Picked up the same late April. Done in excess of 3600 kilometers with it, on all sorts of roads. Pavement of various kinds, gravel , dirt, forest trails, and it delivers on all accounts. I think the quick shifter is quite alright, but it was slightly better on my previous bike (KTM 1290 SAS). Where this bike excels is when you go off-pavement. But it is surprisingly good on-road, considering it has a 21" front wheel. The stock seat wasn't for me, better than on previous models though. Got the ergo seat with heating. Much better comfort, also it has a better shape. Bar risers got on as I moved the seat to the topmost position, something that also resolved the little buffeting there was, if not entirely. As for KTM and quality, well in my opinion and having ridden in excess of 55.000 kilometers on a 1290 Adventure I'd say I've had considerably less issues with KTM than with BMW. KTM has improved steadily over that past decide. But experience with a 1290 made it easier to go for the 890. I wanted a lighter, smaller bike, better offroad. That I got. The engine delivers 105bhp at 8000RPM and 100Nm of torque at 6500RPM. Coming from a 1290 I expected much less than what it delivers. LC8 in its different incarnations is a peach.
In the video can you tell me if the seat is located correctly in the high position as it leaves a gap between the plastics and seat? That can’t be right surely?
@@ontheroadadventure Yes it is correct, as far as I can tell. What makes it looks funny is more the profiles of the plastic parts. But as long as the seat is firmly placed and you got the plastic legs down in the correct slots in the rear of the seat (looks like it to me) it's how it should be.
I, too, have a KTM 1290 SAS and am considering switching to this, mainly because my 2020 model is pretty top heavy and tall. I'm on my tippy toes with it which makes handling the bike at low speeds a bit uneasy at times. I do love it on the highway though, it is so comfortable to ride for long periods of time. I guess I just have to test the 890 to see if the wind protection is as bad as everyone tells it is
@@TzeiEm I find mine noisy at motorway speeds, but I try to avoid motorways when possible anyway, haven’t tried a new screen or deflector yet but lots of people have said that solves the problem
Just finished running mine in. Couple of points to note. First, the screen - yes, at low speeds you take the wind in the face, but at low speeds, that doesn’t matter. But at high speeds, the aerodynamics work out and it deflects the wind over your head. It's not a full dresser goldwing, but it’s not supposed to be. You need to check out the "R" version, that does have a lower screen and the difference is well noticeable. The second thing I'd say is that the exhaust note is a bit particular, but I'd stick with the original can, because a fruitier pipe could get well annoying over a 200 mile ride. The engine is bloody savage if you treat it the way it's creator intended, but the fuel consumption is actually better than my Moto Guzzi V7! Looking forward to playing with the suspension and getting it set up. The rear side panels can be removed and they have secret cargo boxes inside with a fairly complete tool kit.
If you don't get any buffeting from the windshield then you can only be about 5'6" tall.I'm 5'10" and I think the windshield is atrocious and having come from a Harley Street Glide that is saying something.I have to say that my quick shifter works very smoothly but I have to admit that it's my first experience with them.
I've seen a few of these 890 Adventure reviews from the UK. I really dont understand why anyone in the Uk would want this bike as you reviewed it. Its primary role is an ADVENTURE tourer with staggering off road capability. Unless you intend on going off road then its not fit for purpose as reviewed. So YES, its not finished in the same way as a BMW or Triumph. BUT its designed to take the severe punishment that off road riding throws at these bikes. Probably best to focus your reviews on road based bikes that are more suitable to your riding and/or area. I will say though that with all that said, the 890 Adventure does make a damn good road bike for those times you need to 'connect' the dirt roads. And its a lot of FUN! Also a quick note on the quickshifter. The 890 gearbox does take a few thousand kilometers to 'bed' in. By then the quickshifter is near perfect. I use mine in all gears at any revs up and down with no complaints. Cheers.
I tested this back to back with the Norden 901, Triumph 900 Tiger and the Guzzi V85TT. The Triumph and Guzzi had lovely finish and the Norden was quite tasty... but... The KTM was just bloody brutal. The handling is razor sharp, and the engine is manic. Top brakes and suspension... what more could you ask for?
@@eddyhoughton6542 I had the same impressions as you…… However, you really should watch my other KTM videos and see how my experience went! Reliability is a huge problem!
you have access to a fair amount of dealerships in the UK. Ireland has very few and most of them don' show any interest in allowing RUclipsrs to review bikes. I had some success with BMW in Dublin and Honda had shown some interest but it hard to reach these people. I also live in a part that is 2 hours to Dublin, 3.5 hours to Limerick, 2 hours to galway. The Motorcycle dealer network in Ireland is very poor in my opinion. The only proper dealerships are BMW, Harley and Mega bikes. Nothing in the west of Ireland. .
@@ontheroadadventure thanks so much and congrats on 1k subscribers. I started following you at 141 subs. It's taken me over a year to get where I am... 😅
when its running and doesnt have issues its the best performance in its class.... But that comes at a high price it seems. Id take reliability over performance anyday when it comes to a long distance adventure bike
@@ontheroadadventureNever rode one, however the idea of knowing that very soon you will be stuck somewhere and will be visiting the dealer claiming the warranty to get it fixed just doesn't make it enjoyable anymore.
Went to KTM shop here in Medellin today they don't have the 2023 in yet. But wow I heard in US 10,000 to $11,000 here the 2022 they have are priced at $17,000 one heck of a tariff! Got to look around some more! Maybe switch and look at BMW or the jap bikes. I can't see paying 0ver 50% for a bike bcs in CO. Weird!
Picked up the same late April. Done in excess of 3600 kilometers with it, on all sorts of roads. Pavement of various kinds, gravel , dirt, forest trails, and it delivers on all accounts. I think the quick shifter is quite alright, but it was slightly better on my previous bike (KTM 1290 SAS). Where this bike excels is when you go off-pavement. But it is surprisingly good on-road, considering it has a 21" front wheel.
The stock seat wasn't for me, better than on previous models though. Got the ergo seat with heating. Much better comfort, also it has a better shape. Bar risers got on as I moved the seat to the topmost position, something that also resolved the little buffeting there was, if not entirely.
As for KTM and quality, well in my opinion and having ridden in excess of 55.000 kilometers on a 1290 Adventure I'd say I've had considerably less issues with KTM than with BMW. KTM has improved steadily over that past decide. But experience with a 1290 made it easier to go for the 890. I wanted a lighter, smaller bike, better offroad. That I got.
The engine delivers 105bhp at 8000RPM and 100Nm of torque at 6500RPM. Coming from a 1290 I expected much less than what it delivers. LC8 in its different incarnations is a peach.
In the video can you tell me if the seat is located correctly in the high position as it leaves a gap between the plastics and seat? That can’t be right surely?
@@ontheroadadventure Yes it is correct, as far as I can tell. What makes it looks funny is more the profiles of the plastic parts. But as long as the seat is firmly placed and you got the plastic legs down in the correct slots in the rear of the seat (looks like it to me) it's how it should be.
Thanks 😊
I, too, have a KTM 1290 SAS and am considering switching to this, mainly because my 2020 model is pretty top heavy and tall. I'm on my tippy toes with it which makes handling the bike at low speeds a bit uneasy at times. I do love it on the highway though, it is so comfortable to ride for long periods of time. I guess I just have to test the 890 to see if the wind protection is as bad as everyone tells it is
@@TzeiEm I find mine noisy at motorway speeds, but I try to avoid motorways when possible anyway, haven’t tried a new screen or deflector yet but lots of people have said that solves the problem
Just finished running mine in. Couple of points to note. First, the screen - yes, at low speeds you take the wind in the face, but at low speeds, that doesn’t matter. But at high speeds, the aerodynamics work out and it deflects the wind over your head. It's not a full dresser goldwing, but it’s not supposed to be. You need to check out the "R" version, that does have a lower screen and the difference is well noticeable. The second thing I'd say is that the exhaust note is a bit particular, but I'd stick with the original can, because a fruitier pipe could get well annoying over a 200 mile ride.
The engine is bloody savage if you treat it the way it's creator intended, but the fuel consumption is actually better than my Moto Guzzi V7! Looking forward to playing with the suspension and getting it set up. The rear side panels can be removed and they have secret cargo boxes inside with a fairly complete tool kit.
Hopefully yours will last better than mine did, I loved the bike, if only it was made to a higher standard of quality
If you don't get any buffeting from the windshield then you can only be about 5'6" tall.I'm 5'10" and I think the windshield is atrocious and having come from a Harley Street Glide that is saying something.I have to say that my quick shifter works very smoothly but I have to admit that it's my first experience with them.
5.7! A good guess sir!
The switchgear is all backlight as well. It doesn't feel cheap to me. Never understood that.
Personally I don’t think it has the same quality switch gear as the jap brands but as long as it’s functional and lasts it’s all that matters
my favorite KTM dealers..highly recommend them
I have found them very helpful
Un-fortunately the dependability factor is strong on this bike I have been interested in it when it was still a 790...
I believe the 790 is now made by CF Moto “supervised” by KTM, mind you they will probably do a better job than KTM did on my 890!
I've seen a few of these 890 Adventure reviews from the UK. I really dont understand why anyone in the Uk would want this bike as you reviewed it. Its primary role is an ADVENTURE tourer with staggering off road capability. Unless you intend on going off road then its not fit for purpose as reviewed. So YES, its not finished in the same way as a BMW or Triumph. BUT its designed to take the severe punishment that off road riding throws at these bikes. Probably best to focus your reviews on road based bikes that are more suitable to your riding and/or area. I will say though that with all that said, the 890 Adventure does make a damn good road bike for those times you need to 'connect' the dirt roads. And its a lot of FUN! Also a quick note on the quickshifter. The 890 gearbox does take a few thousand kilometers to 'bed' in. By then the quickshifter is near perfect. I use mine in all gears at any revs up and down with no complaints. Cheers.
Well this is all good news for me! I liked the KTM, it has fun factor and can do it all!
I tested this back to back with the Norden 901, Triumph 900 Tiger and the Guzzi V85TT. The Triumph and Guzzi had lovely finish and the Norden was quite tasty... but... The KTM was just bloody brutal. The handling is razor sharp, and the engine is manic. Top brakes and suspension... what more could you ask for?
@@eddyhoughton6542 I had the same impressions as you…… However, you really should watch my other KTM videos and see how my experience went! Reliability is a huge problem!
Is this what new owners will hear when they go in for a warranty claim....
@@anxiousappliance I didn’t hang round to find out! I got ride of mine within 30days so had consumer rights to return the faulty poor quality product
Why don't they just sell you a comfortable bike, and a working quickshift ,
My now sold 1290 was just the same
What’s next for you?
After the KTM something reliable, Ive just got my old XRV750 out of mothballs,so will use that for a while, Suzuki vstrom 1050 is flicking my interest
V Strom would be a great choice
Did you see my review of the new 2023 1050?
you have access to a fair amount of dealerships in the UK. Ireland has very few and most of them don' show any interest in allowing RUclipsrs to review bikes. I had some success with BMW in Dublin and Honda had shown some interest but it hard to reach these people. I also live in a part that is 2 hours to Dublin, 3.5 hours to Limerick, 2 hours to galway. The Motorcycle dealer network in Ireland is very poor in my opinion. The only proper dealerships are BMW, Harley and Mega bikes. Nothing in the west of Ireland. .
That’s a shame, we have lots of dealerships around us
@@ontheroadadventure I wish I did... 👍🏻
You havent done bad with the scenery though!
@@ontheroadadventure thanks so much and congrats on 1k subscribers. I started following you at 141 subs. It's taken me over a year to get where I am... 😅
@@EireRider.motorcycle.adventure keep at it bud, we like to watch your videos. Wouldn’t mind getting back to Ireland again sometime, lots to see there
👏
Thanks
Well, well, KTMs 790/890 seem to have a whole variety of issues including butter cam shafts.
The list of problems is endless
@@ontheroadadventurecan't understand why people buy them
when its running and doesnt have issues its the best performance in its class.... But that comes at a high price it seems. Id take reliability over performance anyday when it comes to a long distance adventure bike
@@ontheroadadventureNever rode one, however the idea of knowing that very soon you will be stuck somewhere and will be visiting the dealer claiming the warranty to get it fixed just doesn't make it enjoyable anymore.
Exactly, its an adventure bike i would never take on an adventure! No faith in it at all
Went to KTM shop here in Medellin today they don't have the 2023 in yet. But wow I heard in US 10,000 to $11,000 here the 2022 they have are priced at $17,000 one heck of a tariff! Got to look around some more! Maybe switch and look at BMW or the jap bikes. I can't see paying 0ver 50% for a bike bcs in CO. Weird!
Try and find a 2022 plate one laying round in a showroom there’s some real deals to be had, certainly here in the uk at least. Good luck finding one
Welcome to northern Europe, where you pay €20k (about $21,5k) for this bike 😅
WOW that is crazy - Is that all brands of bikes over priced there? or just a availability thing for KTM? thats silly money
@@ontheroadadventure Pretty much all of them, yeah. Vehicle taxes are pretty high
@@TzeiEm Your paying nearly double, so wrong