The Truth About Owning A KTM 890 No One Talks About

In today's video, I ride the KTM 890 Adventure R down some beautiful roads, we talk about money and the expenses of owning one, plus, I've made a serious decision when it comes to keeping this adventure bike or not.
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[@Mitchell790R]

I purchased a 2020 KTM 790 adventure R brand new in 2020. It included quick shift, and cruise control. I’m 54 years old and I’ve been riding motorcycles since 1975. I’m pretty sure I ride a lot more off-road terrain than you could ever imagine.

[@jamiehalifax4954]

Never had the cam shaft issue ?

[@mtb_prodigy4856]

We need this man to collab with a famous hard enduro rider and he can have a whole training series where he learns some tricks and skills 🔥💯

[@johanjofo]

Maby a colab with Billy Bolt!? 🥰

[@1337srd]

Billy or Graham 1 on 1 training would be awesome

[@noll910]

@@johanjofo Chris Birch would be awesome too!

[@terryrich4285]

Pol tarres

[@babar69110]

Sorry dude but Jarvis is all than a real teacher. Introverted guy, low pedagogue... Fantastic rider, but each his own ​@@1337srd

[@concernedcitizen5506]

I had a 790r and now have a 22 890r. I’ve done 11000 k’s on the 890 and just love it. I have 2 sets of wheels. One set with sticky Avons mounted and Excel rims with Ral Z’s mounted. It is very good on the tarmac and exceptional in the dirt. I’ve had zero problems with both bikes. I rate myself pretty handy both dirt and road. I used to have a new Ninja 1000 for the road and sold it because I wasn’t riding it. Now I have the best of both worlds for half the price. It’s all about choices.

[@craighoffman6876]

Beautiful countryside! For the stuff you are riding no doubt the 890 works well, they sure have a fat load of power. It is irritating that KTM lets buyers "sample" the electronic goodies and then pull the rug out. The bike is carrying the software and it is a well known and much discussed customer irritant that they do this on an already premium expensive bike. If riding those kind of two lane roads and a little tougher but not dirt bike tough off road is on the menu, KTM will be happy to sell you one of their 690 platform bikes. I have a '23 Husky 701 Enduro and live in Colorado. It is the perfect bike for true 50/50 Colorado based dual sport use, which is admittedly different than "adventure" use here in the US. My Husky encourages me to explore like no bike I've owned. The problem with the 701 is it eggs me on, leads me to believe that ya, it's a dirt bike, and I've gone down some pretty inadvisable hard core steep loose and rocky trails with it. The last one would have my full attention on my 300, much less the heavy 701. I made it though, and it was an "adventure" of sorts! Speaking of adventure, the harder core ADV riders in America love to strap luggage and 150 pounds of camping shit onto the back of their BMW GS class large ADV bikes, ride graded dirt roads and if they dare venture off those, seriously struggle in mild off road. Then they sleep out in the sticks in a tent, covered in dirt and their own sweat. All that seems ridiculous to me, I don't understand the fascination. 😆 Back to the 690 bikes, they can do reasonably limited highway fine, with the limit set more by rider comfort than the bike itself, and they are pretty decent for riding off road. Being more of a 50/50 bike, the 690 platform isn't a great street bike and it isn't a dirt bike - it basically sucks equally wherever you go! The beauty of that is the 690 may be cumbersome compared to a real dirt bike, but it can do harder single track trails that I would never take a T7, 890 or bigger ADV bike on, and it is still a far better street bike than the smaller dual sports. An added stupid attraction is the big thumper does long hanging 2nd gear power wheelies. Oh ya... Of course being a KTM product, my 701 was expensive to buy, and then I had to drop even more money on it with Rottweiler Performance in the form of a O2 sensor eliminator fueling dongle and mapped Power Commander to richen up the stupid lean fueling, and of course put a proper exhaust can on it. For whatever reason, the 690 platform is choked up badly from the factory, perhaps the big single has a harder time meeting current sound and emissions regulations. When freed from such constraints the Kraken is truly released. After the performance mods it runs so much better, especially off idle and through the midrange, that the stock gearing felt too short. I geared it up from 15/46 to 16/45, now it cruises at 70-75 MPH (115ish KPH for our more enlightened Metric system friends) very easily. It would be happy to go much faster, but even with a small Puig screen on it, the wind gets to be a little much above 75 MPH. Off road the geared up bike still works much better than a stock bike with stock gearing, there is that much more off idle XR650R like thumping power, so it is fine in other words. I sent the seat out to Renazco Racing to be redone as it was fine for off road, but it was a weapon of ass destruction on extended street rides. I spent an irrationally stupid amount of money buying and modifying my 701, but I plan to keep it for a long time. I always hang onto my bikes for years after I set them up to my liking. It is very cool to be able to ride on the highway, slay the two lanes and go trail riding all on one bike and have it do it all reasonably well. Blessed to have a 300 XC for real dirt and a clean used, tuned and lightly accessorized '14 Super Tenere for long distance pavement work. The large and heavy ADV bike with it's big fuel tank and longer travel suspension is great for comfortable distance riding in the US, as our ill maintained roads and slabby concrete freeways tend to suck. I do love that I can stand up on the ADV bike for awhile when my knees and butt get tired or my crotch simply needs airing out. There is nothing like riding along on the open road at 80 MPH with the pants zipper down to air out the boys... Enjoy that sweet 890 and always remember, if one can swing it, more bikes are always > less!

[@DXRAZOR]

I sold my Africa Twin and came to enduro because of the videos you do and the fun I can have.

[@perkuleez3331]

I have an 890R, same year. Absolutely love it. I had a 450 and a road bike but sold both and rolled into the 890. I have one bike, no choice. So I use it as intended. I don't live near enduro type terrain but have loads of lanes on my doorstep and it's amazing. As you say I can ride the roads and then ride the trails. Big point to note. I swapped out the wheels to the heavy duty power parts ones and can run tubes and way more aggresive tyres. Huge difference. Sad you're selling, I don't feel like you scratched the surface of this bikes potential...that said if you have enduro terrain on your doorstep, I get it!

[@bradsanders6954]

I cannot imagine, doing a long day ride on 890, getting a dreaded flat with a tube? And levering that rear tire off the rim to fix it. I get it you want an aggressive tire but holy jeeze. Ive had over 6 flats on my DR650 and fixed them at roadside, its never fun and would be considerably less fun with a stiff 150x70x18 rear tire. The 890, if I do a BDR I will run tubeless knobbies of some kind, motoz makes good ones.

[@ianross225]

Interesting video. I’m one of those old guys (64). I like the adventure bikes mainly for the tall riding position and presence. My GSA was great but very BIG. In some ways why I liked it but it’s drawback in the real world of town riding (a necessary evil for me). Next an Africa Twin full fat DCT. I found it top heavy and just didn’t gel. I tried an 890 Adventure (non S) and loved it. I bought a heavily discounted pre-registered new 2022 bike a year ago and it’s great. But then I rode an “adventurised” 690 Enduro. Light, skinny, powerful enough to have a power to weight ratio that is on a par with the other big bikes but genuinely off-road capable. Sure, some work needed to the ergonomics but great bike so much so that I have a 701 Husky Enduro under development! Crap time to sell the 890 and time to see if my “unicorn” is the 701. Cheers, Ian

[@ChrisSauer-oe5ve]

Smart decision 👍🙌

[@danarussell4246]

Old man here that has been riding 50 years and is retired. I have a KTM 350 EXC-F for offroad, a Honda XR650L for easy dual sports or back road rides and a BMW R1200GSA for back road rides/longer rides (I will go gravel/dirt roads but nothing crazy). The one bike that keeps calling my name is the Gas Gas ES700. I’d have to part ways with the XR which is so easy to adjust valves on.

[@ApocGuy]

dont; XR is already vintage and will bring you years of joy despite its age. i'd stick to it and sell some other bike.

[@scottc4433]

Xr is a dinosaur compared to 690

[@danarussell4246]

@@scottc4433 I agree but I’m over 16,000 miles now with almost zero maintenance. I’ve adjusted the valves a few times but the last 2 times everything was within specs. I did finally put new chain and sprockets on her and did change the front a few times. I have gone through several front brake pads and some rear. Also tires now and then. I keep drooling at the Gas Gas ES700 and love the looks of that bike but like the PDS the 690 has. Then I keep saying I’d add a bike to the stable I’d have to take to a dealer for service. If I get anything new it would be the KTM 500 EXC-F. P.S. The XR is an ugly girl but I love her.

[@scottc4433]

@@danarussell4246 I sold my xr and got the 21 500 excf new . It’s awesome . Very pricey especially with all the cool mods

[@ApocGuy]

@@scottc4433 ... that will run long after that 690 bites the dust. and before anyone bashes me; i have two SX bikes from KTM, but long term use i' deff pick jap bike.

[@NZCycletherapy]

Er, a lot of ‘Old Guys’ as you put it are retired enduro or mx racers that still love to ‘have fun’ as you put it and are by no means slow or timid on big bikes, just sayin 😉

[@lukefish7562]

Got the Norden 901 Expedition and couldn’t be happier with it. Doing more off road and getting Pirelli rally tires soon to aid in more serious stuff. Enjoy! Always great video!

[@CBSRACINGESSEX]

Iam a Ktm fan boy but the norden is such a better bike. It just needs better suspension

[@lukefish7562]

@@CBSRACINGESSEX love KTM/Husqvarna both. And yes the original Norden needed suspension but they improved it on the Expedition model thankfully. 🏍️💨

[@leanit5756]

Brilliant performer, but I got rid of mine, and ride a Tenere 700 now. The KTM had a failed cam chain tensioner, and KTM would not supply them as a replacement part for an undetermined period of time.

[@pjconey]

I'm surprised that nobody has hacked KTMs systems and made a nice few quid switching the packages on.

[@wfodavid]

Spot On review! Have 890,500, 300, 250 and trials because one bike cant do it all! Solid Review!

[@lewsdirtbikedays]

I disagree dude, we've spoken before on insta about taking you out round Wales, I sold my sherco 300 for the T7 so I didn't have to ferry it around in a van, and for me personally was the best decision ever, and I've no interest in road riding, I'm on the most aggressive offroad bias tyres you can, basically enduro tyres, which are suprisingly good on road, yeah I'm not getting 3000 miles out of a set but they're so good offorad I don't care, plus it's the offroad that kills them, not the road. These big bikes can do all the shit on the trails the enduro bikes can you just need to have the confidence to apply it. You can't sell it yet mate, let me take you out at least once before you put a nail in it. Me and Rob are planning on getting out at some point in September on the big bikes, come with us before you decide anything concrete.

[@cp4512]

The Chinese built 790 and 890 KTM engines seem to have many camshaft issues now. You need to think of that if you’re buying a second hand KTM without a warranty - could be very very expensive.

[@mattyb7736]

The new ones warranty is non existent as well. Ask anybody with cam issues. I'll never buy another KTM. I've learned my lesson the hard way.

[@epoxone]

The 890 Motor isnt made in china.

[@mattyb7736]

@@epoxone i think you will find the engines are made in China under licence. Assembled in Austria

[@Spamgoham1]

@@epoxone they will be soon

[@epoxone]

@@Spamgoham1 That would be a shame.

[@chukku2175]

Actually, it's 14k not 12.5 😂 ADV bikes make sense to people like me who only can / want to own one bike. With my Tuareg660 I can ride some serious offroad trails but I can also do a 1000km+ road trip with my wife and some luggage on the back over a long weekend. No other kind of bike offers that kind of versatility. Here in Switzerland I always have ride several hundred km before I even get to a Trail. I really wouldn't want to do that on a proper dualsport.

[@ChrisSauer-oe5ve]

Finally someone said it!! Bravo 👏 🙌🥳 Was waiting for this statement and choice of bikes! 🤗

[@JondavKTM]

I ride a 300 (22) and a 690 enduro R (20) and wow what a pair, I highly highly recommend bringing a 690 to your channel next you’ll be blown away! I use my 300 for enduro, and the 690 for green laning and Tet and what machine it is you’d absolutely love it, so capable!

[@anonymousanonymous8306]

yep, 300 and 701, and a Tuono for sport touring. But the 701 can do it all if I could only keep one

[@braaap690]

Yup I have a 21 Gasgas 300 and a 14 KTM 690 with rally tower. Great combo to have!

[@torariders313]

My plan is to ride hard enduro while Im still young and fit. I will save save the adventure biking until later on in life when I have more money and dont want to slog it up steep hill climbs.

[@JarrodLeis-ep3se]

I think you hit the nail on the head with the tire problem on this class of bike. Because of the extreme weight of these bikes they require proper off road tires much more so than a duel sport bike but because of their weight and power they will destroy proper off road tires very quickly on the street. I always said that to ride these bikes off road you need to process these three things 1. You need to be an expert rider 2. You need to be in good physical condition 3. You need to be a minimum of 6’4” and 235lbs of solid muscle I guess I should probably add to the list that you need an unlimited tire budget as well….

[@redbear1935]

Exactly my point. I have supertenere 1200c.c for road and gravel and DRZ400S for dirt and to get to it .

[@hamish3766]

My thoughts after having a 890 adv R for 2 years. Motoz Rallz tyres are a must, can still scrape the pegs on the road and the last 5000+km if sensible on the trottle, decat is great for reducing heat of rear shock, bike sounds great with decat and std muffler. A lot of the "muffling" on a 890 is the decat. One correction , rally mode is adjustable traction control , and it lets you have abs on or off. I leave it on to be honest.

[@jackchristodoulou197]

I ride a 2022 KTM690 which I love but I was thinking about selling it for a 890 I think you just saved me a lot of time and money

[@paulfenn5060]

If you can find a KTM 950 Super Enduro R in good shape, snatch it. It answers everything you dislike about the 890. Affordable, raw, brutal, unrefined, no electronics or rider aids, plus lithe and competent even on hard trails, and comf on the expressway. Mine's 450lb with a full tank and tools. Slap on a pair of Tractionator RallZ and you'll get 10,000 km rear and 15,000 front, with great traction offroad and quite good on tar -- except in the rain.

[@doukanylmaz5789]

I rather to keep a scooter for urban mobility and 2 stroke for all the fun stuff. whenever I have time, it is better to do some hard enduro races, go other places to ride, do motos , get some proper coaching etc.

[@Odomas]

It's interesting what people find to be expensive. I've got a KTM 790, but after recently thoroughly enjoying the Bridgestone trail at the ABR festival, I'm now interested in doing more offroad, so started looking at enduro bikes. A new KTM 350 EXCF is £10,649, and that's not even the Six Days version. When you look at how much you get for your money from the 890R in comparison, the 350 seems crazy expensive to me... Value is definitely subjective...

[@nickg2431]

Until you take it across hard terrain,then it all makes sense

[@ApocGuy]

that 350 will get you from east to west coast (albeit with sore ass and empty wallet for gasoline) across rocky mountains, while 890 deff wont get anywhere near serious off road that 350 is capable off. 890 is ok for roads, but as soon as gravel rods ends, its game over. i have KLR 650 (modified to suit my needs) and its pig when it comes to off road. well, 890 is few levels behind KLR when it comes to serious off roading. and yes, im talking about mk1 KLR, which are renown for longevity, reliability and quite good off road capabilities for that segment...

[@glennaltschwager5234]

I totally get where your coming from. My enduro bike wins the battle every time i have to choose what to ride. I love the idea of an adv bike, but really struggle sometimes to find the motivation to ride my Africa Twin. Im contemplating a KTM 500 or similar and setting it up as a light weight adv bike, as what i seem to enjoy is the more snotty offroad riding. Cheers for sharing mate 🍻

[@EscurKo]

check out the AJP PR7 - you will be surprised :)

[@P6_7R_Nick]

What's the list price of a KTM 300 EXC these days, is it 10k yet? It's each to their own but I don't think £12.5k for that is bad for that when you consider a 300 EXC is not far off £10k.

[@Michael_Shay]

One of the biggest gripes I have with adventure riding is how it's catered to older people with retirement money to spend. But one thing I have learned is that it doesn't have to be as expensive as people make it out to be. I'm a full time college student/employee, I don't have a lot of money to throw around, I also don't have a truck or van to transport an enduro bike. Which is why I have a suzuki DR650 that I purchased used. Already has suspension upgrades, better seat, big fuel tank, exhaust, better carb, etc. Paid $4k for it. I've never run into anything where the ability of the bike has been the thing that stops me, it's always my skill level. The important part to me is the street legality. It makes such a world of difference being able to commute on it. I could have a shit day at work, but I always have riding home to look forward too (it also helps that we've secretly built a few jumps in the parking lot). Sometimes I wish I had the money to throw at a T7 or an 890, but ultimately I'd rather stick with the DR and spend any of that other money on the actual adventure part of the sport. With all that being said, I think you should try a 690 or a 701. I think it'd be a good middle ground for you.

[@peternaur]

I also really like the ADV content. But hey, I sold my 790, bought a 701 and a sherco 300 sef enduro bike instead. No regrets!

[@MQMX]

Had a 690 loveddd it, sold it to stop the wheelies.. got s1000r thinking of adding the 701 back to the pack, its missed hmmm.

[@erastesiano]

The rally mode doesn´t turn off abs and traction control it enhances them for off road where you can control the slip.

[@orpaztron]

56 Old here... I'm not sure that you understand yet what "an adventure motorcycle" is all about regardless of this KTM. This motorcycle is all about compromise. Within this "ADV segment", the KTM is the most capable off-road. It has many disadvantages and the price is only one of them. but- the KTM 790/890 is the only one that provides good suspensions, brakes, 100 H.P, and an electronics package in ~200Kg . It's not as reliable as the Japanese or as beautiful as the Italians or as comfortable as the Germans but for offroading, it has no competitors (maybe the Desert X is somehow similar). and it's not for Enduru...or GP racetrack.

[@shanemagee8143]

Love my 890r it does everything I am capable of, just need to push the boundaries on them just like you would on the enduro bikes

[@gummball]

Couldn't agree more! Cost (incl cost of crashing), weight (off road), tyres... There is no unicorn

[@monman8183]

Had a new F800GS back in 2015, £12k with all the extras. Rode it till the headstock bearing went at 8k miles. Lost faith in it then. Binned it for a Transalp 700 with 8k miles on and never looked back. Put 11k miles on so far and it's been brilliant. Use my Enduro for what it's designed for. 👊

[@airindiana]

Having only ever ridden a dog slow CZ125 20 years ago in the last year I got a Husky TE150i finally And I love it. I don’t have anyone to ride with at the mo but I’m going to play days (albeit most of the time terrfy myself). I’m glad you’re sticking to the enduro bike roots. For me I’ve always wanted a proper “dirt bike”. And at 40 something finally did it. Adventure bikes seem too hybrid for my own tastes, not my cup of tea at all.I unashamedly have to like the look of something and powering through dark forests on long distance laps, covered in dirt was the stuff in the dirt biking mags of the 90s that seemed so cool. One man’s poison etc, that’s just me! as for adventure, I’ve realise the world of organised enduro play days and events/comps is huge! Pack on trailer, drive off, camp and ride Llandrillo or dusk til dawn (one day). I think there’s plenty of adventure to keep me going on my Husky for a while. If I change my view one day then I’ll adjust at the time, but for now…

[@silverdale3207]

Lol sounds like me once, then I hit 50 something, lost my Mrs to cancer, bought an ADV bike to get off the farm and think about something else and am loving ADV riding (still have my KLX450 as well), amazing how life changes sometimes.

[@airindiana]

@@silverdale3207so sorry for the late reply, for some reason I often don’t get notifications. I’m very sorry to hear about your loss. Finding a new lease of adventure is a wonderful thing. I’ll very likely feel differently about the direction I take myself over time. I only have to look back a few years to see how I was doing different things outside of riding. In fact since I posted that I’ve been wondering about doing my road licence to start green laning! So much for my opinion 3 months ago 😄

[@silverdale3207]

@@airindiana cheers, yes funny how we change,I didn't expect to love adv riding as much as I do until I tried it. Still nothing quite like the thrill of a dirt bike, but at least we can still end up in odd places and covered in dirt on an adv, the challenge of getting a heavy bike to places you'd normally take an Enduro is part of the fun. Happy riding.

[@gregneville8944]

haha. I'm in the same boat. I have an 890, a 690, a 500, a 250, and an electric bike. All pretty new ktms. But every weekend I walk into the garage and look at all of them..... then I ride the 500.

[@ode4492]

Good on you for being honest with yourself! I struggled with letting my F800GS go when in reality I never took it off road, it was uncomfortable to ride for long distances, 2-up was miserable, and the GF didn't like riding on it. I sold it and bought a R1200RT which is the exact opposite bike. But it is amazing to ride and definitely checks the box next to my 300XCW and 525XC. Thanks for the content.

[@gee4zfpv]

Cost vs Fun is totally worth it!!!! I have a 2023 890 Adventure R and have put over 8500 miles on since getting it new mid April! The bike is so capable as what it is! Of course its not an enduro and an enduro is not an ADV bike! But then again I love anything that has two wheels and a fast engine! 😂

[@victors3803]

In 2010-2011 there was a beautiful bike - hypermotard 796. 2 cylinder light bike. I used it everyday. It was fast, nimble, i could use on streets and to go into the forrest (real offroad, not the one we see on youtube). Few times a year i made trips 1000-2000 km on weekends and it was ok on highway, because it was 2 cylinder. I don’t understand why did Ducati stop manufacturing this hypermotard. Each year they made it more and more powerful and heavy. This year they finally made a 698 hyper, but it will be 1 cylinder, so i’m afraid it will be impossible to drive it on long trips. Why ducati? Why?

[@procesgnilny]

Interesting point of view... i had exactly opposite 🙂 Had 990 ADV, wanted to try hard enduro, get 450 EXC, and every time i went to the garage i end up on 990 🙂 I was pissed off with towing EXC to events, with its lack of stability on the road and high mainenance. I also wasn't as good on it like i wanted to be, so after this dissapointment i sold both and bought Husky 701 as a middleground. Enjoy it a lot, but after 3 years i missed a high speed stability of heavier bikes and went back to Adventure. Everyone have its own point of view - for you 12grand is a lot to sit in the garrage, for me 9grand for EXC was too much to sit in the garage to be use once in a month on the race or paktice day. And there is topic of 50/50 tires... while they just "alright" offroad and more or less you need to stick to dry conditions, offroad to enjoy the bike - they are great on tarmac. You just need to trust them, learn them, and then you find yourself being faster than lads on road bikes down b-roads and country lanes. And as for the offroad - my adventure habits were making it more difficult to ride hard enduro. In your case its probbably other way round - your techniques and skills will need adjusting for heavier bike and then you will enjoy it more, like Tarres or Kadafi Enduro 🙂 Maybe give it a try when you get older 😉

[@ApocGuy]

wait, arent EXC's street legal? i mean i have 2007 EXC 450 and its perfectly legal....

[@Bandy64]

Have the ‘20 790 version and had to do the calculations but mine cost about 15 k Canadian (8900 ish British pounds). I’m blown away how much the prices have increased. Damn. Great bike though. Goes everywhere, has been remarkably dependable with just normal maintenance. Good bike for this ‘older’ rider.

[@MidWestMX]

They are great bikes indeed and easy to take on a solo adventure

[@MrCRAIGREVO]

Is it really that expensive in the grand scheme of it. A 300 six days is almost 11k!

[@oliviermagere]

I guess the point is that it's value if you're going to ride it. For me it's between my bicycles and the motorbike 🤷‍♂

[@aaron___6014]

Exactly, a 250xcw is almost $10k.

[@GJCOrado]

I understand what you are saying and the price of admission is steep for a new bike from a dealer. Especially KTM/Husqvarna. But.. Used bike prices are cratering right now. I picked up a 2022 890 R for $13000 US that has only 2000 mi on it with tech and comms packs, plus loaded with extras (aux tanks, steering stabilizer, GPS mount, etc etc). It depends on where you live and the riding you want to do. Riding 1500-2500 miles home from Mexico or a BDR route is not enjoyable on a small thumper. I also have a 701 and it is not much more enjoyable on that thing either, the reason it is up for sale. There is no “one” bike but the 890 seems to fit the bill for the riding I want to do now. But that new Kove 800 Rally X is damn sexy.

[@hillquestdualsport]

I choose the KTM 390 Adventure. My first choice is my enduro but have an ADV bike for the same reasons as you. Look into it.

[@nickg2431]

It isnt really an adventure bike more a road bike that can go off road sometimes ,low ground clearance,lots of things to break off,cast wheels etc..

[@GregH_09]

Cool to hear your insights on how things were going on the 890. I kinda went the opposite direction after getting my CRF450x up and running again. I realized it’s a bit much off road and a better bike than I’ll ever be riding it. My 690 with a group of friends is my go to now. Great video!🤘

[@MidWestMX]

Yeah I heard the 690 is a great trail bike. The 890 is quite a big heavy bike and being use to a lighter bike just makes it feel weird.

[@EscurKo]

@@MidWestMX 701 Husky owner, that came down from a 200+kg ADV - once I started riding the 701 trails and offroad actually became FUN to ride. Before that the happiness came when you actually CROSSED the obstacle, on a 701 it's actually fun DOING it :)

[@cagiva125cc2]

DO love the look of the 701!! The only bike I'd swap the t7 for

[@motorsnutts6594]

Fair play bud , least you know what there all about now. I love my tiger 800, it’s bit the same as enduro in as much as it’s where the bike takes you and what you experience along the way. Appreciate your effort mate 👍🏼👍🏼

[@sanjosejeff]

You said it best when you said you can’t only have one bike to do it all. I live near the steep sierras and bought a 2016 KTM excf which is really just a plated dirt bike. It taught me the single track skills so when I added a 2023 890r I was super happy i spent 7 years getting proficient for a bigger adv bike. I’m older and live close to sooo many places the 350 is too small for and the 890 is the most dirt capable big bike ever made. Maybe a gold wing to ride cross country for the third bike 🤔😂

[@glossblack1098]

I have a 300 two stroke and a 690. The 690 is 50 kg lighter than the 890. Maybe try a 690 one day? Feels more like a big dirt bike and could suit you better? Cheers

[@Moto_Yelt]

I mean, 12500 is alot of money but compared to the exc which costs 10-11k new it's priced pretty good I think. In the end an EXC is just an mx bike with a headlamp...

[@SideQuestStijn]

890 is not meant for 1000km), get an adventure bike.

[@devisedbydev2764]

I did the same thing but choose a Superduke 1290R. Loved, loved, loved it. But didn't seem to want to ride it compared to my 300XCW. Sad...I know. Lost a ton of money on that.

[@GeorgeLilly-d3t]

12 k mate just got his first 7 k only done 5 k miles 22 plate sexy bike I had a go good fun pretty fast also 100 nm that’s decent for real

[@silverdale3207]

Agree with a lot of what you say, nothing beats the fun of an enduro bike but It annoys me having to trailer it to a ride and most rides are organised over farmland here in NZ so you have to ride when the event is on not when you have time, I thought I'd still do a lot of enduro on my 450 when I bought my T7 but it has just sat in the shed because the ADV bike is so versatile and you can just jump on and ride whenever you feel like it, and you still get to do enduro type riding.Also age , yep everyone I ride with has grey hair but we're just teenagers in older bodies, we can afford them and it is a natural progression or add on to a dirtbike and we tend to be into exploring more and going further than when we were younger. I'll ride my ADV until they put me in a zimmer frame, even then I'll probably make motorbike noises as I push it around the rest home.

[@martinfretwell]

Ktm should recall these bikes or people wont buy in the future. Big brand name with high price should give the buyer confidence.

[@erickschmidt432]

I have the 890 and my gas gas 250 two stroke. I enjoy both. But I don't like to ride the gas gas down the road. So I ride the 890. And I take it on the trails where I take the other. Just got to figure it out. I'm liking it .

[@AlsRides]

Time to get a 4T Beta, you know you want one!

[@Beckii2k11]

you need a dual sport! ktm 500 or a wr250r. somthing like that

[@lafdew]

MidWest I think your better off with a dual sport exc-f 500. if your only riding for like a hour or two on the road its just the better option. you can do way more with it off road.

[@bjooppeg]

I had a KTM Adventure bike, but as you sold it, since I never used it. So much more fun to drive Enduro on my GASGAS.

[@nrg4285]

Curious why you didn't want a Tenere 700? Seeing that Aussie dude whip it in the outback looks epic

[@jls.mp4]

sounds like shit, looks like shit, feels like shit. oh and did i mention its a yamaha.

[@petehomer675]

He is sponsored. he will whip anything he is given, and he can ride far better than most of us, but at the end of the day, an 890r is a much better bike than a T7

[@robocombo]

Makes sense. I don’t see much point in having an adventure bike if you already have an enduro bike. Seems like they're not great at either thing... I have a great enduro bike and a great road bike, no compromises... except having to own a van, which costs more than both combined 😂 I'd buy an adventure bike to do a long overseas trip... orrrr just put both bikes in the van!

[@erickelly7161]

I got rid of my 690. I now have just a 1250gsa which I just finished the Idaho bdr. Question for people like myself that ride 35 minutes to 2 hours to get to dirt and enjoy the ride isn't a 890 adv r a great bike for doing just that????

[@llerradish]

I bought a 2007 Suzuki V-Strom 650 for $3,000......is it as capable as your 890? No its not, but it will do what I need it to do a for a lot less. I am very grateful for people that buy new bikes some people like me can buy used bikes

[@dtoon3588]

Prob worth it for the people who has money.. I mean it looks cool

[@karlforrest4470]

gotta disagree the 690/701 does road and off road good.

[@Rossy_moin]

I felt the same mate, finally ditched the T7 and grabbed a new beta….. absolutely never looked back 👍

[@Inguz88]

I'm in a pretty similar place.. I'm also selling my 890ADVr. I've bought my self a xt660z for the occasional street and light offroad riding it's just less expensive in every thing including it looses nearly no value.. which is often overlooked

[@quickshiftpov]

I know you're a KTM fan but for me, the whole point of enduro/greenlaning etc is to be as light as possible for as much fun as possible and whilst all these bikes are great they're heavy & expensive. I think the Kove 450 would be ideal for you as that middle ground between enduro and more adventure style riding without breaking the bank too much! 💯

[@nickg2431]

probably a very good idea for ADV/Trail riding...

[@EscurKo]

Kove 450 weight the same as KTM 690 Enduro, has half the power, has mediocre Chinese components and isn't yet proven to be reliable for travel. And a 690 can be bought a bit used to match the price of the brand new Kove, and looses value much slower. In my world Kove is not an option really

[@quickshiftpov]

@@EscurKo I'd recommend watching the reviews of the Kove - there's a lot of potential with this bike. Over 300+ miles of fuel - KTM doesn't have that. 690 is same weight as kove with less fuel capacity. The only argument people really use is it's a Chinese brand so assume poor quality materials however the Kove 450 pro model entered x 3 bikes and all finished the Dakar.. not sure what more people need/want

[@justsomedude445]

different horses for different courses

[@Zoofactory]

I like dial gauges. They age like fine wine. Not so much digital screens…

[@danbevis5064]

Damn...Was loving the introduction of adv videos to your channel 😭

[@codenamenel]

couldve got a Honda CRF300L for half the price and done all the same stuff

[@carlossheppard1745]

Don’t forget about the bad cams in 890/790 bikes that are failing in short order. I’m sure he hasn’t checked his yet but will find out soon.

[@PedroAlmeida-ny8qq]

To have just 1 bike for your riding style and terrain, I only see one brand, AJP Pr7! Try it and then make a video 😅💪❤️

[@rangerxairsoft8171]

I like both hard enduro and going longer trips enjoying the scenery more so a 890R makes sense. Now the price that you mentioned it's the base price, a more realistic price would easily be around 20k € or pounds depending where you live. Ofc you can get some older model but it won't be that much cheaper. Anyways you kinda need two bikes: one for pure fun like an enduro(needs transportation to the site) and one to be able to take it out for a spin whenever you feel like riding(road, off-road etc.)

[@AntaresSQ01]

Not sure where you pulled that from, there is no "base price" 12,500 is the fully loaded 890R minus tech pack, so call it 13,300 with the tech pack, and thats it. Nothing else. Comes with everything you need on an ADV, although you might wanna upgrade handguards and bash plate so, maybe an extra 2-300? This is an off road focused bike but you can get full luggage system fo it if you so please for about 500 quid, so with a few farkles, an end can, lets call it 15k at the very most. Used 2022 models can already be picked up with all these mods done and very low miles for under 10.5k A 300 EXC costs 11k... let that sink in...

[@rangerxairsoft8171]

@@AntaresSQ01 I presume you don't live in Europe🤣🤣

[@AntaresSQ01]

@@rangerxairsoft8171 No, i live in the UK where the video is from...

[@rangerxairsoft8171]

@@AntaresSQ01 Totally different market there..thought so after the "quid" thing. A second-hand 890R 2022 you get in the main-land around 15k €. The 2024 model, which everybody gets, is 17k € starting price. Add to that metallic radiator protection 120€, heated grips 265€, hand-guards 100€, adjustable break and clutch levers 300€, fog lights 445€, bar riser 50€, gps bracket 70€, engine guard 435€, gas tank protection 40€, Tech-Pack 1300€ and you get easily 3125€ of optionals. Didn't even include larger foot-pegs or a proper steering-dampener. Ofc if u need less than that just buy a regular 890. A discount of any sort you ll never get here since the demand is greater than the offer. E.g. my 2024 300exc Hard-enduro just arrived a couple month ago and it was the only KTM that arrived from the new stock, for a price of 13.5k €.

[@AntaresSQ01]

@@rangerxairsoft8171 Fair play, idk what country you live in where they want 15k euro for 22 model 890 but you're getting ripped off big time. But if that's just how the market is for vehicles there due to tax, then it's not like any of the other brands in the category are unaffected, all of which the 890R is better than

[@ChrisSauer-oe5ve]

Smart man!! Sell it and go back to basics 🥳🙌 The adventure so called bikes are to expensive, for what you’re getting 😅

[@maxflight777]

love the Insta 360 , but the lens scratches easily ! I’ve ruined two! Be careful

[@miro_s]

Not sure £13k for a 890 w tech pack is so expensive when an exc is £11.5k. Anyway, I too don’t ride it very much and have more fun on enduro bikes, differently from you I’m however oriented to keep it as a fun “road bike” because now and then is nice to go just for a ride, maybe with a pillion.

[@sambruchh]

WhT bikes are you thinking of getting? Ktm 150 or a 4 stroke would be pretty cool.

[@mino_moto]

Hello~ Thank you for making a informative video always. I've only been riding a street bike for years now. Now I want a bike that's more comfortable and allows me to enjoy long-distance travel. There's a reason why I'm getting older day by day... hahaha So the bike for consideration is the Norden 901 expedition or 890 adventure R. Oh, that doesn't mean I've come to like off-roading or mud roads. I still prefer to ride on the road. I just want to travel on a comfortable bike purely for a long trip. So would one of these two models be a good choice? Or is it a waste for my tendency to ride?

[@ReklessRagnar]

It costs 30k for the latest 2023 model in New Zealand If I convert that to pounds it's 14,646 Bloody expensive for an oversized dirt bike

[@maxflight777]

I couldn’t agree more with the sentiment in the video !

[@hdidane00]

Enduro aka Dual sport bikes would'nt take your on highways or long trips where 75 mph is the minimum speed limit

[@jeremycornishjc]

Get yourself an old ktm 525rfs and get it set up like a rally bike ...cheap as and well capable on road and off road

[@EscurKo]

KTM 690 - is THE ONE BIKE that does everything OK; I own a Husky 701 (which is the 690 tbh) and I can travel a bit further away, It is a LOT MORE FUN offroad compared to my past heavy ADV bikes and it has proper road bike oil changes :)

[@sergishikari]

get out of my mind! hahaha i have a 2022 T7, i'm super happy with that, but the 690 seems like the fucking perfect bike

[@EscurKo]

@@sergishikari I did quite a lot of hard stuff on my Tiger 800xc before switching. It's a day and night comparison, 701 is much more fun , capable and forgiving with a minimal decay in highway performance. I can do 160+ kmh easily on road when I need to overtake (or just want to have fun)

[@justsomedude445]

i almost ordered a 701'LR' and built an adventure bike out of it instead of buying the 901 which i love but more often than not i do wish id gone he other way , basically try to create something similar to the KTM390 Adventure with the 701 engine and 'LR' versions fuel capacity

[@justsomedude445]

i wish i could ride one to see how much smoother they are since the last 1-cyl bike i had , hows the vibration on the road ?? @@EscurKo

[@jefftaswelder9154]

DRZ400e 😁 would be super fun on your back roads (brings the boy out in you) and not to bad in the rough off road stuff 😉👍 what ever you decide to do is fine with me 🤔🤣keep well and ride safe-ish 😉🍺

[@motoboggle7525]

Your are absolutely right its never going to be an Enduro bike the same as an Enduro bike will never be a proper MX bike but if your trail riding then with proper tyres you would have been surprised…. I know you’ve probably heard this before but you should have bought a std Tenere 700 and put on a cheap pair of Michelin Trackers where you ride it would be an amazing bike but definitely not in the super tight or crazy climbs unless your 100% committed / mental 😆 100% get the money / guilt factor, if you buy new and add pipe , tyres , tech etc then you need to be going on some serious adventures to justify it 👍

[@Luca-cy3tg]

I’m 1.73 cm would you recommend this bike? Is the only one I really like but I’m afraid is too tall for me..

[@Boulevardfree]

Sounds like an ADV-bike is a fantastic solution to a problem that you simply don't have. No need for so much bike for light-and -solo afternoon offroad-exploring around where you live.

[@glentaylor4867]

Have u been to Australia if you ever come u will appreciate your 890 because it is adventure

[@kuladeeluxe]

My formula was a $5300 brand new Vstrom 650 and a $5300 almost new WR250R. I'd find that KTM way too heavy and powerfull off road. I bet the KTM would be quite a great adventure touring bike though....if I could trust a KTM like I trust a Vstrom to be dead reliable.

[@taekwondotkd2668]

Suzuki and reliable? What a joke. My Gladius was more time in the garage as on the street. My duke was much better.

[@deanmayke6959]

Great video and have 23’ 890r which is awesome, question what kind of plaid riding shirt is that?

[@MidWestMX]

Link in the description buddy. From big boots uk

[@russmills141]

Go grab yourself a ktm 150 and have some fun on that, them videos would be amazing.

[@rolandwheeler4842]

Honestly, if you never go on the interstate there is no reason to own one. I hate riding the interstate so I just look for ways around it. Much prefer my WR250R even if it takes me longer to get there. It is so much more fun when I do.

[@astrosimm8806]

top tip: if buying new, negotiate a fee tech pack. make out it's a deal breaker

[@babar69110]

Who needs a 890 and tons of money to go adv ?? Glad to see that people start to realize that even a 125cc brings you at end of the world, see crazy places and meet new friends...

[@unknowncommonman]

What I am really surprised about it , Is that you have not talked about it's depreciation in the entire video .

[@andreglomm9843]

I Bought a used 2019 790 Adventure R For 8200 Euro and it's quit good but don't start well when cold. Also have a Dr 800 Big which I still like a little more. Both bikes are fine but a Big is a nice old Bike you may can get for a little price 😂 But I don't sell my Big Maybe in a few years i will sell also my KTM and get a Desert X

[@markgratton7361]

Have you done a review on the gloves you are wearing? They look nice

[@anonymousanonymous8306]

Just run off road tires and change them frequently, that's it.

[@chunkybullmoto]

Man, hate to see you get rid of the adventure bike. Totally understand why you are doing it though. Hard to look at an expensive bike in the garage that you don’t ride much. Good luck on the sale.