2021 KTM 890 Adventure R and Rally edition unveiled

Rumours of a new adventure bike based on KTM’s 890cc platform were correct, with the Austrian firm unveiling the all-new 2021 KTM 890 Adventure R and 890 Adventure R Rally.

The pair of middleweight adventure machines will sit above the current KTM 790 Adventure and 790 Adventure R, with the new beefed-up engine providing more power and torque. The new 890 power plant puts out 105hp at 8000rpm and 100Nm at 6500rpm – an increase from the 790’s 95hp and 89Nm.

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Many elements of the 790 Adventure will carry over, with the new 890 machines featuring similar styling and equipment, but there are multiple improvements from the 790 range.

The new Euro-5 compliant engine features 20% more rotating mass, with the powerplant offering an overall more stable and consistent output, and better low-RPM torque. The improved configuration also helps with cornering stability. There is also fully-adjustable WP Xplor suspension and an overhauled electronics package including cruise control.

Sitting at the top of the range, the KTM 890 Adventure R Rally has been designed with significant input from the KTM Factory Rally Team and features top-shelf WP Xplor suspension, an Akrapovic silencer, rally footpegs, a straight seat, clear screen and winglets, race inspired graphics and a quickshifter and 'Rally' ride mode as standard.

KTM debuted the 890cc power plant in the 890 Duke at EICMA 2019. The 890 Duke was designed to sit above the 790 Duke as a more powerful and aggressive option.

At the same event, Husqvarna revealed its 901 Norden adventure concept which is expected to go into production. That move prompted theories that a KTM 890 Adventure might soon follow.

As well as the 790 Adventure platform, KTM offers a 1090 Adventure R, a 1290 Adventure R and a 1290 Adventure S. The Austrian firm also launched its new 390 Adventure earlier in 2020 which gave beginner dual-sport riders a budget-friendly adventure option.

Another KTM adventure model could arrive in 2021, with CFMoto building a range of bikes using a new 750cc platform. The bikes will be produced as both CFMoto and KTM products.

The new 2021 KTM 890 Adventure R is expected to arrive in Australia and New Zealand by April 2021, but the Rally model will only see 700 units produced worldwide. Pre-orders for the Rally model are available at www.ktm.com.au.

Pricing is yet to be revealed, but we expect both bikes to be north of $22,000AUD ride away, given the 790 Adventure R is priced at $21,595 ride away.