KTM 890 Adventure R: 2021 bikesales Bike of the Year Highly Commended
Few other bikes have the true go-anywhere capability of KTM's middleweight adventure weapon
The KTM 890 Adventure R is Highly Commended in the 2021 bikesales Bike of the Year awards, proudly presented by Shannons, thanks largely to its unmatched versatility and compelling on-road/off-road performance.
Few dual-sport motorcycles blur the lines between road and dirt as much as the KTM 890 Adventure R, continuing a theme established by its predecessor.
The KTM 790 Adventure R was the 2019 bikesales Bike of the Year winner, and while the improved 890 Adventure R couldn’t quite repeat that feat, it did come very close to the top prize.
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Powered by an 889cc parallel-twin engine, the 890 Adventure R is good for 105hp at 8000rpm and 100Nm at 6500rpm. The judges loved the versatility of the engine, praising its performance on both the dirt and on the tarmac.
“It is easy to forget that this is actually a dual-sport machine thanks to its incredible off-road performance, but it goes very well on the road too,” said bikesales editor, Dylan Ruddy. “The 890 Adventure R is still a bullet on the tarmac.”
But the BOTY judges were most impressed with the 890 Adventure R’s WP Xplor suspension set-up, which takes inspiration from the Austrian marque's EXC enduro range.
“As soon as you hit the dirt, the 890 Adventure R’s capability is obvious,” said Ruddy. “It handles every pothole, every rut, and every broken tree branch with absolute ease. You can send the bike off erosion mounds, plough through puddles and creek crossings, and climb and descend snotty hills – you rarely come close to finding the bike’s limits.”
And in addition to the excellent engine and suspension, the 890 Adventure R also has a comprehensive electronics package which helps it easily swap between off-road brawler and tarmac flyer. And while the 890 Adventure R has all the features you’d expect on a premium adventure bike, the optional Rally mode adds even more customisation.
With a price tag of $24,470 ride away, there are cheaper dual-sport options out there, but few have the same level of equipment and capability as the 890 Adventure R. It won't suit everyone's budget, but you'll get plenty of bang for your buck if you do take the plunge.
The KTM 890 Adventure R is the closest thing to a dirt bike that an adventure bike can get, but it does so without compromising its long-distance comfort or on-road performance. And that is why it has been awarded Highly Commended in the 2021 bikesales Bike of the Year awards.
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