2024 KTM 890 Adventure R Review

In the middleweight adventure bike category, you will be hard-pressed to ride a more capable and versatile ADV than KTM’s 2024 890 Adventure R ($15,799). KTM has set the bar for riders seeking a sharpened yet easy-to-ride adventure platform that won’t break the bank, especially in today’s dollars.

“The KTM 890 Adventure R is designed for the extreme and the adventurous—those who seek a motorcycle that can be pushed harder than any other in its class,” says KTM North America’s Media Relations Street R&D Manager Chris Fillmore.

Related: Everything You Need to Know About KTM’s 2024 890 Adventure R

The 2024 model retains KTM’s signature aggressive, praying mantis-like styling, with a rally-inspired front end, graphics, and a broad fairing that enhances wind protection. Its styling certainly isn’t our cup of tea, but it looks more appealing in its black color. Another gripe is the liberal use of plastic/resin that doesn’t appear as high-quality as other name brand bikes.

Seated inside the cockpit, the ergonomics are well-thought-out, offering a comfortable yet commanding riding position for long journeys. In typical ADV spirit, the seat is tall but not overly so. The handlebar, on the other hand, is a tad low, but it’s an OK compromise between on- and off-road riding. We like the wide, supportive seat and the spacious front fairing, which does a great job of shielding the rider from the road during highway stretches. We do wish the windscreen offered manual height adjustment. A 5-inch TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity ensures riders stay informed and connected on the go.

Related: Top 5 Features of KTM’s 2024 890 Adventure R

At the heart of the 890 Adventure R is the 889cc parallel-twin engine, delivering 93 hp and 64 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine’s power delivery feels much like a V-twin’s power pulses and is punchier than other powertrains in this segment. Yet power delivery remains smooth, ideal for both technical trails and highway cruising. KTM’s ride-by-wire throttle ensures precise control, while the improved engine mapping provides better responsiveness across different terrains. Adjustable engine power modes, tied with traction control settings, help tailor engine response based on riding terrain. These settings can be selected at the push of a button on the switch gear. Another plus is that the switch gear is backlit for use during rides after dark.

One of the standout features of the 2024 model is its WP suspension, which is fully adjustable and designed to tackle the roughest off-road conditions. The 48mm fork and non-linkage-equipped PDS-style shock provide 9.4 inches of bump-absorbing travel with above-average stability and damping control, making rocky trails much easier to tackle.

“From smooth highways to the most rugged trails. With unmatched versatility and power, it’s built for both seasoned adventurers and those eager to explore the unbeaten path,” says Fillmore.

Here, the ergonomics pay dividends with wide, grippy footpegs and straight surfaces for the rider to grip the motorcycle between their legs.

The fork offers toolless spring preload (three positions: 0, +3, and +6) and compression (left fork leg) and rebound (right leg) damping adjustment, but you have to adjust the shock the old-fashioned way with tools. It would be nice if KTM included a remote shock preload adjustment knob so changes could be made trailside without an Allen tool.

KTM has packed the 890 Adventure R with modern electronics, including IMU-powered cornering ABS (mitigating wheel lockup on and off-road), multiple ride modes (Street, Off-Road, Rally) to tailor performance to terrain, on-the-fly adjustable traction control, and an electronic quickshifter for immediate clutchless up-and-down shifts. Cruise control and smartphone/headset Bluetooth connectivity are also included; however, it would be nice if KTM added heated grips and a rider seat to the package (available as OE accessories). Rear ABS can be temporarily disabled as part of the Off-Road vehicle setting.

The Rally setting was our preferred vehicle setting, as it offers full engine power and the ability to adjust wheel spin in eight-level increments on the fly.

Braking performance is pleasing, and we love the elevated feel of the J.Juan-sourced brake hardware (with stainless steel brake lines), especially in the dirt. The twin-piston rear brake, especially, has a good amount of power to help control the rear of the bike down steep hills, but we wish you could manually disable front ABS in the real rough stuff. Instead, the rider has to be aware of brake lever input and be supersmooth to avoid engaging ABS on loose surfaces.

Thanks to its 21-inch front and 18-inch rear spoked tubeless alloy wheels, the 890 Adventure R glides over obstacles with ease. The new-to-us Mitas Enduro Trail+ tires offer impressive grip on both pavement and in sand, hardpack, and loose terrain surfaces, enhancing handling, especially for a 60/40-style motorcycle tire. The low center of gravity, due in part to its underbelly-positioned 5.3-gallon fuel tank and well-balanced chassis, makes handling intuitive and confidence-inspiring, even for less-experienced off-roaders.

With above-average fuel capacity and a fuel-sipping engine, the 890 Adventure R offers nearly a 200-mile range, making it ideal for long-distance rides. The efficient twin-cylinder engine delivers respectable fuel economy (above 40 mpg on and off-road), allowing riders to push further into remote terrain without constant refueling concerns.

The 2024 KTM 890 Adventure R continues KTM’s legacy of building serious off-road-ready adventure bikes with “durability tested by our team in Southern California, led by four-time Baja 1000 Champion and Dakar Rally competitor Quinn Cody,” sums up Fillmore. “This bike is engineered for the ultimate adventure experience.”

With refined suspension, advanced electronics, and an engaging powertrain, this bike is designed for those who prioritize performance and capability while still offering a high level of pure touring comfort. If your idea of adventure involves a little bit of everything, this is the bike to beat—easily one of the most well-rounded and versatile motorcycles KTM offers in the US. KTM stands behind its product, too, with a four-year warranty for select 2023-2025 motorcycles, including this 890 Adventure R.