2024 KTM 890 Adventure R Review | Does More Performance = More Fun?

[@ianparkes2538]

I’ve had two , 12k miles in my first one inc off road , no problems , new one 6k so far , I’ve owned a lot of bikes inc a 1290 adv but this 890 is my favourite , it just does it all so well , it’s the unicorn of bikes and so capable off road unlike most adventure bikes this one isn’t pretending

[@Gen-X.Adventures]

Great review! I have one, and i agree with your thoughts 100% No issues here with reliability. It's, without a doubt, one of the funnest bikes I've ridden! It looks big (and it is), but it feels much smaller. If you drop it, the tanks provide an angle that makes it easy to stand up (unlike my T7) Great on road, gravel, trails. Excellent fuel range. Great load carrying capacity for travel/camping.

[@timsalabimbombassa]

Nail on the head. This is a great road bike too. I got a standard version with Tractive suspension which also works really well on and off road. Just a great machine

[@johnanthony6141]

I want one but holding off till KTM address the cam issue. I don’t want to be stranded in the middle of nowhere. Make KTM great again!!! BTW, I’m a 30 year veteran with KTM.

[@carlbayard8729]

890 owner with 10,000 km no issues. Also own a T7 (poor me) which I also love to ride. If I was forced to keep only one 890 everyday. That said I do think about reliability now and then which takes away from the the joy and the free spirit factor. My dealer assured me they would honour a cam issue under warranty. Not sure if that removes all doubts but it is nice to hear. Time will tell. Thanks for your insightful video

[@AdventureRiderMoto]

Thank you for your thoughts. I like the fact you will always have a great bike as a back up either way! - Andrew

[@Vlerkies]

Had 3 already with over 20k km on each. some limited issues with a sensor here or there but nothing terminal. Fuel weight, down low or up high like a T7 or other, prefer down low, physics does not lie. Downside is as I found out the hard way is clearance on single track, caught up the bulgy lower side tank on a rock and went ass over tits promptly. Sound, ditch that stock pipe rubbish, leave Akro alone (been there done that), put a Remus slip on pipe on (ktm powerparts) with the gadget removed on and let her sing sweet music. Its an awesome bike, big smiles

[@l0mx010]

“I never wanted to ride down the trail faster.” Said NO American ever!! 😂

[@tomsung2956]

Interesting conclusion. Does that apply to the standard version or it is only because of the trick off road suspension that makes it better on road?

[@AdventureRiderMoto]

To be honest, I couldn't say as I've not tried it with the standard suspension. I've heard good things about the standard option though and imagine it would be more than good enough to provide that grin-factor on the road. A lot of that is down the the power train. -Andrew

[@supergnorf]

@@AdventureRiderMoto I did >25.000 kilometers on the standard adventure (2023). Only a couple of minor niggles, nothing major. It was a hoot, whether on or offroad. Suspension not quite as good as on the R of course, but good enough for most riders I'd say. Some of my friends found the the R too stiff on road, where the standard version excels. Plus the standard is also lower. Just in case anyone posts anything about reliability issues, my dealer have had no cases related to the newer 890 R or standard (2023 - ). The lemons, from what I've read, showed up during COVID, as they maxed out the production line to cover (anticipated) demands. Board members of PIerer Mobility Group have since come out and said that was a mistake. So no, I'm not put off and might buy KTM again :)

[@iangriffiths9930]

It’s such a shame, it sounds like a great bike but the issues around reliability would put me off buying one. As you said the best adventure bike is the one that gets you there 😁👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@nomading_in]

I'm personally not nearly as worried about reliability (have the new 790), but the second hand value based on everyone else's worry is probably a bigger consideration.

[@motolover5697]

@@nomading_in the new are heavily discounted, hence the used will be even more difficult to sell.

[@nomading_in]

@@motolover5697 yep definitely a problem. Although if you are taking the discount at least you're starting lower, and it'll probably balance out a little when all this has died down.

[@motolover5697]

@@nomading_in It is also a question how fast you will be able to sell it when the time comes. Nobody wants to wait one year top get rid of the bike he wants to sell.

[@stuartpenney9717]

TBH in used form with some KTM warranty left, these are great buys at circa £10-11k. Having ridden one purely on road, I was very impressed how it behaved. Totally belies its dimensions. If it remotely performs as well off road (which it should), then it is a rare do it all bike IMHO. Just needs a decat 😎

[@orwellhuxley6301]

Great bike to be sure. But the heat front the engine cooks your legs

[@AdventureRiderMoto]

Yes it does!