KTM 890 Adventure R 2026 — Specifications

The 890 Adventure R received a few updates in 2025: handguards are slightly wider, new mirrors are installed, a luggage rack is added as standard, as is the connectivity unit to benefit from interaction between the dashboard and smartphone.

KTM fiercely defends its image in the offroad sector, dominating rallies, the enduro world, and the desire for energetic days, in the sand or on asphalt. Its 890 Adventure R had already received a few updates in 2023. Just enough to enhance its touring potential… more or less muscular.

But not really a new generation. It was more of a serious update. While the eyes of the 890 Adventure hadn’t changed, its torso had clearly been readjusted. Exposed shoulders and hollow cheeks are a thing of the past. The fairing panels now rise to the headstock, conferring a more accomplished stature and a more homogeneous silhouette. The tank still extends down to the ankles, but is now clad in slightly less massive elements. The windscreen is more relaxed on the sides and is also lower. KTM claims that this overall work allows for better aerodynamics, more protection, and greater ergonomics.

Its 889 cm3 engine is still young (and yet displaced on the Duke with the 990), so it hasn’t been touched since the 2021-2022 model, except for the current adaptation to the E5+ standard. 105 horsepower and a little more than 10 mkg in the connecting rods are more than sufficient to explore hills and valleys. It’s on the chassis side that the Katoche wants to give more. The WP XPLOR suspensions were refined to transmit more sensations and reduce rider fatigue. The original tire fitment switches to Mitas Enduro Trail+. Brakes, frame, and other structural elements are retained in their prerogatives.

There are several updates on the electronics side, including Demo mode, which opens a Pandora’s Box. A marketing tool that is both relevant and tricky. During the first 1500 km of use of the Adventure, all functions and options are available. Once the mileage is reached, the owner can choose what interests them and pay accordingly. “Do you know the Up&Down shifter? - No, I’ve been doing without it for years. - It’s in Demo. Enjoy, it’s free for 1500 miles.” A few days later... “- Indeed, it’s too good. I can’t live without it anymore. - I told you. Go ahead and shell out a few hundred euros to keep it.” An interesting add-on to discover all the onboard technology of the bike, but watch out for the bill.

Let’s put this carrot aside. The digital landscape holds other improvements. Such as an ABS control unit and its Offroad mode directly integrated into the Offroad Riding Mode (also on the Rally, optional). ABS is less active on the front and completely deactivated on the rear.

The wave of TFT screens arrived very early on machines from Mattighofen. A little refresh maintains the feeling of continued quality and modernism. The 890 Adventure’s screen retains its 5-inch (12.7 cm) format, contains a list of favorites for phone calls (maximum of 10 or the 10 last numbers called), is equipped with USB-C sockets, and allows you to view a whole host of information: speed, engine speed, clock, outside temperature, range, riding mode, tire pressure, saddle and heated grips temperature, trip, etc. –ndlr: all depends on the equipment installed. There are options in all of this.

The KTM 890 Adventure R still really wants to wander in the woods. Especially when the wolf… is it.

M.B. - Manufacturer photos