I Bought The KTM 890 Adventure R and it is amazing!

[@lukmxtr9604]

Congratulations of your new purchase , I am veeeery happy owner of KTM 890 Adv R too ! My two cents regarding de-Cat modifications ( it might save you hassle and safe from unnecessary money spending , but of course you are always free to go your own route ! ) : So...before I got my bike I heard that its a must for KTM 890 Adv to get better sound and reduce heating from the exhaust . I got an Arrow decat mid pipe , installed it on the bike and....I removed it after few days riding ! I have Remus slip on and with baffle removed + original Cat mid pipe the bike sounds really good to me . After installing Arrow Decat pipe that Remus ( with no baffle ) was so bloody loud that it took out whole pleasure of riding . Constant complains from Neigbours when I was coming back home late night , scared people in the forest. I ride a lot on forest single trails and to be honest it started to pissed me off when often people stopped me to arguing and complaining on too loud exhaust ! Installing back the baffle/decibel killer to the silencer made a noticeable difference , but I think the best middle point for me is to ride with original Cat mid pipe and Remus silencer without a baffle ...nice and quite loud sound , but not to obtrusive to others ! Other strong point against decat is .... I noticed that with Arrow Decat the bike is weaker in lower RPM and the engine is very prone to stalling . I ride very often single track in the forest were I have quite often slow and technical riding up the hills and even with stock 16T front sprocket and original Cat I didn't really noticed any issue with engine stalling ( with correct clutch using of course ) . Installing that decat mid pipe made very noticeable and unpleasant engine stalling issue during slow riding . I have to admit that in more open throttle the engine worked perfect . Regarding the heat generated by the catalytic converter ...well , during street normal riding I almost don't think about it , but in warmer days when you ride slowly in the traffic or when you ride offroad slow technical section unfortunately you can feel that quite significant heat coming from the Cat pipe . I ride tested many different KTM 890 Adventure S and R models in the same road and offroad conditions and noticed that not all of them generated so much heat . I am lucky that mine one is the good one too , but some bikes which generated huge amount of heat , I noticed they had even exhaust pipe discolored in violet blue color just before Cat pipe . It must be problem wit to lean engine mapping I think . So...after trying I decided to get rid of the Arrow decat pipe . As for the sound, I am satisfied with Cat pipe and Remus slip on with baffle removed. The engine not stalling any more . With 15T front sprocket this bike is an animal for offroad riding !!! Greetings from rainy and muddy UK !

[@jarradhoughton8128]

I think the biggest reason to remove the cat is the weight....the thing weighs a ton - well 6.55lbs to be exact and that's a decent weight saving by itself. Paired with an aftermarket end can (stock weighs 8.15) you save significant weight from the bike. I am about to buy a Lithium battery to further help with weight reductions but I agree, the decat and end will introduce some minor fuelling issues which I myself had smoothed out with a dyno tune. This cleaned up the power curve and along with the exhaust mods netted another 10hp. Not that I was chasing extra power but that was the result and I'd also installed the 15T cog. The pipe changing colour is interesting, usually chrome and titanium turn blue from heat and is completely normal whereas stainless steel turns a straw/golden colour but it's no big deal in of itself. That said, changing the exhaust system with a decat (and baffle removal) will cause the bike to run lean so either a dyno tune (best option IMO) or power commander/fuel dongle is best bet to keep engine safe. Either way the bike is an absolute weapon, just made into a lean animal Farewell from Australia!

[@lukmxtr9604]

​@@jarradhoughton8128 I agree that weight saving is one of the biggest reasons to do Decat . On the scale we can clearly see significant weight difference of OEM Catalytic Converter vs Arrow Decat mid pipe . In reality...there is no mind blowing result when it comes to the weight savings and personally I don't feel that weight difference when I am picking up the bike or especially during riding . You are also right that dyno check and fuel mapping correction might help with fuel/air ratio issue after installing decat . I just didn't want to go this route this time . I am not antagonist who is trying persuade anybody that Decat is totally wrong ! There are pros and cons with decat and after submitting our real life experience maybe it help others to get own conclusion whether it is worth and what kind of benefits or problems they can expect ...before they start spending money and experience themself everything wat was told already. For those who decided to go with Decat route ...additionally to remapping I would also suggest to blind Secondary Air System which deliver extra air/oxygen to the exhaust system to help Catalytic Converter helps to fulfill its functions, you don't need this extra oxygen in aftermarket exhaust system with removed Cat . When it comes to pipe coloring after heat exposure I noticed that the colour we get depends on how high temperature was delivered . With Stainless Steel pipe it also depends on Nickel to Chrome ratio in particular product . St/Steel with higher Nickel amount tends to be more yellowish and St/Steel with higher Chrome amount tends to be more blue , and you can see the difference even on the polished to mirror effect products . I don't know what kind of metal alloy are used to make OEM exhaust pipes made in KTM 890 Adventure , but I was riding few times not modified KTM 890 Adventure bikes straight from the dealer floor and some of them generated more heat and I noticed front pipe discolorations on that bikes . However I don't see this on my bike .

[@RossKuzma]

Congrats! Just got mine 3 weeks ago...nothing like "new bike day"!! 🍻

[@upshiftingadventures]

For sure. Congrats to you too

[@Ragnar-b5m]

Your gonna love this bike they are so capable and a lot of fun. Grab a 2 finger camel clutch adapter makes a huge difference. Also if you are thinking of single track riding drop the front sprocket down one cog also get rid of the front sprocket cover as the mud build up behind it will have you removing it a lot. with the cat removed omg shes a beast and sounds like one. Enjoy fella.

[@upshiftingadventures]

Great suggestions, thank you. I have lots of plans for this bike. Clutch and brake levers are for sure on the list along with gearing and other things. Good tip about the removing the case saver I don’t know that the sprocket loads up with mud. Probably get a Vanesch billet peice though as I don’t like leaving that countershaft sprocket completely exposed. Thanks again for the input.

[@jarradhoughton8128]

@@upshiftingadventures I went with the Vanesch orange cover when I installed a 15t sprocket, makes cleaning in around there alot easier. It also comes with a little cover for the exposed sensor above the sprocket.

[@jackchristodoulou197]

Just rode one of these on a 5 day KTM tour in New Zealand the bikes a weapon

[@upshiftingadventures]

That’s awesome. I am trying to get a NZ trip together with Ride with Locals. We’ll see how the year goes.

[@sfarrell2459]

I have a 2022 and just de-catted it. They’re SUCH great bikes - best I’ve ever owned. Good choice with the 2023 so you can easily decat. The KTM hands down has better agility than the GSA. It’s the best “do everything” bike I’ve found

[@upshiftingadventures]

Totally agree. Best dirt focused adv bike out there.

[@chris_austria]

Congratulation, I am sure you will enjoy it.

[@bradsanders6954]

Ive got the 21 890R, 21,500 miles on it , it has been faultless. Had a lotta lotta bikes but the 890 is the funnest ever. An absolute blast with the perfect engine. I have a Sargent seat for the 890, but I like the stock seat about the same. Odd but true. So bitchin I bought a new 690 enduro which really pulled the room together, if you know what I mean.

[@Vlerkies]

Congrats man and enjoy. I've had a few of them since the 790. Currently have the exact same bike. Dunno if you can get away with it in the US, but I highly recommend the Remus powerparts slipon exhaust (black one looks great). You never mentioned what you have on the way. I had an Akro on previous 7/890's, but on this bike got the Remus and removed the db killer (baffle). Its wicked! Bikes were all decat'ed but yeah we can get away with stuff here. Another useful piece of kit I have stuck with is the Enduristan Tailpack (Small). It fits like a glove perfectly on the default carrier on the back with the straps and buckles, no mods required, unmovable and is perfect for a few essentials, like tyre pump/repair kit or whatever. Bashplate AXP, but lots of options out there these days. Enjoy, ride it like you stole it ⚡👍👍

[@upshiftingadventures]

Great suggestions, thanks a bunch. I bought the Arrow decat and arrow Titanium slip on. I think most all of the exhausts these days are pretty darn good but I like the availability of arrow products.

[@Vlerkies]

@@upshiftingadventures All good man. I have 2 mates that have the Arrow, both very happy. Look forward to seeing some updates once you and the new bike get settled in. Take care.

[@JasonRidesmoto]

Love my 24' 790 Adventure... I need to learn how to do them wheelies!

[@upshiftingadventures]

For sure, wheelies are the best man. To be honest, I’m just learning the new bike but I feel like it is a natural wheelie machine.

[@spa491]

Si, conservar la 701 es un buen complemento para rutas más complicadas. Yo mismo tengo una KTM 500exc 2020 justo para eso

[@Gen-X.Adventures]

Hey, nice bike! I'm sure you'll enjoy it. I have the same model and year, and it's a true beast!. I did the arrow cat delete and kept the stock can, and it runs great. There is no noticeable loss of power or torque anywhere in the range, lighter, cooler, and a better exhaust note without being obnoxious. I'm in the US, but maybe other countries have different tuning? Best luck and ride safe

[@upshiftingadventures]

Hey thanks for the comment. Yeah, I’m loving the arrow exhaust. I haven’t noticed any lag or loss of power anywhere in the rpm band either

[@RideFreeNinja]

I just picked up a 24. looks like you frequent Fay Myers like I do. Hope you are still enjoying it. A buddy of mine and myself are planning a COBDR run in 2026.

[@staudio]

Congratulations.......sweet bike.

[@toddmitchell43]

I have the same bike and it is awesome. Also ride very gnarly off-road trails with this bike and I am very much the limiting factor. It’s always ready for more. Have fun.

[@upshiftingadventures]

Yeah I can’t wait to get it out and put it to the test. I’ve heard so much good stuff about the capabilities of the bike.

[@rockymountainrory]

Is this also going to replace your 701? Or is this more for adv/BDR rides?

[@upshiftingadventures]

@@rockymountainrory this bike is adv rides where I can ride the bike from home. The 701 is for trailer trips and around home stuff

[@SlowBurn1995]

I have heard the new 790 and 890 cc are engines with big problems?😅

[@upshiftingadventures]

I've heard that also, but I just love the KTM's so I'm willing to overlook some of the glitches.

[@SlowBurn1995]

@upshiftingadventures4034 i was just wondering about your experience with it. Its an awesome looking bike! I my self drive a 690 with evo 2 kit. But have looked at the rally/adventure line for a while now. But i dont like the 1290 and 1390.. to big for the fun. But 790 and 890 looks so much more agile. Sorry for bad english, love from Norway

[@ianlaing2411]

@@upshiftingadventures in the UK, KTM have now acknowledged the premature camshaft wear that’s reported everywhere and are replacing them for free even if you are out of warranty

[@bugs7425]

Recommend putting a Dirt Tricks mechanical cam chain tensioner, it quiets the engine noise a good amount.

[@upshiftingadventures]

I haven’t heard of that before but I will look in to it. I run dirt trucks sprockets on my bikes so I’m familiar with them. Thanks for the suggestion.

[@Duke98765]

I have a 23 model.. buy new. The best bike on world .... Wauuuuu ! Its big dirt bike on steorids ! Crazy bike! Rally mode ist must be ,and then is bike 100% perfect !

[@upshiftingadventures]

Yeah, it’s so much fun it’s crazy

[@bradsanders6954]

"Double Takes" Everybody buys them, I bought them. When I hit bumps hard or even medium hard, the mirrors droop down, no matter how much I tighten the crap out of them. Nothing will keep them in place. Even going fast, like over 90mph the mirrors will start blowing back.................how have they sold so many of the things? It drives me crazy. I do pivot them outta the way when off road which is great.

[@jonomasonILoveU]

use plumbers tape and replace when needed

[@outdoorkreations7051]

I own the 19 790 platform. Already had cams replaced at 11k miles. I wanted so hard to believe it was only 790 models and they fixed the oil starvation issue on the 890s. They are amazing biked for sure. I am stuck now wondering if it's Worth 4k worth of rebuilds every 9k miles. I hope you have better luck.

[@upshiftingadventures]

I think it is just luck of the draw weather you have problems with these bikes.I have 6 KTM's now and haven't had any problems with them. I do tend to change oil much more often then recommended though. I'm not sure if that is the reason or is I've just gotten lucky. I will install a Rotweillier intake soon though just to make sure I'm keeping the valve train nice and clean. I'll let you know how it goes down the road.

[@outdoorkreations7051]

@upshiftingadventures4034 thanks. I have a 2013 ktm 690 with 30k miles original top end and runs perfect only minor issues. they updated the head and finger followers in 2020 which they replaced mine with. After all the research I've done it appears to be a oil starvation issue. The older 990 and 1090 engines use a 3.5 bar oil pump pressure spring which increases the oil pressure to cams. The cfmoto 800 ibex uses this spring in their engines. But as of now I will be watching close and ordering a set of at least the intake cams to be ready to replace. I also change oil every 2500 or 3k miles I never go the 7k ktm recommends. The oil jets too are so small lots of cases show that during manufacturing small shards of metal from the build process clogged the jets reducing pressure even more. It's a wide spread problem and very unfortunate. There a great platform just the darn camshaft issue is haunting them. That's for keeping me in the loop of how your is going

[@bradsanders6954]

@@outdoorkreations7051 On the internet it seems like all 790/890 cams die. In real life its around 2% of 790's. Some claim an 890 has had bad cams, but its hard to be sure of those. Some have taken an 890 in and demanded new cams and the dealer did it, when the cams were still within spec. Some have worked on the things at home, and no way of knowing what was done and why. People on the internet want to kill KTM, because thats what internet people do. Lots of them.

[@ComonSava]

I had a 2021 850 GSA and it rode like a Cadillac. But it was so heavy

[@upshiftingadventures]

My friend also has the 850. Very capable bike but just not the dirt machine that the 890 is

[@RockyMountainMotoAdventures]

Congrats on the new bike. Funny how I was just checking out vids of the 890 R's before heading down the Fays to talk to Mike myself and talk about this bike with him a bit along with Scott. I know you have not had the bike long at all so my question would be to you is what do you think you would be giving up leaving a 1250GS to this bike? Any feedback would be great as I should be picking mine up next week when Mike gets back from MX. By the way kind of funny, we actually live a couple of miles apart.

[@upshiftingadventures]

Giving up by leaving the GS? Well, definitely long range, over the road comfort. Also the connectivity the GS offers. But I bought the 890 because I want the ability to ride more technical dirt then I can on the GS. So I’m gonna make it as comfortable as I can for long stretches of highway. If I have to travel too far, I will just trailer it, or find as much dirt as possible to ride. I think the bike can be made pretty comfortable though. The only other thing I can think of is the maintenance issues that will probably arise with the KTM that just don’t seem to happen with the BMW’s.

[@RockyMountainMotoAdventures]

@@upshiftingadventures 100% on the comfort aspect of the BMW for road riding indeed and as many miles as I ride a year it is worth it. My issue is that I find myself riding faster and harder than the capability of that bike and if things go wrong its going to get ugly. The other thing that is in the back of my mind is will this bike overall as or close to as reliable as any of my GS's. I figure only way for me to find out is to just buy one and ride it for a good year or two and see. If I can make it down to Cabo and back with dramas I think i would be pretty stoked.

[@spa491]

En hora buena !! Has comprobado la mejor trail del sector, es perfecta de motor y también la parte ciclo, te va a sacar probablemente mas sonrisas que la 701

[@upshiftingadventures]

Well, I know I am going to give it an honest go. I hope it doesn’t take the place of the 701 but it might. I plan to use the 890 on trips that I can ride to from the house and the 701 on trips where I trailer the bike.

[@Moonlight-zp5rj]

Any idea when is KTM launching next gen 890 adv ?

[@MrRodwatson]

🤔 I'm hoping they focus on this renditions flaws first

[@thanosdanellis4746]

They probalby wont. The new 890 R 2025 only got aesthetic updates, which I believe the 23-24 graphics look better. In 2026 they will launch the 990 adventure

[@bobholley6202]

Enjoy brother!

[@upshiftingadventures]

Thank you bud!

[@cliftonsr]

I got a 2022 1290 Super Adventure R and when I get on my 2023 890 Adventure it feels like a toy in comparison. Oh I did get a one finger pull KTM power parts Camel clutch lever kit for my 890.

[@upshiftingadventures]

I have the 1250 GS but I wanted something more dirt focused and that is of course KTM territory. I thought about the 1290 SA but since I already have a super Duke I know how much power that LC8 has. The 890 is the perfect mid weight in my opinion. But the 1290 is of course fantastic as well.

[@mikehimes4833]

What do u think the first cel will be?

[@upshiftingadventures]

I don’t know, but as a guy who owns 6 KTM’s now, I can tell you that any shortcomings the bikes have are more then overshadowed by the amount of capability that comes with them. Not to be confrontational but I’m curious if you have owned or do own a KTM. I often hear people talk bad about the brand but no one I know that has one talks negative about them.

[@mikehimes4833]

Yes I’ve owned one ktm and would never buy another one .. good luck 👍🏽 I do believe they make a very capable bike but I also believe the capability comes down mostly to rider .. I also own 6 bikes and u couldn’t give me a ktm to ride .. don’t feel like being stranded although if I’ve owned 6 ktms with minimal to no issues I would back the brand 100%. So I definitely see what your saying

[@fernandoban5050]

being 130 kgs in weight and 194 in height, is it good for me or should i get something bigger?

[@upshiftingadventures]

Hard to say really. All depends on how well you tolerate the bike. I would suggest doing a text ride before committing. The seat is pretty hard but there is lots of adjustment in the handlebars and you can lower the footpads

[@jamietyler4099]

I love mine.

[@upshiftingadventures]

It’s freaking awesome

[@daltonharris1453]

How much do you weigh? I ride a 1190 and have considered going to an 890 after destroying my ACL and meniscus on the BDR lol. I'm 250. You think that would be too heavy?

[@upshiftingadventures]

I weigh about 240. I don’t think the weight is a problem at all. 110 hp on a 430 pound bike is quite sufficient

[@bradsanders6954]

890 is kinda tall, and 470lbs before add ons are added. Loaded to travel an easy 550 lbs. I dont think thats light. If it starts to go down in an awkward way its best to jump off quick and let it go. An 890 will pull a 250lb person to 130 miles per hour easy and quick.

[@RedRupert64]

You didn't run it in very carefully!

[@OpTicJugg]

Sick bike, congrats. But please never do this fisheye/wide angle view again lol

[@michaelmichels5168]

8 k miles , blew up clutch at 400 miles. Other than that no issues whatsoever..

[@upshiftingadventures]

Blew up the clutch? Were you riding it hard, or was it a manufacturer issue?

[@michaelmichels5168]

@ yep fried the clutch . had no gears whatsoever at the bottom of a Sandy pit, 25 miles out in the forest. Hiked to rent a uhal truck got the last one lol 26’ and that was another adventure . I believe my clutch was out of adjustment now I make sure to keep it in adjustment. I’ve had no problems since. Was literally first trip . was too excited to even think about checking the clutch adjustment. Everything seem to be OK.

[@bradsanders6954]

@@upshiftingadventures If you slip an 890 clutch off road it will die,its a smaller clutch pack due to being a slipper clutch. Rpm makes the clutch grip harder. Slipping it like a dirtbike clutch can kill it really quick.

[@josephfreire2646]

Hi is that the same on the 790. I did burn out my clutch plates on a Tiger 900 RP. In sand in Morocco! Now I’m over cautious!

[@daveinyk1]

Your right, I've deleted the previous comment and even subscribed.

[@upshiftingadventures]

Well thank you man. I’m grateful for your support.

[@daveinyk1]

@@upshiftingadventures no worries and again, sorry for my past lapse in judgment. I also have the 2023 890R.

[@user-ktm890rider]

Awesome bike got mine last June I’d highly recommend replacing the skid plate to a model that bolts to the frame 😎🍻

[@upshiftingadventures]

Yes I’ll definitely be replacing the skid plate along with a bunch of other parts.

[@johnshropshire3399]

👍👍

[@richardvargas6219]

Worst bike ever, Heavy , cable clutch , bad cam over priced.

[@bradsanders6954]

Best bike ever, not one problem, price is great, well worth the money no one builds anything like it. See how easy that was? I bet you dont even own one.

[@jakeklasen3406]

You said you are 6'4.. honest question, why the 890, and not the 1290 sar?

[@upshiftingadventures]

I thought hard about the 1290 for a couple years. Already owning the 1250 GS it would sort of defeat the purpose. A I start to want more and more technical and harder riding, the 890 seemed like a natural fit. Even though I lose the long range capability of the 1250 I can still try to make the 890 comfortable for longer rides but don’t have to worry about getting into rough terrain and not being able to ride it.