First Look: KTM 890 Adventure R & Adventure R Rally

Trading off the success of KTM’s recently released, rally-inspired mid-capacity travel enduro machine, the 790 Adventure R, the Austrian brand has announced another flagship adventure model, the 2021 890 Adventure R and its up-speeced brother, the exclusive 890 Adventure R Rally – both of which are due to arrive in Oz next April. This pair of new beasts comes with more power and torque, while the limited edition 890 Adventure R Rally (700 units only to be produced) is aimed at the hardcore adventure rider; featuring WP Xplor Pro suspension components, an Akrapovic silencer, updated engine and electronics, a racing seat, and a bunch of other little trick bits.
For all the details on these works of adventurous art, here’s the official news from KTM…

Two stunning new KTM ADVENTURE machines are here to let riders #AdventureHarder and faster than ever before thanks to a series of upgrades and race-inspired specs. The exclusive 2021 KTM 890 ADVENTURE R RALLY and the updated KTM 890 ADVENTURE R capitalize on KTM’s achievements in the racing environment to embolden the brand’s prestige in the Travel sector.

Two years ago, KTM funnelled track experience, premium technology and race-inspired design into some of the most versatile and exciting Adventure motorcycles to roll off the brand’s production lines. As a result, the KTM 790 ADVENTURE line-up quickened the pulse in the mid-weight segment. For 2021 and beyond, KTM is raising heart-rates further with the launch of the KTM 890 ADVENTURE R RALLY and KTM 890 ADVENTURE R machines; a pair of new bikes based on new engine platforms with more power and torque, which are ready for extreme escapes off the beaten track.

In the KTM 890 ADVENTURE R RALLY, KTM is crafting one of the most desirable Adventure offerings in any catalog thanks to a series of components and settings derived from the efforts of the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Rally team. The data recorded across landscapes around the world has been analyzed and applied directly to the form of the KTM 890 ADVENTURE R RALLY.

Top of the range WP Pro Components ensure all-action, fully adjustable suspension while the power output of the new 4-stroke, twin, DOHC, Euro5-ready engine is boosted by an ultra-light Akrapovic silencer. The KTM 890 ADVENTURE R RALLY is a top of the range, specialized motorcycle for the hardcore Adventurer with a raft of niche details like specific chassis race settings, rally footpegs (wider, lighter and mud-free), straight seat, clear screen and winglets, racing graphics along with Quickshifter+ and RALLY ride mode as standard.

KTM 890 ADVENTURE R RALLY – MODEL HIGHLIGHTS
– Limited edition, 700 units (500 INT & 200 US)
– Updated engine & electronics
– WP XPLOR Pro Components Suspension
– Akrapovic exhaust (35% lighter than standard)
– Straight racing seat (with 910 mm height)
– RALLY mode and Quickshifter+ included
– Narrow anodized wheel rims with tubes
– Clear screen winglets and racing graphics and colors
– Carbon fiber tank protectors and Rally footrests

The KTM 890 ADVENTURE R improves and accelerates the riding sensation that many came to love with the KTM 790 ADVENTURE model family. The new engine generates 105hp and 100Nm of torque, that is 10hp and 12Nm more than the bike’s smaller brother. The crankshaft features 20% more rotating mass and the overall effect of the engineering around the powerplant means a more stable and consistent output, noticeable with low RPM torque. The added mass also means added cornering stability for long distance riding on the throttle. Fully adjustable WP XPLOR suspension, overhauled ABS software and new traction control algorithms are just three aspects that mould the KTM 890 ADVENTURE R as the company’s refined definition of an exhilarating ‘allrounder’.

KTM 890 ADVENTURE R – MODEL HIGHLIGHTS
– New 889cc engine with an added 90cc of displacement
– Engine featuring 20% more rotating masses (Euro5)
– More power with 105 hp @ 8,000rpm
– Added torque with 100 Nm @ 6,500 rpm
– Reinforced clutch
– Improved ABS and Traction Control
– Reworked shifting for faster gear changes
– Updated Quickshifter+ (optional)
– New handlebar switch for Cruise Control function
– Chassis upgrades with aluminum steering head tube & lighter subframe
– Reworked front & rear brakes
– New suspension settings

Joachim Sauer, KTM Product Manager Travel: “We are lucky in at least two ways with the unveiling of our new KTM 890 ADVENTURE R RALLY and R models. Firstly, to be able to count on the high standards and excellent collaboration with our multi-title winning Rally team. It’s very cool to be able to use their work and their components and plug it straight into our production bikes. Secondly, we’re excited by the fact we’re providing a new riding experience. The increased performance in addition to the extra rotating mass are really transforming the feeling in low rpm, with the new bikes being even more stable and efficient for the long travels. I’m pretty sure KTM ADVENTURE riders will feel the difference as soon as they get on their saddles for any kind of riding adventure.”

The exclusive KTM 890 ADVENTURE R RALLY is available in limited quantities and can be pre-ordered on ktm.com.

The KTM 890 ADVENTURE R will be arriving at KTM authorised dealers in Australia and New Zealand from April 2021 onwards.
For more info visit www.ktm.com.