KTM 890 Adventure 2024 — Specifications

Two years on the 790; then two more on the 890; the mid-size Adventure doesn’t stay on one definition for long before moving on to another. Four seasons after its birth, here it is already in a new version, still in 890 but largely reworked. Mattighofen has moved on to something more substantial, a little more road-oriented without sacrificing the desire for trails.

The 890 Adventure phase II hasn’t been dragged to a muscle-building gym like many of its counterparts, but to a fitness center. It has worked on its shoulders to lengthen them, in a large movement connecting the cheeks, the seat and the bottom of the radiator. These large lateral triangles give it more presence but also a more academic design flexibility. A less sharp and more glamorous silhouette, a bit like when the 990 Adventure was transformed into the 1190.

Protection is announced as an important point with a taller windshield, much wider at the base and pierced with a vent to limit turbulence. Comfort also comes through a 10 mm thicker seat. A new optional lowering kit allows the minimum seat height to be reduced to 825 mm. In terms of the legs, the Adventure still benefits from the good slope of the tank descending very low. Its width protects the lower limbs and the design allows the center of gravity to be lowered. On this new generation of 890 Adv’, the aluminum engine guard widely overhangs to defend the fuel pockets.

Pirelli Scorpion STR tires, more off-road oriented than the previous Avon Trailrider, accentuate the off-road desire emanating from the Katoche. To get started, the chassis companions are still the 21 and 18-inch spoke wheels, the steel trellis frame, the J.Juan braking system and the WP Apex suspension – the R version has Xplor, more advanced. There is, however, a real bonus with the 890 Adventure II, with a front end gaining a series of adjustments. On the old one, only the rear shock absorber could be adjusted. This time, each fork arm has a small knob to adjust either the rebound or the compression. The 43 mm inverted fork retains its 200 mm stroke, as does the rear.

With 105 horsepower available, the LC8c twin has never lacked power. A cheerful and tonic engine, sometimes a little dry but one doesn’t expect sugar and fat from a Katoche. More than 10 mkg are available, and watts as needed without ever being lacking or overwhelmed. Now, there is no L version planned to make it accessible for the A2 license. The 790 Adventure (the return) will take care of this mission, as it is less powerful and fits within the regulatory limits for young licenses.

A fine attention has been paid to the credit of the electronic section. ABS has been improved, the 5-inch TFT color screen is more resistant (especially to humidity), and navigation within the software has been simplified. As for the various riding assistance systems, they remain as they were on the old 890. Except that… when purchasing the motorcycle, all optional modules are active. KTM allows the rider to try everything… for 1500 km. It is up to each person, once hooked or not, to redo a check to keep the shifter, the Rally Mode, the MSR engine brake regulation and the cruise control. If you opt out of this Demo pack, the 890 Adventure still has cornering ABS, a reactive traction control in curves, an anti-wheeling and 3 Riding Modes (Street – Rain – Off-road). Finally, the Adventure does not forget the modern need to be connected with its KTMConnect app (optional). It allows displaying Turn-by-Turn+ navigation instructions, listening to music and taking calls even more easily. New, riders can now list their 10 favorite contacts based on the last call or from a favorites list. Turn-by-Turn+ navigation allows even more customization of navigation details on the road, from the motorcycle's TFT menu, without having to stop and search for their mobile device. USB and 12V sockets will delight nomadic devices.

Adventure! A word that resonates everywhere! Illuminated by the need for escape, praised by brands, declined under multiple identities, this objective abounds the market and hope. KTM maintains the idea with brilliance and a small dozen models in this category. The 890 Adventure certainly represents the best compromise but charges severely for its performance.

M.B. - Photos constructeur