New Bike: KTM 890 ADVENTURE (2024)
New bike for 2025/26!
Model Year: 2024
Displacement: 889 CC
Power: 77 kW
Tyres: Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR
Dry Weight: 200kg
In 2021, after a decade or so with Triumph Tigers, I decided to throw my hat in the ring with KTM when they released the 890 Adventure. You can read more about my reasons for switching in the post on the previous bike, but needless to say I was extremely happy with that bike. But time moves on, models get enhanced, and mileage adds up, so in late 2025 I took the opportunity to refresh my ride.
Why the Upgrade?
My 2021 890 Adventure has carried me more than 60,000km over the past four years, through Europe, South America, the UK, Iceland, and Morocco. And aside from a couple of minor niggles, that bike performed exceptionally well throughout my travels with no major issues. But the 2021 model was the first of the 890 line and in the intervening years KTM have spent time honing (although some would say "fixing") aspects of what was already a great platform.
For me, the main draws for an upgrade have been around the enhancements to rider comfort (a definite complaint for the 2021 model), significantly upgraded suspension, engine improvements, plus fixes for a few small but annoying things like KTM finally linking the offroad ride mode with the offroad ABS setting so the switch can be made in one button press!
Bike Setup
Once again, I opted to go with the standard version of the 890 Adventure rather than the “R”. This time around I did toy with the idea, but after sitting on one, even at my height of 181cm, I just found the R version to be too tall. I may consider a suspension upgrade at some point, but the compromises that came with the R version just didn’t stack up against how I would use the bike. And the R version’s pavement pizza colour scheme continues to be one of the most ugly of any adventure bike I’ve seen.
But while KTM may have introduced a bunch of needed upgrades and enhancements in the years since 2021, the 2024 890 Adventure isn’t perfect - some additional customisation was required. As before, I swapped out the low front mudguard with the high fender version from the 890 R – partly for looks, but also for having had the opportunity in Bolivia to see how badly the low version would perform in a seriously muddy environment.
I’ve talked previously about the need to replace the stock exhaust on pretty much any new bike these days, mainly due to the excessive weight these bring. I fitted a Wings Titanium exhaust to my 2021 model and found it to be excellent, so have stuck with the winning format for this bike too. A nicer sound with a 1.4kg saving are both welcome results, as is the reasonable price.
The stock windshield on the 2024 model is a marked improvement over the terrible screen on the 2021 model, but still isn’t perfect. I’ve been happy with my RADE/GARAGE rally screen (albeit with the flimsy edging removed) so I’ve opted to go again with this choice for the 2024 model. The new version is slightly wider than the 2021 edition, but seems to perform well so far. And this time around, I just didn’t bother to install the edging at all.
Other customisations include more repeats from my previous bike, with many coming from Touratech: handlebar risers (adding 25mm), side stand switch protector, brake cylinder guard, rear brake fluid reservoir protector, and the rear ABS sensor guard. One thing KTM definitely haven’t fixed with the 2024 model is the rear splash protection. Like on the 2021 model, any travel in wet conditions results in the back of the bike, plus anything in the immediate vicinity, getting covered in muck. So as before, the Touratech splash guard is a must.
For additional protection, I’ve also added lower crash bars and an aftermarket bash plate, both from CROSSPRO. On my previous 890 I fitted Adventure Spec crash bars which offered not only protection, but handy mounting locations for my cameras and also somewhere to put my feet up on a long highway. I chose Adventure Spec because unlike most crash bars, these were made from rolled aluminium rather than steel so didn't add too much weight. Sadly, Adventure Spec seem to have decided not to make a version of this product for the 2023+ 890 models, and CROSSPRO is the only other aftermarket supplier I could find who also uses aluminium.
On the previous bike I'd stuck with the OEM bash plate, which I'd found to be satisfactory for light use. However, after noticing a few dings on my return from South America I’ve decided this time around to beef it up a little. The CROSSPRO bash plate is still aluminium, so doesn't tip the scales too far, but offers a step up from stock.
Tyres
The 2024 890 Adventure ships with Pirelli Scorpion Trail STR tyres as standard. These are a marked improvement over the terrible Avon Trailriders which came on the 2021 model. The STRs are fine as the standard road tyre on the bike, but for future adventures in rougher stuff, I’ll probably equip either the trusty Mitas Enduro Trail+ (formerly E07+) or the Dunlop Trailmax Raid for maximum traction and enjoyment.
Other gear
If you're interested in the other gear I carry on my trips, see the separate post on Gear & Set-Up For Lonely Road.