I avoided KTM due to the looks but nothing matched it as an all rounder so I bought the R with all the bells and whistles. I've added full body decals, a Remus exhaust and it's just Fun,Fun, Fun!!
Yes the looks can hold the KTM'S back, but dynamically they are just brilliant 👍 Good choice, I much prefer the looks of the r model. Great all rounder, hope you enjoy it.
Angus, I rode one last week and bought one! Decent deal on an orange one like my test bike. The test bike had the R front mudguard which makes a big difference to the look. I’ve seen some excellent graphics that also work. The mix of light weight and general manageability is much more what need. I rode it for 90 minutes over a range of roads and speeds into the bargain getting a staggering 73 mpg. The engine is, for me, nicer than the buzzy Tiger 900 and the riding position better for me. The Tiger weighs about the same but is top heavy and tall for my short legs. The screen isn’t especially good but there are aftermarket screens that will do the job. Despite giving 200cc to my Africa Twin it’s just more alive. It’s how I felt going from a 1200 GSA to the 1200 GS LC: more involving. Oh, and neutral is easy to find unlike the GSA plus a good quick shifter. No beauty for sure but……..
👍 Massive congratulations on your new bike! They are dynamically brilliant, so well balanced and just such a capable allrounder. I found it so much more involving to ride than the Africa Twin, despite the drop in cc. The weight low down in the bladder fuel tank is such a bonus as well. Hope you enjoy
Thanks for the review! I have an 890 Adventure R and the looks are the least of my concerns because no other bike I’ve owned or ridden puts a bigger smile on my face, period.
Amazing what a few differently shaped panels and another headlight can do to a bike with the same platform… just look at the Husqvarna Norden 901, what a beautiful bike that is! 😍 Cheers Angus, cracking video! 😃👍🏻
I know! Really want to get a ride on the Norden 901! Of course basically the same as the 890 Adventure, but like you say. Looks brilliant. Potential second bike I think 😁 Cheers glad you enjoyed it
It's sooo much uglier. it has that rearing seal look that Yamaha and other manufacturers do, unlike the KTM that has the eagle look championed by the masters of adventure bikes, BMW. And round headlights? It's not 1955 anymore.
@@simulacrae haha each to their own, looks are so subjective! I really don't like the look of the 890 adventure, horrible! No class, poor angles. Rides well though 😁
@@redangrevival If you switch the ugly headlight out to something more conventional it would look great. The lines of the faux fuel tank and the seat are exceptional.
To me it looks like an insect , or something from a transformers movie! Especially the front headlight. But that Triumph triple RS you loved also has (in my opinion) an odd insect looking headlight also 🤔. Guess you either love it , or you don’t 😆!
Quirky? The R model looks better with more off-road leaning. There are so graphics kits that might help. It’s bike on my list in search of the perfect adventure bike.
Yup I suppose quirky is a good description! I really like the look of the 2023 R model 👍 Other than the looks, this is a fantastic adventure bike. Take a look at the Norden 901, same bike but looks brilliant. Love it
Wrong wheels...should be 19/17" on the standard bike....Rade Garage and Rottweiler Performance can sort the looks out,when you see the stripped back R/P one,beautiful!
I rode the 2021 model last summer. I quite liked it, except the screen which was atrocious. Severe intense buffeting on the top of my helmet. I'm only short as well. The screen is not adjustable on the move which is a major failing by KTM. The rest of the bike seemed good. Looks wise I prefer it to the Norden 901, but then I am a sucker for orange. It seemed very capable riding a long a few rough tracks. The low slung side fuel tanks are a great idea giving a lower centre of gravity. Also where can you properly ride a bike like this or indeed the R version in the UK? Doesn't just apply to this particular bike but all adv bikes. I guess if you're just buying it for the commanding upright riding position and comfort then there maybe be better alternatives. An Adv bike might be much more suited to trails in the US, Canada, South Africa, Mongolia or Australia, but in the UK? No.
A great bike and very impressive. I actually really like the looks of the Norden 901!! Nice sort of retro/modern style adventure bike. Was really surprised at how well it was on gravel tracks but then when you hit some corners it is also brilliant. Impressive bike. Love the bladder tank and think it more manufacturers will start using it, just helps with the handling so much. Love the look of the new 2023 R model, now thats a proper ADV bike! Cheers
Bit of a prancing horse type look to me Red and surprisingly in that colour "like you said '' looks cool I actually find myself liking it "weird '' because I am certainly not a fan of the look of KTM'S .Sounds like it would quite suite me don't search for mega speed these days at my age and never been much of an off roader and to much hassel finding places to go but probably to tall and the price to high I think I would always go to the used market in any case .Good watch though 👍
Have a look at the Norden 901 👍 All of the same components but looks brilliant! A very impressive bike this, brilliant an easy off road, but also great fun in the corners. It is actually a low seat height for an adventure bike, and very easy to handle as the weight is all low down. I am talking myself into it now haha Brilliant bike 😂 Cheers
I’ve been riding one with all the bells and whistles since 2019. Over 13,000 trouble free miles later the seat still sucks, and the front of the bike is still butt ugly to me. Other than that it performs great. It’s my understanding they fixed that stupid preying mantis head look on the 2023 models.
👍 Glad you are enjoying it. Exactly my thoughts really, horrible looks, but everything else is great. Very impressive adventure bike. Yes love the look of the 2023 Adventure R model, much better. Cheers
Agree - it's ugly. But (Butt?), it's ugliness is part of what makes it cool. You don't mistake KTMs for anything else. By the way, the blustery day seemed to me, to be the perfect day for such a machine - it shouts at you in much the same way.
Yes I suppose the looks mean that there is no mistaking it for another manufacturer!! You can see a KTM coming from a long way off 👍 Yup it seemed all the more like an adventure because of the wind! "extreme adventuring" 😂 Was a great fun day and ride. Cheers
@@showmytime9177 I went from a 2019 Versys 650 GT (which i loved and did put 30k kms on) to a 2021 KTM 890 Adventure last month. Bought my Kawa/KTM dealer's demo bike after I rode it a couple of days during service on the Versys... thought it was ugly as well but I didn't care because it's such a great bike to ride... and now even the looks are starting to grow on me 😊
We're in the age of 'deliberately ugly to impart a sense of utilitarianism' bikes .The new tuareg is the same , its honestly hideous but a great bike . It's a shame really
A very good point that I had not thought of! Yes, it must look so bad for some reason (type of thinking). I agree, not a fan of the Tuareg looks either
@@mermerac I checked in Wikipedia. For English language, you're correct, I'm wrong. For the German language, parallel twin very often only means 0°. Another lesson learned :-)
I avoided KTM due to the looks but nothing matched it as an all rounder so I bought the R with all the bells and whistles. I've added full body decals, a Remus exhaust and it's just Fun,Fun, Fun!!
Yes the looks can hold the KTM'S back, but dynamically they are just brilliant 👍 Good choice, I much prefer the looks of the r model. Great all rounder, hope you enjoy it.
Angus, I rode one last week and bought one! Decent deal on an orange one like my test bike. The test bike had the R front mudguard which makes a big difference to the look. I’ve seen some excellent graphics that also work. The mix of light weight and general manageability is much more what need. I rode it for 90 minutes over a range of roads and speeds into the bargain getting a staggering 73 mpg. The engine is, for me, nicer than the buzzy Tiger 900 and the riding position better for me. The Tiger weighs about the same but is top heavy and tall for my short legs. The screen isn’t especially good but there are aftermarket screens that will do the job. Despite giving 200cc to my Africa Twin it’s just more alive. It’s how I felt going from a 1200 GSA to the 1200 GS LC: more involving. Oh, and neutral is easy to find unlike the GSA plus a good quick shifter. No beauty for sure but……..
👍 Massive congratulations on your new bike! They are dynamically brilliant, so well balanced and just such a capable allrounder.
I found it so much more involving to ride than the Africa Twin, despite the drop in cc. The weight low down in the bladder fuel tank is such a bonus as well.
Hope you enjoy
@@redangrevival Many thanks. A few weeks away so we’ll see what it’s like in winter! The true test….
@@redangrevival Mant thanks!
@@ianross225 👍 Am sure it will perform great over the winter
Thanks for the review! I have an 890 Adventure R and the looks are the least of my concerns because no other bike I’ve owned or ridden puts a bigger smile on my face, period.
👌 that is brilliant, at the end of the day that is what we ride for. Whatever puts a smile on your face is the best thing. Enjoy
The looks are the least of the problems owning a KTM....reliability and poor dealership service should be the number one issue!
I know what you mean, I think the reliability is getting better! But still not ideal
Amazing what a few differently shaped panels and another headlight can do to a bike with the same platform… just look at the Husqvarna Norden 901, what a beautiful bike that is! 😍
Cheers Angus, cracking video! 😃👍🏻
I know! Really want to get a ride on the Norden 901! Of course basically the same as the 890 Adventure, but like you say. Looks brilliant. Potential second bike I think 😁 Cheers glad you enjoyed it
It's sooo much uglier. it has that rearing seal look that Yamaha and other manufacturers do, unlike the KTM that has the eagle look championed by the masters of adventure bikes, BMW. And round headlights? It's not 1955 anymore.
@@simulacrae haha each to their own, looks are so subjective! I really don't like the look of the 890 adventure, horrible!
No class, poor angles. Rides well though 😁
@@redangrevival If you switch the ugly headlight out to something more conventional it would look great. The lines of the faux fuel tank and the seat are exceptional.
@@simulacrae Yup it is mainly the front end I don't like. Just too strange and mantis looking. Brilliant bike though
What make and where did you get your handle bar bag .Great vid
Many thanks glad you enjoyed the video 👍 It is actually for bicycles! From Halfords store. Sorry no model name available!
I put 11K on my 22" 890 Adventure S last year. I have the better looking and much faster Orange version. 😉
Haha orange is always better!
@@redangrevival 😁😂
To me it looks like an insect , or something from a transformers movie! Especially the front headlight. But that Triumph triple RS you loved also has (in my opinion) an odd insect looking headlight also 🤔. Guess you either love it , or you don’t 😆!
👍 Very true! However I actually quite liked the look of the Triumph RS in person. Not the case with this KTM haha
Quirky? The R model looks better with more off-road leaning. There are so graphics kits that might help. It’s bike on my list in search of the perfect adventure bike.
Yup I suppose quirky is a good description! I really like the look of the 2023 R model 👍 Other than the looks, this is a fantastic adventure bike. Take a look at the Norden 901, same bike but looks brilliant. Love it
mine looked good enough for some low live in greater London to steal it. (and I LOVE the look)
Sorry to hear that, terrible people! Fair enough, looks are so subjective
Nice bike you seemed to like it the more you rode it :)
Definitely! Rides brilliantly and a very good adventure bike, surprisingly nimble as well 👍 Just not sold on the look haha
Red Ang, have you ever reviewed the Triumph 1200 XE Scrambler ? If so, could you send me the link. Cheers mate !
I have actually! Feel like I need to do it again though. Here's the link, enjoy: ruclips.net/video/ZnWLT9GNA_c/видео.html
I can buy model 2022 for good price.
You think is better model 2023 ?
I drive on road not of road .
I would go for the 2022 model for best value for money 👍
Wrong wheels...should be 19/17" on the standard bike....Rade Garage and Rottweiler Performance can sort the looks out,when you see the stripped back R/P one,beautiful!
Nice thanks I will take a look at that 👍 I do much prefer the looks of the R model
I rode the 2021 model last summer. I quite liked it, except the screen which was atrocious. Severe intense buffeting on the top of my helmet. I'm only short as well. The screen is not adjustable on the move which is a major failing by KTM. The rest of the bike seemed good. Looks wise I prefer it to the Norden 901, but then I am a sucker for orange. It seemed very capable riding a long a few rough tracks.
The low slung side fuel tanks are a great idea giving a lower centre of gravity.
Also where can you properly ride a bike like this or indeed the R version in the UK? Doesn't just apply to this particular bike but all adv bikes. I guess if you're just buying it for the commanding upright riding position and comfort then there maybe be better alternatives. An Adv bike might be much more suited to trails in the US, Canada, South Africa, Mongolia or Australia, but in the UK? No.
A great bike and very impressive. I actually really like the looks of the Norden 901!! Nice sort of retro/modern style adventure bike. Was really surprised at how well it was on gravel tracks but then when you hit some corners it is also brilliant. Impressive bike.
Love the bladder tank and think it more manufacturers will start using it, just helps with the handling so much.
Love the look of the new 2023 R model, now thats a proper ADV bike!
Cheers
There is a larger windscreen available from KTM and several after market offerings from Puig (sp?) and the usual suspects.
Bit of a prancing horse type look to me Red and surprisingly in that colour "like you said '' looks cool I actually find myself liking it "weird '' because I am certainly not a fan of the look of KTM'S .Sounds like it would quite suite me don't search for mega speed these days at my age and never been much of an off roader and to much hassel finding places to go but probably to tall and the price to high I think I would always go to the used market in any case .Good watch though 👍
Have a look at the Norden 901 👍 All of the same components but looks brilliant! A very impressive bike this, brilliant an easy off road, but also great fun in the corners. It is actually a low seat height for an adventure bike, and very easy to handle as the weight is all low down.
I am talking myself into it now haha Brilliant bike 😂 Cheers
I think 'odd' is the nicest thing you can say about the looks...
😂 Was trying to keep it polite!! Definitely not a looker.
I’ve been riding one with all the bells and whistles since 2019. Over 13,000 trouble free miles later the seat still sucks, and the front of the bike is still butt ugly to me. Other than that it performs great. It’s my understanding they fixed that stupid preying mantis head look on the 2023 models.
👍 Glad you are enjoying it. Exactly my thoughts really, horrible looks, but everything else is great. Very impressive adventure bike.
Yes love the look of the 2023 Adventure R model, much better. Cheers
Agree - it's ugly. But (Butt?), it's ugliness is part of what makes it cool. You don't mistake KTMs for anything else. By the way, the blustery day seemed to me, to be the perfect day for such a machine - it shouts at you in much the same way.
Yes I suppose the looks mean that there is no mistaking it for another manufacturer!! You can see a KTM coming from a long way off 👍
Yup it seemed all the more like an adventure because of the wind! "extreme adventuring" 😂 Was a great fun day and ride. Cheers
I’m the same , KTM bikes look like for guys in their 20s , I’m 43 and all this orange and white … look like some plastic toy for children
They definitely divide opinion. I don't mind other KTM's too much, but this 890 I am just not sold on the looks. Brilliant bike though!
try the Grey version, it looks perfect to me.
I really want one but got to sell the "old" bike, a Versys 650 from 2021
@@showmytime9177 I went from a 2019 Versys 650 GT (which i loved and did put 30k kms on) to a 2021 KTM 890 Adventure last month. Bought my Kawa/KTM dealer's demo bike after I rode it a couple of days during service on the Versys... thought it was ugly as well but I didn't care because it's such a great bike to ride... and now even the looks are starting to grow on me 😊
😎👍👍👍😎
👌👍👌
Looks like a duck, they should go for a bigger tank
It does look strange in my opinion. Perhaps some larger fairing at the front end may help as well 👍
We're in the age of 'deliberately ugly to impart a sense of utilitarianism' bikes .The new tuareg is the same , its honestly hideous but a great bike . It's a shame really
A very good point that I had not thought of! Yes, it must look so bad for some reason (type of thinking).
I agree, not a fan of the Tuareg looks either
And btw. it's not a "parallel" twin
Are you sure?
@@redangrevival yes - it has some 270 or degrees. Similar to the V-engine in the larger Adventures for a better sound...
@@peterschadel6373 it's a parallel twin configuration with a 270 degree firing order. The two are not mutually exclusive.
@@mermerac I checked in Wikipedia. For English language, you're correct, I'm wrong. For the German language, parallel twin very often only means 0°.
Another lesson learned :-)