KTM 890 Adventure 2022 — Specifications

Who even remembers the 790? KTM barely gave it time to prove itself before slapping a beefed-up evolution under the tank. The 2022 KTM 890 Adventure arrives with a thoroughly reworked parallel twin and the clear ambition of dominating the mid-size adventure segment against the Ténéré, Tiger, and mid-displacement GS.

On paper, the KTM 890 Adventure's spec sheet speaks for itself. The LC8c twin grows from 799 to 889 cc thanks to revised bore and stroke figures (90.7 x 68.8 mm), pushing output to 105 hp at 8,000 rpm. Torque climbs to 100 Nm at just 6,500 rpm — a rev range where most riders spend their daily riding. With a 13.5:1 compression ratio and larger valves, this engine breathes significantly better than its predecessor's. The crankshaft, 20% heavier, delivers more confident traction on rough trails. A smart move when you claim to leave the tarmac. The slipper clutch handles the extra power without flinching, and the six-speed gearbox shifts with the precision you'd expect from an Austrian machine. For those reading KTM 890 Adventure reviews on forums, the consensus is clear: this engine is the real selling point.

On the chassis side, Mattighofen plays the continuity card. The tubular chromoly steel frame with the engine as a stressed member carries over unchanged — and that's a good thing, given how well the formula works. The dry weight of 196 kg remains reasonable for a machine fitted with a 20-litre tank, ensuring decent range between fuel stops. The seat, set at 850 mm, adjusts to two heights and accommodates average-sized riders without issue. The 21/18-inch spoked wheels shod with adventure tyres confirm the off-road intent without sacrificing road comfort. It's a shame the 43 mm WP inverted fork, despite its 200 mm of travel, lacks any adjustability. The WP Apex rear shock, however, gains rebound adjustment on top of preload. Progress, but the KTM 890 Adventure R — and especially the R Rally version — take the cycle part much further for those who truly want to hit the rocks.

The braking setup gets the job done with twin 320 mm front discs clamped by radial four-piston calipers, backed by a 260 mm rear disc. The cornering ABS, lean-angle sensitive, can be partially deactivated via an Offroad mode that frees up the rear wheel. Three maps (Street, Rain, Offroad) manage the recalibrated traction control and engine braking control. A more permissive Rally mode is available as an option, along with the quickshifter+, the KTM 890 Adventure comfort seat, heated grips, and an Akrapovic exhaust. The cruise control, meanwhile, illustrates KTM's pricing philosophy: the button is right there on the switchgear, but you have to pay extra to activate it. Irritating at this price point.

Speaking of price — at €13,949, the 2022 KTM 890 Adventure positions itself as a direct rival to the Triumph Tiger 900 and BMW F 900 GS, with a notable power advantage. It targets the versatile rider who wants an adventure bike capable on both road and forest tracks, without the bulk or price tag of a full-size adventure tourer. An A2-compliant version also opens the door to newly licensed riders. On the used KTM 890 Adventure market, the first 2021 and 2020 models are starting to appear at attractive prices. Reviews of the KTM 890 Adventure all point to the same conclusion: a benchmark engine in its class, an effective chassis, but an options catalogue that seriously inflates the bill to equip the bike the way it deserved to come from the factory.