KTM 890 Adventure R

Where does it sit in the KTM range?

The 890 Adventure R is KTM’s off-road-focused middleweight twin. It sits above the 790 Adventure, which replaced the standard 890 Adventure in 2025, and below the 890 Adventure R Rally, an even more extreme limited edition. The 2026 model year, listed by KTM France alongside the R Rally, carries over the 2025: same spec sheet and, in KTM’s photos, the same white, orange and blue livery inspired by the Dakar-winning 450 Rally. According to KTM, it is built on its Austrian production line.

How much does it cost?

KTM France lists a recommended retail price of €15,899 including VAT, excluding registration, in a single colour (orange, with a white, orange and blue livery). As of 13 October 2026, the model page also shows a promotional price of €14,399, with no end date. The price has come down: the 2024 and 2025 model years were listed at €16,649. The limited-run 2026 890 Adventure R Rally, with 270 mm WP XPLOR PRO suspension and an Akrapovič silencer, costs €22,399. In the UK the R is listed at £13,599; in the US at $16,299 (plus $800 freight).

What is the engine like?

The 889 cc LC8c parallel twin (90.7 x 68.8 mm, 13.5:1 compression) uses Bosch engine management with ride-by-wire throttle, a slipper clutch and a six-speed gearbox. KTM France quotes 105 hp and 100 Nm; the 2020 launch release gave 8,000 and 6,500 rpm. According to Motorrad & Reisen, the switch to Euro 5+ for 2025 left those figures unchanged. On its dyno, Cycle World measured 93.3 hp at the wheel in 2023. MCN gives the engine 5/5, lively yet predictable, and Cycle World was never left wanting more power, even if it loses some at altitude in the Rockies.

How does it handle?

The chromoly steel frame uses the engine as a stressed member, and the 20-litre tank wraps low around the engine, lowering the centre of gravity. What sets the R apart is its WP XPLOR suspension: a 48 mm upside-down fork and a linkage-less PDS shock, both adjustable for compression, rebound and preload, with 240 mm of travel at each end versus 200 mm on the 790 Adventure. Add 263 mm of ground clearance, tubeless spoked 21/18-inch wheels on Mitas Enduro Trail+ tyres and a steering damper. KTM claims 200 kg without fuel and 215 kg fully fuelled; Cycle World weighed it at 216 kg with a full tank.

Cycle World says its geometry and off-road balance mimic a true enduro bike, while the plush suspension makes it comfortable on the road, even if it wallows a little more than a KTM 1290 Super Adventure S. 1000PS rates it ahead of the Ducati DesertX when the terrain gets rough, but less sharp on tarmac. MOTORRAD reckons buying one to ride only on the road would be “almost a waste”.

What electronics does it get?

A 6D (six-axis) IMU runs the Bosch 9.3 MP cornering ABS and the lean-sensitive traction control, which also manages wheelies. In Offroad and Rally modes, Offroad ABS switches on automatically: it reduces intervention at the front and frees the rear wheel so you can slide it. Street, Rain and Offroad modes, the 5-inch TFT with USB-C socket and full LED lighting are standard. Rally mode (traction control adjustable over 9 levels), Quickshifter+ (clutchless up and down shifts), MSR engine-braking control and cruise control are software options, bundled in the Tech Pack and active in Demo mode for the first 1,500 km. KTM UK and KTM North America list the Connectivity Unit (Turn-by-Turn+ navigation, music and calls through the KTMconnect app) as standard since 2025, but the KTM France page still shows it as an option, so check with a dealer. MCN and 1000PS regret having to pay to unlock features whose hardware is already fitted; Cycle World and MOTORRAD consider the Tech Pack essential off-road.

What about fuel economy and servicing?

KTM France only publishes CO2 emissions: 103 g/km. Motorrad & Reisen reports a claimed 4.4 L/100 km for the 2025 model year. In testing, 1000PS recorded 4.5 L/100 km (barely over 5 when ridden hard), Rider about 5.1 L/100 km over 5,300 km and Cycle World about 5.3 L/100 km, with an average range of 378 km. The manual calls for an oil change every 15,000 km or 12 months, a valve-clearance check and new spark plugs every 30,000 km, and new coolant every 4 years. KTM’s Premium Manufacturer Warranty covers up to 4 years, provided the bike is serviced within the KTM network.

Who is it for?

It requires a full A licence: KTM offers no 35 kW version, and its 77 kW output exceeds the 70 kW threshold above which a bike cannot normally be restricted for an A2 licence. With an 880 mm seat (Cycle World mentions an accessory low seat), it suits taller riders comfortable off-road. For mostly road riding, the 790 Adventure is lower and cheaper; the Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition shares the engine and the same suspension travel, with touring kit. Other rivals include the Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro, the BMW F 900 GS, the Yamaha Ténéré 700 World Raid and, for less money, the Aprilia Tuareg 660.

Where does it come from?

The line starts with the 790 Adventure R, unveiled at EICMA 2018: 799 cc, 95 hp and Rally mode as standard. The 890 Adventure R replaced it for 2021 with a Euro 5 compliant 889 cc engine, a crankshaft with 20% more inertia and 10 hp more; Rally mode became an option. For 2023 it gained 450 Rally-inspired bodywork, revised suspension settings, a new 5-inch TFT, new ABS and Demo mode. Since then only the graphics, the emissions standard (Euro 5+) and, according to KTM UK, a standard Connectivity Unit have changed, for 2025.

Any recalls?

No recall was found for the 2023-2026 890 Adventure R with NHTSA, Safety Gate or RappelConso. In the US, 2021-2022 890 Adventure R models fitted with Continental TKC 80 tyres were recalled in 2022 because the tyres could crack. The 2019-2020 790 Adventure R was subject to a European recall for its rear brake line and a US recall for its front brake master cylinder. MCN reports that a few owners have had camshaft problems with the 890 engine; no official campaign was found.