★ 2021 KTM 890 ADVENTURE REVIEW ★

[@skydart60]

Great review Mark. I bought the TRK502 on the strength of your excellent review and not looked back. My other half is wanting to hop on in the New Year so looking at the KTM maybe if the TRK hasn't quite enough pull 2 up. I have had a KTM before, LC640 and 2 Yamaha XT660 XT's as well so used to high seat heights although the narrow seat on this one plus 830mm sounds appealing. I like the fact that you took this off the road a bit. One other thing to maybe include on these ADV reviews is to add a passenger and let us know what the bikes are like 2 up as well. Keep up the excellent work mate, nice one.

[@markpulling12]

Cheers for the feedback nick 🙂

[@ianross225]

It’s astonishing that a bike like this with the 790 as a predecessor hasn’t been updated or even improved in the screen area. I’m similar in stature to you both and would have expected being on the shorter size that the screen would be fit for purpose. Then again, they can sell factory upgrades like seats, heated grips (why not standard?) and other items that surely on a premium priced machine should be right first time. Ok, enough whining. I like it and looking at Bumot luggage which gets great reviews and looks properly integrated.

[@scottt4337]

Own an 890 myself. A tremendous piece of machinery that does everything I want and more. Highly recommend!

[@markpulling12]

Thanks Scott think I preferred it to the big 1290 :)

[@pinkiewerewolf]

@@markpulling12 Same here.

[@expatbiker6598]

Hi Scott, any reliability issues?

[@pinkiewerewolf]

24:57 I just traded my 2018 1290 Super Adventure R (which I’d only had for three weeks after trading the Pan Am) for the 2022 890 Adventure. I had a Pan America before that. I’m only slightly taller and longer in the inseam than you and the 1290 SAR was admittedly to tall for me. @5’8” tall with 30.5 inseam I can touch both balls of my feet solidly on the ground which is a huge improvement over the tip toes for the 1290. Don’t necessarily listen to those that say shorter riders should be able to handle the larger bikes. It’s true we can, until we’re exhausted, cold, maybe wet, and the road surface is uneven when we put our toes on the ground. It’s all fine when when we first hop on the bike, but exhaustion plays a role in mishaps. Let’s not forget age, I’m closer to 60 than 50. On my 45 mile ride home yesterday and 19 mile test ride before, there is a huge difference between the large ADV bikes, which is to be expected and not necessarily negatives nor positives all the way round. There is less road presence on these mid-sized ADV bikes. That goes hand in hand with the handling aspects. The 890 is far more nimble at lower speeds but less stable at higher speeds or during the air disturbance from large vehicles. I’m not a fan of the mirrors and I’m glad that the dealer let me take my Double Take ADV mirrors off the 1290. The seat’s comfort level needs some help but I’ve ridden worse seats. I might start with a sheepskin cover. The engine is perfect for what I need, a mile munching bike that can get me off the beaten path. The windshield seems to be working better for my size than the 1290’s but the Pan Am had an excellent screen… for me. In fact, the Pan Am was amazing to ride, when it would start. I put 11K on the Pan Am in a year and a half, would have been around 14K if it hadn’t let me down on a few big trips. I think the 890 is going to be my Goldilocks bike. Here’s to a hopefully long high mileage co-existence together.

[@whiterabbitt2002]

I bought new 2020 KTM 790 ADV S in December of 2020. LOVE the bike. Best all around motorcyle I have ever owned or ridden. And I have been riding motorcycles since 1969. just saying ;-)

[@catdaddy3302]

I think I’m gonna buy one of these next week. They feel good to me, being low. Love the low center of gravity that fuel tank gives it.

[@markpulling12]

Hi ...these are great bikes ...plenty of power , comfortable and not too heavy great choice Cheers mark

[@Landylala]

Did you get one and if so any problems. Thanks.

[@Tony21TT]

Great review of a beautiful bike Mark and with the music it is a big plus. You deserve much more subscribers…cheers

[@markpulling12]

Thanks for the kind words tony :)

[@deltarov5734]

Had a chance to ride this bike last weekend. What a bike!!! Its got so much pull for its size. The breaks were also very responsive. It was such a thrill to ride really. The only downside for me was the saddle. It was very uncomfortable. (I am a heavy guy) I took it in a sand road and it handled beautifully as you would expect from KTM. It doesn't have the feel of a big bike which is why the pull was so surprising.

[@markpulling12]

Thanks sounds great 👍

[@bobthomas2812]

If I can swing the price in the US, its my #1 pick for the garage, nice demo!

[@StephanoHamez]

Being a Brit 🇬🇧 in Australia 🇦🇺 I love ❤️ these reviews. Missing that ☀️ glorious weather 😂

[@williamrae9954]

Just makes me glad I live in Scotland, with all English KZbinrs,the scenery is terrible by comparison, I couldn't live down there...bad enough going through it twice a week to/from Europe! Now under £9k as the new model arrives!

[@jamestorregrossa1185]

Not a huge KTM (customer service)fan however your demonstration is spot on

[@1990-t1j]

It's interesting how a high mudguard, flat seat and short screen transforms this bike for the better looks-wise. 60 mph in top at 4,000 rpm is undergeared for a 900. I'd have thought it would be doing 70 mph [based on my old 950 Adventure]. The R version of this is currently my favourite bike of its type. Is this bike a lot torquier than the 790 Adventure? Off-road? Mind you, I hate gravel. I'm no off-road rider. This bike would make a perfect long-distance tourer. Perfect in town, too. The usual slick KTM gearbox. Another thorough review, Mark.

[@markpulling12]

I was impressed with this Nik ...if I was in the market for an adv tourer it would be on my shortlist Cheers

[@rogerkay8603]

Nearly pulled the trigger on an 890 Duke last year, but thought it too single minded. Have a 390 Duke for Commuting and a BMW F800GT for longer rides. Same dimensions as yourself, mighet have to replace both with one of these despite no liking the idea of a 21" front hoop.

[@agrisbatna1797]

Thanks for review 👍 which is better ,this one ore "Triumph tiger 850 sport" hope see review soon,thanks

[@markpulling12]

I'll try and get a review done on the triumph 850 soon :)

[@whiterabbitt2002]

TheTriumph Tiger 850 does not even come close to the KTM 790/890 ADV. The Triumph Tiger is also over priced IMO. But to each their own flavor I guess.

[@radiorider8249]

Excellent review , certainly one of the best I had the opportunity to see on KZbin. You drive this motorcycle as I do, I'm not looking for sports performance, I pilot quietly to travel and respecting speed limitations. Acceleration tests from low revs are particularly interesting because it is a flexible motor and strong enough sufficient that we need. Congratulations and good continuation of your activities. Cheers from France. :-)

[@markpulling12]

Many thanks greetings to France Cordialment ....mark

[@GodfrinFNP]

EXACTLY the review I was looking for. Kudos! My biggest worry was sest height, but you have out that to rest! Awesome review! Now, gotta save my pennies...

[@markpulling12]

Many thanks glad you enjoyed it!

[@prat8529]

The screen is actually adjustable…. 2 settings.👍

[@royhayes-ry6rw]

Nice ride. I moved away from Amesbury last year so those were my way to work. I like the look of the bike but am concerned there's no centre stand, after a rest tyre blow out last year on my Tiger I would of been screwed without one as the bike dropped too low for the side stand to keep it upright, so much so I had to put the front wheel up the grass kerb on the A1 to give it more height and stop it falling over.

[@markpulling12]

I'm sure centre stands are an option on these Roy

[@garyburton6833]

Hi Mark 👋, really enjoyed watching this informative and entertaining video on this ktm 890 adventure 😀. Great roads and nice to see you take this bike off road even if it was a little on the damp side. A very good review and well put together video Mark, ride safe cheers from Gary.

[@markpulling12]

Thanks for the comment Gary 😊

[@RichO1701e]

I've just bought one, pre-registered 22plate with the tech pack & heated grips for under £10k Converted from a 2003 Honda vfr800, so looking for to the summer now!

[@alexmorgan3435]

I test rode one of these back in June and really liked it. Except the demo one I rode didn't have the tech pack installed which was a bummer as I couldn't sample the quick shifter or blipper nor cruise control. It is an additional £800-900 iirc. Agree with everything you say Mark. Although I am similar dimensions to you I found at about 60-65mph I got tremendous buffeting on the top of my helmet it was really quite bad which brings me to the only negative of this bike - the screen. My experience with it was awful. The only way to adjust it is to be off the bike parked with a set of spanners/Torx/Allen keys which is really crap in this day and age of so many good bikes and really spoiled my impression of the bike, but I guess there maybe aftermarket versions, however, as I say the rest of the bike I really liked. I did want to ride the R version for the better adjustable suspension, but the KTM dealer didn't have one on demo and the only one they had in stock they wouldn't let me ride. On reflection I think would pay the increased cost of the R version with better adjustable suspension, tech pack and lower screen which would add another £2k to this version, so about £12,999 unless you could negotiate a much better deal. Then you would have to factor in the cost of luggage as you don't buy a bike like this not to fit luggage to it. Maybe the lower screen of the R would actually be better as although you would have wind blast on your chest it would be clean air as opposed to air from the awful screen of the non R version. I think the one on the one I rode was in the high position as well. I think I would try Triumph's 900 GT Pro but haven't got round to it yet. The 890 Adv attracted me because of it's lighter weight and low centre of gravity with the lower saddle bag fuel tanks. Apparently the tanks will take a lot of abuse and don't fracture, break or leak so it is a non issue. Still looking at possibly getting a Triumph Speedmaster as well. Next year now. Anyway thanks for your review Mark. Very good as always.

[@markpulling12]

Thanks alex great comment as always ,good to hear about the toughness of the tank cheers mark

[@garmit61]

Lovely looking bike. Wish they’d put an updated 990 v twin in it. I’d buy one tomorrow if they did.

[@alexmorgan3435]

Doesn't need it.

[@markpulling12]

Id agree with alex its very potent torquey and characterful as it is :)

[@jamesprice7470]

Great review mark,it looks gorgeous for a adventure bike.

[@markpulling12]

Thanks James ☺️

[@markbaker5221]

I think the screen is adjustable Mark if you have a look

[@muchasgracias6976]

Another spanking video Mark. You're a motorcycle reviewing mean machine!

[@markpulling12]

Haha many thanks 😊

[@brucemadge8147]

Hi Mark, thanks for another excellent review. If you don't mind, could you please clarify the terms hunting and surging that I often hear you mention regarding running at low revs or speeds. What would the fueling/engine be hunting for exactly or surging how? Please excuse my ignorance and thanks in advance for you time.

[@markpulling12]

Hi Bruce ...no problem.....my understanding is manufacturers have to make the bikes run "lean "(less fuel more air ) at low speeds/ partial throttle to meet emissions and surging/hunting feeling is kind of like moving the throttle forward and back VERY slightly but your Not ,it's very annoying and noticable round town but not so at higher speed . Thankfully the manufacturers are getting good now but every once in awhile one slips through ,the 2015 tracer 900 I've heard was bad but thankfully you can get remaps to sort it ... anyway that's my basic take on it ...if anybody else wants to add be my guest Regards mark

[@brucemadge8147]

@@markpulling12 Thanks very much Mark. I get it now. Cheers!

[@MauriceTarantulas]

Very nice! Nice tank size. Prefer the looks of the Yamaha Tenere though.

[@markpulling12]

Thanks for the comment ☺️

[@JayJay-jq1ss]

You need to review the Tiger 900 gt pro Mark.

[@markpulling12]

Thanks Jay yes it's on the list over the next few weeks if the weather stays ok cheers mark

[@JayJay-jq1ss]

I look forward to your thoughts Mark. Keep up the great videos.

[@İkitekerşart]

If you had chance which one would you prefer, 2022 or 2023 new 890? Do you think it is worth to pay much more to 2023 model? To be honest there is not such a big difference between of 2022 and 2023. New tft dash board, adjustable fork suspension. That is it.

[@markpulling12]

No definitely I'd go for the 22 and save money...it's an amazing bike ...I wouldn't want to pay extra for the new tft etc cheers mark

[@gaborpapp6253]

How about the fairing? more padding on the seats, knock sensor, etc... homework was not done man

[@İkitekerşart]

@@gaborpapp6253 no no no. I know these differences but not big changes. They are not worth to talk:((((

[@peterwrench4416]

Not bad looking for a KTM, it looks a comfy bike to ride. The low slung fuel tank seems a bit vulnerable to me but apparently they’re all but bullet proof.

[@markpulling12]

Thanks for the comment Peter ☺️

[@whiterabbitt2002]

I own 2020 KTM 790 ADV S nd love the bike. But I have to admit that the stock seat is not that comfortable after about 40 minutes of riding. I have just ordered a Corbin Comfort Seat. Other wise the bike is the most amazing all around motorcycle I ever have owned or ridden.

[@colinburnside4425]

Cheers Mark. Another great review but to be honest the KTM 890 adventure is not my cup or tea, but it will suit those who want get into the adventure bike market. Fantastic for normal road riding green lanes etc.

[@markpulling12]

Cheers Colin ☺️

[@alexmorgan3435]

Mark, I am wondering what RST jacket and trousers you were wearing for this review? Couldn't make out if it is actually a one piece suit? I have a few RST jackets and trousers that fit me quite well and are comfortable. They make good stuff, so just wondering what you were wearing? I noticed the jacket had a neck gator which I quite like on my Paragon jacket. Keeps the worst of the wet, wind and cold out.

[@markpulling12]

Hi Alex yes all my gear is rst , great value ,this is an older rst paragon jacket ,not one piece suit ,it always comes out in the autumn,I see the newer ones don't seem to have a neck gator so I'll stick with this . I also have a tractech Evo jacket and sidi mag sports boots Cheers mark

[@alexmorgan3435]

@@markpulling12 Thanks for your reply.I thought so. Mine's a Paragon 4 which is still excellent but I need a size smaller now as have lost a bit of weight, not that I was ever fat and have been looking. As you say the newer ones don't seem as good as firstly they down graded the CE protection, changed the vents I think, not necessarily for the better and many retailers seem to be out of stock of them. I believe the successor now to the older Paragon jackets could be their Pathfinder jacket, but not sure. Still trying to track one down in the size I need. I tried the RST X-Raid, nice jacket, CE2 protection but the collar is not great, not totally sealable like my Paragon 4 with neck gator so I sent that one back to SBS yesterday. So still looking. It can be very costly with bike clothing as you need different gear for different bikes!!! I also have Oxford, Richa and Weise gear which I also like. And then there are boots and gloves. OMG. Thanks for your reply. ATB.

[@whiterabbitt2002]

@@markpulling12 Is it true that the British Parliament is considering a law that would require all female motorcyclists to ride their motorcyclesin the nude ? :-/

[@Delrada]

Hi Mark, brilliant review as always. Quick question: your money, 890 Adventure or V85tt?

[@markpulling12]

Oh tough choice there Michael...they are both very good..but think I'd have to go for the KTM because it's engine is a bit more exciting:) Cheers mark

[@Delrada]

@@markpulling12 Thanks Mark. My sentiments exactly.

[@pistolpete6321]

Great thorough review Mark!

[@markpulling12]

Thanks Pete 😁

[@roadwarrior8560]

Nice bike Mark, are the wheel tubeless I wonder?

[@grumpysprout3505]

Yes they are they have a bladder to cover the spokes holes 👍

[@paul.vanhout57]

Another excellent and informative review - appreciate your test ride approach and commentary.

[@markpulling12]

Many thanks for the feedback Paul :)

[@fentontaylor9021]

Do you prefer this bike or the BMW 750 GS?? Sounds like they are very similar

[@markpulling12]

Hi Fenton yes both very similar they have pros and cons...I'd just choose the KTM over the bmw ....just prefered it's engine and handling by a tiny margin Cheers mark

[@akuskus]

Off road in England is synonymous with off pavement.

[@ramirezmoto1061]

Super Recension..!!! 👍

[@Paulobrmsilva]

Hi Mark! Wonderfull review as always!!! Do you believe this is a good first bike for a 1,70 cms guy with zero experience? Best regards and congrats

[@markpulling12]

Hi Paulo ... thanks Sorry no I wouldn't recommend this for a first bike for someone's with zero experience it's big and heavy ...start off on something like a 500 Max / 50 HP to gain your skills then work your way up Good luck mark

[@gregs5738]

Excellent review Mark. Is there any forward slope to the seat? I prefer a flat seat for comfort but it is hard to find adventure bikes that way.

[@markpulling12]

Hi Greg no I couldn't feel any forward slope to the seat ...I know what you mean I don't like forward slopes either Very comfortable seat cheers

[@masterspin7796]

@@markpulling12 my 2022 bmw 1250 R/T has a sloping seat un-less you put it in the high position I don't notice it anymore after 7,000 miles but I did early on and no-like!

[@MrAndrew1953]

Centre stand fitted or an option? I'd feel very uncomfortable without one for adjusting chain,punctures.

[@markpulling12]

its an option andrew with companies like sw motech etc

[@MrAndrew1953]

@@markpulling12 Good to hear, I wouldn't own or ride a bike without one. Thanks.

[@easy4steve]

hey , i ride a 390 adventure and it looks the same set up as the 390 , nice bike really enjoying . cheers good video . cheers steve/Australia

[@markpulling12]

Thanks Steve I have a 390 Duke and love it ☺️

[@whiterabbitt2002]

Are you aware that KTM is replacing the 390 ADV with the KTM 490 ADV ?

[@markpulling12]

@@whiterabbitt2002 no that sounds great!

[@Stoffels338]

@Mark, would you be able to review the bmw f 900 r??? I would love to see how it compares to the mt-09 specifically. Regards,

[@markpulling12]

I'll keep a look out for one :)

[@Stoffels338]

@@markpulling12 Thanks, I think you have a really great basis and way of thinking when considering each bike and would really be great to hear your personal thoughts on the F 900 R as I have seen many mixed views on it. Thanks for responding really appreciate, even if its not possible to review the F 900 R, still appreciated!

[@markpulling12]

@@Stoffels338 many thanks ...well it's the road version of the 900xr so it should be really good :)

[@tw25rw]

I hope those fuel tanks are well protected. They would make me nervous.

[@markpulling12]

Yes i know what you mean :)

[@whiterabbitt2002]

At least if they explode you will lose your legs ad not your head.

[@s11039858]

Hi Mark, please reveiw new 2022 cb500x.

[@markpulling12]

Definitely !! I think they are due in about December :)

[@ryanmartin8747]

Any possibility on a BMW f900r review?

[@markpulling12]

I'll keep my eye out Ryan 🙂

[@nemesisabaddon5628]

Nice review as usual, thanks.... Tested the bike lately as well as the "R" model & just think that the standard model should have been fitted with a 19" inch front wheel to make it compliant with it's good road & average off-road performances, as well for the the overall look/design... Ride safe. V

[@markpulling12]

Thanks for the comment :)

[@whiterabbitt2002]

One would never guess that the front tire is 21 inches when riding the bike. The bike has near perfect balance translating to near perfect handling. The bike itself is the best looking of all the Adventure bikes in its class, IMO. For the type of "Off Roading" that the majority of preople that buy this bike experience it is more than capable. And on paved roads it performs like a Sprts Touring Motorcycle, with more than ample power, torque and superb handling. The KTM 790/890 will go down in history as one of the great motorcycles of all time, IMO. ;-)

[@grumpysprout3505]

I tried two of these and was quite disappointed and expensive ended up with a Hymalayan well at least the hmy got a soul 👍

[@markpulling12]

Thanks for your opinion cheers mark

[@MauriceTarantulas]

What am leaning towards as a 2nd bike. The Tenere looks nice though but worth spending another 5k?

[@whiterabbitt2002]

hahahahahahahahaha ... Not even a comparison between the KTM 790/890 ADV and the Himalayan. The Yahama TW200 would have been a better choice then the Himalayan. just saying

[@BellHueyUH1H]

Great, objective review, thanks Mark!

[@markpulling12]

My pleasure julian :)

[@trailblazeratv6306]

Very nice. Where are those made ?

[@markpulling12]

They are an Austrian company www.ktmforums.com/threads/where-is-the-890-duke-manufactured.132114/

[@whiterabbitt2002]

They are made in Austria. The rumors going around that they will be made in Communist China by slave labor are false. Though there are massive concentration camps in China where the Communist Chinese use slave labor and forced human organ harvesting on 10s of thousands every year.

[@StefanZoltai]

Great Video - I like it 👍 Cheers Zolti

[@BlazinBlades]

I rode the 1290S back to back with this bike and it feels small and unsubstantial in comparison. I would be too worried of buying one afraid of all the 790 issues being ‘genetically’ inherited…

[@markpulling12]

Hopefully testing the 1290 adv very soon cheers mark

[@BlazinBlades]

@@markpulling12 Yes Please do so while this bike’s riding experience is still fresh in your mind Thanks 🙏

[@markpulling12]

@@BlazinBlades ok next one then !

[@julianmorris9951]

Agreed, I wouldn’t change my ktm 1090 for this bike, the 1090 is much more of a bike for your money as is the 1290, I went for the 1090 because I didn’t need electronic suspension and all that crap😃

[@Bruno-my9uf]

Thank you grammpa

[@SanoopAI]

Nice

[@bollox1235]

Is there a black colour option for this bike ?

[@markpulling12]

Hi yes it looks great www.ktm.com/en-gb/models/travel/ktm-890-adventure2021.html

[@bollox1235]

@@markpulling12 It does but it is not really black. International orange puts me off buying.

[@gregnixon1296]

Video starts at 1:20.

[@adrianrubi5012]

Tracer 9 or this one?

[@markpulling12]

I really enjoyed the KTM but for me overall I enjoyed the tracer 9 more Best wishes mark

[@adrianrubi5012]

@@markpulling12 thanks.

[@StephanoHamez]

Great review again, but please admit the X Max 300 is a better all round motor scooter.

[@paullovesey4863]

There’s a cat under the centre of the bike, why on earth do they need that mahoosive can?

[@markpulling12]

haha beats me ?

[@dustyridr]

From a distance this thing looks a lot like my Suzuki XT1050.

[@markpulling12]

Hi Johnny yes I see what you mean 😁

[@whiterabbitt2002]

@UCeGzUoxkdJzoghUg2lQCLBgI read recently in the Daily Mail that from a distance you look like Tiny Tim. haha ;=p

[@CRONICASENMOTO]

Saludos !, Excelente Maquina KTM 890 ADV !! Esta es la mia: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZubYoF6qp1-fbM

[@devonnobles1083]

Everyone has their own opinions, but for me this is a very ugly motorcycle. Very cool. But very ugly.

[@whiterabbitt2002]

Ugly ? You must be a Socialist or maybe even a full fledged Communist ! :=O

[@MGman100]

Probably the ugliest bike ever!

[@whiterabbitt2002]

Really ? DO not worry there is help for your condition, maybe even a cure.

[@MGman100]

@@whiterabbitt2002 Yawn 🥱 😴