It’s been over a year or so since I last rode KTM’s 890 Adventure, their ‘soft-road’ version of the 890s, when their R option is aimed more towards hard-core off-road excursions into the wild and beyond.
Here in South Africa riders tend to go for the R because of its enhanced off-road abilities, or so they say. However, in Europe, it’s a different story as the 890 Adventure is KTM’s best selling motorbike, for road action, by a considerable margin. So this is my reason this time, for spending more time, with their ‘base’ 890 Adventure.
After the launch of this model a few years ago I wasn’t as impressed as I was with the R. Again too much off-road riding on the 890 Adventure showed how good the R’s suspension was and my choice went in that direction. Today though, and after a week on this 890, I can totally see and admire why the Euro dwellers go for this 890.
Two reasons stand out and are probably the reasons for the sales success; Firstly, it’s cheaper and, secondly, lower to sit on, making the riding easier for all sizes of person, either female or male. The first thing I noticed was what a pleasant place to be with its 850mm seat height, which can be lowered to 830mm if you desire with its two-step seat.
The agility also shone through, a lot! Now I’ve ridden many bikes with 21-inch front wheels that tend to feel a bit vague when pushed hard on the road and this is definitely not the case with the 890! KTM has matched the chassis perfectly with the large front wheel, a pleasure to throw around any bend, and not once did I think it’d be better with a 19-inch hoop, for example. The WP suspension was responsible for some of the tarmac attributes I’d say, but off-road, where many 890 Adventure riders won’t go, the forks are a little bit on the ‘choppy’ side, and they can’t be adjusted. However there’re no complaints from my side, on the road, from either the front or rear suspension choices.
Now let’s get into the 899cc, 8-valve, parallel twin, producing a very healthy 105hp@8,000rpm and 100Nm@6,500rpm. More than enough horsepower to see an indicated 215km/h on the superb, and very clear to read, 5-inch TFT display. I say ‘clear to read’ because some new bikes, from other manufacturers, have shocking displays that are basically ‘shite’ in direct sunlight which is not so with KTM’s choice, so well done on that subject.
Now here’s the big moan about KTM. If you want to unlock all the features of the 890 Adventure on the TFT screen you need to buy the Tech-Pack, which allows for Rally Mode and other stuff. Go to www.ktm.com to read the full benefits of this package. Maybe some riders don’t want any of that as they now own an ‘adventure-tourer’ which doesn’t need those things for their type of riding. I would say many of the Euro riders wouldn’t bother, maybe, but it will cost an extra 15k over the base price of R229,000, so the choice is yours. Let’s not forget you can download the KTM My Ride app that lets you Bluetooth your new bike to access your phone and GPS technology, which is a desirable addition that all new riders will use.
The 890 is riddled with electronic aids though, like a six-axis gyro that lets you use cornering ABS, rider modes, traction control modes and more. If you fancy wheelie stunts you’ll have to turn off some of these, or you’ll be rewarded with an embarrassing scene as the front wheel stays on the road, and you’ll have explain why but, don’t worry, I did this a few times so it happens to the best of us. A bit annoying as you have press the buttons again once the engine is turned off, but you soon get the hang of it.
Anyway, enough of all that because the 890 Adventure is a perfect bike to ride and live with on a daily basis. I had a few new bikes to ride/test at the time when I had the 890, and I always found myself opting for the KTM. Its slim dimensions, low seat, and a wet weight of only 210kg drove me onto its seat. The punchy engine is entertaining on all counts, including its sound track, as it pops and crackles from the exhaust as you shift up and down with the very good quickshifter, which has to be activated with the Tech-Pack option I’m afraid. Not sure you really need it as the gearbox is fine without, but you know how the world spins…
Another attribute with the 890 Adventure is how kind it is to carrying a pillion, a very important part of an adventure-tourer right? I took a friend from the UK out for a ride for his first encounter on a KTM of any kind, and he eagerly wrote me an appreciation note below…
“KTM 890 Adventure pillion experience"
Today I was fortunate enough to ride pillion on this incredible machine. As soon as you get up close and personal with this bike, the aesthetics take your breath away and you instinctively know you’re in for a treat. The seating position allows for a comfortable ride and, with its non-slip covering, the pillion will not slide around under intense braking. 
The step positioning of the seat allows the pillion to easily look over the rider’s shoulder and gain the experience of the wind in your face and the incredible acceleration of this all-rounder. Even as vertically challenged as I am, it was easier to cock my leg over the back of the bike than a three legged dog at a lamppost.
What really made this experience so exciting were the ergonomic grip bars. Shaped like inverted bull bars they allow the pillion rider to squeeze the thumbs into the tapered bars and grip under intense braking is assured. The grip bars also give a real sense of comfort and security and they feel really solid, a must with a nervous pillion! The cornering on the back feels amazing as you sink into the seat and the foot pegs are at a nice angle for a long ride. You simply don’t feel any stress in the thighs when you get off. I would have no hesitation in jumping on the back of the 890 at a moment's notice.
‘Tiny’ Ant Kelly”
All a bit on the ‘gushy’ side and you can see he became excited with his brisk ride. Maybe a bit too much of SA’s ‘green substances’ before, or during, whilst he wrote his little insight into the joys of being on the rear, but a happy chap all the same.
Well there we go and I can now see why so many Euros opt for the 890 Adventure. Fast, exciting, accessible, good looking and a wonderful motorbike to ride everyday and go anywhere you like. For once the Euros got this one right!
Go to www.ktm.com for more technical information and dealer locations.
Also visit our friends at www.radktm.co.za or www.ktmpaarl.co.za for a highly recommended test ride.
Images by Sudoku.
