Chapter 11 - the KTM 890 Adventure R

[Dirt_Dad]

Yes, I'm curious about the full RPM range.

Good luck on getting the 890 Adventure. If the one I sat on in late January had a windscreen it would be in my garage today.

I know my dealer is anticipating the windscreens to arrive very soon. I look forward to your reports on how you like the new screen. I'm definitely in the market for a different one. I checked with Mad Stad and they told me late summer at the soonest for them to have a design for the '23.

 

[Dirt_Dad]

Next stop....unrestricted throttle.

The way things worked out I did not have a chance to see how the bike would perform after I crossed the 620 mile break in. Dealer will do the first service on Saturday, then I'll see what I've got.

Friday morning I found my rear tire was down 10 lbs from the last ride. Once again I was able to snug up the nut on the valve. At this point, I think I can make a warranty argument that the tire needs to come off to address the tire not holding air. So I intend to have the dealer put in the TPMS on Saturday. I had planned hold out until the first tire change, but it's time.

Really glad you're enjoying the bike. I never doubted that you would. It's not that it's better than the 1290 nor is the 1290 better than it. Personally I just think it's more fun.

Definitely enjoying it. No question I'm finding them to be completely different. The way they deliver power is night and day different. The way they corner is an interesting difference. So far my perception is the 890 is more upright in the corners at the similar speeds to the SAS. Now that I'm about to gain the full 9,800 RPM I look forward to learning the power. Obviously 890cc is never going to have the rocket power of 1290cc. I'm hopelessly addicted to the seemingly endless arm-stretching power of the SAS. It's a visceral satisfaction that just works for me. I'm pleased the 890 appears like it will do a great job of filling in the areas where I don't look to the SAS to perform. There's room in my riding interests for both bikes to excel in their assigned tasks.

I'm waiting for the final numbers to trade in the Norden on the '23 890 Adventure. Hope to be able to pull the trigger next week.

Any news here?

It was a spectacular 230 mile ride on a late winter day.

231 miles today

Got home from my SAS ride yesterday, looked at the GPS and just started laughing. Over the last 15 days, I've taken three multi-hour rides, on three different routes, using two different bikes. Mileage, 230, 231, and 231. I couldn't do that if I tried. I know I'm the only one amused by this outcome. I'm okay with that.

 

[Jlq1969]

Over the last 15 days, I've taken three multi-hour rides, on three different routes, using two different bikes. Mileage, 230, 231, and 231. I couldn't do that if I tried. I know I'm the only one amused by this outcome. I'm okay with that.

Mmmmm!!!!….interesting….maybe an angel is sending you a text message

Meaning of 231 Angel Number - Seeing 231 - What does the number mean?

Find out what the number 231 in angel numerology means. Deciphering the effect of the digits in 231 on a person’s life.

numeroscop.net

 

[Dirt_Dad]

Responding to a text from those angels could cost me more than I'm willing to pay.

A video of responsible break-in by the book. Brace yourself for the beastly sound track provided by stock KTM exhaust.

A number of these roads are included in the routes published for the Romney Camp N Ride.

 

[Dirt_Dad]

Found out why my 890 was leaking air in rear tire.

Valve should look like this all the way around.

Mine looked like this on one side.

Makes sense now.

 

[sheikyerbooty]

For your interest DD

 

[Donk]

Picked up the '23 890 Adventure today. Much better wind protection than the '21. The quick shifter is more refined too.

 

[Dirt_Dad]

Congrats.

I'd like to hear more in the windscreen as you learn about it in various stages of flight.

I had to go with an extension for now. Stock screen on the R was miserable with my XD4. I see stress cracks forming so the clock is ticking on finding a solution.


I've been all over the map trying to decide what I think about the quick shifter on the 890. Right now I'm thinking it's equal to my SAS. No better no worse. If pushed, I'd say the SAS is probably better, but it's way more broken in.

Congratulations again on the new bike.

 

[Dirt_Dad]

Been a while since I said anything here about the 890. I've actually been post a fair number of detailed videos about the bike here on the DD channel.

I'm at 1,949 miles now. I've learned a lot, but still feel I have much more to understand about the 890.

First and foremost, the 890 has proven to be exactly what I wanted it to be....a comfortable, long distance capable, no compromise dirt bike. At least no compromise for how I'm going to ride dirt at this age. I have found nothing that I'd be willing to do on my old 690 that I am not willing to do on the 890. In fact, the 890 has been astonishingly easy to ride in some situations I had anticipated would be a little sketchy. Instead they proved to be nothing of concern.

It continues to impress as a twisty road carver. It's true you could never mistake a 890cc as 1290cc, but the handling of the bike is precise and rewarding in the curvy sections. I have never found a place where I thought the 21" front wheel was causing any interference with my enjoyment of riding on pavement. It's downright fantastic in the ability to hold a line.

It's impossible for me not to compare this to the SAS. They are two completely and totally different bikes. On the pavement the missing displacement is obvious. Dirt superiority is equally as unquestionable. Both bikes can perform in any environment, but each really shines in their natural habitat.

I've been thinking I was taking the SAS to Romney next month. After riding the 890 on Smoke Hole Road yesterday I started to have second thoughts. IF I get a chance to lead any rides, the SAS means I'm limited to leading a pavement ride. The 890 gives the ability to lead any kind of ride. No, it won't power out of a corner like the SAS, but the 890 is so good on the pavement, I doubt anyone is really going to notice. I'd like to take both, but if I can only have one...

The 890 could never unseat the SAS in my garage. A bike that could do that hasn't been invented yet. But as long as I'm still interested in riding off pavement, the 890 has earned a solid foothold on the space between the SAS and the GS.

That particular real estate has proven to be hard to secure. I think the 890 has an excellent chance of staying there long term.

 

[Donk]

Initial impression of the windshield was that it's really good.

I think the quick shifter on the 890 is far superior to the one on the 1290. There isn't the microsecond delay under acceleration that the 1290 has.

As far as road prowess I will give you this; I used to think a liter bike was the only track bike to ride. Why would anyone ride anything less? For 2 years a friend who is a track coach tried to convince me I should ride a 300-400. I refused. Then I had the chance to ride a Kawi 400 on track. That day changed everything. Biggest problem I had was not going through the back of the liter bikes mid corner. I was laughing and relaxed and going so easy and they all seemed so parked.
As good as the 1290 may be there isn't a stretch of twisty road made that the 890 isn't better and faster on, all with the fun meter turned to 10 and the drama meter turned to 0

 

[Dirt_Dad]

Initial impression of the windshield was that it's really good.

How tall are you and inseam, if you don't mind me asking? If you do...never mind. I've seen one report that it is was loud. Two other reports that it's great. Loud was definitely my issue with the R stock. No bobbling, but crazy loud.

As good as the 1290 may be there isn't a stretch of twisty road made that the 890 isn't better and faster on, all with the fun meter turned to 10 and the drama meter turned to 0

I can believe it's faster. I do look down and see the speeds higher than expected.

That's one of the things I've always loved about the 1290. I don't have to be going super fast to have an awesome ride through the turns. I've always said, I don't think the SAS is for everyone. Because it feels like KTM built it just for me. It hits me at some deep visceral level.

As far as it being a great dirt bike for me, I was just going through the video and noticed just how deep the water got on me on Friday.

It's always that last little section before making it to the other side.

I feel safe saying the 890 is going to do anything I want my dirt bike to do...and things I really didn't expect to do in the first place.

 

[Donk]

I am 5'7" with a 30" inseam. The windshield seems to work well for me. The whole front of the bike does a better job of eliminating buffeting on my shoulders and arms. It's sort of like the difference between an S10 that has side deflectors and one that doesn't. I think the thing to remember is it's a mid sized Adventure bike, never going to have wind protection of a big touring bike.

Looking at the picture of your SAS what windshield is on it?

 

[Dirt_Dad]

Thanks for the info.

I don't need SAS level wind protection, but stock R is unacceptable.

The SAS has a Puig Touring with deflector. It's a great setup. I'm guessing Puig will come up with 890 options. Something relatively equivalent to the current setup with the deflector will be sufficient.

 

[Dirt_Dad]

My second warranty issue.

I finished a section of forest road turned back onto the pavement. Something just looked wrong with the TFT. Grabbed it and it was very loose. Looked behind the TFT and found this.



Back at the dealership, mechanic found 3 broken rubber grommets, and a broken screw. TFT was down to it's last of the 4 screws holding it to the bike. They said this was a first for them seeing this issue. How do you break rubber bumpers?

I know the dirt around here is bumpy, but never expected this.

 

[Jlq1969]

Ready to Race….

 

[Checkswrecks]

Interesting video from another owner's experience. In the end and despite frustrations, there's nothing else that can do what he wants so it's a keeper.

 

[Dirt_Dad]

Interesting video from another owner's experience. In the end and despite frustrations, there's nothing else that can do what he wants so it's a keeper.

Glad I haven't had any of the problems he's experienced. My reoccurring issue is the bike starting on one cylinder. May have to start it two or three times to get it running correctly. I think I have about 4,500ish miles.

The bike isn't perfect, but it's been great for me. No regrets...beyond that Tractionator tire. I hate that thing. The bike has been great off and on road.

Looking forward to doing a 5 day, 1K+ mile ride coming up soon. Although I may bite the bullet and prematurely trash that tire before the ride.

 

[Jlq1969]

My reoccurring issue is the bike starting on one cylinder. May have to start it two or three times to get it running correctly.

Did you try checking the spark plugs?...maybe water got in and there is not a correct spark jump

 

[Dirt_Dad]

It's a known issue. Seem that changing from premium to 89 octane fixes it most of the time. When the bike sat for a few weeks it started doing it again.

 

[Jlq1969]

It's a known issue. Seem that changing from premium to 89 octane fixes it most of the time. When the bike sat for a few weeks it started doing it again.

If it is solved by using an inferior fuel…then the problem is not the “premium” fuel, the problem is that the spark plug should not be the correct grade for the premium fuel. With a 13.5 compression ratio, you are forced to use premium...89 octane, which probably generates more temperature in the chamber (and in the spark plug) and prevents the formation of particles ( from the oil?), that bind the spark plug electrode and prevent the spark from occurring...