Since its class-disrupting debut in 2019, which earned Rider’s Motorcycle of the Year award for the 790 Adventure and 790 Adventure R, KTM’s middleweight adventure touring lineup has steadily improved. The tip of the off-road spear is the KTM 890 Adventure R Rally, which has been updated for 2024. Only 700 will be available worldwide.
Related: 2023 KTM 890 Adventure | First Ride Review
Based on the 890 Adventure R, the Rally has the same 889cc LC8c parallel-Twin that made 90 hp at 8,200 rpm and 62 lb-ft of torque at 6,200 rpm at the rear wheel when we last tested it in 2021. The Rally is fitted with an Akrapovič slip-on titanium silencer that’s 35% lighter than the stock can. The 6-speed transmission is paired with a slip/assist clutch.
Suspension is the biggest upgrade on the 890 Adventure R Rally. It’s equipped with a WP Xplor Pro 7548 fork with cone valve technology that KTM claims is the “absolute best suspension currently available.” Out back is a WP Xplor Pro 6746 shock with progressive damping. There’s full adjustability and 10.6 inches of travel front and rear, which is 1.2 inches more than on the standard 890 Adventure R.
The Rally stands apart from its stablemates with graphics inspired by KTM’s Factory Racing team as well as a dedicated rally seat and rally footpegs. Extra protection comes courtesy of carbon fiber tank guards, an engine protection grill, and an aluminum master cylinder guard. A Supersprox-Stealth rear sprocket adds to the premium build quality, and a steering damper is standard.
Rolling on special high-strength spoked Excel wheels (tubes required) in 21- x 2.15-inch front and 18- x 4.00-inch rear sizes, the Rally is fitted with Mitas Enduro Trail tires.
The KTM 890 Adventure R Rally has Motorcycle Traction Control, ABS with Road and Offroad modes, and three standard ride modes (Street, Offroad, and Rain). The Tech Pack adds Rally mode, Motor Slip Regulation, Quickshifter+, and cruise control. The KTMconnect app pairs the bike to a smartphone via Bluetooth and features Turn-By-Turn+ navigation on the 5-inch TFT display.
In addition, 34 lucky people who purchase a KTM 890 Adventure R Rally will get an exclusive opportunity to ride with KTM legends (like Johnny Aubert) at the Ultimate KTM Desert Experience. The event will take place in Morocco, with the option to choose from two dates: March 3-7 or March 7-11, 2024. Participants will be offered a full-factory style package including the use of a fully prepped bike provided by KTM with all the necessary technical support required for desert exploration, transport during the trip and luxury accommodation for a four-night stay, plus one special night camping with KTM in the desert for the total price of $5,400. With three days of riding in the area where the KTM Factory Racing Team does its rally testing, a dedicated and fully guided route, and a prepared KTM 890 Adventure R Rally, this event will be the trip of a lifetime.
The 2024 KTM 890 Adventure R Rally has an MSRP of $21,499. KTM will begin taking preorders on September 20, 2023, and bikes will begin arriving early 2024. For more information, visit KTM’s website.
