KTM 890 Adventure R Rally | As Good as it Gets

#motorcycle #adv #ktm #ktm890adventure
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The KTM 890 Adventure R Rally - with it's super high end suspension and unique wheelset - is the most capable factory multi cylinder adventure bike ever produced. Don't believe me? I delve into what makes this bike perform beyond everything else out there.
00:00 Intro
02:59 Riding Position
04:43 Drop/Lift
06:28 Specs
11:16 Tour/Features
18:27 Off Road
22:19 Road
25:55 Pros
31:42 Cons
33:35 Reliability?
35:43 Final Thoughts
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[@BigRockMoto]

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[@royarnab22]

I believe that's not a Catalytic Converter but Resonator. I'm not sure but that's the case in Adv 390. :) The Catcons are inbuilt in the header pipes.

[@neoskhaos]

dude, that haircut, please do something about it! youre wasing potential

[@MrEtnorb]

His claim of producing the most detailed YT reviews is spot on. Can’t think of anyone who does the range of things he does. And he is one of the very few people who know the correct pronunciation of Husqvarna.

[@adamrichards2072]

Agreed, except it's pronounced husky 😉

[@tomg8673]

Fagetta bout it Adam You are absolutely correct

[@inrptn]

@@adamrichards2072 My pronunciation of "Husky" is perfect :D

[@Niki_Parvanov]

MAD TV?

[@deltabluesdavidraye]

You are going way to fast.Adventure is not a race.You are more into performance .Reliability is first in a adventure bike .It isn't in Motocross so much.Back to square one.If it isn't extremely reliable it cannot be trusted on a adventure.

[@linusdegrell]

Thanks for adding the metric conversions, really helpful for us Europeans :) Not many people do that properly on YT so cheers for that! For the traction control discussion, I had exactly that experience in a ...car. Had an old e39 BMW some years ago and it's great TCS allowed me going through snow and ice without any problems while other newer cars were totally stuck. It just found traction, sounds like what the 890 is doing.

[@petezny4343]

While I don't have Ian's experience I can agree. My 890 Adventure S is my second ADV bike after owning a BMW 850GSA and several dual sports. I'm just at 1,600 miles and after my mini custom BDR ride the other day I'm just in love with this bike. The ease and confidence that I can tackle some difficult sections is several levels higher than I had on the BMW which at times inspired dread. The lower center of gravity, lower seat height, the excellent power delivered through great electronics are just confidence inspiring. I seriously think it climbs hills better than my 300 cc dual sport. But the real shining star is the transition between the trails and the road. This thing is almost sports bike like when I hit the twisty connecting roads between trail sections. This is what I feel an ADV bike should be, why it should be a better choice for some rides than a dual sport, that ability to play sport bike to the end of the pavement, play dirt bike for awhile then go back to sport bike. This bike does that. so long as she stays reliable she's a keeper.

[@BigRockMoto]

Well said

[@Igor12822]

Agree on all except reliability... This bike UNFORTUNATELY has shown to be most unreliable , which I see and hear from literally hundreds of reviews of owners... It is just tragedy how much potential this bike has and how KTM has dropped the ball with cheap parts and bad customer service and simply bad reliability with too many things from TFT, electronics, lights, brakes and what not...shockingly unreliable...to the point where they say it is normal if your new bike does not ignite at first attempt or if screen does not work , like these are no biggies 😅😅

[@filippogigli4438]

Hi, Filippo from Italy here and sorry for my English. I have currently a BMW850gsa that I am fully satisfied. Fully. But I am use to use my bike 70% off road and 30% on road and I am really thinking about new 2023 ktm890advR. Can you resume for me what you prefer and not like of each bike? Thank you !

[@Coldgecko]

Hi Petezny, I have traveled the world on my BMW's (F850GSA and 2018 R1200 GSA) -- generally 6 month long trips and 20,000+ on 50-50 in real remote places. I'm planning my next trip and I have always avoided KTM because its not just a thought -- its fact -- that I always see them sidelined waiting on parts when I pass other world riders. I have said it before and I find it hard to be proven wrong with my own eyes -- 90% of world travelers ride BMW's for reliability. To my point... I would do and pay for anything that is first reliable -- I cant have my bike break down on my travels -- and second and equal -- to have a lighter bike than my F850GSA because I hate the weight off-road. Problem is that you are new and only have a short period with your bike, but I would get a normal 890 Adventure -- but can anyone advise on reliability with this new crop of KTM? In the past, yes if you live in California or Colorado and it breaks down -- its a problem but not that big -- In Africa a broken bike is an issue... Anyones experience will help me here... I'm comping to lighten my weight without giving up reliability.

[@TheChindoboi]

Get a tenere 700

[@trevorwright7780]

Thank you Ian. FUN is mostly underrated when it comes to bike reviews. Mostly all we hear about is specifications. Apple computers made an award winning series of ads pointing out what you can DO with their computers rather than any specs they may have. Your excitement while riding your 890 Rally was infectious. Having a motorcycle that doesn't 'call' you to go ride it isn't worth owning. No matter how reliable it may be....

[@chilly243]

exactly. For dead on reliability I've got a car... When I sit on my motorcycle I want to have fun. If it isnt engaging then whats the point of riding a bike in the first place?

[@endangeredmarmot4518]

I put my bike to bed for the winter and there is snow on the ground - his ride made me want to pull my 890 back out anyway.

[@rykehuss3435]

@@endangeredmarmot4518 Get some studded winter tires on it and go for it. Dress warmly!

[@mikeamphlett7913]

Feel this is a good honest review. Not many riders can give the negative reviews that you do, especially of the bikes they own. That's why I like your reviews.

[@trevorwright7780]

Another positive that's rarely mentioned about the 790/890 adventure models is they generally do not require any additional crash bars that can add weight. Other than beafing up the sump guard and adding bark busters of course. Most other adventure bikes require a series of crash bars for both the lower and often the upper sections of the engine/fuel tank. Some do add lower crash bars to their 790/890 adv bikes but its pretty clear you don't actually need them. And the tank does a pretty good job of protecting the engine. Overall a weight advantage here I'd say.

[@BigRockMoto]

Yes, I should have put that in the review, very true

[@Roberta_Esposito]

ian says it all the time

[@CPUspeed]

Congrats on finding one! Until you ride a race bike you don’t fully appreciate how crappy the mass produced bikes are. Its definitely worth it and when manufacturers build these special models where they add race spec parts take advantage and get one. They have done all the work in installation, calibrating and tuning the parts. Beyond the special models are turnkey race bikes. 👍🏼

[@ferkuzuel]

I love the introduction of the video, 👍 I was talking to the shop manager at my local KTM dealer and we both agree that the main issue is not the bikes or the shop, the main issue is KTM it self and how they respond to the problems that the shop and the owner are facing with the bike .

[@BigRockMoto]

True

[@colingoldthorpe5918]

The frigging camera work is so damn crystal clear it’s scary good. You’re like leap years of some of the other channels that have been doing this for years 👍👍

[@mr.solitude3352]

Great review as always. Two points. 1) Its purchase price requires above average moolah. 2) Reliability issues often require available moolah to pay for parts and service. Great bike if you have the discretionary moolah to purchase and maintain it. Not everyone does. Thanks for the great review.

[@silotx]

It's not only about money, I seen 890 adventure r break down on trips with several silly problems that you can't fix yourself and that is a problem on long trips.

[@headwinded1948]

Yep. If KTM would resolve their reliability / build issues, and bolster their dealer network, there's no reason they wouldn't dominate the entire adv segment really.

[@mediocreman2]

Maybe you meant moolah?

[@mr.solitude3352]

@@mediocreman2 Moolah would be a more accurate spelling instead of mulah. Will adjust, thanks to your comment.

[@anxiousappliance]

@@mr.solitude3352 both the same

[@dukegnarley]

I put the 270mm pro suspension on my 890 R. the R suspension is pretty good, but I will say that the difference is staggering. The pro suspension is SO plush. It is the best suspension I have ever ridden. I am short legged though, and the bike is ludicrously tall. I was able to get the suspension NEW shipped from Germany for around $4000. The exchange rate is fantastic right now. Then I also have the R suspension to sell.

[@tomthomsen11]

Now that's brilliant!

[@Neddoley]

Great honest information. I just got a 2021 890r and I am loving it so far. I appreciate you touching on the good and bad not just a glowing review that one sees by so many reviewers these days. Keep it up.

[@scottadams513]

Nice review. Suspension is the difference. My 890R is the beast & I share your perspectives. One note ... regarding the "reliability issues" ... I maintain that if just take care of the machine & it will take care of you. Period. You can't be careless and expect to ride the world's best Adventure platform without a hiccup here and there. Honda has issues, Yamaha has them as well, and yes - even KTM's aren't perfect. Even though you paid big bucks ... no machine is "perfect". You get it. With the starting ... recall that when cold, the KTM still uses an open loop fuel map. Meaning that with only the temperature sensor & lacking any other sensor feedback (like an O2 sensor or your throttle itself) the engine will only run as programmed. It it cold, so the engine is therefore running lean & yes - it stalls. This should be no surprise. To resolve this, simply twist the throttle 20-30 degrees on the first start while pressing the starter, let the engine accelerate for 1-2 seconds & then let go so the bike returns to idle. My 890 does not stall when I do this ... ever. why isn't the KTM better than this? Please consider that KTM is making a machine that should NOT involve an algorithm determining your engine speed. It's just too dangerous. Who wants a bike "taking off" on its own? I wouldn't enjoy that thrill ride if I'm not in 100% control! The intake plenum openings are governed by your throttle position, so richen up the mixture with quick twist & then let go. It works & I think you will find other points to address moving forward. Best of luck.

[@theSquashSH]

Might be true for the 890 but my 790 is a death trap. It's on its 2nd engine in 6000mi and it's tried to kill me in several creative ways (dropped the swingarm when bolts backed out, front brakes failed locked, piston siezed on the highway). None of this is due to a lack of maintenance, all of these failures happened in

[@rykehuss3435]

@@theSquashSH Geez, thats rough

[@kodyarocho4618]

It is so good hearing how you're excited and enjoying yourself. Great review you've made a KTM fan of a Honda fanboy out of me

[@concernedcitizen5506]

I had a 790r and now an 890r. The 890 is a very different feeling bike. It feels much lighter and much lower centre of gravity even though it’s slightly heavier. It’s even easier to manoeuvre around the garage. Most of all the engine isn’t as raw. It feels a lot more composed. I have been riding for 48 years and love this bike to pieces. Watch most of your reviews and enjoy them for their honesty and accuracy.👍

[@Warpath1901]

Have the 790 Rally and with the Rottweiler Intake and Power Commander, the engine performs better than the 890 R. Smooth, low end torque and rips up top.

[@gthomas5350]

I took my new 2023 KTM 890 ADV R out this weekend. I found everything in this video to be accurate. Thank you for doing such thorough reviews of so many different adventure motorcycles. And, I certainly appreciate your journalistic integrity. Of all of the dozens of different reviews I’ve been watching recently on KZbin, yours is the only channel that I subscribed to. Great job.!!

[@BigRockMoto]

Great to hear!

[@AntigravityBatteries]

The first video of you I was thinking wow, this guy is so mellow and non emotional.... then I see you cackling while riding.... shows how excited the bike got you, super cool to see that emotion come out. Great honest reviews and much appreciated.

[@gee4zfpv]

Just got a 2023 890 Adventure R and put over 300 miles on it so far and absolutely LOVE this machine!!! I have more experience on road than off so this is going to be a blast- I'm in Northern AZ... I am amazed at how maneuverable this bike is in the asphalt - I just push the handlebar and it leans easier than most bikes I have ridden!! and I feel extremely confident in the dirt- He is right that it just feels like a 300 lb machine! great ideas for mods and accessories in this video!!! Thanks Ian!!!

[@Skinn3r551]

Love the squirrel @4:31 :) Awesome review as always.

[@damerowr]

Awesome intro!!! Rest of review is setting the benchmark for motorcycle review, as always. Well done!

[@BigRockMoto]

Thanks!

[@SmokinZen]

I have a T7 but when I sat on this bike it fit like a glove, it didn't feel top heavy it felt natural. You're a lucky dude.

[@tomstaubyn2378]

Amazing bike and terrific review, Ian. Love to have one of these!

[@AdventureGlide]

Another Great Review Ian. Thanks for sharing with us.

[@georgeloveday9674]

You continue to do great reviews. Nice clear audio and video. I appreciate the review details. I always look for your reviews. Thank you.

[@pbinpg7168]

My 2020 790 R has given me 3 years and 30,000 km of trouble free riding. I took it to the dealer for the 30,000 km service where they found both camshafts worn beyond limits. Despite the fact my warranty had expired KTM covered the parts and labor. What more can you ask for.

[@anxiousappliance]

:What more can you ask for : .Camshafts that don't wear so fast?

[@robertmills794]

You're getting the feel of truly extraordinary suspension, perfect balance, etc. When it happens, it's truly unreal.

[@CyberGasty]

and when you see someone riding it "like you stole it" you can only scratch on the surface how capable this bike is kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJrPgamiprWeaLs

[@mabsbry1318]

Ohlins on a ducati gets to that. Like riding on a sofa, fast or slow…it’s SO nice to experience this feeling.

[@67daltonknox]

@@mabsbry1318 I rode a 2013 Multistrada and liked it so much, I bought a 2015. Big mistake. The'13 had Ohlins, the '15 had Skyhook - wanted to do tank slappies at even moderate speeds. For that, ridiculous throttle maps (any old lady in a Prius could outdrag me at the lights) and other reasons I couldn't trust the bike and overall rate it as a POS. Now have a 1290 SAS which is a keeper.

[@markjones5235]

Love to see the unbridled joy of riding Ian. Great content, great intro as well!

[@tylerhiggins9789]

We all knew he would eventually come back to the KTM 790/890 platform? Welcome back brotha!!!

[@Dante_S550_Turbo]

Seeing the offroad section just blew me away. The rough terrain versus how little the head unit and bike is moving and shaking is just insane. it's as you just described prior how good the chassis and suspension is.

[@endangeredmarmot4518]

Your ride description, the giggle factor, is how I feel about my "lowly" R - the suspension on the R is phenomenal, so I can only imagine how great the WP Pro must be.

[@monawoka97]

Honestly I'd love to see you do a more vlog style video of you taking this bike in a big trip. I love your review content but I also just enjoy seeing you enjoy a bike so much. And this seems like a bike worth taking on a big journey.

[@BigRockMoto]

coming soon

[@bradtymchuk5639]

As always, another great review hitting the highs and lows. I'm glad you touched on the starting issue and I hope the KTM will pay attention and fix this. My 890 Rally was 25K out the door and its plagued by the starting issue, this is unacceptable no matter what price you pay.

[@timsalabimbombassa]

WHAT a bike! You make me want to trade in my T7. But when I ride that I feel happy anyway. And at least it’s handsome and starts in winter. Or so I tell myself. What a bike…

[@jamessmith9786]

In life, what we have is often what we need. Cheers.

[@mechcavandy986]

If I were a young fella like you, I’d want one of these. The shape I’m in, the Norden is the perfect bike for me. Thank you for showing it to me. And thanks for this review. It seems like an amazing adventure bike.

[@lukeferrone831]

Hands down the best motorcycle reviews on KZbin! Thank you!

[@lifesjourneyat50]

I was trying to get a 2023 890R but they have no idea when they would come in...so that's why I got the 660....maybe this summer..ha!!! - thanks and you convinced me to get one of these soon...keep it up my friend, you are definitely the King at the reviews!!!

[@funkygas]

Great review! You are incredibly well balanced, yet honest with about the emotional aspect about riding!

[@briandavies9261]

Hi brother fellow KTM rider in Charlotte NC great job on your videos!! I was lucky enough to get a KTM 890 rally. Recently joined as a BDR lifetime member. Keep up the excellent work !! I appreciate everything you do. Know you have a freind in NC if ever you are in the neighborhood 😉

[@kawabungah20]

Wow! It's a great experience just watching you on such an extraordinary machine! Thank you!

[@allanrilling6990]

Love your laugh and comments when you are genuinely having fun! I get that each time on my own 890R. Not the Ralley but does me well and paying an added $7k US is some 10k$ CDN which is really more than I am willing to sink. Keep it up Ian! Cheers, Allan

[@Joe-fi4hv]

Cheers to you!!! So happy you get to enjoy that bike. Thanks for sharing with us.

[@rayfriedman9625]

Thanks! Your review of a bike so rare I probably couldn't find one even if I had the dough, not to mention all the cool add-on parts available to throw at one, has saved me a TON of money! Can't wait for your Faberge Egg review--I hear they're expensive and hard to come by too!

[@DrShmuck]

Absolutely love your passion and your attention to detail in making these videos. You have some of the best motorcycle content on the entire internet. Well done!

[@andrewpocock1234]

Wow Ian. I want one. You're getting way faster too, been watching your videos for a while and you're really going faster now.

[@campbellrousselle9752]

Great to hear you enjoying your ride. :)

[@brunodiogo1893]

Hi, good review! I have an AT Adventure Sports, 2018 model but already saw a video from a buddy with the same problem with KTM 890 (cold start). Here in Portugal, the guys in the dealership advised that the oxygen mix going to the engine needs to be tunned/adjusted as per the country specs where you buy the motorbike... he have done that and problem was solved! Take care, have a great one!!! ✌🏻

[@anxiousappliance]

It has FI - doesn't make sense.

[@keyboarddancers7751]

That bike is an extremely expensive, extremely high maintenance, extremely high performance machine. If I had one, I would probably not bother to own any other vehicle. (Many years ago I used to ride an old 650 Kat - my only vehicle at the time - throughout European winters). Lots of people spend considerably more money on a second/hobby car and they probably don't ever do all that much mileage in them. In terms of sheer capability and "adventurability", it's hard to imagine anything comparable to that Rally (or a well modded 'R') and those qualities are conveyed extremely well in this excellent video by *Mr Ian.*

[@craigw9054]

Spot on and many thanks. I bought a used 890R and, similar to you a big grin every time I ride it. The front suspension is as good (sometime feel better) than my 2017 300 XCw, I concur KTM did an outstanding job with the bike suspension. As good as the R is I can't even imagine what the Rally must be like as the R is fantastic. The electronics, well, I am sure I don't use to their ability but what I have used is again fantastic. I need to fiddle more, though extremely impressed with the bike. Sooo much fun to ride and very happy that I bought it. Many thanks Ian, Craig

[@jordanalison9461]

Great video man… just awesome. I have had Hondas, Yamaha, Suzuki and Kawasaki… they all have issues, upsides and downsides… some were dead reliable and would not quit… but lacked in suspension, power and thrill… and say what you will but this 890 will take me places no other bike did. My 22 890 ADV R is flat out amazing. Best bike I’ve ever owned. (Next to my KTM 890 duke but that’s a whole different thing…) Smiles per gallon are through the roof and only my skill limits where this thing will take me. Thank you for your review and perspective!! Keep it up!

[@dashuntas.m4045]

Production looks like it improved even further, even though it was already excellent. Keep up the good work sir

[@roblepack]

I’m lucky to own one and agree with everything you said, good and bad. A testament to the honest reporting that you do. This bike is sooo fun to ride… everywhere!

[@michiganmoto7687]

While this or even a standard 890 are way out of my price range it is really cool to hear you talk so excitedly about a bike. I’m also sad that in hearing how great this bike is and knowing the level of performance I will be missing out on with pretty much everything else is a little depressing 😢 (only joking) In all seriousness this was probably one of your best reviews ever because your absolute love for this bike didn’t stop you from discussing, with honesty, the shortfalls that can occur with the brand. When you know all the potential problems and still chose it for the good it does bring let’s you know it’s right for you. Thanks and many happy miles to you. ✌️

[@spencer2458]

Another great review - keep the videos coming!

[@expatbiker6598]

Big rock moto rocks. This was extensive as always. Thank you Sir.

[@claude7473]

Clearly the best balanced bike that you have showed... by a long margin. Ackowledege your comments are supported by the video. Excellent, Thanks !!!

[@tdeloriea]

Much like yourself I was lucky to get one. The local dealer had the KTM rep reach out to them to ask if they wanted to move a Rally that was ordered and the customer backed out on the delivery. They called me knowing I was interested in trading my 790 ADV-R for the 890 motor in the updated model. They told me it was in the shop and to come down. I ran down there and made the deal happen. I ride my ADV bike like some people ride their EXC-F's. I love - love - love the 890 motor over the 790. The larger flywheel and the fueling are spot on over the 790's light flywheel and flame out fueling. Also 3rd gear wheelies on the 890 are like a 701 Supermoto, It's such a great machine. The suspension is a get out of jail card for those hidden washouts hit at speed. I have clenched every muscle only to have the bike soak up some big hits without much drama. The only issue I have is wind buffeting at highway speeds. I may purchase that PUIG screen you have on yours.

[@jasonferland631]

Love your reviews. Keep up the great work.

[@creamcookies8022]

Can't think of a better KZbinr for this bike, love you man, fantastic reviews ❤️

[@maxostrowski5269]

Thank you for showing the starting issue. I think this speaks volume as your channel has a huge following and hopefully KTM will see this and realize this is a huge problem that needs addressed. For a bike at this price point, it should start every time and the engine shouldn’t sound like it’s about to explode. Hopefully this will have a fix at some point. This is very concerning that they aren’t addressing these issues and supporting their rider base.

[@BigRockMoto]

I hope so too!

[@ww86eu]

I'm from Poland with much colder weather. I have no starting problems at all. KTM 890 AdvR 2021

[@rykehuss3435]

Imagine trying to start it in like - 10C (14F) weather

[@maxostrowski5269]

@@rykehuss3435 it also is bad in hot weather too! I’m in Florida with this problem. Also, when it gets up to temperature it likes to stall with clutch in.. it acts as if the engine is overheating

[@ww86eu]

For me salt is a bigger problem than low temperatures. I tried multiple times on -4C without any problems.

[@scottkouns8578]

Another fantastic video. Thank you Ian!!

[@heyRex]

Great review! This looks like an excellent all-arounder!

[@davehigg3244]

Very informative vid....liked the way you described your height and weight to give other riders an idea of their fitment. Cheers!!

[@hondaexplorer]

Awesome review as always, thanks Ian!

[@SOYLUISO]

great review! great bike! keep the videos coming!

[@Willy_Milano]

That's one of the most incredible adventure motorcycles I've seen, congrats.

[@rea448]

An excellent and thorough review, thanks for that, be blessed for doing what you love

[@MidCoastAdventures]

Got to love adventure riding. Great video mate 👍

[@georgemorissette8856]

Great video. Love you ripping vs test riding !! Thanks !

[@rc51bigdaddy]

Update on my bike. Added the 270mm Pro suspension plus longer front brake lines and kickstand. Amazing suspension. Works exactly as you described. Totally worth it for me. However, it is tall and even at 6'2" with a 34 inch inseam I got in a situation where I parked the bike on a slight left downslope on a crowned road and could not lever the bike back to vertical while sitting on it, so had to get off and push the bike to a flatter spot. It had the tall seat so I have put the stock seat back on. Also a recalibration of the quick shifter at PCP Motorsports in Sacramento completely fixed the issues I was having. Works great now. The Pro suspension is an expensive upgrade but I only have one bike so could be worse.

[@AOL0321]

Great review as always Ian!

[@Davidswordplay]

As always a really great review, you are one of the best in the business. Thank you.

[@rikherlaar]

one of the very few channels that goes all the way...thumbs up

[@urbanadventurer5]

It certainly seems like it has all of the goods. Great bike. I am looking forward to seeing you compare this and your new Aprilia Tuareg. I don’t know if you have seen all of the cool stuff coming out of EICMA yet, but the new Transalp 750 looks REALLY good. Low Seat height, ADV wheels, long travel suspension, more than enough power, ride modes, Honda reliability and electronics. Pretty darn cool. The new Suzuki V-Strom 800 DE looks nice as well. Can’t wait to hear more about them.

[@peterasztalos281]

Fantastic review! Looking forward to your review of the 690 with rally specification in comparison to the 890.

[@inrptn]

Amazing bike and great review. While not my personal dream bike, I can definitely understand that you can't put a price tag on what makes you feel excited and alive. And you actually get to own it, so you are one lucky dude!

[@cliffordzehmke5650]

Great review once again ,love that bike ,from South Africa

[@striker1011]

To be honest you are the most experienced & knowledgeable adventure rider I have seen in KZbin. For me it's a dream come true to ride those bikes which you were listing in this video. Ktm 890 rally is my dream bike & I hope atleast they release 890 R here in India. By the way I own 390 adventure & I am a avid follower of your content. Amazing content as always 👏.

[@BigRockMoto]

Thanks a lot 😊

[@barrycasey9144]

I rode all the passes in the San Juans this summer also. That hill on Hurricane was long and steep. I helped a guy on a Tenere 700 pick his bike up 3 times there. My DR650 tractored up all those passes suprisingly well.

[@269sjb]

0.36 seconds in...Now that's just a damn good looking bike! The lighting was perfect for that opener.

[@rc51bigdaddy]

I've been waiting for this review ever since you mentioned you had a Rally model. Great accurate review. I am the same as you in that the fun and performance of the bike offset any other issues. I tried to find an 890r Rally but finally gave up. Almost found one in NorCal last winter/spring but then someone else bought it. Maybe you? Settled for a new 890r. Probably for the best, as I am 66 and do not ride that fast anymore. The stock 890r suspension seems a bit less jarring than the stock 790r I had a few years ago. I did the Touratech cartridges and shock on my 790r and that made a huge difference. Always tempting for me to spring for the Pro suspension and maybe I will someday, but the reality is that I would love it but probably not ride any different or faster than I do with the stock parts. Overall I just really love my 890r for exactly all the reasons you mentioned. So much fun! I had the Magura hydraulic clutch on my 790r and it was nice but then you have to use the Magura lever that comes with it. Not sure if you can use the nice KTM aftermarket levers. For now I am trying to stick with the cable setup. Also my quick shifter is horrible compared to my 790r. Will take it to the dealer to see if a calibration fixes the problem. Once again, thanks for the great review of the Rally. I'm jealous:)

[@AlexKovshovik]

No way this sick intro shot was planned! Amazing!

[@BigRockMoto]

didn't plan it like that...

[@bjarnelauridsen7818]

I have a 790 Adv S. I installed a Boosterplug - and I believe I have had 1 starting issue - and it was HOT after a long climb. The bike makes me smile so much (without dreaming of a Rally :D - thanks for a great review.

[@caravaggiosaccomplice7841]

Best review on the net hands down. So many reviewers really just make vanity videos and talk about what a great day they're having.

[@sethmoniz915]

Once again Ian thank your for the lift test.

[@wardroland270]

Thanks Ian. Great job. Good info. God bless. Happy trails.

[@alvaromateosfernandez-maqu5772]

Brakes are J.Juan, a spanish compay recently bought by Brembo. Thanks for the video.

[@BigRockMoto]

Thanks for the info!

[@RupertU]

Great review again- shame it’s so expensive and hard to get. I rode all those passes on Utah and Co BDR on a fully laden Africa Twin - a tad easier than Sani Pass from South Africa to Lesotho but when I did them a lot of big shale rocks after the snowy season. The secret is momentum. I stopped on Offir Pass to take a picture and it was difficult to get going again. Don’t stop. Hahaha

[@Brian.A.Simmons]

Great video man! As a new owner of an 890 ADV R, I'm still learning it. I would have bought the Rally in a heartbeat if I could have found one. I wish KTM would bring back the Rally. How much taller is the Rally vs. the 890 R? As far as the cold starts go: Turn the key on and then turn the ignition switch to on position, but don't start it. Leave the on switch "on" for about 30-60 seconds. This will prime the injectors and the bike should start and run like normal. It takes some practice to get the timing just right.

[@fraserlordly2432]

I appreciate this video. I have a 790s and it's all I need. I'm a road bias rider.

[@CaptainChristianZ1818]

The laugh is so contagious. Great content! Keep it up!

[@srvmotoman]

Great video and review as always. I have a strong feeling this one is staying in the stable indefinitely! :)

[@cameronburch3532]

That's such a beautiful bike! I have the 390 Adventure with the blue and white accents, which I love, but this takes it to a whole new level!

[@ianross225]

I test rode a base model 890 Adventure and was taken by an overall fabulous package. I don’t have your adventure opportunities so mine is mostly road biased but the potential for light off-road. Over my ATAS DCT ES the KTM has that easily used but hard to actually quantify quality: FUN! I didn’t want to give it back and wandered much further than I’d have expected. No off-road but everything that I encounter be it town, back roads, main highways and boring freeways and it did it well. So light to handle and easy to put exactly where I wanted. Totally planted with great brakes and compliant suspension. Much less dive than the ATAS. The quickshifter is slick up and down but the clutch was fine if needed. I didn’t experience any issues but lack of hydraulic is ludicrous for a company that puts hydraulic clutches on their small dirt bikes. Much of your comment resonated with me with the net result that my ATAS is for sale and a deposit paid for an 890 Adventure. More orange than I’d like but infinitely changeable. Bore you more when I get it! Take care, Ian

[@danielkramer8586]

Thanks for your honesty! That's how you build a fan base.

[@sthr2110]

I just wish KTM's were reliable. SO many stories of electrical issues and issues with parts availability. Just can't do it. Would rather have a bike that is more "boring" but that rarely, if ever, breaks and, when it does, isn't such a pain in the arse.

[@ronwright2421]

I have a 21 R model! The bike has been amazing! Truly amazing! As for the cold start issue I have found that if you blip the throttle as soon as it starts a couple times I have no issue from then on. Usually starts in one try with this method. max 2 times. I live in colorado. Love the bike.

[@BigRockMoto]

Thanks for sharing

[@andrewschultz2504]

The Rally is definitely a awesome bike. I really feel the ktm890 standard is one of the most under rated bike for its price. I know you have had some reliability problems with your ktm I have had no reliability issues with my 890.

[@jogjacitytour]

reviewnya lengkap sekal. aku jadi bisa banyak belajar dari sini. terima kasih sudah berbagi

[@mikeisland7382]

Pretty stoked for the "my 690" mention. Love the light weight performance unicorn content.