NEW BIKES 2021: KTM
First ride on the new 890 Adventure.
Things move fast in adventure bike land. In March 2019 KTM launched their all-new 790 Adventure, a mid-capacity twin that was more affordable than the Austrian firm’s big capacity V-twin adventure bikes and less focused than their fruity 690 singles. Now, less than two years later there’s a new 890 that looks very similar to its predecessor, but which gains an extra 90cc, some electronics and other detail changes. Like its predecessor, the 890 Adventure comes across as a middleweight tourer in motocross boots. But it’s more than that: the relatively short stroke suspension says on-road composure; the 18in rear/21in front wheel scream Crusty Demons while the dual purpose Avon AV53/54 Trailrider tyres are more Nick Sanders. In practise the 890 handles, steers and grips so well on tarmac you could be fooled into thinking it has 17-inchers and normal sports touring rubber. Which is quite a feat. Irrelevant as it is for most of us, but the 890 can also handle a rocky trail up a mountain, as we discover here at its world launch in Greece. But at, a fully fuelled, 220kg-plus picking this KTM off the side of a hillock won’t be easy. If you are serious about off-road you’d opt for the trail focused Adventure R and Rally versions of the 890.
Back on tarmac the KTM is comfy, has decent wind protection and a ride that’s on the firm side of plush. It sits slim and low which makes it a breeze for shorter riders, but add luggage and a pillion and it’ll be a squeeze. The longer of leg will also discover the accommodation is not generous. The seat has two height settings: 830mm and 850mm. However, this test bike is fitted with a flatter accessory seat that does away with the tall setting, so we can’t confirm whether the 850mm option is six-footer friendly. Despite the Adventure’s transmogrification from 790 to 890 bodywork, tubular steel chassis and nonadjustable 43mm WP forks remain the same, while the steering stem becomes aluminium, rather than steel, for lightness and extra flex. Adding more grist to the mill is a lighter subframe, improved brake pads and a new WP shock with rebound damping adjustment and a whirly wheel for preload. The 890 also appears to have enjoyed a lockdown pig-out putting on 7kg, no doubt due to the new Euro 5 exhaust. But as an adventure bike on the road you’ll barely notice the extra girth. Substantially the new 890 Adventure is all about its new 103bhp 899cc parallel twin-cylinder engine brimming, as it is, with new parts which include pistons, balancers, conrods, valves, springs, oil cooler and knock sensor, clutch and gears. There’s 9bhp more power over the 790 and an extra 8.8 lb.ft of torque. It also has a heavier crank with 20% more inertia, which makes the KTM’S power delivery less snappy off-road and more fluid on it.
It’s a lovely engine with creamy fuelling, stacks of low-down grunt, perfect gearing, a peppy top end and a deep burble. KTM claim 63mpg and 276 miles between 20-litre fill-ups, too. Our test bike is fitted with an Akrapovic accessory can, which would’ve made the 790 motor go and sound better too, so it’s a shame we couldn’t have tried the 890 au naturel. Electronics have also been given the once-over. There’s a six-axis gyro for more refined traction control and cornering ABS, rider aids are tweaked and there’s more slip-and-sliding in its optional ‘Rally’ riding mode where it can now tell the difference between a wheelie and wheelspin. The 890 also has a Bluetooth enabled colour dash, lots of nice detailing and finishes but all this will cost you £11,949 and that’s not cheap.
Back in adventure bike land you have loads of choice in this mid-weight sector, especially if you accept that you aren’t going to ride off-road. And if you are taking to the trails then surely you opt for the Adventure R version of the 890.