deal with it until then, I guess.

[@Slov_]

@@wardkhere Hmm makes sense. For you, is the wind consistent or blowing you around?

[@wardkhere]

@@Slov_ It's not super consistent. It kind of hammers my head repeatedly. I like the bike a lot, but the wind buffeting truly is bad. I didn't expect it to be as bad as it is. Depending on your height and head position, I highly recommend getting something to make it better.

[@sanjosejeff]

Just did my break in oil change yesterday. I watched Oregon Moto Johns video on it. I think it was easier than my 350. I suck as a mechanic but I’m learning and my friends help me. I just go ultra slow and double check everything. I love the bike but the windscreen is gonna have to be taller for the freeway. I bought a little clip on which helps some. I’ve heard a lot of good stuff about the tractionator tires. Your the first to talk about the other ones. How many miles do you typically get out of them?

[@wardkhere]

Nice! I usually take mine in for the service, but I may give this one a go. Agreed on the windscreen. I got a clip on. It helps a ton… highly recommend to anyone. These tires are “good” for what most people do on adv bikes. They aren’t aggressive, but they’re good enough. I like them a lot when I consider longevity. I’m at about 2200 miles right now, and I’m starting to think about replacements. The reality is that my first 1500 miles were way more road miles (break in, a road trip, etc). I typically ride about 40-50% road (in total), and my guess is I’d get closer to 3-3.5k miles in those circumstances. For this set, so far, I’ve been more like 70-80% road.

[@thanosdanellis4746]

Hi, do you have to do anything else at the break in service? except for changing oil and checkin stuff? also how often do they recommend servicing those bikes? every 15000km?

[@sanjosejeff]

@@thanosdanellis4746 They recommend every 15k that is correct although I planned on doing mine at about half that for the first regular, non break in service. Dislocated shoulder on the lost coast enduro riding the 350 couple months ago and awaiting surgery so I look at my bike a lot in the garage.😂. That next oil change is gonna be a while

[@sanjosejeff]

@@thanosdanellis4746 Oh I forgot. Other KZbin guys say I need to bring the bike to the dealer as it’s most likely due for a software update as I bought it in march.

[@thanosdanellis4746]

get well soon bro@@sanjosejeff

[@onemileattatime2642]

Does anyone use a different windscreen or use a clip-on type? I have the '23 890 Adventure s, and the OEM screen does not cause much buffeting, BUT...BUT it does blast the clean air right at my helmet which makes highway riding really loud. I ride with ear plugs to help, and even with plugs, the sound wears on you. Off road, the screen height is nice, for it does a good job of channeling air up into your upper torso. I am 5' 8" with 30" inseam for reference.

[@wardkhere]

Sorry I missed this! I use a clip-on on my R. It's still not nearly as good as the Tiger as far as wind protection... for reference, I used to only wear earplugs on the interstate on the Tiger. On the 890, I have to wear them just about everywhere. The clip-on helped a LOT on the R, and I imagine on the S screen, it'd just about get rid of 80% of the wind blast.

[@onemileattatime2642]

@wardkhere I ended up getting a Puig clip-on deflector, and it helps, but, yeah, the wind is still terrible. I too wear plugs for all riding above 45mph.

[@wardkhere]

@@onemileattatime2642 Pretty unfortunate for such a great bike. Wish they'd rework the front end completely. Rally kits are so expensive...

[@mattjohnson3050]

What mirrors are those, do they dream to do the job. I have the stock mirrors

[@wardkhere]

They're CRG Arrow bar end mirrors, but I bought Rottweiler Performance's adapters that you drill into your handguards to use them. They basically create a little place for bar end mirrors, and these in particular flip up or down into different configurations. So when I'm offroad, I flip them in like you're seeing in the video. www.rottweilerperformance.com/quick-flip-mirror-mount-kit-arrow-kit/ I like them a lot... I'm never a fan of big bunny ear mirrors if I can help it.

[@mattjohnson3050]

Thank you

[@michaelmcghee6518]

What's the matter with the tiger?? Spokes breaking

[@wardkhere]

It had a ton of carbon buildup in the cylinders. Triumph is replacing them since I’m under warranty. 🤷‍♂️

[@thepope890]

FIRST!

[@wardkhere]

YOU DID IT

[@kingkeith525]

Imagine being first