I had a 790 ADV-R and wished it had a larger flywheel to keep it from flaming out at low speed and to make drifting the rear a more predictable experience. The 790 felt like a small two stroke with no flywheel. You had to ride it fast to keep it happy. When I heard the 890 had a larger flywheel I knew I was interested in making a trade. This really transforms the bike into something more rideable as you mention. Shut the TC off and let it slide as now you don't need a microprocessor to control the bikes rear grip. Your right hand can now control it. Also the 890 lump is just as manic as the Duke 890R. It wheelies in 3rd like my ol' EXC-F. Much like a Ducati on track this bike wants to be ridden hard. The harder you push it the better it responds. Yes its weight can get away from you so becoming a passenger and hanging on while bashing through a section can happen, but the bike plows through like it was made for it. Which it is. Truly it's the blend of large bike comfort and small dirt bike like fun that finds its balance in rewarding those that hoon. The 890 handles the highway with a more relaxed ease with more power on reserve. I was fortunate to get an 890 Rally and I absolutely ride the wheels off of it. It is the most fun motorcycle I have ever owned. If I only could have one bike in the garage this would be it. Those of you that are coming from small bike backgrounds looking for an ADV bike should run to your dealer and put a deposit on an 890 ADV-R. The power, the balance of feel in the dirt even when you are in sand is small bike like in its feedback. Yet cruising around on the street the bike is as comfortable as a much bigger street bike. I've even had a gf on the back and she commented on how the ergos were surprisingly not as bad as she thought they would be. (Seat Concepts) We rode for a few hours stopping every hour here and there and she said it was fine. Granted it's not a plush dirt road ADV bike. It's a real performance machine. If you want soft and plush there are other bikes out there for those ADV riders that don't do serious trail rides. One last thing. It's not a small bike. If you want to ride in tough conditions you will drop it. In real tough conditions you find yourself going for lighter and lighter dirt bikes. I mention this for those looking at a 701/690 vs the larger heavier 890's. I had a 701 and found it the worst of both worlds. Too heavy and handled dirt oddly for small bike stuff and too small for real street use. It may work out for someone out in the desert but in tighter trails you may simply move up to the 890. It can handle the trails the 701 can while drawing the line from attempting trails it shouldn't.

Well, between Chris and Neil that is probably going to be one of the broadest most comprehensive reviews of most of its capabilities. Stonking work all round chaps. As these middle weight adv bikes get better and better they really do start to scream out as the obvious choice for a real world, daily, commuter, weekend fun on/off road. Very tempted to go and look at one now.......

Chris, you review bikes like you’re among mates, speaking freely and in terms of the average bike loving bloke.…but then you also know how to ride like a an absolute hooligan, which give your reviews credibility and value like no other. You guys are the real deal. Thanks! I was a bit underwhelmed by the 790 Adventure R that I rode in 2020. I guess I was expecting the 950/990 giggle factor, you know, the insanity of a 100hp dirtbike where you just have to…believe and send it. I’m looking forward to revisiting the 890 R.

"when youre going slowly, its actually quite impressive" *Audio cuts in* "Its quite impressive!"

I was nodding no when the video started whether it was Chris or not in the review and when I saw him I had one of the biggest smile on my face. Love to both, though.

Thanks for the fun guys. To the point and simpel with a lot of fun. Just like every good review should be. This channel should have 2.16 million subs. And put in an LiFePo4 (LFP) battery and lose up to 7kg of weight over the lead acid batteries. Works every time. I have them in all my bikes. easy win. This KTM, with 196kg dry is heavy thou. My BMW HP2 Enduro from 2005 was 175kg dry and had 105hp at the crank and 115nm tq. . . . standard. After changing the battery and titanium exhaust system it was around 175kg WET. 😁. And that was about 16 years ago. One of the most iconic bikes ever build.

I think your tight, woodsy footage and commentary finally convinced me to let go of my 990...or maybe expand my garage. Thanks for the great content!

Another proper 'real world' review boys. Very useful.

Been waiting for this review for a long time, I have the 790 and absolutely love it. It's one of the best all round bikes I've ridden

Chris' 1290 Super Duke R video convinced me to buy one a few months ago... this video will have the same effect.

Yet another in-depth, enjoyable and informative review.

I have an 890R ADV and this video makes me wish I had more time to ride it. I took it to some trails where you usually see dual sports when I first got it last May, and I was able to climb some pretty gnarly hills and ride some sketchy woods trails. It is also worth noting that I'm 5' 8" 150 pounds, and I can pick the bike up solo and handle it. It is definitely a big bike though (even if it's small for an ADV), so prospective buyers be mindful of that.

I had a session at Sweet Lamb on the 890 - I couldn't believe - as a beginner - the terrain the 890 took me over. Didn't get a chance to take it on-road though - great review, as always!

A well thought through, short and yet very informative video. Thank you for this and keep it that way please. It is refreshing to watch.

Thanks Lads.. I was sitting on the fence .. Very helpful and well put together vid :) Cheers Aus.

After watching this I'm glad that I bought the 2022 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R on the confidence level of on road and off road on your perspective view as well as Neil's review on both bikes, thanks boys

It can outrun a vicious dog! That is a good start KTM.

Wow I like this bike,,,❤️❤️❤️🇵🇭

Love the dog chase jump. Awesome review.

i think ktm 890 adventure r is the best bike .

You’ve both answered all my questions Great review thanks

Nice review. Talks about what it’s like to ride. Much superior to just reading the spec sheet. Well done.

8:35 must love the stock silencers cemetary up there in the corner :p

I have a ktm 690 enduro r and it’s great fun around town and in the trails but the trails are pretty far from my home so I have to hit the highway in order to get there. That is where I find the 690 a little lacking. At speeds 70+ the front end feels light and disconnected from the road. The engine vibrates a lot also at high rpm’s. I’ve added a Scott’s damper with the BRP rubber mounted risers and that has helped to all but eliminate the vibration felt through the bars. The Scott’s damper helped with the shaky feeling at highway speeds but not able to eliminate it. I suspect that it is the off-road bias tires that cause this shakiness and a set of 50/50 tires might be the cure but would also sacrifice traction off-road. Everyone seems to be searching for the do it all motorcycle or “Unicorn” if you will. Well the 690 is pretty close to being my Unicorn. If it had less vibration and a little bit better high speed road manners it would be exactly what I was after. Maybe next year I’ll give the 890R a shot and see if it is the bike I’ve been searching for. 😳 Great review of the 890R

LITERALLY just ordered those tyres for my old Supertenere 750 about an hour or so ago. Well, the Karoo 3 for the rear anyway - I ordered a Karoo Extreme for the front as it was €30 less expensive......... and I'm cheap!! 😂

Nice review guys, enjoyed that. My 790 adventure is going in for a check over next week and I’ve got an 890 Adventure R as a courtesy bike. Looking forward to riding it

I love these reviews, well done guys!

I have ridden both and i own 790r Unbelievable how accurate is your description Congs!!

Hi Champion I would love too see you review the triumph tiger 900 rally pro

"ride by wire" OH MY GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD I wanna get this bike, but this could be a deal breaker for me

The only problem with KTM is the after sales service broadly speaking is none existent and if you need warranty work doing you have no chance, I for one have tried 3 dealers and they are all as poor as each other wont be getting another one.

Another great review. Have you tested a Triumph Tiger rally Pro yet?

Bonjour ! Merci pour votre video ! Est ce que la 890 R est aussi confortable sur route que la 890 adv normal !?? (avec pneu de route)Merci

Anyone know what Chris’s everyday road bike is? Or at least what he would buy new for a everyday road bike?

You still look like you were having more fun on the new 2021 KTM Adventure R. 1290

Best review ever. I love my 890r..fun as hell on and off-road. But I would love to add a 1290r along side…but that just seems silly 🤪

Would it be a huge gap between this and a 690 enduro r for single track riding? This review is making it more capable then I was giving it credit

Lot of weight for us mere mortals to be throwing around offroad... we had a 790 in our group in the Rockies last year and he really struggled (compared to 500exc's and 690/701's).

Interested to see how the Tuareg 660 stacks up against this. One of those two will be my next bike.

Nice review and agree with most but not quite sure they've changed the seats on them? I believe they are interchangeable 790 to 890 and vice versa?

This guy breaks it down in a way few do.

Seriously thinking of trading my 690 in for one of these, rode one today and OMG it’s a naughty little thing. This is the best review Iv seen. Cheers lads 👍

He’s wrong about the weight. Several Bike magazines has had both bikes om the scale. The 890 is 1 kilo heavier. Thats it..

I mean KTM is cool and all, but have you seen the dog at 1:43 mark? I want that puppy on a Bike World t-shirt !

Audio was very low

Superb review.

I just came here to hear Chris say "Weee".

what tire are you using? those are not the stock TKC80s. thanks!

I did it, I ordered one 🙊

After a 5 or 7 hours on the road to your cottage, do you think it s a confortable ride to your destination ??? Then i know i will have fun for the next week on off road

Chris❤️

It is a wicked bike and makes you want to ride like an idiot, but won't try and dominate you when you do.

imagine if they would put ktm 1290 headlight on this :O

Please review the KTM RC 390

I'm guessing that you guys haven't actually weighed it? It's been well documented that it isn't 7kg heavier at all. Rottweiler Performance have shown this. Stick it on some scales rather than just taking the figures given out at the press release last year.

You are looking for 0:22

what an awesome bike, but such ugly front light :/

Ktm in Ireland have allways been to expensive and as I worked on a good few of them a lot had poor electrics and ignition problems s seem the Oder of the day

Norden 901 should be perfect then😕

Great review and probably even better bike. But where was the bike manufactured or even just assembled; if China, I wouldn’t even consider. For all you know it could have been manufactured/built/assembled by slave laborers (Uygurs). Bad move on KTM’s part.

Some arsehole farted on me today.... Like literally I could feel the warmth on my face.

second:-)