KTM 890 Adventure R - FINALLY! A real world review

It's not easy, but we resist the urge to trail ride KTM's 890 Adventure R long enough to show that at its heart, it's a pure and insanely versatile adventure bike.
We start with an amazing sunrise and then get lost looking for caves. We sample some local beers and tear a hamstring, tackle 20 consecutive river crossings and ride some epic landscapes.
In short, we started like spanked monkeys and ended with a ride that best reflects how most of us would use the 890 Adventure R.
THE GEAR:
Giant Loop Great Basin Saddlebag
Giant Loop Zigzag handlebar bag
Fly Racing Patrol riding wear
LS2 MX701 Explorer helmet
SP Connect phone mount
TYRES:
Rear - Pirelli Rallycross
Front - Pirelli Scorpion Rally
THE AREA:
Hunter Valley, New South Wales. Australia
SUPPORT US:
www.advlife.com.au
‪@advlife‬

[@lua01992]

"You live more in a minute out here than most everyone does in a week or a month" - really connects with me when I'm out riding, leaving all the daily troubles of life behind.

[@advlife]

There really is nothing like it right?

[@simulacrae]

That underwater shot was amazing. Of all the adventure videos, shows and commercials I’ve seen, I’ve never seen a shot from below the surface during a water crossing.

[@advlife]

Thanks mate. The full clip shows fish coming up to the camera before and after I passed through!

[@christianpratt9728]

The production value of this video is so incredibly high, so much information blended with entertainment. You deserve many more subscribers, you’ve earned one today!

[@disekjoumoer]

One more here, too.

[@MS-ji6oj]

I subscribe

[@neiljohnson7072]

Hot damn the end kind of choked me up a bit! Perfect summary of how much we love adventure riding. Excellent video.

[@advlife]

Nothing even comes close to adventure riding.

[@mweingar]

You are not just some channel on KZbin, you are a story teller. Nicely done.

[@advlife]

Thank you mate!

[@Braapncamp]

Thanks for a very pleasant video and review to watch! I really like to see Your part of the world and advrides. The minimalistic "thock" looks like like a success going bananas over the world 👀😂🙌 Great narration and footage, keep it up! Cheers from a new subscriber.

[@advlife]

Thank you very much! We are lucky to have a lot of varying countryside and terrain to ride in Australia, from snow to desert and everything in between.

[@ManBikeSwag]

nice editing/storytelling style. Very entertaining

[@JohannesDalenMC]

Excellent review, excellent trails and an excellent bike! I was able to ride one for a few hours last summer during my TET trip in Norway - and man what a bike, especially the engine. It was like a rocket!

[@ayhanylmaz5155]

Thank you and have a fun ride.

[@jackolbean4765]

This is my favorite moto-video. Incredibly informative and ultimately inspiring. I felt like I was along for the ride as you crested the rise over that fantastic view! And it reminded me of one of my favorite rides in Colorado US. Thanks Man!

[@advlife]

Thanks mate. Colorado is definetley on my bucket list!

[@Porsche996driver]

13:08 great underwater shot! And Great job whipping through those trees - had me ducking! Yeah those fuel tanks do a good impersonation of a Boxer motor ha.

[@UTPP]

Great video mate, there's a lot of effort gone into this, well done.

[@alangioro]

Beautifully edited 👍, all of a sudden I’m not on the fence anymore, will go for 890R for sure. Cheers

[@advlife]

Thanks Alan! Get into it mate

[@jackolbean4765]

I hear only good stuff about that bike. Did you get one?

[@oneshotofvodkaa3973]

Because of this video I bought my first adventure bike 2022 KTM 890 Adv R. Thank you for this awesome video I couldn’t be happier!

[@advlife]

This is the best message I've received since starting this channel. Dude, I'm so stoked for you - ENJOY!

[@jackolbean4765]

how do you like it? seriously considering same :D

[@advlife]

@@jackolbean4765 Love it mate - it's so damn versatile, offers a great fuel range, can be ridden calmly but is a lot of fun to ride if you want to get a bit silly

[@oneshotofvodkaa3973]

It’s been alittle over three months since I’ve owned mine. I have about 3,000 miles now. I use the bike everyday. On road it’s fast especially in rally mode, corners very well on roads. I’ve leaned this bike like a super sport and it didn’t disappoint however I pushed it to its limit didn’t feel safe. On dirt it’s very capable, suspension is superb, in sand Traction control can interfere with the ride so I just turn ABS and TC off, it’s just a beautiful bike that will get you a lot of attention and complements. I’d choose the 890 adv r over the 1290 super adventure anyday for the style of riding I do. But the super adventure feels a bit more comfortable for longer distances and carrying a passenger is way more comfortable on the 1290 then 890.

[@flyingfox7252]

Excellent ADV vid and I agree about the 890 it’s sublime in our Aussie conditions.

[@BIG-K]

That was superb! Shame about the injury..... Thanks for the great video 👍

[@advlife]

Cheers mate. He's nearly healed up and will be back out real soon.

[@heinschwartz7941]

Good narration and a more down to earth approach to what we do out on the trails . Well done !!

[@advlife]

It's fun to play around, but it doesn't really mean much if you don't go for a 'real' ride. We definitely had a lot of fun!

[@Dargwad]

Great content mate... Living your best ADV life!

[@ryandavies5510]

Wonderful presentation, I just looked at this bike several days ago at a dealership in Vermont, it is pure beauty in person!!

[@alexs8312]

exactly the kind of video that makes me want to purchase one of these tomorrow and take a road trip

[@jackolbean4765]

me too!!

[@shootbigfish808]

Thanks for the great video! I just subscribed 👍 I love my 890R it's an absolute weapon. It's impressed me on and off road and it never fails to put a smile on my face. Looks like I'm going to have to buy a gopro now. Please keep posting 890 vids!

[@advlife]

Cheers legend!! Yeah, you're going to be smiling every ride for sure!

[@elkruno]

Amazing video! Really good!

[@brownies-midlifeadventure5333]

Great review there mate... Well filmed and edited, thoroughly enjoyed 🤠👍

[@advlife]

Cheers mate! Was a really fun ride...till the hammy snapped anyway lol

[@brownies-midlifeadventure5333]

@@advlife yeah... ouch

[@Nellabellabi]

Great video and thoughts! I have tried both 890adv R and Norden 901. Must say that it is two very competent bikes. Norden has a bit less offroad orientated approach. But gains in long distance travelling instead. Great compromise. Keep em going. I gladly Watch more videos. ADV trips with some campfire cooking are just great fun to Watch. I dream away everytime i see a video like that. Best regards / Ola from sweden

[@advlife]

Tahnk you and I'm so jealous! We won't seen the Norden in Australia till March. Very much looking foward to riding it though.

[@user-dc1vy5ty6t]

Keep on riding and keep on filming!!Really great video!

[@advlife]

Thank you!😃

[@jamesred911]

You always create a great story

[@t.k.1448]

Great review and very reasuring for me as I just parted ways with my trusty but tired 990 for a left over 2021 890R. Supposed to get it from the dealer next week and I feel like a kid counting down the days until Christmas!

[@advlife]

Nice one! They are hard to find right now too so I'm a bit jealous!

[@texlee1640]

Hands down my favorite all around bike I've ever owned and I have had some good ones over the years.

[@advlife]

It's a hell of a lot of fun and so damn versatile

[@jackolbean4765]

glad to hear. I'm considering one because my other bikes are too street. Wanna go off-road, but still want the juice on the road.

[@4tech69]

Rode my 23 890 R home last Sat. Already put 300 miles on it. Love it!

[@cloudjumper8868]

I wish I live where you do. Here there are no such trails, not even close. It was the reason I went for "just" 890 Adventure and I love it. Very nice video!

[@advlife]

We are very lucky to live here, but it's great you're enjoying the 890 Adventure. Doesn't matter where you are as long as you can still ride!

[@UnicornMoto]

Excellent work on this review!!

[@advlife]

Thank you!

[@vaibhavkadam4457]

what an inspiring video...wow...this is how a vlog should be. I am from India.

[@advlife]

Hey there India! Thanks so much for watching. :)

[@AL-pm1yk]

This video is mental. I love it. this is how reviews should be done.

[@advlife]

More weird footwear? lol We will find those stupid caves one day!

[@AL-pm1yk]

@@advlife i wish i understood what you just told me 😂😂

[@kbuckholtz]

I'm going to look you up when I get down to Oz. Our open water swim club makes a pilgrimage to visit our friends at Bondi every 2 years. Next time, I renting a bike to tour a bit. Hope you say hello if you make your way to California.

[@advlife]

Thats what it's all about mate! Let's go for a ride next time you visit and if I'm ever in California I'll give you a holler!

[@GoingNowhereSlowly.]

5:17 ...or an interesting looking turn off from the planned route, or a track seen on a hill across the valley...yes! Cant let it go unseen. Its a beautiful thing 😁

[@Giugi55]

Amazing video, keep on like this! You got a new instant follow at the thocks, what a concept

[@advlife]

I'm showing my wife this comment - she won't let me wear them at home ha ha!

[@adrianmathe3578]

This is not a review, this is a story! A great story, i loved every second. I am just considering getting a first tine adv bike for soft adv riding, and i am looking at all bikes in the middle class, ae i need a do it all bike. I am, actually leaning towards norden 901,as it is more of a blend, street vs, soft offroad, with a more manageable seat height for me, the 890 r is indimidating at 870 mm.

[@advlife]

Cheers mate - this is the sirt of video I'd rather make. Not pointing at parts of the bike and talking about tech only. The Norden should be great - very keen to ride it next month.

[@skirroteau_games3136]

I hope you make a commission from KtM. This video could have sold this bike to any on-roaf rider easily. Good info, good voice over, and great adventure!

[@kyledukes49]

Awesome video

[@TheSirhc1975]

Fun video! You did a fantastic job reviewing the 890. I'm actually considering downsizing from the 1290 Adventure because Im old😂😂😂

[@advlife]

The 1290 is a beast! You’ll love the 890 ✊🏻

[@RollinwithRoland]

Excellent video and riding skills!!! It's nice seeing more people push the boundaries of what is capable on these big ADV bikes. Absolutely love my 790 Adventure S and ride it like a 300lb dirt bike myself, LOL! 😎

[@advlife]

It's hard not to ride it like a dirtbike! They're more fun than a big should be.

[@michaellilley6725]

What a Superb piece of entertainment, brilliantly filmed, very well edited and professionally narrated. You presented this bike to us in a way that no bike jurno could come close to. I've been trying to buy this bike here in the UK, but apparently there's nothing coming out of Austria untill July. I've settled instead for a low milage used model which I'm having specked up before taking delivery. I hope your channel grows exponentially, your production values thoroughly deserve it 👍 subbed 👍

[@advlife]

Thank you so much! We had a lot of fun making it - except the part when Sneddo snapped his hamstring of course. Much more to come!

[@joepidgley8163]

Great vid, totally agree with you on the ktm 890r, just running my 890r in, seems to be taking for ever in the UK winter. Joe 👍

[@advlife]

You're in for some good times once it's ready!

[@philipbell2143]

@Joe Pidgley does salt get spread on your roads? What tyres u running with onya Katoom!?

[@joepidgley8163]

Damo We have salt on the road and most of the trails are in deep mud and puddles. Yes l have karoo 3 tires fitted will change especially the front soon not sure yet to use may be Motoz rallz Pirelli mt 21 🤔👍

[@TheVidKid3000]

Idk why you disabled dislikes, who would dislike this video! Fantastic review. Well done.

[@mmckenna2802]

The measure of a bike is how much it is calling you, saying come on mate - let's go ride. Great way to sum that up!

[@advlife]

We all want that from a bike right?

[@craiggillphotography8030]

Great vid. Excellent video work 👏This bike is one bike I’m considering to get back into the adventure bike game. Torn between this and the Tiger 900

[@advlife]

Two solid choices. Definitely try to ride them back-to-back to know best what works for you.

[@ericcoppola]

Fantastic vid….

[@SEK78429]

Great high quality content!!! Keep this going, your subscriber base will grow that’s for sure.

[@advlife]

Thank you so much! Definetley more videos coming!

[@barryashenhurst2071]

Another adventure with Snock & Schnitty. I like it.

[@advlife]

I'll get Schnitty printed on the back of my jersey lol

[@MrRob-mk7iy]

Enjoyed that one! Can't argue with that landscape. Good on ya!

[@advlife]

Cheers mate. Crazy to think that whole area was brown and dead from drought a few years ago. So good to see it bounce back!

[@user-xl6vt7ev2s]

Great great great video man

[@advlife]

Thanks mate! I really appreciate it and stoked you enjoyed it!

[@teamgotrekd3758]

Cheers from Colorado! What a fantastic video. Smooth and level commentary, thorough review of how you feel about the bike. And some decent ride footage.

[@brucet1467]

This whole video was amazing! Especially the ending, I ride a KLR650 and I plan on doing a 3 month adventure and wanted to get a new bike. You just showed me exactly what I was looking for: a great review with real world applications. THANK YOU!!

[@advlife]

Go for it!

[@brucet1467]

@@advlife do you have any issue not running premium? sometimes the only fuel around is 87. Will that hurt the bike?

[@advlife]

@@brucet1467 The lowest octane fuel we have in Australia is 91 so I'm not sure about 87. I'd double-check with a dealer, but I believe there is a knock sensor in the 890.

[@brucet1467]

@@advlife is your fuel 91 RON? Because 91 RON is the equivalent to 87 Octane.

[@damienashenhurst9475]

@@brucet1467 I forget we have different rating systems. So yes the 87 will be OK. I noticed a couple of days ago a sticker on the tank of the Husky Norden that said 91 was OK. Same engine of course. 👍🏻

[@kennethvernonprivate]

Hay!! GREAT production.....Cheers from CANADA!

[@advlife]

Thank you and cheers to Canada!

[@thedougies8322]

“I love this point where suburbia has disappeared into the background and in front of you is a rolling landscape and sky…” amen brother 🙏

[@verdonrocksphotography3510]

very nice, I have 790 adv R and I absolutely love it, cheers from colorful Colorado, V

[@advlife]

Thanks mate! A lot of reasons to love the 790 and I bet you have some stunning areas to ride there in Colorado. Hope to visit someday.

[@MotoPassport]

pissed myself laughing at the thock bit couldnt help but sub afterwards, cheers great vid

[@advlife]

The are the furture mate! ha ha

[@jimkonugres8454]

Incredible job on the editing and narration. The only thing missing was a bowl of popcorn

[@advlife]

Thanks mate! Popcorn sounds good

[@ianboyd8685]

Great video. Thank you. I've started toying with the idea of trading my 790 for the 890. No issues at all with the 790, except perhaps on the open highways, where I think the 890 would be better.

[@Boudi-xy9by]

The 890 isn’t better on the highway, because on the highway is boring anyway, but the better momentum en low torque is saving you engine to stall at low speed.

[@YobboinAus]

Nice work chap.

[@markmccann-wood2225]

Best video I've seen for ages! Plus Thocks 🤣 - hope ya mate hamstring recovered ok 👍🏁

[@advlife]

He's all good now thanks mate! Bought a new bike to make himself feel much better haha!

[@brendan18861]

Outstanding video! Great editing and narration. Gotta love that feeling of when you are aching all over the next day but still wanna go out and do more miles!

[@eriknash8783]

"This cave business is Bullshit" Classic!

[@advlife]

Still haven’t found ‘em! 😂

[@V8LC100]

mate, ripper video thanks for sharing. I'm on a 350 EXC-F currently and might test ride one of these in the future.

[@advlife]

Legend! Loooove the 350! My fave enduro bike

[@V8LC100]

@@advlife feel like I’d really want to own both.

[@MotoPavilion]

Nice story telling… You make try one of these 👍

[@thomasstahl2499]

Simply awesome 👏🏼

[@toddbenfield6546]

Coming from a 1090, can anyone here compare the two? Been on the fence about it, and watching videos like this, is making me drool for one👍

[@advlife]

That's a good question - in short they feel very different with he 890 having a better overall balance and more nimble feel on the trails. It feels lighter and it's a more versatile package in that it can do what the 1090 can do but out-perform the 1090 when things get serious offroad.

[@tantrido]

Amazing review!

[@alistairbox]

Wow... just... WOW

[@Vicko026]

Nice one Damo - love it

[@advlife]

Cheers legend!

[@kurtweissb]

Great video…greetings from Peru…

[@barrymurphy3554]

Cool cool great video cheers

[@theenduropest]

awesome vid mate! the 890 is the pick of em thats for sure!!!

[@advlife]

It's blooody good fun!

[@dwightbernheimer331]

Brown snake bite... You're in good shape, you should be able to make two or three days... You're welcome... Good stuff thanks for posting. Dwight. Glendale Arizona USA... Lots of room to ride THAT out here, mate... Hope your mate heals quickly...

[@advlife]

So there's time to get a beer! ;) Thanks mate - he's healed up well and bought another bike (Tenere 700).

[@dwightbernheimer331]

@@advlife A very good choice in my estimation... Thanks for taking the time to get back to me... 11:00 p.m. Wednesday evening the 26th my time reading this. Cheers

[@suj3919]

Thanks WOW

[@gokhanelma]

I definitely buy

[@sbrcchanel]

wow amaizing friend....

[@advlife]

Thanks SBRC!

[@sbrcchanel]

@@advlife you are welcome

[@markcockerill4496]

Love your work mate

[@advlife]

Cheers legend! Let's head out ASAP

[@easy4steve]

everything looks better after a couple of good cold beers ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, good vid guys fun times i have the a ktm 390 adventure , and enjoying that a very cheap ride and very capable bike . i dont do long over night ride , just day and yeap its fun , happy days .

[@advlife]

ha ha! Yes the beers always help. The 390 is a great bike - you'll have a heap of fun on it. Doesn't matter if you take of overnight or for just a few hours - riding is its own reward.

[@danghita4386]

You had me at the thock :-))

[@advlife]

It's so comfortable ha ha!

[@mototrailz]

I should have subscribed a long time ago...done !

[@rudysandoval1725]

Nice video 👍 Greetings from USA, Indiana

[@advlife]

Thanks for visiting Indiana!

[@rudysandoval1725]

It was my pleasure. Could you tell me what fly racing jacket that is your wearing at chilln out drinking a beer sene?

[@advlife]

@@rudysandoval1725 It's the Fly Racing Patrol jacket 👍

[@rudysandoval1725]

@@advlife Awesome thank you

[@TimRHillard]

I like it 👍

[@phillalor4913]

Great video Damo - I think you’ve just convinced me to go with a new 890. How good is Barry Rd/Hunter Rd!

[@advlife]

Cheers mate - I never get tired of that route home!

[@adventureswithham2223]

You won’t be disappointed mate!! Had mine 6 months now, and still start grinning like an idiot when I know I’m off for a hoon 🤙🏼🤙🏼

[@tge67]

Great video, great bike! 💪

[@advlife]

It sure is!

[@jbraslins]

Excellent! Great riding.

[@advlife]

Thanks!

[@johnhunter8753]

Great vid lads. Cheers 👍👍👍

[@advlife]

Thanks John! Stoked you like it.

[@78wesley]

awesome video really well edited. would love to see a comparison with BM’s version. So many of these bigger adventure motors coming out with so many like myself getting off ride. well done.

[@advlife]

Cheers Wesley! Which BM do you mean mate?

[@danieleastcott1750]

Great show. I have since bought a 890r. Now looking deeper into your presentation, is the giant loop Great Basin big enough for all the camping gear. I did notice hotels. I live in Karratha not much around so need to be self sufficient. I’m curious to know I liked the set up you rode. Thanks Dan.

[@advlife]

Hey Dan. Yeah unfortunately I have to charge so many batteries at the end of a day, so a hotel is the easiest solution. The Great Basin bag isn’t as good as the Giant Loop Siskiyou for carrying camping gear. Similar internal sizing but better configuration on the Siskiyou soft panniers

[@danieleastcott1750]

@@advlife thanks I’ll go and have a look. Keep up the great work.

[@LioDuran]

Excellent production… New subs …. 👊🏼👌🏼🖖🏼

[@advlife]

Much appreciated!

[@wave6413]

Nice job.

[@lmsmlii9554]

FC From THAILAND

[@advlife]

Hey there Thailand! 😀

[@knowledgeseeker1548]

very nice video

[@woitika5983]

2:59 wow 🤩

[@advlife]

Such an amazing sunrise, topped off with a rainbow over the bike! Best way to start a ride day.

[@davidbadham3712]

How do you say thock and keep a straight face? I gotta tell you mate, I cannot do it! Great video though and I really enjoyed it, the 890 is an amazing bike

[@fcalin21]

The most inteligent design. - Double equilibration shaft , for very low vibrations; - Low hanging fuel tanks; - No need for engine protection , because of the fuel tanks; The others don't seem to get it.

[@advlife]

Looks like Yamaha was watching though with the new Tenere Rally. Not the same but similar tank concept.

[@fcalin21]

@@advlife Not good enough for a new motorcycle. Yamaha should have come up with something superior to 890 adventure .

[@kimomoto]

I had 10 issues with my 890 AdvR. Everything from Immobilizer failure, moisture inside the TFT display and cold start issues

[@jackolbean4765]

sorry to hear. do you get them squared away? which year?

[@kimomoto]

@@jackolbean4765 it was a 2021. Most of it was fixed under warranty but I lost confidence in the bike and sold it

[@goatboycasto]

Had klr had got rid of it because of shoulder surgery, was down several months.. figured id get another after recovery.. 10 years later got a gold wing thinking I was done with dirt. What was i thinking !!!!

[@Advcrazy]

Great vid! Love the camerawork! How/where did you mount the 360 cam off to the left side? Just got an insta360 RS and struggling to attach it to get side-ish views of the bike while riding without the insta “ram” claw of the motorcycle kit just slipping on all the bumps.

[@mototaco2132]

I've been riding KTM 1090..... and when I'm in gnarly situations, and drop my bike, I've been needing someone to help me lift it back up, 890 seems to be right size.

[@advlife]

Less weight is great but also having weight so low down on the 890 works well. How do you find the engine on the 1090?