Spurgeon’s KTM! 2021 890 Adventure R Rally Review | Daily Rider

[@RevZilla]

Check out REVER to track your rides and share them with your friends! rvz.la/41qoF3r Want to learn more about the KTM Rally kit? Check out Spurg's article on Common Tread! rvz.la/3pDPzYg

[@st33ldi9ital]

Feel like you need to take a new regular 890 Adventure out for a ride...

[@zach2437]

Zack Courts is the best moto journalist working right now. No one else can make me click on a review so fast.

[@vaportrail226]

He is good. Heed is really good too.

[@magellanicspaceclouds]

Ari's content is great too

[@kamerider7203]

Them and Ryan F9 for me

[@kaihartmann924]

Agreed

[@destroyerxd4499]

Zach, Ari, and Ryan from Fort Nine for sure.

[@ctrlaltowned5223]

So glad you got the SPURGEON DUNBAR voice in to this review.

[@xb5883]

Such a cool name

[@dantheman4life]

Dude yes!

[@exothermal.sprocket]

丂卩ㄩ尺Ꮆ乇ㄖ几 ᗪㄩ几乃卂尺

[@dantheman4life]

@@exothermal.sprocket that caveman speak 😆

[@exothermal.sprocket]

@@dantheman4life His name fits. Hahaha

[@SirLucien]

The joy of Zack in dirt and mud is so contagious, I need an adventure bike

[@derp195]

I need a Zack lol

[@Sabahes_ASMR]

I would love to see more Revzilla staff personal daily rides!

[@roxtarcool]

It’s prolly a bunch of Versys 650

[@facilis]

All driving keeway rks 125 😅

[@JoshuaTootell]

I want to see Zack commute in on Ari's bicycle 😂

[@ammarharith5512]

_A bike so nice, Zack rode in the dirt road twice!_

[@ducnut]

The Spurgeon cameo was awesome! Haha. And, with proper street tires, I’m confident Zack would embarrass a whole lotta’ track riders, with that thing. That bike rips!

[@Jonnyca21]

Spurgeon cameo for the win!

[@KellerFkinRyan]

imagine him on a real supermoto!

[@FranklinBurns42]

Would love an off board camera showing Zack backing it in. Hell, I’d like to see the whole ride from another perspective. Love watching ya ride Zack

[@slikeroo]

The final minutes of the video were priceless.... You go Spurg! 🙂

[@ruoyuchen9367]

Finally, there is a KTM in Daily Rider!💯💯

[@chaplad25]

What about the ep with zacks ktm sumo?

[@ruoyuchen9367]

@@chaplad25 Sorry my bad. I remember that Dodge flyby.

[@thetwowheeledintrovert3367]

Great stuff Zac, would be great to see you take more of the crews pride and joy out for a ride.

[@4tech69]

Some extra for those interested. Only 700 of these were made. 200 of which came to the US. You may be able to find one for sale but it will cost you 20K or more likely even now. The new 890 R is much more capable on road do to engine tuning changes and changes in suspension damping. It's still king of the dirt even with those changes. You don't get the cone valve with the normal 890 R you get "WP Apex", but It's the probably the 2nd best you can get. It's also not buzzy at 70, 80, 90, 100, or 120. Maybe even faster, I wouldn't know of course....;) It's motorcycle, but it's not overly buzzy. It's a purpose built machine and it's the best there is at that purpose. That's why price wise it's at the high end of the class.

[@JohannesDalen]

Pretty sure that energy you felt at the offroad section is EXACTLY what KTM wanted you to feel!

[@merloti]

It was nice meeting you again at the adv fest. Thanks for the help in the wash. Great to know that you prefer the DDX over the KTM!

[@SpurgeonDunbar]

😘

[@AselevID]

I just love it when Zach sends it in the offroad section.

[@rrpeters]

Because of this review I bought the standard 890 Adventure and am very happy with the adventure ability of it.

[@northadventuressouth]

After reading Spurg's article I was hoping Zack would do this. Awesome!!! t/u as always good sir!

[@refeekey250]

Thank you for all your reviews Zack! I really enjoy them because it’s clear you know the feel of motorcycles. On road and off. Thanks for sharing your passion.

[@pinkiewerewolf]

The 890 Adventure S model has been a great all around bike for me. At 5’8” around a 30.5” inseam it fits. Handles everything except the truly extreme off road really well and freeway speeds no problem. Maybe not great for 2-up touring unless both riders are smallish in size. The Rally is total beast mode.

[@josech]

Best 890 ADV review of all KZbin!

[@Firestorm637]

KTM is the master of off road bikes. They even make their own suspension. Look at all the types of engines they manufacture from 2 strokes to 4 strokes. They know engines. I am on my second Super Duke 1290r. Love that engine. I got rid of my heavy, underpowered KLR 650 for a 390 adventure for some nearby trails. If I had to ride longer distances the 890 would be a thought.

[@mj_aussie_coaster_travels8310]

Don’t cfmoto make most of the bigger ktm engines now?

[@4tech69]

@@mj_aussie_coaster_travels8310 Nope. They've been importing and selling KTM's since 2011 though. They are license to us the 990cc LC8 and now will make all 790's. The big 1290 V-Twims are not manufactured there. Yet anyway.

[@_Makanko_]

Good to see Spurgeon got the final word in. It''s a very focused bike so I'm not surprised where you put it.

[@Djzsolo]

One thing that scares me about KTM is there reliability I have seen and heard of there electronics going out and leaks and that’s on a 2023 just can’t justify there price with so many issues.. Zach you are the best journalist and personality on KZbin and the planet 🌎!!!

[@RafsanBasher]

always wanted a in depth review of this bike from u guys, finally!

[@coryluck]

New drinking game alert. Every time Zacharias mentions Spergon you have to take a shot.

[@Thojouno]

So, THAT is what the bike looks like! It's usually just a cloud of dust ahead of me when following Spurg!

[@CurtisBrandt]

Great review! Pertinent to engine and gearing, I like my 890 (which I mainly ride off-road) with one less tooth on the countershaft. Still plenty of speed on the highway (and not that buzzy up to over 90 mph, which is all the faster a person might really want to go on knobbies, anyway) and much nicer off-road. I also the prefer the 890 to the 790, like Zach, and also agree I prefer the v-twins to the p-twin, though I'm not certain I can 100% describe the reason for that.

[@Showza83]

I love my 790 R. 36k miles and it's still ticking along. The seat is very tall from the factory-I've got a seat concepts low model installed. You can install a longer clutch arm to address the grabby nature of the stock unit. Swap the windscreens and you go from adventure touring to hooligan. I just got done installing a host of new lights and can't wait to take it camping this summer in the Sierras.

[@pietreins]

I’m about to buy one! Did you have any reliability issues ? ive seen some horror stories in the forums

[@Showza83]

@@pietreins I think there are/were some anomalies, but I've had no issues, aside from standard maintenance stuff. Remember, most people go on the forums to complain and solve problems, not say what a great experience they've had. -I rebuilt my fork @32k -Front, brake light pressure sensor started to go out, replaced that @33k for like $60 (There's separate sensors front and rear on the abs unit) -oil changes every 5-6k -I'm going to so my valves at the end of summer, so probably @40k My buddy just bought the same year/model as me (with 24k miles) and he's had no issues. I know how to do pretty much all my own maintenance so that helps. Have fun with your bike!

[@okrigerx]

Just bought the 890 adv standard ver this week, I was thinking about the transalp but ended up with this one cause I found it a better all around bike - the seat is very low and adjustable, the bike is very fun to ride on the road and on the gravel, it’s comfortable and manageable. A bit afraid of it’s reliability reputation, and the windscreen is not so good, but overall I love it and couldn’t buy the Honda that felt soulless comparing to the KTM..

[@Euryheli]

2 beat parts are Zack’s “Spurgeon Dunbar!” At the start, and Spurg’s cameo. This might simultaneously be the least useful and the most entertaining DR yet. Loved it! Now let’s get Spurgeon to do one on Zack’s Supermoto!

[@philbert2184]

Well Zack, it was a good run. Good luck in your next venture! (I’m assuming Spurgeon fired you for ranking his bike so low)

[@lighswarm175]

That post credits scene had me in tears, so perfect. 😂

[@buckdashe2571]

Well, that may not be the penultimate *Daily Ride* but it was sure fun coming along! Thanks, Spurg and thanks Zack for lingering at the railroad track (I was giggling right along with you…😎) Go RevZilla!

[@christopherbiomass7155]

Odd use of the word penultimate.

[@anupamtheboss4536]

I Own the 1290 SuperAdv n its a proper BEAST

[@thinkdunson]

13:00 i'm in agreement with ol spurgleupagus here. i do not like quickshifters. and i'm not some dyed in the wool old school grandpa who can't give up the past. i've only been riding since 2015, and i just prefer a manual shift. it's more fun, by a long road. i had a tuono 660 with QS, and it was cool... i'm glad i got to experience it. but getting back on my sv650 was always like coming home, so i eventually got rid of the tuono. don't get me wrong, going balls out fast is a lot easier on the tuono; but while that is certainly an important aspect, that's not all there is to riding. to me, the SV is just more fun to ride.

[@justsomedude445]

like em on road when going sporty but not off road or for casual trekking

[@JoshuaTootell]

Being more connected with the vehicle just feels better to me. I can clutch less shift just fine. I'm not racing, just want to enjoy it.

[@gregorysteffensen3279]

"Flat-footed on one foot, boy is this a tall bike!" - damn do I envy y'all with legs longer than 31", this is how even my CRF250L and Versys 650 felt

[@johnreggie7797]

I’m about 5’9 on a good day and my inseam is 32.5” 😅 short stocky torso with long legs let’s me ride just about anything as a short guy

[@gregorysteffensen3279]

@@johnreggie7797 I'm the exact opposite, 5'10.5" with silverback gorilla proportions

[@patm9351]

As a 5'9 guy with 30" inseam, I genuinely got sad the first time I sat on a V-strom 650 at a dealer and realized how big even approachable ADV bikes were. I would love a big KTM 1290 or Africa Twin :(

[@RedBeardWalking]

​@@patm9351 I have a friend who is of similar proportions and rides an Africa twin, it's surprisingly manageable.

[@johnreggie7797]

@@patm9351 I sat on a scrambler 1200xc and Tiger 1200 and could manage both fine I feel lucky. I’ve always disliked my proportions because they make deadlifts and heavy squats challenging. My bench press is phenomenal though, and I guess I can ride just about most bikes lol

[@michaelelson668]

I met a girl name Sally in the desert couple weekends ago and as far as rock ‘n’ roll she’s all about Nirvana Nevermind! Excellent job Zac. I really like this one.

[@Slov_]

The review I always wanted from you!!!

[@gophop]

I disable the quick shifter on all of my bikes, too. The occasional ignition cut when you preload the shifter but don't shift is annoying.

[@justsomedude445]

agreed

[@pigeonpallz1733]

The fuel mileage seems off although it may be the length of trip I took . I have the 890 adventure r with the same front tire and a Dunlop 906 on the rear . With myself 230 lbs and another 100lbs of gear managed to get 48 mpg average on a trip to Los Vegas from San Diego. My bike isn't as tall as the rally and maybe that is part of the fuel loss. I love my 890r and believe it makes me a better rider lol . Or atleast it looks cool. Also my favorite off road setting is rally slip 1 to 3 with street throttle and abs off . The rally slip mode is very useful for different terrains

[@just_a_quick_ride]

The best Daily Ride reviews, I think, are of the bikes that are so clearly not daily rides.

[@Canteaus]

new drinking game: drink every time Zack says "Spurgeon Dunbar"

[@rfk76]

I had so much fun watching this video 😁 and couldn't stop thinking 'how would Zack find his daily ride on 901 Norden Expedition? Same engine, decent suspension, better wind protection - where would that bike end up on the leaderboard? But I guess it won't happen, as KTM/Husky is not working with RevZilla? If so, then shame on you, Pierer Mobility 😔

[@gee4zfpv]

Nice vid!!! Sold my MV Agusta Brutale 800RR (at Valle Airport where you guys filmed) and got a 23 890 Adventure R! I think I want that lower windshield! I love this bike!!!

[@montrussell]

Great video! I love the collaboration!

[@ThoR52]

24:56 When you're clipping the microphone, you know you're having a good time.

[@hibob841]

Thanks for pushing back against the "21-inch-front bikes are terrible on the road" idea that has been propagated by so many Moto-journalists. I have ridden a variety of ADV bikes with different wheel sizes, as well as sport bikes in my younger days, and I've never found this to be the case-at all. I suspect (as you allude to) that the "problem" may be that they tend to be shod with very dirt-biased tires. If you put a 50/50 or road-oriented tire on a 21" front, the bike can handle just fine. I have no complaints. If you want a sport bike, get a sport bike.

[@chriswildt3101]

This looks like an amazing adv bike. It was fun watching you hoon it up on it. I can almost get past its challenging looks. I’ll stick with my Tenere 700 for now.

[@davefure7139]

Does Revzilla sell the mirrors Spurgeon is sporting? I didnt have any look searching the sight. Im looking for something more resilient than the OEM mirrors.

[@4tech69]

They don't sell them in revzilla but lots of other places. DoubleTake is the brand.

[@DailyCTO]

Fixed it! I'm romping around today with some KTMs on my '23 Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer... we'll see how that goes!

[@Janduin45]

Oooooh I've been waiting for this episode for sooo long :D

[@chrzanik666]

So glad you fixed it at the end 😂😂 so relieved show is saved it was a near miss.

[@JibsMotoVlog]

Thanks Zack amazing, but could you please review the Hypermotard 950 SP, coz I'm thinking of buying one. Thx

[@pablochamorrovelasquez3785]

I really enjoy when you enjoy experimenting off roading! that was fun!!

[@nubwagon3758]

I think it should have got the giggle sticker. You couldn't stop laughing once the hooligan portion of the course started lol.

[@avdmer]

Why don't you release these as PodCasts as well? I would really like to listen to these, and following SPURGEON DUNBAR's advice to just listen to it, I've tried it. And SPURGEON DUNBAR is right! It works! However it would be better to just download the Podcast than to play a video in my pocket while riding to work or on my favourite no-destination track or route.

[@motovida4014]

When are you going to review the Kawasaki Versys 300 X?

[@kawabungah20]

Hey.... Who let that guy into the Daily Rider lab? And then the nerve to tamper with the leader board!! This review was a pure hoot and it makes me want a KTM even though I'd have no business with this awesome monster!

[@TheHarris619]

Zack still rocking his screen protector upside down. I would love to know why?

[@tsh7090]

Great conclusion. 👍 I was thinking above the 'Busa but only due to the weight of getting it out of the garage.

[@toddswain7459]

Another great video. Thank you guys. With regards to the final decision…Try to bring home the groceries on the Busa!!

[@cchrist0f97]

Great video, as always! Please make a video on the standard 890 adv if you get a chance :)

[@davidmarquez966]

why is there tape in the front turn lights...?

[@SpurgeonDunbar]

Because they like to fall off... And I'm too cheap to properly replace them...

[@marcochavane3124]

Ive been wating for this one! Really torn between the Norden 901 and this bike.

[@rayhan4502]

isnt it basically the same?

[@oknevals]

They both suck.

[@hansenallan84]

If you upgrade the Norden with a 7500$ suspension kit then yes..

[@Ntmoffi]

I like both but the styling of the husky does it for me.

[@justsomedude445]

@@rayhan4502 no

[@bradsanders6954]

You better be long legged, or a really confident rider to wrastle this bad boy in the dirt. Things can go pie shaped at the oddest times. I got the regular 890R in 2021. Great bike, I have a 690 with knobbies so my 890 isnt my main dirtbike. But what a great bike! (except for insanely harsh suspension especially the shock) Stock seat is good mostly. I have 20,000 miles on it with zero issues, just put a tractive extreme shock on it. I get 56 mpg regularly, since new and it still does it. 280 miles per tankful easy.

[@Firestorm637]

Tall bikes make for great visibility over all the trucks and SUV’s. Cruiser bikes are totally hidden behind a pickup truck or SUV. Taller bikes your head above the roofline most vehicles. Makes for safer rides.

[@mdragon99]

I'm with Spurgeon on this one. I adored my 890 R and had it for a couple very happy years. Super easy to ride around town. I suffer from TIBS "Tragic Itchy Butt Syndrome" and I traded the KTM in on the Harley snake oil the Pan Am. Tragic mistake.

[@richardmiller4499]

My condolences @martymadscientist

[@mj_aussie_coaster_travels8310]

Is the pan am that bad?

[@mdragon99]

@@mj_aussie_coaster_travels8310 I like the bike's design and performance but it seems like I got one of the flaky ones and my experience with HD service has been a joke. Life's to short.

[@mdragon99]

@@richardmiller4499 I complained to my doctor about my TIBS flare up and after careful examination she proclaimed I had contracted Harley Crotch Crabs from hanging around the HD service department so much. She prescribed 1200CC of Tiger Butt Balm to be applied immediately. I realize now that I may have misunderstood her instructions, but I am sure enjoying my new Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer!

[@richardmiller4499]

You’re right. Life is too short. I wish you could get a refund from the time spent not riding. The tiger looks like an amazing ride. 44 Teeth did a review on the Tiger. Looked proper.

[@GaryJohnWalker1]

If you'd try the 'normal' 890 Adventure or better yet the upcoming 890 SMT - worth it just to compare and contrast with this off road focussed Rally version

[@thepeacekpr]

Finally, A KTM Review.

[@ConrailBostonLineHOLayout]

How is the fueling? The 790s, my old 990, and even my old 1190 are real herky jerky off idle. Have they finally smoothed out the throttle response or is it still an on / off switch??

[@zippy441]

I would love to see you take the 890 Adventure S on the daily commute, and see where that finished on the board!...

[@kawajocb1685]

Always enjoy your vids. Nice Bike. Greats from the Nederlands.

[@SSS-mp8th]

Being 5'8" the height alone would kill it for me but then if I was going to look at the ADV category I'd lean toward the road biased ADV's like the Multistrada.

[@st10z]

is it comparable to a ducati desert x?

[@make575perday]

"If you do what you always did, you will get what you always got." *

[@rideon2-997]

Shocked at how low it landed on the leader board. I was aiming for this, desert x, or tiger for my next machine. (Currently on sdr1290)

[@HorizonsleatherBlogspot2012]

Since it's a monster off road, it makes sense it won't be a prime daily rider. :)

[@ZoahPorre]

Ive watched so many of these videos, but never within the first hours of them being released...... i often catch them 2 months after :O

[@adityaravishankar1206]

28:15 wait! Why is your screen protector upside down?👀

[@Aazaad31]

I am surprised that you are yet to talk about the 850 GSA on Daily Rider

[@morganmartin9286]

Great vid, cool bike. Would love to see a r1250rs on a daily ride.

[@jimvanderwood3094]

So a 37 inch seat height to a person 6‘2“ tall would be similar to a 32 inch seat height for a person 5‘4“ tall - inseam differences notwithstanding. Now you see how us short people feel that lots and lots of bikes are tall! Lol.

[@theCycleReport]

how is the power compared to your older larger CC ktm supermoto? I had a 990 SMT for years and while not a huge horsepower bike (and the newer middleweght bikes from Duc and KTM meet it on paper for peak HP), i find the newer smaller engine middleweights don't have that low end grunt of the 990 - what's the story here? I don't care much about peak hp with bikes like this - what I loved about the SMT was the roll on wheelies in 1st and 2nd without a clutch - just that squirt/squat lift kind of fun it had on tap ALL THE TIME. Has the small parallel caught up yet?

[@Stno3582]

I think we should once and for make a clear divide between "dual-adventure bikes" and "touring-adv bikes". All these 1250 GS etc are TOURING bikes - paved roads, long fast roads. The Adventure bikes are the dual sports like 890R, crf250l, dr650, klr - less comfort but can handle way easier unpaved roads and tight situations

[@ridered300]

My favorite episodes are when you ride used/older bikes and who wouldn't want to ride The Spurgeon Dunbar of Motorcycles?

[@georgenewman5860]

Great video as always. One thing that puzzled me is that you short shifted a lot. It wouldn't surprise me if that is a comfortable way to commute, but I would have like to see you wind her out and hear the engine. Any comments on the bike's manners in the top side of the rev range?

[@Norm1212]

🤘🏻🤘🏻 it's all about the laughing to yourself in your helmet and being able to take the hooligan in you to the dirt. "If you have to commute from Idaho to Canada everyday" 😂😂😂

[@edwardtodd2833]

How many laps did you do of the off-road shortcut?

[@Greblit]

Good stuff! I just wanted to point out that I have the 890r and the clutch "sucked" until I installed the one finger clutch (longer clutch arm) :)

[@batterybuilding]

SPURGEON DUNBAR does not need the quick shifter since the quick shifter was modeled on SPURGEON DUNBAR’s left foot.

[@SpurgeonDunbar]

This comment made me chuckle... Someone should give you a t-shirt...

[@tylersedman7498]

Can you do a review on the KTM 390 please good sir

[@jordencampbell2255]

Would you take this to a track day? And if so, what tires did you use on the spoked rims. Literally asking for a friend.

[@markmcknight9927]

I still have my 1998 KTM 250 sx. Still original outside bars and seat things like that…. The engine is still strong as the day bought. Thinking about making it a super moto. Is there anyone with experience making an old 2 stroke a super moto? Ideas and thoughts?

[@Stoo426]

Did the same on my '00 250EXC and it was hilarious fun...... Do it, you won't be disappointed.....

[@justsomedude445]

1999 380 EXC LoLoL first bike i bought brand new it is still in my garage although to be honest with years of dust on it at the moment

[@RoyClendaniel]

They make a clutch linkage to expand the clutch friction zone

[@ADViators]

This was tough to watch as an owner of customized 22' 890 Adventure w/Xplor Pro suspension. It was tough because I agreed with everything. I love my bike and will never be able to out-ride it, I'm still novice as it is, but I've ridden much friendlier bikes for traveling. My 890 is not for sale and likely never will be as it has journeys ahead it was designed for but there are strong arguments that other models are easier to control, more enjoyable to ride as a daily rider, and more comfortable on cross-country trips. The 890 Adv, especially when customized, is a monster of a bike meant to dominate off-road riding... you can also traverse the city and take across the country but that's not where the bike shines.

[@EricleNormand]

I always wondered what is the "backing in" in the end left turn? Is the rear wheel breaking out?

[@gilbertoalvarez29]

We need a norden 901 expedition please 🙏

[@T3merity]

I rarely ever get below 50 mpg on mine... and if I really baby the throttle, I can get up to 70. I do over 300 miles per tank regularly

[@Rick1984FL]

Maybe you said something and i missed it (yay multitasking) but how would it compare to say the 2023 adv r?

[@zeommed]

Are you doing a DR on a FJR1300?

[@GreekAutomations]

Check engine is on?

[@jesselucero8503]

Whoever owns a ktm will get use to that lol. And yes I speak from personal experience.

[@JohnNewton-ev8ch]

It's a KTM...their's always a fault light on the dash.

[@Janduin45]

I'm willing to bet the light is because Spurg has mapped the bike with a PCV and removed the O2 sensor. Not because of the silly reasons voiced by others here.

[@jesselucero8503]

@@Janduin45 not so silly when you own a 2020 790 Adventure R with 5280 miles in the shop for 7 months due to camshaft problems. I’m fully aware that is the exception more than the rule and all manufacturers have issues, but leaves a bad taste in your mouth so to speak when engine problems occur with that low of mileage.

[@justsomedude445]

@@jesselucero8503 yup