KTM 890 Adventure R: If there’s one thing the last year taught us it’s that the motorcycle world can change overnight. Not too long ago KTM looked like it was running out of road. Financial trouble, shrinking partnership and an uncertain future left many riders wondering if the iconic orange brand was about to become another European casualty.
But here we are in 2025 — KTM is still standing, still loud, and still obsessed with building wild, dirt-first machines. With CFMoto ties cut and the old 790 line now officially gone, KTM has pushed its chips behind one bike in the middleweight ADV segment.
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And that bike is easily the most rugged-looking adventure motorcycle on sale today.
KTM 890 Adventure R — A Well-Designed Dirt Weapon
- $15,799 MSRP
Some adventure bikes try to impress you with sleek bodywork or flashy headlight. The KTM 890 Adventure R does the opposite — it looks like a machine built to take a beating and come back asking for more.
There’s nothing soft or pretty here. The tall stance, the long-travel suspension, the rally-style front end… everything screams off-road first, comfort later. And unlike many ADVs that only pretend to be ready for the rough stuff, this one absolutely delivers.
Riders don’t buy the 890 Adventure R for its looks.
They buy it because it can go places most bikes simply cannot.
Not a KTM Fan? These Are Strong Alternatives
Ducati DesertX — The Italian Showstopper
If you want something that performs well and looks like a movie star, the DesertX is still the classiest pick. It’s comfortable, fast, and surprisingly capable on dirt. Bring a little more money please.
Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro — Smooth, Refined, Expensive
Triumph has been in the middleweight ADV space longer than most brand and it shows. The Tiger 900 Rally Pro is extremely comfortable and feels more “premium” than the KTM. It’s not as wild off-road but is a dream on long rides.
Aprilia Tuareg 660 — Light, Honest, and Super Fun
The Tuareg 660 is what happens when a manufacturer focuses on the essentials. It’s light, simple, and surprisingly capable. It sits between budget-friendly Japanese bikes and pricey Euro models. The only catch: a small dealer network.
The LC8c Engine — Powerful, Fun, and… Controversial
Power: 104 HP
You can’t talk about the 890 Adventure R without mentioning its engine. When the 790 platform first launched, KTM promised a giant-killing parallel-twin that would replace the old LC4.
It definitely delivered on power — but not on reliability.
The camshaft issues on early models sparked one of KTM’s most talked-about scandals. KTM blamed oil-starvation in pre-2020 bikes, but owners of newer models also reported trouble. Some bikes were fine; others weren’t. It was a messy moment for the brand.
To KTM’s credit, the new engines are better, but the reputation still lingers.
The Reason Riders Still Buy It: Off-Road Performance
This is where the 890 Adventure R becomes untouchable.
If you ask real owners, they’ll tell you the same thing:
“Nothing handles dirt like the 890.”
The suspension is unreal.
The chassis feels glued to the terrain.
And unlike most adventure bikes, the electronics actually help instead of getting in the way.
Rally mode, traction control and cornering ABS are brilliantly tuned. KTM even gives the bike hardware for a quickshifter and cruise control — though unlocking them costs extra.
Annoying? Yes.
Deal-breaker? Not for most people.
Especially now that KTM offer a four year warranty which is their way of saying “We know the past was rough — here’s some reassurance.”
So Is the KTM 890 Adventure R Worth Buying?
Here’s the honest truth:
This bike is the best and the worst adventure motorcycle on the market.
It’s the most capable, most aggressive, and most dirt-ready ADV you can buy without spending superbike money. But it also carries the baggage of KTM’s previous engine issues and the brand’s occasional stubbornness with customer support.
For rider who want the toughest middleweight off-roader in 2025, this is the one.
For rider who want worry-free ownership the DesertX or Tiger might be safer bets.
Either way the 890 Adventure R is impossible to ignore.
Final Verdict — The Best and Worst ADV You Can Buy
The KTM 890 Adventure R is a contradiction.
It’s the most capable off-road ADV money can buy.
It also has the most infamous engine issues in modern KTM history.
Is it worth it?
For hardcore ADV riders — absolutely yes.
For risk-averse riders — maybe not.
However one thing is certain for 2025
Right now the most appeal and logical incident bike available is the KTM 890 Adventure R.
FAQs
Q1. Is the KTM 890 Adventure R reliable now?
A: Newer models are better and KTM now offer a four-year warranty. Still, the engine’s early reputation makes some riders cautious.
Q2. How tall is the bike?
A: Tall enough that shorter riders may struggle. This isn’t a beginner-friendly motorcycle.
Q3. Is the Ducati DesertX easier to live with?
A: Yes it’s more comfortable on long ride and feel more refined on pavement.
Q4. Is the Aprilia Tuareg 660 a better deal?
A: For value, yes. For hardcore off-roading, the KTM still wins.
Q5. Are the quickshifter and cruise control included?
A: KTM installs the hardware, but you must pay to unlock the features digitally.
Also Read: 2026 Triumph Street Triple RX and Moto2: First Look at the Ultimate Sporty Middleweights