KTM 890 Adventure R and Rally revealed
By Ben Purvis
Has written for dozens of magazines and websites, including most of the world’s biggest bike titles, as well as dabbling in car and technology journalism.
06.10.2020
KTM’s parallel-twin 790 Adventure was only launched two years ago but for 2021 the two higher-tier versions of the bike are being revamped and gaining KTM’s bigger ‘890’ engine.
Dubbed the 890 Adventure R and 890 Adventure R Rally, the 2021 machines are faster, cleaner and torquier than their ‘790’ predecessors. The new 889cc twin – 90cc bigger than the old ‘790’ engine, which is actually 799cc – ups power by 10hp to a peak of 105hp at 8000rpm, while torque rises 9lbft to a maximum of 74lbft at a lowly 6500rpm. Those numbers easily top the figures claimed for BMW’s similarly-sized adventure bike, the F850GS, which peaks at 95hp and 68lbft.
As well as adding performance, the bigger engine meets Euro 5 emissions limits and, unusually, KTM says that its 10% increase in rotating mass – thanks to a heavier crankshaft – is a benefit, improving the bike’s torque delivery and rideability, particularly at low revs.
The gearbox is also updated, with a tougher clutch to cope with the extra torque and a smoother, easier shift to give quicker gearchanges. An updated quickshifter – optional on the Adventure R, standard on the Rally – makes the most of it.
On the electronics side, the ABS and traction control are both improved
KTM hasn’t messed with the appearance of the 890 Adventure R and 890 Adventure R Rally; both machines are visually identical to their predecessors and share most of the same chassis components. But there are some significant changes under the skin.
Both models get an aluminium steering stem instead of a steel one, reducing weight, and a lighter subframe than before. On the 890 Adventure R, the WP XPLOR front and rear suspension’s settings have been updated compared to the old 790 Adventure R’s, while the Rally gains WP’s XPLOR Pro Components suspension at both ends.
Other elements to set aside the Rally include an Akrapovic exhaust that’s 35% lighter than the stock pipe, a 910mm tall, flat seat, anodised wheel rims with tubed tyres, a ‘RALLY’ mode for the engine, the improved quickshifter as standard, rally footpegs and its own look including different graphics, carbon tank protectors, and additional, clear wind deflectors on the nose.
While the mass-made 890 R Adventure will hit dealers in November, the 890 Adventure R Rally can only be ordered directly from KTM’s website. Only 700 of the Rally models will be made, with 200 of them already earmarked for the US market and the remaining 500 to be spread around the rest of the world. A counter on the pre-order site at www.ktm.com reveals how many are left, and at the time of writing – just minutes after the bike was officially revealed – fewer than 400 were still available.
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