Spending 2021 with the KTM 890 ADVENTURE R | MCN

[@marscruz]

I really like Neevesy but for Adventure bikes Michel Guy is your man. I wish he did more reviews. I respect and admire the two Micheals because both are excellent at their respective areas of expertise. Please get Mr. Guy to record more videos. His talents and knowledge need to be more widely distributed.

[@jvlivtriple]

My dash mists up too. Especially this time of year or when I take the bike up above about 2000 feet altitude. KTM says they will not replace it unless the displays become obstructed. Moisture in an electronic component can't have a good outcome in the long run. Not really acceptable for an expensive motorcycle. That problem aside, the bike is terrific.

[@phillipchandler8862]

I've had lots of sports bikes over the years but took a break for 3 years with a KTM 990 which I loved. So Suprised to hear they still have trouble with electronic dash. My 990 dash started misting up then went blank. On the negative side KTM were slow to send a new one and made a fuss about me not knowing the exact mileage it packed up on regardless of the machine being well within warranty. The machine was exceptionally capable on and off road. Tried the 1090 when it came out but did not consider it any better except for smoother throttle response. The rear cylinder cooling also blew hot air on your legs in traffic which was uncomfortable in hot weather. This was not at all apparent on the 990. Disapointing they still suffer the dash problems. Maybe I will go and try an 890 and hope the cooling is not via the riders limbs. Great down to earth video. Thanks.

[@Adameftube]

790 was the best compromise bike I've had. Tempted to go back to it in the 890 version instead of the current 1250GSA that I own.

[@bens_gone_nomad5299]

How come you went the beemer?

[@1990-t1j]

Was your 790 totally reliable?

[@Adameftube]

@@bens_gone_nomad5299 Had two before and find them very reliable and comfortable. Not that exciting though. The KTM wins in excitement.

[@Adameftube]

@@1990-t1j Yes, while I had it. Previous owner had no problems either.

[@rc51bigdaddy]

Same for me. I had a nicely modded 790r which I loved and sold it for some other new toy. Thinking about an 890r now.

[@964tractorboy]

I seem to be in the minority not being familiar with Michael's work, but what a great chat. I'd echo earlier comments about getting him in for more videos. Super stuff!

[@rc51bigdaddy]

I had one of the first 790r models that hit the States and loved that bike. I regret selling it, and now a few years later I just purchased an 890r. I was tempted a little by the Norden but the 890r is a better bike for me due mainly to the suspension.

[@RottweilerPerformance]

11:46 We got a little excited when we heard ‘the R logo’! 😂

[@andrewlucas6214]

I’m not alone on the wind noise issue. I had a tiger 800 a while back and was so disappointed. Sold it within three months. I’ve had naked bikes (speed triples, Tuono’s, f800r) and never had problems with buffeting. It’s a shame as I love the load space of adventure bikes.

[@XtremeCoke]

The bike bash plate sucks, seat is like a plank, maybe a little noisy on the road and karoo 3 certainly feel mediocre but you know what, its a complete package and I love it. I own my 890 R for 6 months and enjoyed it on road and serious off road. All you need is a decent set of tyre best suit your intended use and a spare set of rims will be a bonus! Happy Riding

[@TrooperTed]

Have the 790 S, got dash replaced under warranty, replacement mists up. In fairness, never to the point of obscuring anything, but still not great to know there's moisture in an electrical component. Shame to see they still haven't sorted it on the 890, it's a widely publicised problem.

[@charlesmurithi413]

sending love from KENYA

[@ralphwarom2514]

XD why hello there.

[@creedm3040]

Awesome video! I love the insight on these videos. Very good content. I have a KTM 1090 r and she has been incredibly reliable. Best!

[@Crust2013]

Sweet bike the 1090R Mines being awsome

[@marcusgeorge1825]

I absolutely love these videos. Can’t wait to watch the next. 👍😎🇦🇺

[@jacko64366]

Great review from Mr Guy. Tells it how it is. No hype or testosterone just an honest opinion from a real world perspective.

[@defylifeadventure]

Talking about the tyres it comes with is akin to talking about the underwear the local hooker is wearing. Neither are going to be on long enough to worth a mention. If you don't like them change them. The ADV market isn't really aimed at sloppy narrow green lanes in the UK. Take it to Baja, around Iceland, across Africa, or some other multi-surface tour. I'm with you on the buffeting, removing the winglets fixes it, but then it's cold or hot depending on where you live. The MRA Vario touring works a charm. Even held up for me on the trails. The other issue is the seat. The Rally seat is an improvement on the stock, but is a little taller. Overall it's the best bike I've had since the 950 Adventure. Happy riding.

[@zwnk]

Michael Guy looks about the same as when he reviewed the KTM 950/990 ADVs hahahahah love it!

[@QuackLoud]

Great review. Really like the bike. Still think its weird when you guys talk about how many "miles" you ride, rather than KM. Haha. You guys have the best job. Thanks.

[@chrisb9156]

You live in the UK , it’s as big as a pimple get a ktm 500exc set it up right , hands down a better ride , bulletproof for adventure riding. 🇦🇺👍

[@MacawAviculture]

After owning and riding newer KTM enduro bikes, my last being a 2018 KTM 350 EXC-F, I loved the light weight, and with a Vortex ECU, FMF exhaust, and removing the reeds in the airbox, it seemed to perform as fast as my 2015 KTM 500 6 Days bike. The newer enduro machines seem to be lighter, but as what cost? When I bought my 2018 KTM 350 mentioned above, the dealer replaced the engine after a 'plastic' part in the engine failed. Even though I loved the bike, I have decided to go back in time and purchase a 2005 KTM 525 MXC, I really love the quality and workmanship of this generation motor, and with a few mods that I love most, I feel much safer about the longevity of this bike over the newer, lighter, and in many ways better performing KTM enduros. Adventure bikes like the KTM 890 R seen in this video are not needed for me, the trails I love most are 10 minutes from my garage, so no need for a heavy bike, with a computer and questionable reliability. Those riders that enjoy adventure riding have to contend with issues I refuse to tolerate. To me, it makes more sense to get a street bike for long trips, and a dedicated enduro for the off-road adventures.

[@MrEtnorb]

What about build quality and the litany of faults reported since these bikes came out.

[@Mtthwpez]

Did KTM come up with the fix for the foot peg bracket bending and sheering a lump off of the engine case?

[@XtremeCoke]

No need to - Pegs on 890 adv are NOT mounted on the engine case but on frame.

[@davidsampson3537]

Brilliant review

[@bobvincent5921]

Thanks. A very knowledgeable report.

[@paigntonbeach]

Problem is that dash replacement isn't going to be cheap when warrant runs out , typical KTM .

[@flo41884]

Love that series!

[@269sjb]

I feel very fortunate to live in the Western United States where we can literally ride off-road for days in the National forest and desert/BLM land and not see another man made structure. Sounds like it's challenging in the UK to find open land to ride. Cool to see you getting after it where you can

[@outty77]

Are the stock wheels up to the task? That much weight slamming into rocks... the suspension is amazing, but are the other components going to fly apart? I think a wind tunnel test is needed to see what shield is required. I couldn't find anything for my F800GSA so I use one of those little adjustable deflectors like you have there to minimal, but tolerable effect.

[@XtremeCoke]

Stock wheel is up to the task and the bike out perform 90% people's capability. There is also KTM powerparts rims available for narrower/hardcore tyres(MX tyres) should you need it. You will need some serious energy to damage/bend the rim. Wind Tunnel test is extremely expensive, I wonder if KTM(or anyone) will ever test it - let me know

[@commanderroddi7742]

had 390 Adventure, Great bike, just needed to change a couple of things like raise bars, dirt bikes footpegs, etc... This bike, looks perfect, and a better road bike for longer hauls and if you have a passanger? As I understand the R is off road focused, while non-R is road bias bike? AS far as Grip, for off road, I'd use a slightly more nobby tires than the standard ones (n my 390 I swapped the TKC70s for TKC80s and it made a diffeence on spoked rims, whiled I had the more road biased tires for long road trips).

[@TheWanderingGeezer]

If only KTM could improve their reliability.

[@pgkr67]

They are finee.. My old 950 Adv S has clocked 140000 km, and its going strong. The new ones are even better..

[@ronanrogers4127]

😂 it’s not a 500 single

[@TwoHawksHunting]

Thanks for the comprehensive review. I don't recall hearing his opinion of the seat comfort. If the seat isn't comfortable, then KTM should offer another option.

[@andydowson8248]

Great video. I am a KTM fan. 👍

[@connysjostrom5787]

Skip to3:45 if you are interested in the bike

[@IslandInsanity]

I’m thinking of selling my Tenere 700 to buy one of these. I like how it has tubeless tires. I had a flat and fixing it was a royal pain. Any thoughts anyone?

[@Marc99999]

TET on this? Yes please!

[@brucekendall52]

Thanks.

[@RedRupert64]

After all there years, why can't you pronounce the name of the exhaust?!

[@1969Escobar]

👍👍, cheers guys

[@meshackntoga1566]

Good motor bicl

[@jamestiberiuskirk6465]

Where are the subtiles?

[@motorcyclenewsdotcom]

Subtitles have been added

[@nathanfenech9018]

Nice

[@andrewsoldan6050]

hard to listen to this...

[@claretbuck1882]

👌🏻

[@CRONICASENMOTO]

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

[@Jason_King.]

I can't listen to that bloke talk anymore, he's driving me crazy. Next time use someone that can talk properly.

[@powertrip1050]

just btw....didn't mention which tyres he uses for the road...too busy fuffing about electronics