KTM 890 Adventure R Rally | As Good as it Gets 

🏍 SUPPORT BIG ROCK MOTO BY USING THESE LINKS! ⚠Patreon: www.patreon.com/bigrockmedia ⚠Rocky Mountain Store: bit.ly/33kgRIz ⚠Revzilla Store: imp.i104546.net/6bxxXN ⚠Mosko Moto: moskomoto.com/bigrockmoto ⚠Amazon Store: amzn.to/3viGZ0A ⚠Merchandise : big-rock-moto.myspreadshop.com/

His claim of producing the most detailed YT reviews is spot on. Can’t think of anyone who does the range of things he does. And he is one of the very few people who know the correct pronunciation of Husqvarna.

Thanks for adding the metric conversions, really helpful for us Europeans :) Not many people do that properly on YT so cheers for that! For the traction control discussion, I had exactly that experience in a ...car. Had an old e39 BMW some years ago and it's great TCS allowed me going through snow and ice without any problems while other newer cars were totally stuck. It just found traction, sounds like what the 890 is doing.

While I don't have Ian's experience I can agree. My 890 Adventure S is my second ADV bike after owning a BMW 850GSA and several dual sports. I'm just at 1,600 miles and after my mini custom BDR ride the other day I'm just in love with this bike. The ease and confidence that I can tackle some difficult sections is several levels higher than I had on the BMW which at times inspired dread. The lower center of gravity, lower seat height, the excellent power delivered through great electronics are just confidence inspiring. I seriously think it climbs hills better than my 300 cc dual sport. But the real shining star is the transition between the trails and the road. This thing is almost sports bike like when I hit the twisty connecting roads between trail sections. This is what I feel an ADV bike should be, why it should be a better choice for some rides than a dual sport, that ability to play sport bike to the end of the pavement, play dirt bike for awhile then go back to sport bike. This bike does that. so long as she stays reliable she's a keeper.

Congrats on finding one! Until you ride a race bike you don’t fully appreciate how crappy the mass produced bikes are. Its definitely worth it and when manufacturers build these special models where they add race spec parts take advantage and get one. They have done all the work in installation, calibrating and tuning the parts. Beyond the special models are turnkey race bikes. 👍🏼

I just wish KTM's were reliable. SO many stories of electrical issues and issues with parts availability. Just can't do it. Would rather have a bike that is more "boring" but that rarely, if ever, breaks and, when it does, isn't such a pain in the arse.

Feel this is a good honest review. Not many riders can give the negative reviews that you do, especially of the bikes they own. That's why I like your reviews.

Nice review. Suspension is the difference. My 890R is the beast & I share your perspectives. One note ... regarding the "reliability issues" ... I maintain that if just take care of the machine & it will take care of you. Period. You can't be careless and expect to ride the world's best Adventure platform without a hiccup here and there. Honda has issues, Yamaha has them as well, and yes - even KTM's aren't perfect. Even though you paid big bucks ... no machine is "perfect". You get it. With the starting ... recall that when cold, the KTM still uses an open loop fuel map. Meaning that with only the temperature sensor & lacking any other sensor feedback (like an O2 sensor or your throttle itself) the engine will only run as programmed. It it cold, so the engine is therefore running lean & yes - it stalls. This should be no surprise. To resolve this, simply twist the throttle 20-30 degrees on the first start while pressing the starter, let the engine accelerate for 1-2 seconds & then let go so the bike returns to idle. My 890 does not stall when I do this ... ever. why isn't the KTM better than this? Please consider that KTM is making a machine that should NOT involve an algorithm determining your engine speed. It's just too dangerous. Who wants a bike "taking off" on its own? I wouldn't enjoy that thrill ride if I'm not in 100% control! The intake plenum openings are governed by your throttle position, so richen up the mixture with quick twist & then let go. It works & I think you will find other points to address moving forward. Best of luck.

Another positive that's rarely mentioned about the 790/890 adventure models is they generally do not require any additional crash bars that can add weight. Other than beafing up the sump guard and adding bark busters of course. Most other adventure bikes require a series of crash bars for both the lower and often the upper sections of the engine/fuel tank. Some do add lower crash bars to their 790/890 adv bikes but its pretty clear you don't actually need them. And the tank does a pretty good job of protecting the engine. Overall a weight advantage here I'd say.

Thank you Ian. FUN is mostly underrated when it comes to bike reviews. Mostly all we hear about is specifications. Apple computers made an award winning series of ads pointing out what you can DO with their computers rather than any specs they may have. Your excitement while riding your 890 Rally was infectious. Having a motorcycle that doesn't 'call' you to go ride it isn't worth owning. No matter how reliable it may be....

I love the introduction of the video, 👍 I was talking to the shop manager at my local KTM dealer and we both agree that the main issue is not the bikes or the shop, the main issue is KTM it self and how they respond to the problems that the shop and the owner are facing with the bike .

That engine did not sound good at all when it was idoling, the rattle was real.😳 Thanks for the review.👍

Great review as always. Two points. 1) Its purchase price requires above average moolah. 2) Reliability issues often require available moolah to pay for parts and service. Great bike if you have the discretionary moolah to purchase and maintain it. Not everyone does. Thanks for the great review.

Love the squirrel @4:31 :) Awesome review as always.

My 2020 790 R has given me 3 years and 30,000 km of trouble free riding. I took it to the dealer for the 30,000 km service where they found both camshafts worn beyond limits. Despite the fact my warranty had expired KTM covered the parts and labor. What more can you ask for.

I would trade my 1290 SAR for a 800 when it comes to the offroad riding right away. But I miss the brutal LC8 engine power for the time I'm on the road 😊

i love this bike. the innovation and attention to the needs of the riders is outstanding in its physical form but i will never own a KTM because of the company itself and its disregard for quality control and post sale warranty. they will do anything to avoid fixing your bike.

cruise control standard...? TPMS standard..?? Quick Shifter standard..?

I am surprised an adventure bike needs fancy fuel. Don't they know that adventure bikes drive in dodgy countries? Long way round were lucky KTM bailed back in the day. They are just unrealistic and costly.

Looks like a ridiculously fun bike. That said, I don't understand how a true adventure bike can require premium gas. My experience that there are at least some (many?) gas stations in rural/remote areas that do not carry premium. Even if I had that kind of money, that one factor along would take it off my list.

No thanks, if you gave me a KTM 890 adventure R rally I’d throw it off a cliff, you’d have to give me $1 million to put that thing in my garage

Brembo knock off brakes the cheapest Chinese battery you could ever dream of on their flagship model I think that’s a no no Ktm!!!!!! A stock skid plate that is literally glued to the bottom of the motor they couldn’t of more cheaply put this thing together!! Suspension is the only reason this bike is any good!!!

I put the 270mm pro suspension on my 890 R. the R suspension is pretty good, but I will say that the difference is staggering. The pro suspension is SO plush. It is the best suspension I have ever ridden. I am short legged though, and the bike is ludicrously tall. I was able to get the suspension NEW shipped from Germany for around $4000. The exchange rate is fantastic right now. Then I also have the R suspension to sell.

Ok, a hard to find, limited production KTM that typically have reliability issues will not ever be in my garage. Plus my local KTM dealer sux ass. Your reviews, photography and editing are great 👍🏻

Motor made in China……so you know it’s good 👍🏼

Is it just me or do new KTM's look like fat MX bikes with graphic overload hit with an ugly stick.

Thanks but you've got to cut out the blasphemy .. 'couldn't care so much about the swearing - but please stop the blasphemy.

If I were a young fella like you, I’d want one of these. The shape I’m in, the Norden is the perfect bike for me. Thank you for showing it to me. And thanks for this review. It seems like an amazing adventure bike.

I recently looked at a standard Adventure model and the seat height worked for me and seemed actually lower than the 390 ADVwhich I also like. It's about $5000 more than the 390 adventure but has many more features and power. As a former cruiser bike rider, would the 890 be a good first bike for me? The Tureg is too tall and the 390 is too small. I like to Honda 500X but its road orientated and needs so many things to even match what the 390 ADV has as the 390 is off road orientated. I'm getting confused and a headache from trying to decide which one I want. Please help. I wish I was taller than God made me.

It's such a weird, even awkward looking bike unfortunately.

The design of KTM motorbikes really "bugs" me. I think the perfect motorbike should create some emotions only by looking at it but this is too much function over form. I like the Husqvarna product line more even if they are not as performance capable and "Ready to race" they look way better.

I had a 790r and now an 890r. The 890 is a very different feeling bike. It feels much lighter and much lower centre of gravity even though it’s slightly heavier. It’s even easier to manoeuvre around the garage. Most of all the engine isn’t as raw. It feels a lot more composed. I have been riding for 48 years and love this bike to pieces. Watch most of your reviews and enjoy them for their honesty and accuracy.👍

Does bling replace practicality? I think not. Nice bike but.

The Rally is definitely a awesome bike. I really feel the ktm890 standard is one of the most under rated bike for its price. I know you have had some reliability problems with your ktm I have had no reliability issues with my 890.

I guess I’ll keep my 950se that I paid $5k for awhile longer.

Would love to see you compare this to the Norden 901 Expedition Edition. Seems like they resolved a lot of the issues you mentioned with it.

Too bad it's hideous, unreliable, and overpriced with poor dealer support.

I'm sure it's nice but I'm sticking to Hondas and Kawis for life

Great video man! As a new owner of an 890 ADV R, I'm still learning it. I would have bought the Rally in a heartbeat if I could have found one. I wish KTM would bring back the Rally. How much taller is the Rally vs. the 890 R? As far as the cold starts go: Turn the key on and then turn the ignition switch to on position, but don't start it. Leave the on switch "on" for about 30-60 seconds. This will prime the injectors and the bike should start and run like normal. It takes some practice to get the timing just right.

While this or even a standard 890 are way out of my price range it is really cool to hear you talk so excitedly about a bike. I’m also sad that in hearing how great this bike is and knowing the level of performance I will be missing out on with pretty much everything else is a little depressing 😢 (only joking) In all seriousness this was probably one of your best reviews ever because your absolute love for this bike didn’t stop you from discussing, with honesty, the shortfalls that can occur with the brand. When you know all the potential problems and still chose it for the good it does bring let’s you know it’s right for you. Thanks and many happy miles to you. ✌️

I know only KTM Fanboys will click on this video so...As Good As It Gets until it goes into the shop... Had a 790 and gave 890 a go. Nothing but issues. The tiger 900 rally Pro is the only true 50/50 bike. 16, 000 trouble-free miles and Counting.

Much like yourself I was lucky to get one. The local dealer had the KTM rep reach out to them to ask if they wanted to move a Rally that was ordered and the customer backed out on the delivery. They called me knowing I was interested in trading my 790 ADV-R for the 890 motor in the updated model. They told me it was in the shop and to come down. I ran down there and made the deal happen. I ride my ADV bike like some people ride their EXC-F's. I love - love - love the 890 motor over the 790. The larger flywheel and the fueling are spot on over the 790's light flywheel and flame out fueling. Also 3rd gear wheelies on the 890 are like a 701 Supermoto, It's such a great machine. The suspension is a get out of jail card for those hidden washouts hit at speed. I have clenched every muscle only to have the bike soak up some big hits without much drama. The only issue I have is wind buffeting at highway speeds. I may purchase that PUIG screen you have on yours.

The frigging camera work is so damn crystal clear it’s scary good. You’re like leap years of some of the other channels that have been doing this for years 👍👍

Hi, good review! I have an AT Adventure Sports, 2018 model but already saw a video from a buddy with the same problem with KTM 890 (cold start). Here in Portugal, the guys in the dealership advised that the oxygen mix going to the engine needs to be tunned/adjusted as per the country specs where you buy the motorbike... he have done that and problem was solved! Take care, have a great one!!! ✌🏻

WHAT a bike! You make me want to trade in my T7. But when I ride that I feel happy anyway. And at least it’s handsome and starts in winter. Or so I tell myself. What a bike…

The cold start issue is real issue since at least Ktm 1100 adventure r, that's why I sold my one as I could not rely on it on cold mornings.

You're getting the feel of truly extraordinary suspension, perfect balance, etc. When it happens, it's truly unreal.

We all knew he would eventually come back to the KTM 790/890 platform? Welcome back brotha!!!

Reliability is the most important thing for me .

Hi brother fellow KTM rider in Charlotte NC great job on your videos!! I was lucky enough to get a KTM 890 rally. Recently joined as a BDR lifetime member. Keep up the excellent work !! I appreciate everything you do. Know you have a freind in NC if ever you are in the neighborhood 😉

squirrel at 4:28 :D

I test rode an 890 adventure R in The Netherlands. I had an immobilizer failure just 500 meters into my test drive. Bike turned off but thankfully I could start it back up again. Needless to say I won't buy one, just because of the reliability issues. Even though this bike is arguably the best adventurebike I've ridden.

Thank you for showing the starting issue. I think this speaks volume as your channel has a huge following and hopefully KTM will see this and realize this is a huge problem that needs addressed. For a bike at this price point, it should start every time and the engine shouldn’t sound like it’s about to explode. Hopefully this will have a fix at some point. This is very concerning that they aren’t addressing these issues and supporting their rider base.

Brakes are J.Juan, a spanish compay recently bought by Brembo. Thanks for the video.

Weird that you didn't like the cable operated clutch. I've never ridden a bike with a Hydraulic clutch, where I didn't think a cable would be better. I find hydraulic has less feel and tend to be heavier.

Seeing the offroad section just blew me away. The rough terrain versus how little the head unit and bike is moving and shaking is just insane. it's as you just described prior how good the chassis and suspension is.

I believe the inconsistent clutch feel and performance is due to the oiling design, not the cable actuation. Instead of riding in an oil bath, it gets a dribble from a .3mm oil jet. My plates don't get look like they get oiled consistently with each other, and I'm assuming some plates do more work than others due to the spotty lubrication. Crap design that left me stranded when the oil jet plugged. All that said, yes my 790S is the most fun I've ever had riding. Nuts that KTM will not communicate on the clutch and cam issues. Best riding bike I can imagine, but there is always doubt in my mind because KTM is silent on the causes of reported issues.

As always, another great review hitting the highs and lows. I'm glad you touched on the starting issue and I hope the KTM will pay attention and fix this. My 890 Rally was 25K out the door and its plagued by the starting issue, this is unacceptable no matter what price you pay.

It will be interesting to see how much closer the 23 model will be to this rally edition and some of his other complaints. I ordered one a month ago. I’ve never had an adventure bike and haven’t ridden a street bike in decades. Super excited . Love my 350 exc-f though

Absolutely love your passion and your attention to detail in making these videos. You have some of the best motorcycle content on the entire internet. Well done!

That bike is an extremely expensive, extremely high maintenance, extremely high performance machine. If I had one, I would probably not bother to own any other vehicle. (Many years ago I used to ride an old 650 Kat - my only vehicle at the time - throughout European winters). Lots of people spend considerably more money on a second/hobby car and they probably don't ever do all that much mileage in them. In terms of sheer capability and "adventurability", it's hard to imagine anything comparable to that Rally (or a well modded 'R') and those qualities are conveyed extremely well in this excellent video by *Mr Ian.*

yeah hydraulic clutch...stranded somewhere in the Western Alps because of some typical KTM downsides - or a hydraulic clutch. NEVER! This is a first world problem accessory but not really useful on ADV bikes which are ridden serious and not for the show room.

Yamaha tenere 700 reaible engine simple no electronics better then all of these bikes

I was trying to get a 2023 890R but they have no idea when they would come in...so that's why I got the 660....maybe this summer..ha!!! - thanks and you convinced me to get one of these soon...keep it up my friend, you are definitely the King at the reviews!!!

Honestly I'd love to see you do a more vlog style video of you taking this bike in a big trip. I love your review content but I also just enjoy seeing you enjoy a bike so much. And this seems like a bike worth taking on a big journey.

Superbe bike! Regarding reliability and how it looks, I think this is something that every reviewer mentions just to (hope to) gain some kind of credibility for all what he’s going to say after that. It sounds like just because it is repeated in every review then it becomes like a true certitude.... come on, be serious. It is very personal! I personally really love that agressive style of the 890 adv, much more than the inexpressive Norden by the way... Am I really the only one to think so? ;-) Regarding reliability issues, is that just a rumor that propagates or a real issue...? Again, no facts and figures can prove it, except that every reviewer tends to mention it... because all others have done it...? Nevertheless, your review is excellent, like always. Thanks 👍

Wait, $23-$25k for this??? More than a 1290 SAR? That seems really wrong.

I’ve got 10 major issues with my new 890 AdvR and totally lost confidence in the bike. Amazing performance but it left me stranded.

Amazing bike and terrific review, Ian. Love to have one of these!

I can see that front suspension working amazingly well. Yes, a well-endowed big dirt bike 🙂 Yep, smooth as silk. I can only admire. Having the fuel as close to the axel plane makes such a difference. I was after a low Km F800gs for that, among other, reason. Yes, the KTM is way out of my price range. (unless I sell every else I own), But if I live long enough and can still ride, sometimes anything is possible. PS; since coming back to riding so far, I usually spend 25% of the purchase price again on suspension. It's just that important. I have watched this vid before, fun to watch again. Cheers 👌

Update on my bike. Added the 270mm Pro suspension plus longer front brake lines and kickstand. Amazing suspension. Works exactly as you described. Totally worth it for me. However, it is tall and even at 6'2" with a 34 inch inseam I got in a situation where I parked the bike on a slight left downslope on a crowned road and could not lever the bike back to vertical while sitting on it, so had to get off and push the bike to a flatter spot. It had the tall seat so I have put the stock seat back on. Also a recalibration of the quick shifter at PCP Motorsports in Sacramento completely fixed the issues I was having. Works great now. The Pro suspension is an expensive upgrade but I only have one bike so could be worse.

I would love to see a review and maybe a comparison with this bike and the 1290 Super Adventure R.

I hated my 2005 950SM with the LC8 engine..........fat, heavy, dead feeling engine.........I came from the 2006 640LC4 which I was in love with......seriously looking at a 690SMCR, but this looks pretty cool tbh :)

Fantastic review! Looking forward to your review of the 690 with rally specification in comparison to the 890.

they might make a Norden 901 expedition next year! supposed to have better windscreen and the R suspension.

I have a T7 but when I sat on this bike it fit like a glove, it didn't feel top heavy it felt natural. You're a lucky dude.

Been looking forward to this one to see the difference between the Rally and my 890AdvR! Great review!! I just upgraded to the Dual Venture front tire and it almost feels like a completely new bike. Want to sell that spare Rally seat? 😉

I put money down on the new Norden 901 expedition with its better suspension like the 890 adventure R. Caine wait. Thanks for the great content.

I ride 80% dirt on my 890 here in Idaho, wouldn’t have any other bike hands down…they handle…I flog it pretty hard and like their enduro bikes they hold up nice (also have a FE350), went out and started my bike this morning @ 28 degrees and no issues, weird

Look for the 1-finger Clutch. That helps very much 😃

I’m lucky to own one and agree with everything you said, good and bad. A testament to the honest reporting that you do. This bike is sooo fun to ride… everywhere!

Wonder how this compares to the DesertX Rally? Sounds like an insanely capable adv bike!

Thanks very informative. Do you ever tried KTM 950 super enduro? How do you compare to 790/890 chassis? Apart from absolute lack of Electronics, WP suspension are at the same level. What does it change a lot is weight distribution. Thanks for the answer and keep doing like that

I don't get it Ian. You just posted on MCN’s Michael Guy’s 690 build on YT that IT’S the best starting point for a Rally build, and you JUST BOUGHT ONE. Have you SO MUCH MONEY, you can just change these things out at will ? Have you kept both, or already got rid of this (which must have cost a f++in’ fortune). Does your YT activity pay well, or were you some kind of successful merchant Banker in a previous life with money to burn ?? !! At some point think of the little Guy with not too much Cash………

Cold starts sound like the 2019 Indian FTR 1200 lol. Hates the cold and runs mega rough till it warms up.. In terms of off-road how does it compare to your AT? I have a 2022 AT that I off-road, single track, and take on motocross tracks with. I really am thinking of the 2023/2024 KTM 890 Adventure R but I am torn..

Haven't got an off road bike , but the yamaha would be the bike id buy , I live in Wales GB, and yes some love the KTM bikes, some say they've had no issues, there is a few with problems and a few that KTM wont touch, one he gave is 1290 back to KTM refused to keep the bike far too may problems, his finance company took over the complaint and refunded him , KTM NOT FOR ME, RELIABILITY IS THE MAIN CONCERN FOR ME ,

Good Honest review - 🙏 - I thought my engine was broken the first time I ran it! Sounds rubbish - yep very ugly and other cons :- poor aerodynamics (no wind tunnel) , thin bash plate, silly airbox location and intake meh, expensive parts, too much 🍊 plastic look. No back light on switches, leaks oil and coolant

Your ride description, the giggle factor, is how I feel about my "lowly" R - the suspension on the R is phenomenal, so I can only imagine how great the WP Pro must be.

You say your only complaints about the Norden 901 was the suspension and the windshield. Haha, it's almost like Husqvarna read your mind......behold the new Norden 901 Expedition with the main difference being better suspension and a bigger windshield! Great reviews as always, keep it up!

Hi! I’m curious to hear your objective opinion on: the large adventures… are they in fact too large? Is 890 the weapon of choise? Or even smaller?

reviewnya lengkap sekal. aku jadi bisa banyak belajar dari sini. terima kasih sudah berbagi

If it was the "best ever made", why only produce it in very limited numbers ??? ... and why is every other manufacturer (especially BMW?) not making (copying) one (as their "top of their line" flagship? ... ` seems like "the opportunity" defined?

Just wanted to comment on cold starts. In simple terms the higher the octane the harder it is to make an explosion that’s high-octane fuel removes knock in cooler weather If you lower your octane a little bit your bike will start fine

21:25 enough to buy one 😁

This is what I'm saying to people stuck on GS bandwagon. For pleasure and adventure you need right balance between power and weight and thats what 890 is. ADV bikes are ideal in 700-900ccm range.

Rode ophir, corkscrew, hurricane, hagerman, all the "tough" passes on the CO BDR plus many other harder ones like Mosquito and Georgia on my Norden, never got stuck or didn't make it up any section like the riders in this video. Unless you're at Chris Birch's level one can't maximize the Rally as it's obviously way more bike than Ian and most riders can utilize, a minor upgrade of suspension on the Norden or the 890 R stock is plenty for 99.5% of riders. That said a Norden Rally would be a dream bike.

Ian, Absolutely love your channel. I just picked up a 21 890 Rally with only 500 miles. I want to get the rear rack you have/had on your Rally. I thought you said Parin Moto but I could not find that. Can you tell me which rear rack you have on the Rally you had? Thank you, sir.

Reliability. Well, my take is that do all the requisite mechanical checks before a huge trip, take a SOS beacon, and sat communication, and just go ride the bike you love riding. Something goes wrong? Well, something goes wrong. Don’t stress if it does! (Take out insurance!)

The laugh is so contagious. Great content! Keep it up!

This guy is really good really informative