KTM 890 Adventure R: 5 Likes & Dislikes after 1,200 miles.

[@eriknash8783]

Great real world review from a real world rider! Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts on this bike. I have a deposit on the 2023 after repeatedly throwing my Multistrada 950S down in the dirt. Have had close to a dozen people tell me to stop F'ing around and just buy the 890R, lol.

[@oldmanhobbies9554]

Really glad I found your channel. I'm looking at the 890 R perhaps around the Spring timeframe. I'm only 5'8" so It's nice hearing from a rider closer to my size. No seats are tall when you're 6'4"... LOL. I appreciate your commentary, and style as well. Keep the videos coming!

[@pinkiewerewolf]

I recently picked up a 2022 890 Adv-S. I’ll have to catch up on your 890 Adv-R content!

[@oregonmotojohn]

Nice job! You won't regret your decision! Love the 890, just need some better weather here in Oregon so I can ride again. Lots of snow and rain at the moment, but it will pass.... Ride on and enjoy your awesome new bike! The 890 truly can do it all and with comfort for the rider.

[@pinkiewerewolf]

@@oregonmotojohn Thanks, I’m loving the bike. 👍 I split time between Humboldt and San Luis Obispo Counties here in California, the weather has been crazy for us as well. I’m hoping to ride back up to Humboldt this Wednesday, I e got some goodies to fit to the bike waiting up there. Stay safe & have fun!

[@oregonmotojohn]

So glad you found your way to the 890! Good choice! However, sorry to hear about the air leaking from the spoke and a flat, no fun on these bikes if they catch you in the wrong place and still a hassle even when it happens at home. Those Motoz Tractionator ADV tires are a great choice! They wear nicely and hook up in everything while still running surprisingly smooth on the highway. I had them on my 790 and loved them! You are pushing me back towards them since mine are getting a bit bare. :)

[@danbraden4401]

Moving there soon. What towns are close to the trails and the ocean.......

[@oregonmotojohn]

Awesome! You will love it! McMinnville, Yamhill or Carlton is close to trails and ocean. 👍 👌

[@Solderpro_1]

The biggest thing I dislike about my 890 Adventure S after 2000 miles is that my Brake light went out and the dealer had to replace the whole abs module. And that the dealer always keeps forgetting to open the fuel petcocks after my bike gets serviced...

[@allanrilling6990]

Good points, all of them. Funny how you adding towards end. Cheers!

[@bwilson48]

I bought a new 890. And within 35 miles, I have air leaking from my spoke, resulting in a flat. Taking back to the dealer to get fixed. I used to have a 790 as well. I can’t wait to get my 890 dirty. I plan to go with the Motoz Tractionator AdV tires. Good videos sir!

[@texlee84]

Bummer about the spokes, so far I haven't had the leaky wheel issue that some have reported. I did just have the front brake reservoir cap and o-ring seal replaced under warranty due to it leaking.

[@texlee84]

The TKC80's are a great all around tire but they do wear extremely fast, that said, I couldn't be happier with the fact that they came on the bike as most stock tires suck. I got 1900 miles out of my rear and I have recently moved on to MotoZ Rallz for the rear and the new Dual Venture for the front, no word yet on those as I haven't ridden since they went on. The tank on these bikes is a love it or leave it kind of thing in regards to the looks but one can't deny the massive benefits. Lower height, better COG, plenty of capacity/range and best of all amazing handling. At first when the 790's came out in 2019 I wasn't a fan of the looks but they've grown on me and after 10 months of owning one I almost look at "normal" tank bikes as if they are the funny looking ones now lol. It is hands down my favorite and likely best overall bike I've owned and that list is at 30+ now. I am torn on whether or not to keep it as my free time for out of state BDR trips is going to shrink in the coming years but it's such a good road bike as well that I might be able to justify keeping it for that duty so that it can stick around until my schedule free's up in a few years. Glad to hear that you're loving yours, they truly are amazing machines and hands down the best in its class.

[@oregonmotojohn]

Well said Tex! 👏 Everything you said is spot on! 👌 Thank you so much for commenting. I agree with everything and am also so suprised with how enjoyable this bike is just for hwy use. It is my "go to" bike for on and offroad riding now. Thanks again!

[@craigw9054]

Nice, thanks for the info. Yep, I love mine also. Where did you get heated grips as a place I found stated availability in December. Also, what size is the Puig wind deflector?

[@ericjames7680]

Just found your video today. At 5' 7'' and 30'' inseam, did you get the lower seat or lower the bike? Can you reach the ground OK?? Thank You.

[@DraculaJD]

Nice video John, very helpful info. My dream bike is 1290 Super Adventure R and I struggle now between 890 R and 1290 SAR . My best friend just got the 890 R and I should make my decision soon. What roads are those where are you during the video ? We are in Oregon also and looking for new adventures.

[@oregonmotojohn]

Hi! Thanks for your kind words and for watching! The 890R is such a capable bike and feels good on hwy and also feels right at home offroad. The question I would ask yourself is if you want to be more offroad or onroad. 60-80% of what I ride is offroad/gravel roads so it fits the bill perfectly. But if paved roads with just some gravel and dirt then 1290 is never a wrong choice. I like the 890 because I can pick it up if I dump it over although it wouldn't be fun. Where I ride specifically is coastal mountain range in Oregon with gravel two track roads with pavement connecting roads between Portland and Tillamook areas. Sometimes although seldom, I might find myself on single track and then it becomes more work. The 890 is so nimble because the fuel is held down low so it hides its weight. However, 1290 is a beast and an awesome bike, you can't go wrong with either. If you will be offroad, just think about which bike you would want to pick up. 😉 Good luck with your decision!

[@oregonmotojohn]

There are tons of roads West of Yamhill, Oregon that you can take over to the coast! Have a gps as I have been semi-lost before out there if you know what I mean. Would be happy to have you along for a ride any time!

[@spencerjohnson7550]

About a week away from grabbing my own 890R. Question, as I’m moving to Corvallis in a June ish. What are you running helmet wise up there? This is my first adventure bike and I’m working through which ADV helmet to look at. Advice on helmet for the wet/cold weather up there?

[@oregonmotojohn]

Glad you are able to head this way soon! Corvallis is a great area, one of my favorites as I used to ride a lot of mountain bikes over there up in the McDonald Forest area. I have had really good luck with the Arai XD4 helmet. It has a screen that flips up/down and it will easily accept a SENA 50K intercom. It keeps me warm in the winter and cool enough in the summer. It also fits my forehead well as my oval head (prominent forehead) doesn't fit well in other helmets, this is one of the few that I can wear most of the day without headaches. I had to purchase a few other helmets before this was figured out. The only thing I would recommend is adding a pinlock visor and adding pinlock to help with internal visor fog in the winter. Keep riding! Sorry for the late replay and hope you got moved to Corvallis OK.

[@spencerjohnson7550]

@@oregonmotojohn I ended up going with the Arai and I’m loving it. I’m up here in the area now and if you’re up for it I’d love to meet up and ride.

[@waraz666]

What kind of GPS mount are you using? Your set looks really nice, stable, and clean.

[@oregonmotojohn]

It has worked great for me on my 790 and I liked it so much, put the same one on 890. It is the pastic/abs ktm one. KTM GPS Bracket 390/790/890 Adventure/R 2019-2021 - KTM Twins ktmtwins.com/collections/ktm-790-adventure-parts/products/ktm-gps-bracket

[@waraz666]

@@oregonmotojohn Thanks for the answer.

[@kevinlancaster5714]

LOL! I was just thinking as you were about to end the video, what, you're not gonna mention speed shift? After I bought my 690 Enduro R I said I'd never own another bike without it. My Norden 901 hasnt arrived yet as of today April 20 but the dealer says it has been released to ship. Whatever that means. It's in country, I assume it means it has been through customs and is in que to be loaded on a truck. Anyways, the Norden comes with speed shift and cruise so I don't know why KTM does that. Although Husqvarna has their own version of having to make you pay more with the Explorer pack. Different than Rally, same annoyance.

[@texlee84]

At least with the 901 you get quick shifter and cruise for free and only pay $200 for the Explorer unlock (totally worth it btw), on the 890 we have to pay for cruise and quick shifter along with Rally mode for a total of $500-550 depending on your dealer. If your bike is in country then your dealer should have it in the next week, congrats on the new sled btw, they are very nice bikes. Make sure it has all of the missing hardware before you take delivery though.

[@kevinlancaster5714]

@@texlee84 Did you get a 901 and was able to get the Explorer pack? I was told it wasn't available yet.

[@oregonmotojohn]

Awesome Kevin, thanks for commenting! The 690 enduro r was the first to spoil me with speedshifter as well, so true! Hard to go back once you get to use it! So excited about your upcoming Norden! Enjoy and keep the adventures coming.

[@kevinlancaster5714]

@@oregonmotojohn I got the Norden and I've put a thousand miles on it. I believe it is well on its way to being my favorite bike I've ever owned and I've owned a bunch. It's certainly the most versatile bike I've ever owned.

[@ttimefifty1]

What size of windscreen visor did you get? I’m looking to get one for my 890 adventure r

[@oregonmotojohn]

I got the large Puig clip on windvisor from Revzilla.com. For the money, it has worked very well for me with OEM windshield in the high adjusted position.

[@jasoncee666]

He man I was wondering how the vibration is through the bars and grips. I get the tingles big time because of my silly spine 😋

[@oregonmotojohn]

Great question. I find the 890 twin to be silky smooth with no to minimal vibration, but I am used to my 690 Enduro R which was still relatively smooth to me, but a single single thumper motor tends to make more vibration than an inline twin like 890. The 890 seems to be a well balanced smooth motor with low vibration characteristics. I have raised the bars just slighlty and this upright position is better for me with less pressure through hands/wrists and keeps cervical and thoracic spine in a straighter position--more upright. Tingling body parts are no fun! 😉

[@jasoncee666]

@@oregonmotojohn thanks for the detailed input 👍 and yes I have been considering the 690 single also 😳

[@oregonmotojohn]

@@jasoncee666 You're welcome! The 690 is such an incredible bike, I still miss it! 😢 Nothing like a 700cc dirt bike!

[@jasoncee666]

@@oregonmotojohn so what do you miss about the 690 the 890 can't do or is it just the extra weight scenario? I ride a crf250l rally and I'm short and light. I out rode this bike within 5 minutes of owning it but I am concerned about the weight of the 890 since I found the T7 a bit too top heavy for me.

[@jasoncee666]

@@oregonmotojohn oh btw it's only top heavy if I have to turn around, etc.(tippy toes) On the move all bikes are fine hey 😋

[@WagenhoferMike]

1:09 no stop at a stop sign..

[@traviscothre]

@Oregonmotojohn I notice you said youre 5' &" with a 30 inch inseam , after lowering preload how well can you touch the ground? i sat on one in a dealership and it was super tall but i noticed it didnt sag at all. trying to decide between the r and the s

[@raywoo1]

The mirrors are a source of wind turbulence. My 890 is so much better with CRG mirrors and bar end mounts from Rottweiler. It is perfect with the Adventure windshield and Puig MEM mount. BTW I’m 6’1” with a 30” inseam so I know your pain !

[@LauriJantunen]

Did you lose most of the turbulence when changing the mirrors? I've been playing around with the windshield but can't get rid of the turbulence. It makes highway riding awful.

[@texlee84]

I have noticed that it is better without the mirrors, I have Double Take ADV mirrors so at times I fold them down or remove them completely and there is slightly less air disruption without them. That said, the issue is more or less due to the shape of the wind screen and it's height, the turbulence is still there on the forehead of my helmet with the screen in the top position and I am 5'10" tall.

[@Slov_]

Dang you must have a Micheal Phelps torso haha. I’m 6’1 but have a 34 inch inseam. Thanks for the insight about the mirrors. I’m moving to a 890 Adv r from a 1200gsa. Def gonna order those mirrors now since I was eyeing them to begin with.

[@oregonmotojohn]

You just gave me a good laugh, 6',1" and 30" inseam, you do feel my pain, thanks for posting! Never thought of the mirrors being a source of turbulence, but no doubt that is true. I'll give that a try for sure. The Adventure windshield is a great idea with much better coverage. Keep the good ideas coming! Thanks again for contributing! Ride on!

[@oregonmotojohn]

@@LauriJantunen The Puig Clip-on Large Add-on Visor does help a bit with the windshield adjusted in the high position but it isn't perfect, just more tolerable. I purchased min at Revzilla. You can also add the Adventure windshield, get a spare mount and then swap windshields back and forth fairly easily if you would like more coverage for highway riding.

[@keithbell8960]

great video

[@frankgulla8782]

My 790R rear shock leaked last July with 8 thousand miles on it. Sent it out to konflict motorsports for a rebuild and New stiffer spring. Other than that the bike has been great I love it!

[@texlee84]

Thoughts on the shock after Konflict messed with it?

[@Thewatchinglad]

Cosmetic is not a good reason to dislike, especially if can be replaced . On this amazing bike. My only dislike with KTM is the subscription bull to unlock full functionality. That’s disgusting. Unethical, and great way to scare new and old buyers. Honda for the real world.

[@cconwayott]

Here's my dislikes, Seat is horrible if your doing anything more than 2 hours you'll hate the stock seat and have to pay huge money for an upgrade, Mirrors are cheap and don't look good, I replaced mine Fairing could be a lot better Otherwise great bike

[@montaego]

Get the high seat...super comfortable, better than my Corbin

[@oregonmotojohn]

Good feedback! I agree with all those, thanks for watching and chiming in!

[@keyboarddancers7751]

What about an Air Hawk cushion or equivalent?

[@oregonmotojohn]

@@keyboarddancers7751 Great question about AirHawk Seat. I haven't used that but looks like a good option. 👌 Maybe others with experience can chime in.