2021 KTM 890 Adventure Rally And R First Look

[Hugh Janus]

KTM expands its 2021 lineup with the 890 Adventure R and Adventure R Rally machines. (KTM North America/)

When KTM released its LC8c-powered 790 Adventure and Adventure R adventure machines last year, the middleweight ADV segment sat up and took notice. In fact, the bikes' off-road capabilities thoroughly impressed us on our ride through the Moroccan desert, and we speculated there would be more midsize models coming from KTM and Husky using the LC8c engine platform.

Our hunch was partly right. For 2021, KTM has launched the KTM 890 Adventure R Rally and KTM 890 Adventure R machines, which appear similar to last year’s 790s except that both use “new engine platforms with more power and torque,” according to KTM. Also, there’s no regular Adventure model as with the 790s; KTM is going off-piste all the way with just an 890 R and a limited Rally edition.

The 890 models build on the 790 series with a bigger, upgraded engine and improved off-road capability. (KTM North America/)

In fact, despite the familiar parallel twin and chromoly steel tube packaging, there are quite a few changes happening down below—and beyond. Both the 890 R and 890 Rally use the same fuel-injected, DOHC powerplant with an increased bore and stroke for a 889cc displacement, but it also has a higher compression ratio, larger intake and exhaust valves, a new camshaft, and a new lighter piston design along with new connecting rods, all fitted under new engine cases and cylinder heads. Regulating the mix are sensors developed by Dell’Orto to measure manifold pressure and adjust accordingly. That’s much more than just a few tweaks.

RELATED: 2020 KTM 890 Duke R First Ride Review

A new crankshaft appears here too, with 20 percent more rotating mass according to KTM, which it says helps cornering stability. The PASC slipper clutch returns, but shorter shift lever action enables quicker shifts, and the optional Quickshifter+ gets new settings for improved action as well. Ride by wire keeps throttle response smooth and rider aids include Street, Offroad, Rain, and optional Rally ride modes, Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC), and Motor Slip Regulation (MSR). Heated grips, heated seat, and cruise control are also optional.

The steel frame may look the same as the 790 Adventure’s, but upgrades to the 890 include a lighter subframe and an aluminum steering head tube. (KTM North America/)

As with the 790s, the new 890s get a frame made of chromium-molybdenum steel, but here it’s upgraded with a new aluminum steering head tube and lighter subframe. A steering damper comes standard and the tapered aluminum handlebar can be mounted on the triple clamp in six different positions.

The 890 Adventure R Rally gets a lighter-weight muffler, and 2.4-inch-longer-travel WP Xplor Pro suspension for an added 1.6 inches of ground clearance over the R model. (KTM North America /)

The suspension package on both 890s is top-shelf thanks to components from KTM Group-owned WP, with the 890 Adventure R getting a beefy, inverted, and fully adjustable WP Xplor Pro 48mm fork featuring separated damping functions for each fork leg, and a WP Xplor PDS rear shock with a progressive damping system. Both ride on spoke wheels, with a 21-inch front and an 18-inch rear getting new anodized hubs and wearing Continental TKC 80 rubber for excellent traction. Clamping down on those wheels are dual 320mm discs with overhauled cornering and off-road ABS software and new traction control algorithms.

The 890 R Rally model also gets different graphics, wider rally footpegs, and tube-type Continental tires (unlike the R’s tubeless setup). (KTM North America/)

The limited-edition Adventure R Rally takes the 890 R platform but ramps up the off-road intent, with upgraded rally-ready longer-travel WP Pro suspension, an Akrapovič titanium muffler, high-strength D.I.D rims, a higher rally-oriented seat, and cruise control and the Quickshifter+ (and Rally mode) as standard. There will be only 700 units of the uniquely colored Rallys available worldwide (500 internationally and 200 for the US).

The 890 Rally is limited to just 200 units for the US, and 700 worldwide. (KTM North America/)

No pricing has been announced just yet, but we do know the 2021 KTM 890 Adventure R will hit authorized KTM dealers this November, while the 890 Adventure R Rally can be preordered on ktm.com beginning November 2, 2020.

For more info, see ktm.com/en-us.

We don’t have prices yet but both models should be available by November of 2020. (KTM North America/)

2021 KTM 890 Adventure R/Adventure R Rally Specifications

MSRP:	N/A
Engine:	889cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled parallel twin
Bore x Stroke:	90.7 x 68.8mm
Fuel System:	Fuel injection w/ 46mm DKK Dell’Orto throttle body
Transmission:	6-speed
Clutch:	PASC slipper clutch, cable operation
Frame:	Chromoly tubular steel w/ chromoly steel subframe
Front Suspension:	48mm WP inverted fork, fully adjustable; 9.4-in. travel / 10.6-in. travel
Rear Suspension:	Fully adjustable WP monoshock; 9.4-in. travel / 10.6-in. travel
Front Brake:	Radially mounted 4-piston calipers, dual 320mm discs w/ ABS
Rear Brake:	2-piston floating caliper, 260mm disc
Wheels, Front/Rear:	Spoked; 21 x 2.15 in. / 18 x 4.00 in.
Tires, Front/Rear:	Continental TKC 80; 90/90-21 / 150/70-18
Rake:	26.3°/26.2
Wheelbase:	60.2 in.
Seat height:	34.6 in./35.8 in.
Fuel Capacity:	5.3 gal.
Claimed Dry Weight:	432 lb.
Availability:	November 2020
Contact:	ktm.com

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