New KTM 890 Adventure R and 890 Adventure R Rally break cover

KTM’s middleweight ADV lineup just got a bit bigger. Only a couple of years after the 790 line came to market, KTM’s now introduced the new 890 Adventure R and 890 Adventure R Rally models, fresh for 2021.

As you’d imagine, these engines are very similar to the liquid-cooled parallel twins in the 890 Duke R. KTM’s done some tuning to make the engine work better for off-road riding, including a heavier crankshaft, and claims it now makes 105 horsepower and 73 lb-ft of torque. It also meets new Euro5 emissions standards. 

KTM also upgraded the clutch on the new bike, and the quickshifter. Like the base model 790, the 890 Adventure R sees the quickshifter as only optional. On the 790, the hardware necessary came installed from the factory, and the “upgrade” simply consisted of uploading some software to the bike, which enabled control over the system. Presumably it’s the same with the 890.

KTM also overhauled the 890’s chassis, with new subframe and an aluminum steering stem that replaces the 790’s steel stem. Both bikes come with 21-inch front wheel and 18-inch rear.

The traction control and ABS systems also get an update for 2021, and the 890 Adventure R sees its suspension settings updated, from the previous settings on the 790s WP XPLOR forks and shock. The 890 Adventure R Rally comes with WP XPLOR Pro forks and shock, with cone valving and 30mm more suspension travel than the 890 Adventure R’s 240mm.

The Rally version gets several other upgrades, including a lighter Akrapovic exhaust, taller seat, wider rally-style footpegs, carbon-fibre tank protector, anodized rims and wind deflectors. As mentioned earlier, the quickshifter comes standard on the Rally version as well. 

Just like the Rally version of the 790, the 890 Adventure R Rally will only come in super-limited quantities. Only 800 will be made, and only 200 will be sold in North America. It’s listed on KTM’s Canadian website, though, so you should be able to order one here if you want it badly enough. But, you know what’s not listed there? Any 2021 KTM 790 Adventure models. Does that mean the 890 Adventure R is now the base model in this series? It seems likely, and it would be sensible; the 790 Adventure R was a very decent upgrade over the standard 790 Adventure model, for not much more money.

For now, KTM Canada’s website doesn’t seem to have the pricing listed for either model, but if you want one, you’d be wise to talk to your dealer sooner rather than later, to get ahead of potential shortages later next season.