We review the 2021 KTM 890 Adventure R! KTM’s award-winning middleweight ADV motorcycle has received several refinements this year, starting with its larger 889cc parallel-twin engine.
Following in the footsteps of its street-focused cousins, the 890 Duke and Duke R, the Adventure R boasts all of the same upgrades that the street models received to the engine. Beyond the increase in displacement, KTM engineers also gave the new engine larger intake and exhaust valves, lighter forged pistons, and V-shaped connecting rods to reduce reciprocating mass, while a 20% heavier crankshaft help improve low-rpm manners. Dual balancer shafts ensure that the engine is smooth, even if the terrain isn’t.
Shifting is improved this year, with a shortened shift lever throw and lighter shift-detent spring.
There were other changes, too. The chassis now uses an aluminum head tube and a lighter swingarm, accompanied by updated suspension settings.
Editor–in-Chief Greg Drevenstedt tested the 2021 KTM 890 Adventure R and had a lot to say about it.
Have any questions? Drop them below!
For more information about this and other KTM motorcycle, visit KTM.
I own a 2007 KTM 990 Adventure bike and am curious if this bike is enough better to consider trading in the ol’ girl for it. People talk about this (2007) model as top heavy (which it is when moving it out of the garage!) but this is not really noticed once on the move. Not sure the horsepower is a huge concern on dirt… someone convince me why I need to have this one and turn in my old one (with many upgrades over the years) please! Thanks in advance!
I’ve owned the KTM 1290 SA as well as BMW GS (2015) and both those bikes were more top heavy feeling than the 890 S.This bike feels like dirt bike in comparison.Power is amazing for a 900 Cc motorcycle.I may even start riding this over my 500 EXC.However I’m not an Extreme Enduro rider.