It has been a second or two since we last spoke and I am sure that wherever you may be reading this, a bit of a control alt delete from time to time and to relax always helps! We are currently going into, what seemed like a very long overdue summer and this is riding weather. As we plan the next rides, weekends away and new adventures, I would like to introduce you to the 2 motorcycles that quite simply changed the middleweight adventure bikes and lead to the introduction of some what, unheard of rivals, into the mix! The KTM 890 Adventure and Adventure R!
Now, before we tackle the part where I run through the specs and make you question whether or not you have done your work and that the boss doesn’t jump on you, the KTM brand. It is quite special. It has been growing for years and is getting better and better with each passing year. They are nothing short of new ingenious designs and this is where the original 790 came in. Described by many as the bike that was needed in the market but with ever so increasing rules on the emissions, thank you Greta, the 790 had to be upgraded to the 890. Now… it was virtually the same bike, nothing to right home about but with a bigger motor. KTM did also realise this but they were hiding something up their sleeve. Roll on an unexpected launch video in September of 2022 and the new 890 Adventure rocks up!
Hello baby! A beautiful machine that is designed to look like a rally bike. Wait… nothing new on the motor? KTM… really? Something called a demo mode on all the electronics? KTM, what are you doing? Wait… there is more, new significant updates on the motor? Is this a prank? Normally they will switch it up and at least make us excited!
You see… That is where you are wrong! Every little detail has been tweaked, reworked and pushed the boundaries, AGAIN! A rally inspired type cockpit meaning everything feels closer to you, keeps you feeling like this is your own, personalised, F16! The rework on the complete front end has also increased the feeling of a better long distance motorcycle. Not that the previous one lacked that, but the R model did lack the wind protection which was ever so tiring on the long hauls. The suspension has also been tweaked. The initial impact has become a little more plush enabling the motorcycle to feel a little more in control and a little less aggressive through the arms when jumping the bike or doing tight riding. The motor, while no upgrades have happened, is smoother, more refined and definitely still that fun motor. Rev happy, plenty of go and not slow! Lastly… the demo mode. Now this is a controversial and very up in arms things that KTM did. Why on earth have something on the bike for a set mileage and then take it off? Simple! It gives the rider some feel of what they would want on the bike as a lot of riders might not want the cruise control but would want the gorgeous quickshifter and rally mode. Yes, I know it is a flick of a switch and it is on, but you must remember that the bike also has serious R&D in it and if they add all the electronics on the bike, it will come in more expensive then the rivals and that means we will be outplayed on the price bracket.
Now, for the people who did not get the fortune of taller legs, new riders and lady riders, there is the KTM 890 Adventure. A lot of people may refer to it as the S model. This bike… it is heavily over looked and it is, in my opinion, quite unfortunate. The Adventure was always great, it was always the bike that ticked all the boxes except for heavy off-roading. It was shorter, had an adjustable seat and more wind protection but just like the R model, KTM went “let’s send the rivals a stern warning!”. This bike has had tweaks like you cannot believe. From the front, it has the same styling as the R but with a taller, redesigned screen, that will assist on the open road. The suspension has now become adjustable and is running the latest WP Apex. Rear shock is also adjustable with pre-load and damping. The seat is also welcoming and offers your bum the reassurance that you will be comfortable. By far, it is the more situated bike for 85% of riders as it is more rider friendly and more appealing to a lot of people. Often the Adventure model is consider the less capable but in reality, it can do everything that the R can do, just means you will have to do it a little slower or find a 2nd route while Dave Griffin goes over the rocks. The Adventure is plentiful impressive and deserves more credit where credit is due.
KTM has once again rocked up, changed the game, improved where they have to and pushed the boundaries again. We maybe living in 2023 but they are living in 2025. It is something that I am proud of and with the rate they are going, they will not be stopping and they will continue to set unprecedented posts and goals. Chris Birch, your job is something that of dreams! If I could, I would have one of each!