Motorcycle specifications KTM890 Adventure R 2024 Trails, sticks and gravel juice.

The world of trail biking is changing, more than a little. More off-road-oriented machines are stirring up the sector, attracted by a more marked spirit of escapism. In short, the trail bike wants to be a trail bike again, but heavier, more powerful and more technical.

KTM must defend its image in this sector, as it dominates rallies, the enduro sector and the desire for invigorating days out, in the sand or on asphalt. For 2023, the 890 Adventure R has been given a bit of a facelift. Just what it needs to enhance its touring potential... more or less muscular.

A new vintage, a new look, but not really a new generation. It's more like a serious update. While the 890 Adventure's eyes remain unchanged, its bustier has been significantly readjusted. Gone are the open shoulders and hollow cheeks. The fairing panels extend all the way up to the head of the forks, giving the bike a more accomplished stature and a more homogeneous silhouette. The fuel tank continues to extend down to the ankles, this time clad in slightly less massive elements. The windscreen is lower and more comfortable on the sides. KTM claims that this overall design improves aerodynamics, protection and ergonomics.

As the 889 cm3 engine is still fresh, no changes have been made since the previous model. 105 horsepower and just over 10 mkg in the connecting rods are more than enough to take it to the hills and valleys. It's on the chassis side that the Katoche wants to give more. The WP XPLOR suspensions have been fine-tuned to deliver more feel and reduce rider fatigue. The original tires have been upgraded to Mitas Enduro Trail+. Brakes, frame and other structural components remain unchanged.

there are a number of touch-ups on the electronics side, including a new feature that opens a Pandora's box. The DEMO mode. A marketing tool that's both relevant and tricky. For the first 1,500 km of Adventure use, all functions and options are available. Once the mileage has been passed, the owner can choose what interests him and pay accordingly.
"
- No need, I've been doing without it for years.
- It's in Demo. Do yourself a favor, it's free for 1500 kilometers".
A few days later...
"Yes, it's too good. I can't live without it.
- I told you so. Go on, get out a few hundred euros to keep it."
An interesting add-on to discover all the wheel's on-board technology, but watch out for the bill.

Let's put that carrot aside. The digital world has other improvements in store for us. These include a new ABS control unit and its Offroad mode, directly integrated with the Riding Mode Offroad (also available on the Rally, as an option). Anti-lock braking is less active at the front and completely deactivated at the rear.

The wave of TFT screens arrived early on the Mattighofen machines. A small refresh maintains the feeling of quality and modernity. The 890 Adventure's panel retains its 5-inch (12.7 cm) format, but revamps its graphics, improves the navigation system, integrates a list of favorites for phone calls (up to 10 or one of the last 10 numbers called), is equipped with USB-C sockets, and displays a whole host of info: speed, engine speed, clock, outside temperature, range, riding mode, tire pressure, heating level of heated saddles and grips, trip, etc. - editor's note: it all depends on the equipment installed. There are options in all this.

The KTM Adventure 890 R is still just as much in the mood for a ride in the woods. Especially when the wolf is her. This little 2023 facelift goes in the direction of dynamism, without really transforming what has already been achieved. No risk-taking, just a desire to discover new paths.

M.B. - Manufacturer's photos