PRESS LAUNCH 2023 KTM 890 ADVENTURE
A MOST LOGICAL ADVENTURER
The new 890 Adventure handles pavement as well as it tackles the rough stuff
STORY BY COSTA MOUZOURIS
PHOTOS BY FRANCESC MONTERO & SEBAS ROMERO
Forthe longest time I used to think that, if you wanted a hardcore adventure bike for serious off-roading, KTM’s R versions were the only way to go. They offer the hard-charging, expert rider an elevated level of off-road performance, though a few compromises are made for street riding, like a tall seat, firm suspension, and a premium price. After riding the new 890 Adventure — without the R — Irealized that it compromises almost nothing for the majority of off-road riding that most riders will experience, while offering an equally uncompromising street ride.
More Adventure, Less Naked
KTM redesigned the 890 Adventure for 2023, and it has an all-new look, inspired by the company’s rally race bikes. The biggest change is the addition of a new fairing with side panels that now connect the headlight housing to the rest of the machine — it now looks more adventure bike than naked bike.
Beneath the fairing are stiffer, forged-aluminum brackets, which provide better support when adding accessories up top. The fairing also has a taller windscreen that combines with the side panels to add a measure of wind protection for the torso and legs. The windscreen has a hole punched in the middle of it, which one might think would reduce wind protection, but it’s there to reduce buffeting. More on that later.
The two-piece seat now has thicker, softer foam, and is adjustable to two positions (840/860 mm) within seconds, without tools — just remove it with the key and replace it in a different position. The bike’s unique, low-slung 20-litre fuel tank now has better crash protection via a larger, stronger aluminum skid plate.