KTM · 2026
890 Adventure R
A rally bike with number plates. Long travel, low tank, serious intent.
Jun's rating
out of ten
In one line
The best off-road big twin, with a low-slung tank that makes it feel lighter than it is.
What is new for 2026
For 2026 the 890 Adventure R gets retuned WP Xplor settings for more comfort, Red Bull KTM Factory graphics, a standard connectivity unit, and a demo mode that unlocks optional software features.
- Engine
- Liquid-cooled 889cc LC8c parallel twin, DOHC, 8 valves
- Displacement
- 889 cc
- Power
- 105 hp
- Torque
- 100 Nm
- Wet weight
- 215 kg
- Seat height
- 880 mm
- Fuel
- 20 L
- Base MSRP
- $16,299
48.8 hp per 100 kg
US, subject to change
The review
Five parts, no spec-sheet copying.
“Weight low is worth more than weight less. The 890's tank proves it every time you stand up in the sand.
Mechanical Breakdown
The 890 Adventure R's 889cc twin makes 105 hp and, more importantly, 100 Nm of torque spread across the range. The defining feature is the tank, which wraps low around the engine to drop the centre of gravity, and the WP Xplor suspension with 240 mm of travel front and rear, fully adjustable.
The 2025 update brought a new 8-inch TFT, revised rally mode, a new subframe, and improved wind protection. Cornering ABS with an off-road mode, lean-sensitive TC, and a quickshifter are standard.
Ride Character
The 890 Adventure R is the only big adventure bike that feels like a dirt bike at speed on a rough track. The low tank, the long suspension, and the twin's easy torque make it forgiving in sand and rocks, and on the road it is quicker than the Ténéré by a distance. It is also taller, heavier, and more expensive.
The rally mode with adjustable throttle and TC is the best off-road electronics package on any bike.
Maintenance Outlook
Intervals are 15,000 km oil and 30,000 km valves on this generation. The engine is exposed but the tank shrouds complicate access. KTM reliability has been mixed on the electronics, and the company's restructuring makes parts lead times a real question. Check with your dealer before buying.
Who It's For
The serious off-road adventure rider who wants performance in the dirt above all. Not for the road tourer, and not for anyone below about 175 cm without a lowering kit.
Jun's Verdict
The 890 Adventure R is the bike I would choose for a rally-style trip with real terrain. It is faster and more capable than the Ténéré off-road and less simple to fix. If the dirt is the point, this is the pick; if fixability is the point, the Yamaha wins.
Watch a review
MCN - Motorcyclenews.com. An outside opinion, chosen because they ride the bike properly.
Gallery
Photography from Unsplash contributors. Some frames show a close relative of this exact model.
Cross-shop
If you are looking at the 890 Adventure R, look at these
BMW · 2026
R 1300 GS
The reference adventure bike, rebuilt from the boxer up.
Yamaha · 2026
Ténéré 700
The simple, honest adventure bike, now with a TFT and ride modes.
Honda · 2026
CRF1100L Africa Twin
The adventure bike that rides like a big dirt bike and never breaks.
Prices are US base MSRP at time of writing ($16,299 for this bike) and change without notice. Specs are manufacturer claims unless stated.