Is It Fixed? Review Of My 2023 KTM 890 Adventure R: How To Fix The Antenna Immobilizer Fault
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- Опубликовано: 20 авг 2024
- I've put 6000 Adventure miles on my 2023 KTM 890 Adventure R and we are still having some ups and downs. See check engine light always coming on...
Things are getting better however, I did manage to end the Antenna Immobilizer issue/fault and got some knobbies installed for my trip round the ORBDR.
I'll also talk about the mods I have made thus far.
Things on the 890:
DualVenture front tire
Rallz rear tire
MSC Moto steering stabilizer
Upshift Online No Bull graphics
Barkbuster VPS Handguards
AXP Skid Plate
Vanacshe GPS mount
Vanasche side stand delete
Rottweiler Performance air box
Rottweiler Performance brake master cylinder guard
Rottweiler Performance evap canister delete
Rottweiler Performance fuel hose and pump guard
Cheap Chinese control levers
Doubletake ADV Mirrors
Anti Gravity Lithium Ion Battery
Camel Clutch lever extender
Best real world review of the 23 R model. Thank you. All prospective buyers should watch this.
Wow, thanks! I really appreciate your reviews as well. Very professional.
The trouble is I went with the non R model after your shining review ;) I'm getting messed around by dealers still, so i might make the switch if it's not too late.
What are your thoughts about doing some touring on the R, maybe with the non-R windshield? Reckon the higher front fender causes too much buffetting?
@@JamesMorgan2 the big flapper out front sure can cause some wobbles if you go fast enough and leave the stock stabilizer alone. I ignore it and ride on. The taller non-R windscreen would be nice for the longer hauls - I am thinking of adding a removable extra bit for those rides.
@@JohnTYoung I'm not finding a steering stabilizer on the MSC Moto site for a 2023. Are you running one for a 2022? Any issues?
The front is feeling "Twitchy" because you have the rear end set to high. Use a 5mm allen wrench and adjust your rear shock PRELOAD. Turn it out 1/4 turn at a time to lower the rear end until the "twitchiness" goes away. When you add luggage (weight) you'll have to go the other way to raise the rear end to compensate for the added weight. These are KTM's, and like most high performance bikes, are sensitive to proper ride height. I suspect that without luggage the rear end is too high. You need to lower it down to the proper ride height for an unloaded bike. If it''s set to high the steering is very sensitive or "twitchy". Under the seat there is a sticker on the air box with the starting points for suspension settings. When set correctly, this bike doesn't need a stabilizer unless you want one. My 2 cents. Hope this helps.
Thanks Steve.
Love how thoroughly you went through all of everything. And really respect when you said you ride because its FUN! Amen to that! Really hope all the gremlins are gone/go away. There shouldnt be all the issues you've had on a $15k bike. Especially from a brand that has imho a great reputation in the offroad segment anyways.
I have a '22 1290 SAR with 5k miles in it, zero issues other than me semi regretting not having the 890 because it weighs almost 100 lbs less.
Thank you!
RUclips recommended me a KTM service manual for sale when I clicked on this video, which I find kind of hilarious. I have never owned a KTM or googled owning one, but YT still recommended it to me. Great video.
Ride Red, buy a Ducati. No manuals. LOL
I've had 11 KTM's over the years. Superduke R, XCW's, SMT, RC8R Race Spec, 1090 etc. They're great bikes and have only had very minor issues. None of the issues I've had with any of them were reliability related. My 790 Rally was solid as is my new 890 R. Sold my Rally as it was just too tall for my 31"inseam. The 890 may be the best bike for BDR type riding. You just can't put them away all dirty in a wet shed for the winter and expect the bikes to fire right up in the spring. Taking care of them properly has worked for me.
Mine is facing it's first winter... 😬
2023 KTM 890 Adventure. No issues with immobilizer @ 4700 miles. After proper 600 mile break-in, I cleaned the magnetic oil strainers and changed oil filters and the oil to Motorex 10W-50 4T as recommended by KTM. I rode with this new oil in mountains, on and off-road and I rode on interstate highways and byways for about 500 miles and I just did not think the sound of the engine was right either at high RPM or a low speed 2700RPM lugging up steep hills in 1st gear or when the bike was just idling. The engine just did not seem (or sound) real happy. I've owned and cared for 28 bikes in my life, and my ears are an important tool. So on an engineer's quest, I again cleaned the strainers and changed the oil filter, and the oil to Castrol Power1 10W-50 4T. I again rode for hundreds of miles over the same trails and roads under the same circumstances: at high or low RPM or idling the engine just did not sound or perform like I expected such a revered, high performance engine should. And to be honest, I admit that I expected a bit more top end HP and less 'piston slap' sound when lugging uphill on twisty roads at 2700RPM. So after only 200 miles I again changed the oil and filter one more time. This time used Amsoil 10W-50 full synthetic Dirt Bike Racing Oil. I fired up the bike and the idle sounded happy, wow - good omen. Then I went for a 2-hour test ride up a really twisty paved mountain road and noticed that the low RPM piston slap sound was now greatly subdued. Then I hit some nice curvy byways and noticed a new smoothness in the engine - it seemed a bit more 'rev-happy'. I finally hit the interstate where I was able to use several full throttle hits while cruising at 75 and briefly blasting to 100 while passing. The engine sounded great, and it definitely seemed more powerful (butt dyno) than ever before when running either Motorex or Castrol oils. I now have about 3000 miles on the Amsoil and I am totally happy with the bikes engine performance and its engine sound. And using the Amsoil, the tranny, clutch and quickshifter are smooth and work perfectly even with full throttle quickshifts - and finding neutral is also very easy. - Dave in Virginia.
Thanks Dave
I also had the hard starting problem. KTM recommended that I run 2 tanks of 87 octane through the bike. They said it wouldn't hurt it at all. Since running the 2 tanks through it, it starts first crank every time. I can't explain why it worked, but it did. I also had trouble with my quick shifter and the dealer was able to re-align my sensor and it shifts fine now. I really like the quick shifter.
I'll have to give those a try. Thank you.
LOL thanks for the straight and hilarious reviews. A few tips from riding 701/1290 last couple of years.
1. The check engine light likes to come on when wheel sensor gets loose/dirty etc. You can get an Euro 5 adapter that goes into the red plug and use a bluetooth OBD2 reader to see and clear the codes.
2. Most of the KTM/Husky plugs are sealed, but there are a few unsealed connectors that doesn't like moisture and will throw some random codes until it dries up again. I used some dielectric grease on them. Pinched wire can cause the same messages but that was self inflicted while I was doing mods/maintenance.
3. The quick shifter 5-6 on both bikes can miss and go into false neutral. (Although this might be different on the 890 as I didn't encounter it while renting one on a trip.) I think preloading before the shifting helped. It gets worse as oil gets closer to service intervals. I also think it likes Motul 7100 better, that might just be in my head though.
Other than some screws/ bolts coming loose I never had an issue in the last two years 35000kms. Always started up and never been stranded including a 9000km PCH trip. Fingers crossed the 1290 stays that way.
Fingers crossed!
Can't wait to see your vid on the 450 to 890 comparison! Be very interested in your POV. Thanks!
Apples to apple pie.
Man the upshift graphics with the orange skidplate look so good
Sexy, right?!?
Yup, best looking 890 I've ever seen.
All in on Orange! As a wise man once said to me, it's easier to find orange parts on the trail!
That’s quality engineering that is. So far all the broke stuff has stayed on the bike. 😬
Hey! If you're having issues with the quickshifter and neutral, take it back to your dealer and have them retrain it. It doesn't always work the first time after retraining, so you may have to do it, test it out, do it again, etc... That process also helps with bad neutral lights! I have a 390 Adventure. :)
Thanks for the tip!
I have recently updated from the 790R to the 890R and these bikes are so sensitive to voltage drop which then starts triggering the various sensors on the bike - as you have said either swopping to a LION battery or keeping the bike on a trickle charger along with a hard reset (disconnect battery for min 15 mins) will sort out the majority of the issues that these bikes have - yes its frustrating but given it remains as the best off road capable adventure bike on the market (and I talk as a prev T7 owner and current Desert X owner) I put these ‘foibles’ just down to part of the ‘character’ of the bike as they friggin rock off road!! Great review btw
Thanks Rob
Thanks for your info. Especially having had T7 and having Desert X and comparing them.
I’ve got the 901 Expedition and love it.
I picked one up in July, and I have to say the dealer lack of knowledge combined with KTMs lack of QC is just nuts. I shouldn’t have to go through a $16k bike to make sure stuff is assembled properly, or fight with a “tubeless” front tire dropping pressure (and staying at the dealer for 2 weeks to try and figure it out, only to get it back “fixed” and see it wasn’t ever checked again). Straight from the dealer my skid plate was just installed by someone opening the parts and guessing. The bike is great, love it, but the KTM as a whole really has opportunities to improve.
So so true. And same here. To find a mechanic with a clue I have to go two hours away. My local crew is worthless.
I had the same issue. The skid plate had the rubber dampers for the tank put on backwards making it run the plastic tank hard and on of the bolts was cross threaded. Not a great feeling to have to sort all that on a brand new bike.
thxs for the updates! just picked one up and am ready to drop some massive miles before my warranty ends...once it stops being 105 degrees.
Don't wait, ride where it's cool. Mountains and what-not. And have fun!
@@JohnTYoung Ya thats the problem, its hot everywhere down south right now. The humidity has been crazy. Another two weeks should do it.
I still have a lead/acid battery in my KTM, but to keep it happy, I have a 2 pin connector wired to the battery and any time it is in my garage, it is connected to a float charger ($6 on sale at Harbor Freight). When it started giving odd warnings after a couple of years, I put in another lead/acid and it's fine again.
Isn't electricity crazy!
Thank you . I’ve watched most 890 reviews and this is the best. I really appreciate it and thanks again such a fine review.
Wow, thank you!
Just rented 890AR’s from Colorado Motorcycle Adventures and rode the CO BDR with my Dad. Really fell in love with this bike! Gave me confidence beyond my abilities at time haha…absolutely love your content John, thank you!
That sounds like you had a great time
Thanks for the great review! Will be watching for updates as your mileage goes up. To your point, a lot of people seem to be recognizing the better rideability (pick up ability) of the mid-size bikes. If you have the option and lean more on the dirt side of things, a bigger bore dual sport and an 890 seem like a perfect combo. I have a 2023 Beta 430 RR-S and it is awesome for DS. It's been reliable so far, and a blast in the dirt. Very capable, goes anywhere, and just fine on the road up to 65 mph. I'm keeping an eye on the 890 for a longer-range but dirt worthy option, just concerned about the quality issues (I know...I have a Beta). I would prefer a Japanese bike but they just don't make anything comparable to the 890 in performance. Thanks again and keep on riding!
They don't make one yet......
Replaced my battery on my 2023 due to turning off on the highway (no power, as if you turned the key off) and my charging voltage finally showed me what was happening. I was getting between 12 and 18.4 volts at 5000 rpm. Seems to have exposed an issue that I'm sure has been present since day 1 with the voltage regulator.
Hoping my shop/KTM can make it right but I'm really not sure how much i want to keep the bike. You nail all the points i love about it but it's hard to trust it to get me anywhere every time. Im not afraid of maintenance to keep the bike happy but electrical issues are a different realm.
Electricity = Magic... Only Wizards and guys backed by KTM Corporate should ride these things.
Man OOH Man Remember the days of the old Honda. Thanks for the new journey. Keep fixing the problems it helps out all the others.
That's the plan!
Nice honest review, thanks for sharing! I had a 990 Adventure R and 1290 Super Adventure R and now looking at picking up a 2023 890 Adventure R. Don't feel like picking up another 1290 SAR on the BDRs and gnarly trails. This bike looks like the perfect balance of on and off-road performance capabilities and makes plenty of power for just about any situation. Can't wait to rip through some BDRs on one of these, I miss owning a KTM!
It does eat BDRs for lunch, when it starts...
The not starting on first try can be easily remedied by holding the throttle open like 1/8 to 1/4 starts up every time if you do that. I have a theory that it has something to do with the split saddle tank pushing fuel from the bottom of the tank uphill to the throttle body. And possibly the transfer pump moving fuel from one tank to the other. But that's just a theory. 100% sure it's a fueling thing. The can't find neutral thing is a pain haven't figured anything out for that one.
Rev a cold bike? Errrrr Ummmm Ahhhhhh.
If you're giving it a small amount of throttle it goes to like 2k rpm no more than a high idle or start it five times your choice. @@JohnTYoung
@AllenJeter20 I’ll give it a try. Thanks!
I also have a '23 Adventure ("S" version), and I also got an "Immobilizer" error after my bike surprising turned off at a traffic light. This happened shortly after I had heated grips installed. Don't know if there is any correlation there though, but one dealer said it's possible. I was able to start it back up with no problems, but the error persisted. The next day I rode it to a dealership and they reinstalled the bike's software. Since then I have never had the issue again. I've also never had any other issues with the bike period. It's been very solid so far and I've riden it a good bit. Hope you're experience with your 890 gets better. These bikes are amazing on and off road, if they are functioning properly of course.
It's still hit or miss for me.
Hi John, really balanced review, I have the same bike in Aus. Your starting issue, I had the same but my dealer did a ECU update at my first service and it has been fine since. I see a few of you guys in the US have the same issues and your dealers haven't seemed to crack it on the head. I agree on the power, it is addictive fun in the right circumstances 😉
Thank you! Maybe your dealer networks are better trained than ours.
yes ... the US petrol is little strange for EU bikes :D ... could need the ECU update
I have the 2023 901 Expedition. If after you turn the key on, you wait until the fuel pump stops pressurizing the fuel system, you should not get the cold start issue. Also you can just slightly turn the throttle while pushing the start, and it should also start right up.
Tried it. Didn’t work. But thank you!
Interesting. I had the cold start issue a couple of times right after I got the bike and did some research and found those two suggestions. I tried them both, and they both worked, and haven't seen the issue since. I have about 1,700 miles on it now. I also live at 4,000' on the US/CA border in WA, so I always run premium in all my small engines. GL!@@JohnTYoung
Thanks for your hard work and content.
Got a 450RL and now a Norden 901 Expedition.
Blessed to have zero issues 5,000 miles in on the 901.
Feel like it’s luck of the draw whether yours will have issues.
Good luck and ride safe!
Thank you
Thanks for the honest report and in-depth report. Keep the dirt flying!
Thanks, will do!
I went from an 790r to a T7, I know this won’t be popular but I haven’t regretted it once. I am not saying you should but I was just fed up with issues with the kato😳
I hear ya.
Always enjoy your videos, especially on the 890 since I have one as well.
Right on!
Cheers John. Always good to see your vids.👍
Thanks 👍
Interesting that upgrading to a lithium battery fixed your faults. The voltage signal should be cleaner with lithium, so that makes sense. As far as the cold starts go, prime your injectors. When it is cold out, turn the key on until the injectors are primed (sound will stop) and then turn on the ignition. You may need to wait longer depending on the temp or altitude. I do have the same problem with finding neutral on the bike. It is frustrating and tends to bite me more on the road vs the dirt. This bike does rip like the Honda and that is why I got it. You're right the weight though, and it is real thing to keep in mind when your riding hard. Glad you got the bugs worked out. Cheers!
Thanks Brian!
2021 does the same on the quick shift, I found if you don’t release your foot fully and leave the tiniest bit of pressure on the gear lever it will not change. I originally found mine to be ok for stability, but after getting the steering head bearings adjusted (most have been delivered with noisey loose adjustment)it is now one of the most stable bikes I have ever ridden.
I'll give those two things a try. Thank you.
Glad you got your key and other electronics issues fixed with the new battery.
Thanks!
Really great review. Thank you! I got one of the first 790r models and it was great. Stupidly sold it and a few years later ended up with a 2022 890r. So far so good. I switched to a lithium battery right away so maybe avoided any immobilizer issues. My quick shifter did not work well from the start but took it to the dealer and they reprogrammed it and now it is fine. Oh, for some reason my cruise control stopped working, so that is one issue I have. Just love the bike off road. Really a hoot. Heavy though like you said, at least compared to a 450. I am interested in a street legal version of the KOVE 450 Rally but the 890r is so good on the roads due to the horsepower that I will probably stick with it.
I hear you!
Cruise Control issue is most likely due to the front ABS sensor. I had the same issue after about 6 months and took it to the dealer where they tried different solutions but nothing worked. I then read up about the front ABS sensor being the culprit, told the dealer about it and they swopped it out under warrantee and was then fine again for the next 20 months or so. But it started malfunctioning again recently (bike now 27 months old). I'm planning on switching to a Lithium battery and hope that will sort it, otherwise back to replacing the front ABS sensor.
I had the dealer adjust my quick shift and now it’s great. Very comparable to my 1290. The technician mentioned it took a few times to get it adjusted correctly.
Great to hear!
I bought a 2023 KTM 890 Adventure R. The dealer told me that the KTM rep told them to NOT use lithium batteries, something about the voltage doesn't play well with the electronics. The shifting is extremely smooth on my KTM! I haven't had any engine lights, but i only have 400 miles on mine. Did a decat and put a titanium muffler on sounds so much better.
Aren’t dealers funny. 🤣😂😅😭
Did you notice less heat coming from down below now that your cat is removed?
that heat completely disappears when decat, but only Arrows one not reduce the torque of engine
Very interesting review on a bike you're still not completely happy with, yet.... Nice to see the 911 bike still being ridden :)
You tease us with several clips of you riding with another rider...
Would be nice if you posted more riding video's.
We need more JTY !!!
LOL. My rides are so boring. I fall asleep riding them, I can't imagine subjecting people to watching them.
Sir thank you for an excellent and honest review. A new subscriber after viewing a few of your videos. Ride safe. Cheers 😊
Thanks Edward.
I got one of the last 22 890r’s and have done 10000k’s and it is wicked. I’ve got a set of Excel rims for the rugged stuff and have a set of Avon sticky road tyres on the other rims. It is a great road bike as well. The sports bikes have a hard time keeping up. Had a trouble free 790r before. All in all a great package.
Very nice!
Excellent review and update on the 890! Thanks for posting some really helpful content!
Glad it was helpful!
To balance this out a little bit - I got 2023 ADVR and two issues i got was pressure leaking front tire and it started once on one cylinder over 3800 miles. That was it. Looks like you can have either good or bad example with those machines. To be fair i have fitted open exhaust and de-cat pipe to mine and noticed that bike runs waay better. I understand not everyone wants to have loud bike, but with all this rattling that comes out of engine i rather use "countermeasure" of loud exhaust 🙂 I'm surprised about your observation about gearbox - again - mnie works buttery smooth, with very precise neutral. This is not only my observation, but all of my mates who ride my bike. Quickshifter could be smoother, but i think it can be adjusted. Mine works perfectly when shifting up, and when shifting down above 5k rpm, below this shifting down is temperamental. I think it needs adjusting, but its my first bike with quickshifter, so i need to understand it first. Hope you will enjoy the bike more. Greetings.
Thanks for joining the conversation!
Great addition to the channel. Keep the videos coming.
Thanks Mark.
I had to come back and watch this again because I thought the battery swap solved your starting issue, but it doesn't seem so. Have you found a solution yet to the starting on 1 cylinder problem yet? That is my biggest stomachache with this bike. Otherwise, I had a brake pressure switch issue that was not letting the cruise work and that's really about it. I've only got about 4500 miles on mine so far and the factory battery (unknown Chinese brand) left me stranded twice. I put a Yuasa in it and things seemed to be fixed for a while, but have returned to normal. Just about every time I go to start the bike when the engine is cold, it seems to struggle on 1 cylinder for 30 seconds or so. This bike is exactly like the crazy/hot ex-girlfriend analogy you gave in the last video.
Thanks John for the great video! I like your honest and straight forward presentation.
I try. I'd want to hear this stuff if I was going to plunk down $15K.
I know my 790 duke ran really lean and had trouble starting when cold and would randomly shut off when downshifting. I put a booster plug in. Fixed it. I now have a 890r and have no issues other the warped rotors.
Don’t let my 890 know that warped rotors are a thing!
I’m fortunate enough to ride motorcycles 10 hours a day for a job, but I also ride a 450rl and Africa Twin for fun. Nothing beats the freedom of two wheels.
True
Great review John. Did the TAT this year on a 22 RL and look forward to running it again next year on a 890.
That’s awesome. Be prepared to do it in record time.
Happy to hear its mostly sorted out. I commented on your first vid on how much mine (also 2023 890 Adv R) was worry free. I did end up with a bit of issues with the front tyre not keeping its air so had to put in a tube. When I put that issue aside, its the best bike I ever had. I guess KTM are fun and exciting bikes to own, but you will have a to deal with minor problems. Once you get it sorted out though, I think you can be very very happy. Hopefully things continue to be good for both of us and our 890s. I'm taking mine on he NEBDR next week. Should be fun. Cheers!
Itsa GREAT BDR bike. Have a fantastik adventure!
Avoid the Class 4 roads in VT.
Trust me, I just had a failed BDR attempt a couple weeks ago.
@@brandonrides8953 tnx a lot Brandon. I was wondering about that. The NEBDR mentions to avoid them, but the post is from end of July. We were planning to go and check if it was fixed. If I understand correctly we should just follow all the easier bypass while in VT?
Unless your rim is bent, you may have a leak in the tubeless band that seals the spokes.
@@HippieRedneck666 I had the dealer reseal the spokes, then they resealed the valve, then KTM said it was the tyre, but by then I had already bent my rim so now I have a tube in it
Great reviews..
About the cold start.... in some reviews from Big Rock Moto, he said put the switch on and waiting 3 to 5 seconds before to press start...and no more problems...
Cold start issues is a very well known problem at 790/890 platform and it's very easy to fix. The air/fuel ratio is really poor from the factory, in order to pass very strict emissions laws in Europe. Remember the dieselgate from VW?
A simple ECU remap with correct ratio values solves this problem forever, and also adds a lot of torque at low range. Feels like a different motorcycle after that. Here in Europe, you just need to send the ECU back to...Austria, a small enterprise so close to the KTM factory, that is almost the same postal address :))
Done and no effect.
Welcome to KTM’s three battery club.
Since you changed the battery next time you’re at the dealer have them reflash to fix the quick shifter, for some reason when the battery level gets low it messes up the programing for the quick shifter.
Be careful with the AXP skid plate, I’ve split two. I’m sure you noticed you can’t Billy goat the big KTM
up a hill Like your 450. Riding faster to keep the big girl happy is another adventure in itself.
Thank you for your update.
Thanks Old Army. I'll get to a dealer when I can, tho I try to stay far far away from them.
Unibat from Italy is the solution, as they has a security chip to keep the level at minimum 50%
Cold start issues is a very well known problem at 790/890 platform and it's very easy to fix. The air/fuel ratio is really poor from the factory, in order to pass very strict emissions laws in Europe. Remember the dieselgate from VW?
A simple ECU remap with correct ratio values solves this problem forever, and also adds a lot of torque at low range. Feels like a different motorcycle after that. Here in Europe, you just need to send the ECU back to...Austria, a small enterprise so close to the KTM factory, that is almost the same postal address :))
So well known KTM doesn't have to fix it.
Or find a dyno shop to program ecu in your area 🤫🥳
Want one, local dealership has like 5 on the floor. Worries me a bit. Neutral hunting on a KTM is an art. I’ve had a 350exc-f, 690R, 1290SAT and currently a 450exc-f 6-days: Yes, neutral is a state of mind, not a space on the gear stack (1290 was better). Good, consistent power sources solve LOTS of electronics problems (not just in the motor sports world). Buy the best batteries you can, and keep the terminals tidy.
Thanks David!
You got yourself a new subscriber from this insightful video, thank you for your transparency
Thank YOU for watching.
I just bought a 2023 890 R a few weeks ago and the first thing I ordered was a better steering stabilizer! The stock ones is basically non existent and the bike felt unpredictable at times and at low speeds the steering felt too loose. The upgrade stabilizer fixed all that! But so far the bike has been great.
Nice!
Why not just snug up the steering head bearings a bit?!
Try running 87 octane fuel not 93 octane to fix engine start problems. I know it sounds strange, but it worked on mine and a friends 2021 - 790 Adv R . Also, I had same neutral issues on my 2022 Adv R. Rottweilers quick shift upgrade fixed all those problems you described about finding neutral.
87 didn't do a thing, but thanks.
Great info!
Everything you mentioned has happened to my 2023 890 adventure R as well.
Sorry to hear that!
Thanks again JT, Great review and interesting to learn about the minor niggles I have read about on other reviews. The battery switch over is very interesting as well. I am still loving my 450RL but thinking of something different only as I also use a different machine for on road..so perhaps 1 bike that does both really well and is still not too heavy...is what I am aiming towards and with the re intro of the 790 adv and the similarities with the 890 adv R it seems like a better choice ...not committed yet but your reviews hold a lot of weight for my decision. Many thanks again.
You're welcome!
You are so fortunate, to own this bike, my dream
Sometimes YES... Sometimes NO!
Great review. What highway were you on in the video?
So glad you are back with videos. If you were riding out of country and doing some major miles 50/50 road and dirt. What would YOU get?
Motoz GPS or Mitas tires. I think. Dunlops?
@@JohnTYoung thanks! When you ride from Alaska to Ushuaia what’s your motorcycle? Same?
@daletalaplaya5086 Honda Transalp?
@@JohnTYoung That would be a good one! 👍😎
Thanks for the good, bad and ugly perspective. Love my 890R, and for me, the quick shifter loosened substantially right at 10K miles which may have some thing to do with a 9K miles service I had done at the dealer. Same Motorex…maybe a computer flash?
Maybe. When the snow melts I'll mess with it some more.
Stock batteries are s hit or miss on a vast number of makes & models these days. My '24 Husqvarna 901 acted up when I first got it but now that it's warming up outside it's behaving it self. Saw a video about '20 890 that burned through it's R cam lobes which is now in the back of my mind, supposedly they redesigned the cam retainer for oil flow but still...
I got mine for longevity (& performance) Hopefully I'll enjoy it for years.
Made In... where ever. Thanks!
Another excellent video! Your efforts are most appreciated.
Thanks Mark.
Look forward to the comparison between 911 bike and the 890 R. I’m in a position where I want to add a bigger friend alongside my 450L and I’m concerned the 890 is a little too similar and maybe I should just go GS big for comfortable road miles, commuting and some light off-road. Or is the right thing to do, get a 350 and an 890? I love my 450L though. Such a great platform for anything.
All true. I have found that between the 300 and the 890 I can have a total blast on 95% of my rides. but the true dual sport rides like Alpine Loop and White Rim Trail - the 450 can not be beat.
Great content, thanks. I had a 2022 that developed the starting issues too. It would take 2-3 times to stay running and then it did sound like it was running on 1 cylinder until it warmed up. A fellow 890 friend suggested I use 89 octane instead of 92. It seemed to solve the starting problem.
Thanks for the info! I'll give it a try
My local dealer said the same thing. And He was involved in testing through KTM.
I have similar starting issues on my KTM 500EXC and the manual and dealership have basically explained to me that you have no choice but to run the fuel pump. So I start it like an old Diesel, turn the key wait 5-10 secs and then start. It fires up every time. The check engine light will flash and come off and on and that was explained to me as the computer running redundant checks and takes about 60 secs to clear.
Yup. Do the same. Sometimes it starts right up, sometimes I gotta keep pushing the button.
Try running a tank of 87 and see if you get the single cylinder start issue. It's only happened to me once and I was about 1500F higher in elevation than home. Seems to related to the fuel injection and 87 prevents that. At least many claim it to resolve the issue. Never had any issue with the quick shifter but I do find if i lazily shift from 1st to 2nd I find myself in neutral sometimes and not 2nd. Knock on wood I don't experience any other issues. :)
I'll give it a try! Thank you.
I had the cold start issue very consistently on my 790 adv R after I had switched to 93 octane. After running a tank of 87 it seems to have cleared up...
I have the same bike and my bike is also plagued with the starting issue. I have found that if you turn the key and switch on and you wait and hear a small click which takes about 6 or 7 seconds to hear that sound. Once I hear the click sound I count to five and the bike starts every time. But my bike only does it once in a while usually when it sits for a few days so it’s not a constant problem just when it does happen that works for me. Once bike is started it doesn’t do it anymore. Until it sits for a couple days. Doesn’t bother me. I can live with it. But I do now have an antifreeze smell. Something is leaking somewhere. I have to figure out but every bike has its problems. I don’t complain. I just take care of it and move on. Lol. Hope this helps.
Thanks Wicked! I'll listen for the click and give it a try. Mine smells of anti-freeze too.
@@JohnTYoung tightened the coolant hose behind the header in front of the engine...known quirk
LOVE THAT GRAPHICS KIT
Thanks!
My 22 does the single cylinder start when it's been sitting for a couple of days. Especially if it's fueled with 93 octane. I hold a touch of throttle for 30 seconds, and it's done. If I run 89 or 87 it doesn't do it at all. The theory that I've read is it's a cold start cycle built into the ECU for a specific Euro test, but of course KTM isn't going to confirm that. Other than that I guess I've been one of the lucky ones. Not a single problem with mine in 15k miles. I've got a 6k round trip ride to the KTM Adventure Rally in AZ this October, and I have every confidence in the 890.
And yeah. I get the clunky gearbox. I also alternate between the 890R and a 450RL. I hadn't realized how much of a difference there was until I got the Honda this last June.
Thanks for all that R1Dutch. And thanks for the sense of Hope that my 890 won't leave me stranded.
Do either of your header pipes glow red hot after about two minutes of idling? My 2023 890 adventure base model does. Dealer I bought it from is clueless why. One pipe is worse than the other. I measured 500 F on the right pipe as you look at it. It's 6 months old with 728 miles on it. I first noticed it at the 6 month point when I saw some smoke wafting up while idling in the garage. Otherwise, I wouldn't have ever noticed or thought to look down there.
Great review! Appreciate it.
P.S. Also had the starting problem since new. Dealer re-flashed the ECU, I believe, under warranty. They called it "KTB2304 Control unit update."
No. Not yet. Do I have that to look forward to too?
Man, I'm sure your experience has been great going forward, but it really says something about KTM engineering when something as simple as the normal voltage fluctuation of the battery that comes with the bike is enough to prevent it from starting.
Right?!
Thanks for the great review. Any updates on the cold start issues or quickshifter roughness? And ultimately, would you recommend the bike? Do you trust it on your longer trips despite the (seemingly) small issues mentioned? I'm considering picking up a 2023+ 890R or Norden 901 Exp. next year. I have a TE300i for enduro/more hard riding, so would be using this for BDR type rides with my dad. Once again, thanks for the review.
Oh that's fine... make it my fault if you get stuck in the middle of nowhere. LOL.
It still won't start easy when it's cold and the quick shifter still takes some finesse to use. But it still starts every time and the trips to the dealer to reset the engine light is getting to be routine. Had I to do it all over again I might go for the Ducati Desert X Rally instead...
Thanks for your honest review, my question is, will you be trading this in for a transalp?
No. The Transalp is going the wrong way for how I like to ride. Maybe a Ducati Desert X tho.
Just a thought about your quick shift mine was not smooth very clunky but found my chain was to tight , once set correctly the quick shift is perfect.
Hmmm. I just checked my chain and it was fine, I think. Thanks for the suggestion!
Brother, you must have really got a lemon here. My 890 had a dead battery issue, but other than that I haven't had any issues. That issue was solved by the warranty.
Lemon bike and a lemon dealer.
@@JohnTYoung Don't know if you've mentioned the dealer, but if you don't mind sharing I'd like to know who NOT to give my money to since I'm moving to the area
@@Slov_ If you check Google and FB reviews you'll know....
I put a Storm Mivv exhaust on it, it’s light, cheap, looks and sounds great and the bike is more responsive.
I'll add it to the list! Thanks
Nice reveiw mate , can i ask what fuel you are using ? I had the same problem but i was using 98 then i swiched to 95 and it fixed the cold start issue .🤔
91 usually
My 23 901 expedition has had the same immobilizer fault. Not sure if it fixed it but turning the key to full bar lock position cleared it and bike started.
It also starts on one cylinder at times but hasn’t caused a fault
I hope it never happens again, but if it does I’ll give this a try. Thank you
Hilarious John! Really glad I've got a CRF450L, all my riding buddies have KTM 690/790/890 and there's always something with those bikes, sometimes small sometimes not so small, my mico view of newer midsize KTMs tells me they are not reliable and age real fast, look forward to your comparison
Well if I'm good at anything its making bikes do what they weren't meant to do and for a really long time. LOL.
@@JohnTYoung I wish you and your 890 a long and prosperous life, seriously, how else would we get to enjoy more of your uniquely entertaining and informative videos, all the best John!
So crazy I have the same bike same year but the S model. I have not experience not one issue in this video.
If your having problems take it to your dealer.
I own and have owned Yamahas, Hondas, Kawasakis and all have some flaws. Some more than others.
Been to the dealer... did not help.
every ktm i have owned with fuel injection i have tapped the start to prime the units before starting if it has rested, you can hear the action but you dont hold to start - do this is my advice, it should then simply stop this none start on 1st push thing you encounter
I'll give it a go. Thank you.
With these massively laden electronic bikes, never turn the ignition on and then off almost immediately. I've seen many do this on their bikes. The EM/ECU's need time to cycle through all the sensors and systems, before pressing the starter button or switching back off without. If you don't do this, it can de- phase the chips and systems. Be patient. If you can't buy a DR350.
Voltage drop sensitivity is high. Batterys have to be at peak health all the time. Out on trail, always have a backup battery starter pack.
Copy!
to be honest I have no idea why KTM does not install from factory batteries with higher CCA - I have NOCO nlp14 in all of my 3 ktms and touch wood zero electronic errors/ gremlins
$$$
Money they have to pay dealers each time they have customer bring bike with mtc or immobiliser error would definitely cover those lithium batteries
About the front suspension, click. I seen other videos where they change the front bearings to a Timken bearing and all that noise goes away.
That sounds like a great idea!
Jeeze. Love my T7 even more now.
My GF loves her's as well.
Thanks for the excellent review. Re affirms my thoughts on upgrading (?) To the 890. Think I'll stick with the trusty 1090. Proven Lighter faster not one warning light as long as I've had it though to be honest consider trade up just to bet the 'ballsack' enjoy
It's all about the ball sack.
Keep your KTM.
I enjoy my Yamaha. No issues.
Good to hear
İ find out the quickshifter does not want to work when you accelerate quickly because of traction control. This is my personal opininon. When tc light flashes, it does not engage the transmission.
I have not noticed that.
I was told not to buy this as it gives lots of problem and you eventually become a good highway mechanic if you own one of this...
So I just backed out from it
Just bought my 22 890 , it immediately had coolant leak with first 24hrs , and still don't know it's fixed 😅. But man I love this bike . Still.. what tires you running
LOL. Sounds about right. Motoz Rallz.
KTM tech here... Your bike needs to be set up correctly with the XC2 we have as dealers. There are fixes for everything stated. And the lithium battery is not one of them.
All Techs are not created the same... apparently. Thanks Tyler.
Unfortunately many people have ditched KTM due to something so simple. Most of the people I work with don’t know how to use the diagnostic tool… causing small but annoying issues.
Thank you for posting this
You're welcome
Wow you got that bike looking good.
Thanks 👍
electrical and mechanical gremlins aside, how are you enjoying the ride overall? Couldn't imagine taking this thing into any major offroad tracks unless i was a 7ft tall strongman who could wrestle the beast.
It makes you feel like a 6 1/2 foot tall strongman, it's that much fun.
My 2021 890R has had none of these issues/faults, speed shifter is perfect, the bike starts best when really cold, the trans once broken in? Is like magic, smoothest shifting bike ever, no antenna immobilzer issue, neutral is dead easy to find.
Mine is absolutely neutral as far as steering, never a hint of twitchiness.
No airbox adds 10HP. Those rotty airboxes are well known for letting dirt in...I didnt think they still sold them.
The internet wants that new stabilizer bought, mine is great stock! If an 890 is twitchy on road or wobbling? Something is wrong.
Mine is a relaxed stable ride all day on road, stock stabilizer is fine on dirt.
I had a RallZ on the back briefly, what a POS. Its a dirt tire only, horrible, worst ever on road.
Night and Day
with all your comments on the horsepower, do you not find it lacks some low down "grunt"? I know this can be partially solved with lower gearing, but dont know if a remap would help. For my typical technical terrain, tractor pull from idle is probably the most important part of an engine power delivery
The 890 is for certain geared a little high for off road work
@@JohnTYoung did you drop a tooth on the front sprocket ?
@rasthurlo6812 that might be a bit much. Might add one maybe two to the rear.
@@JohnTYoung most guys in my area drop one at the front and are happy with that, but we have more technical and less open terrain
When i start my 890 r cold i always give it 10mm of throttle opening and when it starts back it off and let it idle, This stops it running on 1 cylinder and the warning light coming on, Cheers
Revving a cold engine scares me.
As i said when it starts you let it idle, no revving involved@@JohnTYoung
I have the Norden 901. How did you read the fault codes? I have had similar issues with the shifting flash fault. I only have 600 miles on mine and I want to be able to read the faults without having to take it to the dealer all the time. Thanks for putting this information out.
You need to get an OBD2 reader and a motorcycle adapter. I take mine to the dealer usually.
@@JohnTYoungOk thank you much!