The KTM 890 Adventure R is not just another motorcycle; it’s a testament to KTM’s relentless pursuit of adventure supremacy. Launched as a successor to the acclaimed KTM 790 Adventure, this middleweight adventure bike stormed into the global market in 2021 and made its way to India as a Completely Built-Up (CBU) unit, catering to riders who crave the thrill of untamed terrains and long-distance touring alike. Designed with off-road prowess at its core, the 890 Adventure R blends Austrian engineering precision with a rugged, rally-inspired aesthetic, making it a standout in the fiercely competitive adventure motorcycle segment. Whether you’re navigating rocky gravel switchbacks, slicing through single-track trails, or cruising highways, this bike promises an unmatched riding experience. With its 889cc parallel-twin engine, advanced electronics, and Dakar Rally-inspired ergonomics, the KTM 890 Adventure R is built for those who see the journey as the destination.
KTM, a brand synonymous with performance and durability, has positioned the 890 Adventure R as the top-spec variant in its adventure lineup, targeting enthusiasts who demand versatility without compromise. Unveiled globally with cosmetic upgrades in 2025, this motorcycle retains its mechanical brilliance while enhancing its visual appeal. In India, it competes with heavyweights like the Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro, BMW F 900 GS, and Ducati Multistrada V2, offering a unique proposition with its lightweight chassis, adjustable suspension, and cutting-edge rider aids. This detailed exploration dives into its technical prowess, variants, pricing across metro cities, and how it stacks up against its rivals, providing a comprehensive guide for potential buyers and adventure aficionados.
Technical Specifications
The KTM 890 Adventure R is a marvel of engineering, blending power, agility, and technology. Below is a tabular breakdown of its technical specifications, sourced and verified from BikeWale, ZigWheels, and KTM’s official site as of March 2025.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, Parallel-Twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder |
| Displacement | 889 cc |
| Power | 103.5 bhp @ 8000 rpm |
| Torque | 100 Nm @ 6500 rpm |
| Bore x Stroke | 90.7 mm x 68.8 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 13.5:1 |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual with PASC™ anti-hopping slipper clutch |
| Fuel System | Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with Ride-by-Wire |
| Cooling System | Liquid-cooled |
| Emission Standard | BS6 Phase 2 (India), Euro 5 compliant |
| Frame | Chromium-Molybdenum steel frame with engine as stressed member |
| Front Suspension | WP XPLOR USD forks, 48 mm, 240 mm travel, fully adjustable |
| Rear Suspension | WP XPLOR PDS monoshock, 240 mm travel, adjustable for preload, rebound, compression |
| Front Brake | Dual 320 mm discs, 4-piston radial calipers, Cornering ABS |
| Rear Brake | Single 260 mm disc, 2-piston floating caliper, Cornering ABS |
| Wheels | Spoked wheels; 21-inch front, 18-inch rear |
| Tires | Mitas Enduro Trail; Front: 90/90-21, Rear: 150/70-18 (Tubeless) |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 20 liters |
| Mileage (ARAI) | 22.2 kmpl |
| Dry Weight | 196 kg |
| Seat Height | 880 mm (adjustable to 860 mm) |
| Ground Clearance | 263 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1528 mm |
| Electronics | 5-inch TFT display, Ride Modes (Road, Rain, Offroad, Rally), MTC, Cornering ABS |
| Optional Features | Quickshifter+, Cruise Control, Heated Grips, KTM MY RIDE Navigation |
Variants
The KTM 890 Adventure R is offered as a single, top-spec variant in most markets, including India, focusing on delivering a no-compromise off-road and touring experience. Below is the variant table:
| Variant Name | Description |
|---|---|
| 890 Adventure R Standard | The sole variant, equipped with premium off-road hardware, advanced electronics, and rally-inspired design. Available in 2 colors: Orange and Black. |
Note: Globally, KTM offers other models in the 890 Adventure lineup, such as the 890 Adventure (base model) and 890 Adventure R Rally (limited edition), but in India, only the 890 Adventure R Standard is currently available as a CBU import.
Price in Metro Cities
Pricing for the KTM 890 Adventure R varies across Indian metro cities due to differences in RTO charges, insurance, and local taxes. Below is a table reflecting the on-road prices as of March 2025, based on data from BikeWale and ZigWheels (ex-showroom price remains consistent at Rs. 15,80,000).
| City | Ex-Showroom Price (Rs.) | RTO + Others (Rs.) | Insurance (Rs.) | On-Road Price (Rs.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi | 15,80,000 | 1,42,200 | 42,634 | 17,64,834 |
| Mumbai | 15,80,000 | 1,89,600 | 43,000 | 18,12,600 |
| Bangalore | 15,80,000 | 2,84,400 | 42,800 | 19,07,200 |
| Chennai | 15,80,000 | 1,42,200 | 42,634 | 17,64,834 |
| Kolkata | 15,80,000 | 1,58,000 | 43,500 | 17,81,500 |
Prices are approximate and subject to change based on dealership offers and local regulations.
About KTM 890 Adventure R
The KTM 890 Adventure R embodies the spirit of adventure biking, seamlessly blending off-road capability with on-road comfort. At its heart lies an 889cc parallel-twin engine, a refined iteration of the LC8c powerplant borrowed from the 890 Duke series. This liquid-cooled, DOHC motor churns out 103.5 bhp and 100 Nm of torque, delivering a punchy yet manageable performance that excels in the mid-range—perfect for tackling steep inclines or cruising at highway speeds. Paired with a 6-speed gearbox and a PASC™ slipper clutch, the engine ensures smooth power delivery and reduces rear-wheel chatter during aggressive downshifts. For riders seeking an extra edge, the optional Quickshifter+ transforms gear changes into a seamless, clutchless affair, enhancing both convenience and thrill.
The chassis is a chromium-molybdenum steel frame, with the engine acting as a stressed member to optimize rigidity and reduce weight. Weighing in at a dry 196 kg, the 890 Adventure R strikes an impressive balance between agility and stability, making it nimble enough for tight trails yet composed on long hauls. Its suspension setup is a standout feature, featuring fully adjustable WP XPLOR forks with 240 mm of travel at the front and a matching WP XPLOR PDS monoshock at the rear. This configuration, inspired by KTM’s rally heritage, absorbs the harshest terrain with ease, offering riders the confidence to push boundaries. The 21-inch front and 18-inch rear spoked wheels, shod with Mitas Enduro Trail tires, further enhance its off-road credentials, providing exceptional grip on dirt, gravel, and asphalt.
Braking is handled by a robust system comprising dual 320 mm front discs with 4-piston radial calipers and a 260 mm rear disc with a 2-piston floating caliper. The inclusion of Cornering ABS—a rare feature in this segment—ensures safety without sacrificing control, automatically adapting to lean angles and riding modes. Speaking of modes, the 890 Adventure R offers four: Road, Rain, Offroad, and an optional Rally Mode, each tailoring throttle response, traction control, and ABS intervention to the conditions. The Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC), paired with a 6D Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), prevents wheel spin and power wheelies, delivering optimal acceleration on any surface. For off-road purists, the Offroad ABS mode reduces front brake intervention and deactivates it entirely at the rear, allowing controlled slides into corners.
The ergonomics of the 890 Adventure R are meticulously crafted for adventure. Its 880 mm seat height (adjustable to 860 mm) caters to taller riders while maintaining accessibility, and the 263 mm ground clearance ensures it clears most obstacles. The 20-liter fuel tank promises a range of approximately 400-450 km, based on its 22.2 kmpl ARAI mileage, making it a true long-distance companion. The redesigned front end, inspired by the Dakar-winning KTM 450 Rally, features a shorter windshield for unobstructed visibility when standing, paired with aerodynamic fairings for wind protection on highways. The 5-inch TFT display is a tech lover’s dream, offering smartphone connectivity via KTM MY RIDE, turn-by-turn navigation, music control, and call alerts—all protected by a mineral glass coating for scratch resistance.
Cosmetically, the 2025 update brings a refreshed look with white, orange, and blue graphics produced using in-mold technology for durability. Available in Orange and Black in India, the bike’s aggressive styling mirrors its performance-oriented DNA. Optional accessories like heated grips, cruise control, and a tech package demo mode (active for the first 1500 km) allow customization to suit individual preferences. However, as a CBU import, the 890 Adventure R comes with a premium price tag and higher maintenance costs, a trade-off for its imported quality and exclusivity.
The riding experience is where the 890 Adventure R truly shines. On-road, its upright posture and comfortable seat make it a breeze for extended rides, while the cruise control option eases highway fatigue. Off-road, the bike’s light handling, high ground clearance, and rally-tuned suspension make it a beast on trails, rivaling dedicated enduro machines. The low center of gravity enhances stability, whether you’re threading through rocky paths or powering over sand dunes. Critics rave about its versatility, with Cycle World noting it “slays single-track, twisty asphalt, and tours in comfort,” a testament to its all-round capability.
However, it’s not without quirks. The high seat height may deter shorter riders, despite the adjustability, and the CBU status drives up acquisition and service costs, potentially limiting its appeal in price-sensitive markets like India. Fuel efficiency, while decent at 22.2 kmpl, lags behind some competitors in the segment, though its large tank compensates with range. The shorter windshield, while ideal for off-road visibility, offers less protection against windblast compared to touring-focused rivals, a compromise for its off-road bias.
Close Competitors
The KTM 890 Adventure R operates in a hotly contested middleweight adventure segment, facing off against formidable rivals. Here’s how it stacks up against its close competitors:
- Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro
Priced at Rs. 15,95,000 (ex-showroom), the Tiger 900 Rally Pro is a direct rival, boasting a 888cc inline-three engine producing 93.9 bhp and 87 Nm. Its smoother power delivery and refined road manners give it an edge in touring comfort, while the 240 mm suspension travel and 21-/17-inch wheel setup make it off-road capable. The Triumph edges out with a 7-inch TFT display, standard heated grips, and a lower seat height (850-870 mm), appealing to a broader audience. However, the KTM’s higher power output, lighter weight (196 kg vs. 201 kg), and superior off-road electronics like Rally Mode make it the hardcore off-roader’s choice. - BMW F 900 GS
Launched at Rs. 13,75,000 (ex-showroom), the BMW F 900 GS is a lighter alternative at 209 kg, powered by an 895cc parallel-twin delivering 103.5 bhp and 93 Nm. Its 230 mm suspension travel and 21-/17-inch wheels offer solid off-road performance, complemented by a 6.5-inch TFT and BMW’s signature electronic suite. The F 900 GS is cheaper and easier to handle for novices, but it lacks the KTM’s adjustable suspension range and raw off-road aggression, making the 890 Adventure R the pick for extreme terrains. - Ducati Multistrada V2
At Rs. 14,65,000 (ex-showroom), the Multistrada V2 brings Italian flair with a 937cc L-twin engine, pumping out 111.5 bhp and 94 Nm. Its 19-/17-inch wheels and 170 mm suspension travel prioritize road performance, with a plush ride and premium features like a color TFT and cornering ABS. While it outshines the KTM in power and touring refinement, its off-road capability pales in comparison, making the 890 Adventure R the better dual-sport option. - Honda XL750 Transalp
Priced around Rs. 11,00,000 (ex-showroom), the Transalp is a budget-friendly contender with a 755cc parallel-twin producing 91 bhp and 75 Nm. Its 200 mm suspension travel and 21-/18-inch wheels offer decent off-road ability, but it lacks the KTM’s power, advanced electronics, and rally pedigree. The Honda wins on affordability and reliability, but the 890 Adventure R dominates in performance and versatility.
In summary, the KTM 890 Adventure R excels as the most off-road-focused option, blending power, agility, and tech in a package that’s hard to beat for trail-blazing enthusiasts. Its rivals may edge it out in touring comfort (Triumph), affordability (Honda), or road refinement (Ducati), but none match its sheer dual-sport dominance. For riders prioritizing adventure over everything else, the 890 Adventure R is the ultimate choice.
