Five things you need to know...

KTM’S pumped-up middleweight adventurer

New KTM 890 Adventure

1 890 IS THE MAGIC NUMBER

In its transformation from 790 to 890 Adventure, the new KTM has more low-down punch and is sharper at the top, where it growls like a V-twin superbike. It’s an exciting and engaging engine with impeccable throttle manners, making it easy to enjoy at any speed. Returning a claimed 63mpg, you should get 276 miles from its 20-litre tank

2

WHEN EXTRA WEIGHT IS GOOD

The new bored and stroked parallel twin is up 90cc, 9bhp and 8.8lb·ft, thanks to new pistons, balancers, con-rods, valves, springs, oil cooler, knock sensor, clutch and gearbox mods. KTM has made the crank heavier with 20% more inertia, which calms the old 790’s snappy power delivery, making it more fluid onroad and friendlier in the dirt

3 ANOTHER

STRING TO ITS ELECTRONIC BOW

Now with a six instead of five-axis gyro to control its rider aids, the cornering ABS is more refined and in Off-road riding mode, the electronics release slightly for more control on the dirt and an optional Rally mode lets you fully slip, slide and wheelie. Fuel maps and traction control are tweaked to compliment the engine’s extra go

4 THE SAME… BUT A LITTLE DIFFERENT

The 890 has the same chassis and plastics as the 790 but its WP shock now has a rebound damping adjuster and a remote preload knob and the steering stem is ally instead of steel for lightness and flex. It rides smoothly with a sporty edge but it’s gained 7kg — not loads on tarmac but you can feel it on the dirt

5 IT’S HOW MUCH?

At a shade under 12 grand, the new KTM is pricier than most rivals and you’ll have to pay even more if you want an up/down quickshifter, the extra Rally Mode or for the cruise control button to work. But it’s an impressively refined and comfortable middleweight adventurer, albeit not the most spacious if you’re tall or carrying a pillion