ADVENTURE UNCHARTED
If the best places are the toughest to reach, the KTM 890 ADVENTURE R is the right machine to take you there. With an upgraded engine boasting enhanced capacity and performance, this motorcycle is ready for serious off-road adventures. Drawing on vast race knowledge and experience, KTM crafts a real-world package for riders exploring every adventure’s outer limits.
01. ENGINE & EXHAUST
ENGINE
The most notable upgrade over its predecessor is the engine. The engine in the KTM 890 ADVENTURE range delivers impressive power, featuring significant increases in both power and torque.Improvements to electronics and pre-muffler also ensure it meets the strictest emissions regulations. This, paired with a 15,000 km service interval and low fuel consumption, makes it ready to hit the long road.
CYLINDER HEADS
The DOHC cylinder head contains twin chain-driven camshafts and two spark plugs (one per cylinder). Crafted lighter than forged ones, the camshafts feature a profile optimized for exceptional engine torque. 1 mm larger intake and exhaust valves, along with reworked ports optimized for airflow, contribute to peak performance delivery. The cylinder head now houses a new balancer shaft positioned between the camshafts, matching the increased RPM and rotating mass. In addition, the installation of a knock sensor enables the detection of knocking combustions, facilitating the use of lower octane fuels, which is ideal for round-the-world travel.
PISTONS
Forged box pistons, lighter and combined with a DLC-coated piston pin, reduce reciprocating mass for improved performance. Two jets per piston now handle piston cooling, a departure from the previous one-per-piston setup. Furthermore, increasing the rotating mass of the crankshaft by 20% enhances engine behavior at constant speed. In addition, it is beneficial for cornering stability without losing the agile riding feeling.
RIDE-BY-WIRE
KTM’s ride-by-wire system translates rider throttle commands into precise throttle valve positions for each riding situation.
GEARBOX
The 6-speed sequential gearbox achieves faster shifting due to shorter shift lever travel, lighter spring action, and quicker Quickshifter+ technology. Additionally, we glass bead blast the teeth on 4th, 5th, and 6th gears for improved reliability. Quickshifter+ – optional on the KTM 890 ADVENTURE R – allows for clutchless up and downshifts throughout the rev range.
PASC CLUTCH
The slipper clutch not only prevents rear wheel chatter under hard deceleration but also reduces the force required when changing gears, enabling riders to actuate the clutch lever with only one finger, saving energy while riding.
Oil circulation is based on a compact semi-dry sump system to minimize friction losses. The oil actively pumps out of the crankcase, clutch housing, and gearbox, preventing unnecessary oil flow through the engine. The oil sump integrates with the oil pump housing, housing two pumps and a pressure regulation valve. Additionally, the engine features a larger oil cooler for efficient cooling.
CRANKCASE
New horizontally split crankcases allow for the engine’s increased bore but remain high-pressure cast from aluminium. This allows for reduced wall thickness, weight savings and optimized surfaces, offering the engine designers more freedom in their design. The crankcase integrates the open-deck cylinders.
CRANKSHAFT
A rotating mass increase of 20% means this forged, one-piece crankshaft improves engine behaviour at a constant speed, reducing any interference from centrifugal forces. The 435-degree firing order also produces a sound similar to that of the larger LC8 engine, which makes the KTM 890 ADVENTURE R feel like one of its V-twin ADVENTURE brothers when cracking the throttle open.
CONRODS
New conrods feature a trapezoidal V-shape top-end, reducing oscillating masses and supporting the motor’s revvy nature and power output. We also fit the top-end bearing with a bronze conrod bearing instead of a DLC coated top-end for longevity.
BALANCER SHAFT
When punching out those long days in the saddle, linking up tough offroad stages with sections of tarmac, uncomfortable engine vibrations are kept to a minimum thanks to two new balancer shafts, one in front of the crankshaft and the other in the cylinder head between the two camshafts.
CYLINDER
The nicasil-coated aluminium cylinders are an integral part of the sleeveless engine casing. Open deck cylinder construction optimizes cooling, enhances production tolerances, and minimizes potential cylinder warpage during production. Cylinder bore increased from 88 mm to 90.7 mm for higher displacement alongside a longer stroke.
EXHAUST
Stainless-steel and ready for adventure! The exhaust system on the KTM 890 ADVENTURE R features a redesigned pre-muffler and efficient catalytic converter for Euro5 compliance. The whole design is focused on centralizing masses, which also improves the exhaust system’s ground clearance.
AIR FILTER
The KTM 890 ADVENTURE R features easy air filter accessibility for cleaning and servicing, even if you’re out in the most remote location while on a ride. The airbox is located under the seat with the intake at the rear of the bike. Easy air filter access enables lower seat and tank positioning, making the bike narrower in crucial areas like the leg area. It has also allowed better positioning of the electronics to keep mass centralized.
COOLING
During extreme offroad exploration, it’s important the LC8c engine keeps its cool to ensure its advanced power and performance are maintained. Riding for hours in hot conditions is effortless with the KTM 890 ADVENTURE R’s advanced cooling technology and design.
02. CHASSIS
FRAME
KTM developed the overall geometry of the 890 ADVENTURE R for light handling and comfort during long-distance exploration missions, while ensuring unmatched off-road capability. The design prioritized strength, leading to the utilization of a tubular Chromoly steel frame, with the engine serving as a stressed member. This configuration reduces weight and overall size. All design and engineering innovations are focused on being compact and light.
SUBFRAME
With an even more lightweight and robust construction than its predecessor, the subframe is fully equipped for adventure. The motorcycle beneath you must be built to last. The steel trellis subframe was developed to be compact, lightweight, and strong enough to carry a full load of luggage and a passenger under the most demanding conditions during extreme adventure riding.
SWINGARM
KTM has precisely manufactured the signature die-cast, open-lattice swingarm, optimizing it for stiffness and stability while still offering excellent flex characteristics. By using a direct link for the rear shock, complexity and parts are reduced. The relatively long swingarm aids in traction, stability and suspension setup.
WHEELS & TYRES
The KTM 890 ADVENTURE R ‘s spoked 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels are specifically developed to handle hardcore offroad exploration. Fitted with Metzeler KAROO™ 3 adventure tires, the wheels are heavy-duty, lightweight and feature new anodized hubs (instead of powder-coated). With decades of experience and success in the toughest offroad and rally raid events, you can charge off into the most remote wilderness with full confidence. The standard wheels are tubeless – with the option of a Tire Pressure Monitoring System. So, for the most extreme riding, optional KTM PowerParts wheels are available which are slightly narrower and closer to enduro competition wheels – which allow for the hardest of hardcore riders to fit mousses.
SUSPENSION
When setting off on an adventure ride, there are many variables that can influence the bike’s handling performance. Rider weight, extra luggage, fuel volume and whether there is a pillion passenger or not – all have to be considered before racing off. Thankfully, the KTM 890 ADVENTURE R comes with high-quality WP suspension that for 2021 gets an updated set-up. With the additional benefit of adjustable rear preload, riders can further refine the KTM 890 ADVENTURE R to suit most typical riding scenarios, conditions, and situations.
STEERING DAMPER
To aid stability, a steering damper is fitted for those times when you’re pushing hard on the tarmac or powering across rough surfaces on route to your destination. Don’t worry; it doesn’t interfere with serious offroad riding.
TRIPLE CLAMPS
Made from high-strength forged aluminium, the triple clamps ensure excellent stability, with just the right amount of flex to provide feedback from the chassis. A redesigned aluminium steering stem has also been used to reduce weight and increase overall strength.
FRONT FORK
The WP XPLOR 48 mm fork, with 240 mm of travel, has outstanding response and damping characteristics for extreme offroad use. A spring is fitted on both sides, but each fork leg features a separate function: compression damping on the left and rebound on the right. This enables riders to easily adjust the forks on the fly by twisting a dial located on the top of the forks to suit a variety of off-road riding conditions. Also, a sealed hydro-stop guarantee excellent resistance to bottoming-out.
REAR SHOCK
Keeping the rear-end in check is a WP XPLOR shock with 240 mm of travel for the most extreme offroad conditions. Moreover, suspension can be individually setup for pre-load, (high and low speed) compression and rebound. The WP XPLOR PDS rear shock uses KTM’s trademark progressive damping system, which allows progressive damping without using a linkage system. A second piston, aided by a closed cup and shock spring, enhances bottoming resistance towards the stroke’s end.
BRAKES
Improved for 2021, the KTM 890 ADVENTURE R boasts twin 320 mm diameter brake discs with 4-piston, radially mounted calipers up front, and a 260 mm diameter brake disc actuated by a double-piston floating caliper in the rear providing superior feedback and stopping power. A new stainless steel brake hose on the rear also helps combat brake fade on long downhill sections. The rear brake features new, isolated pistons in the caliper in conjunction with isolation plates between pads and pistons in order to gain more heat stability. Moreover, the rear caliper features a stainless steel brake hose fitting to reduce heat within the brake hose.
FUEL TANK
The KTM Factory Racing team successfully used a similar tank concept in the extreme race conditions of the Dakar Rally, proving its high durability and impact resistance. The result is the best of both worlds: a slim feel of a smaller off-road bike with an exceptional fuel range.
03. ERGONOMICS & COMFORT
HANDLEBAR
An aluminium, tapered handlebar allows maximum control while affording riders a comfortable riding position. The handlebar offers six mounting positions, providing a 30 mm adjustment range for the perfect reach.
SEATS
The development of the single-piece, off-road style seat aimed to offer maximum freedom of movement, grip, and comfort for long rides. The two-part seat of the KTM 890 ADVENTURE also fits the KTM 890 ADVENTURE R, offering more comfort over performance.
FOOTPEGS
KTM designed the robust footpegs of the 890 ADVENTURE R for all-day comfort, accommodating various riding positions and boot types. Also, rubber inserts increase footpeg comfort; they’re removable for an enhanced off-road experience.
WINDSHIELD
Even when covered in dirt, this sleek windshield provides an unobstructed view directly ahead. Riders desiring more wind protection can add the taller windshield from the higher KTM 890 ADVENTURE model to the R.
04. BODYWORK & GRAPHICS
TFT DISPLAY
The 5-inch full-color TFT display offers riders vital information at a glance, keeping their focus on the road. In addition, the display’s configuration allows for some customization and automatically adapts to variations in environmental light. The shift indicator, included, causes the rev counter to blink when it’s time to kick up a gear.
LED HEADLIGHT
LED lights are used on the KTM 890 ADVENTURE R as the main headlight and taillight. Offer great illumination and visibility. Also, inspired by KTM 450 RALLY motorcycles, the headlight mask design improves visibility and reduces cockpit volume for off-road attacks.
05. SOFTWARE & ELECTRONICS
RIDER AIDS
Electronic rider aids provide more control, performance and enjoyment to the rider under a wider range of circumstances. Tailored to enhance your riding experience, the latest ABS and MTC technology, with various ride modes, enables easy adjustment to suit different riding conditions. Also, users can select, deselect, and utilize these features to maximize technology and equipment performance across diverse terrain.
MTC (MOTORCYCLE TRACTION CONTROL)
KTM has enhanced its Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC) for 2021, utilizing two separate controllers to measure rear wheel slippage and lean angle. The result is smoother traction control with less abrupt and barely noticeable intervention at the throttle bodies. For the more adventurous, however, turning off traction control completely is an option.
CORNERING ABS
KTM’s cornering ABS system allows riders full brake power usage while adjusting brake pressure to match the motorcycle’s lean angle. This means more predictable braking across a wider range of conditions and scenarios. In addition, it can also be deactivated to offer greater control in off-road conditions.
OFFROAD ABS
Maximum braking power with minimal intrusion. Braking demands are very different in offroad terrain from the predictable grip of asphalt. Selecting Offroad ABS deactivates ABS on the rear wheel, reduces front wheel ABS intervention, and ignores lean-angle sensor data. Of course, riders can lock up the rear wheel, steering into corners with better control, regulating pressure on the front brakes.
OFFROAD RIDE MODE
Offroad Ride Mode utilizes sensors to adjust power delivery through the ECU, ensuring effective and confidence-inspiring offroad performance. Peak horsepower decreases, throttle response softens, and wheel slippage increases, enabling a more dynamic ride on loose surfaces. So, on low-grip surfaces, maintaining forward motion requires a certain amount of wheel slip. This feature allows riders to break traction to a fair degree and to facilitate rear-wheel steering. This mode doesn’t use anti-wheelie, allowing riders to effortlessly lift the front wheel to overcome obstacles. Offroad Ride Mode doesn’t rely on lean angle, so traction control won’t intervene when riders negotiate tight turns using obstacles.
RALLY MODE
As an option on the KTM 890 ADVENTURE R, Rally Mode lets the rider freely adjust the bike’s character. Rally Mode offers instant throttle response and 9 levels of wheel slip control, with level 9 akin to Rain Mode. Additionally, these settings allow precise matching of slip adjust to surface condition, rider skill, and ride requirements. Reducing slip levels can also help in conserving tires for longer when taking on further-reaching or longer-lasting rides.
TECH SPECS
ENGINE
| TORQUE | 100 Nm |
| TRANSMISSION | 6-speed |
| COOLING | Liquid cooled with water/oil heat exchanger |
| POWER IN KW | 77 kW |
| STARTER | Electric starter |
| STROKE | 68.8 mm |
| BORE | 90.7 mm |
| CLUTCH | PASC™ antihopping clutch, mechanically operated |
| CO2 EMISSIONS | 105 g/km |
| DISPLACEMENT | 889 cm³ |
| EMS | Bosch EMS with RBW |
| DESIGN | 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, parallel twin |
| FUEL CONSUMPTION | 4.5 l/100 km |
| LUBRICATION | Forced oil lubrication with 2 oil pumps |
CHASSIS
| TANK CAPACITY (APPROX.) | 20 l |
| ABS | Bosch 9.1 MP (incl. Cornering-ABS and offroad mode, disengageable) |
| FRONT BRAKE DISC DIAMETER | 320 mm |
| REAR BRAKE DISC DIAMETER | 260 mm |
| FRONT BRAKE | Four-piston radial fixed calliper, brake disc |
| REAR BRAKE | Brembo twin-piston floating calliper, brake disc |
| CHAIN | 520 X-Ring |
| DRY WEIGHT | 196 kg |
| FRAME DESIGN | Chromium-Molybdenum-Steel frame using the engine as stressed element, powder coated |
| FRONT SUSPENSION | WP XPLOR-USD, Ø 48 mm |
| GROUND CLEARANCE | 263 mm |
| REAR SUSPENSION | XACT WP PDS mono shock |
| SEAT HEIGHT | 880 mm |
| STEERING HEAD ANGLE | 63.7 ° |
| SUSPENSION TRAVEL (FRONT) | 240 mm |
| SUSPENSION TRAVEL (REAR) | 240 mm |
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