2024 KTM 890 Adventure R / 890 R Rally

Adventure motorcycles are all over the map when it comes to what they are designed for and what they are capable of. But there is no question that KTM’s 890 Adventure R and 890 Adventure R Rally are perhaps two of the most capable machines on the market.

Adventure riding is all about balance between the road and dirt, but which way a machine leans determines its market position. Open-class machines tend to lean more toward the asphalt, while lightweight singles are designed to slay single-track. But KTM’s 890s have perhaps done the best job of finding the middle ground.

Powered by the latest version of KTM’s 889cc DOHC eight-valve parallel twin, the 890 has more than enough performance to be a great on-road performer (even when loaded with luggage), making a claimed 103 hp. But is less of a handful off-road than open-class brutes like the company’s own 1290 Super Adventure.

Part of what makes the 890 so versatile is the bike’s electronics package. For on-road riding, the rider benefits from the multiple ride modes, cornering ABS, and traction control, while an optional Quickshifter+ and cruise control further add to its touring capabilities. But where the electronics really help is off the highway. Offroad ABS and the Motorcycle Traction Control systems utilize the bike’s six-axis IMU to give the rider maximum control on loose surfaces.

One of the primary areas that separates the 890 from the competition is the chassis. The WP Xplor suspension uses a 48mm inverted fork and PDS shock, both of which are fully adjustable and capable of handling the nastiest off-road terrain or gliding over the asphalt. Suspension travel measures 9.4 inches at each end. The spoked aluminum wheels are tubeless with a 21-inch front and 18-inch rear mounted with Mitas Enduro knobby tires.

The 890 R comes with a medium height windscreen, that is tall enough to provide good highway wind protection but still short enough to easily see over when riding off-road. At 441 pounds without fuel, the 890 R is still fairly light for an ADV machine, while the 35-inch seat can be a bit challenging for shorter riders.

The dash features a full-color 5-inch TFT display, while the optional Connectivity Unit allows a smartphone to be tethered to the system.

The 2024 KTM 890 Adventure R starts at $15,799. For those seeking even more performance from the 890, there is the 2024 KTM 890 Adventure R Rally ($21,499). The bike comes with a host of upgrades, among them WP Xplor Pro suspension including the 7548 fork that uses cone valve internals. Travel at each end jumps to 10.6 inches, while the bike’s seat height also climbs to 37.2 inches. Heavy-duty wheels, stronger footpegs, the top-tier Tech Pack electronics package, and Akrapovič slip-on exhaust silencer are all standard.