The 2023 KTM 890 Adventure R has been spotted in India, and just to be clear, no, it wasn’t being tested. Rather, it was being transported on the back of a pickup truck, with most of the bodywork covered in plastic wrappings, the kind you’d find on a brand-new bike. So, what is a brand-new KTM 890 Adventure doing on our shore, especially because it isn’t officially launched?
2023 KTM 890 Adventure R spotted: The theory
Online reports suggest that the said KTM 890 Adventure R was spotted at a fuel pump, a few kilometres away from the Bajaj factory in Pune. One of the possibilities is that KTM India may have imported the motorcycle for testing or R&D purposes; this could either be to collect testing data in our riding conditions or testing before being launched here. If KTM India does end up launching the 890 Adventure/ R in India, it’ll surely answer the prayers of enthusiasts looking to buy an alternative to the Honda Africa Twin, Triumph Tiger 900 Rally and the like.
On the flip side, this particular 890 Adventure R may be shipped to the 2022 India Bike Week (IBW) that’ll take place in December. At IBW, it will likely be on display at KTM’s stall to gauge customer reaction and interest, in the same manner the 790 Adventure and 1290 SuperDuke were showcased at the 2019 IBW.
Lastly, let’s not rule out the possibility that the 890 Adventure R that was spotted could be a direct import by someone and was being carted to the local RTO to complete registration formalities.
Whatever may be the case, it is only a matter of time before we know the exact reason behind the 890 Adventure R landing on our shores.
2023 KTM 890 Adventure R: The details
For 2023, the motorcycle has been updated with new bodywork that enhances its aerodynamics and ergonomics. KTM has also given it a new, lower windshield, a higher beak-style front fender and a new engine protector. It also gets a new 5.0-inch TFT display, a few software updates, as well as a retuned WP suspension.
The bike is powered by an 889cc, parallel-twin engine that produces 104hp. You can read more about the KTM 890 Adventure R here.
Azaman Chothia
Vishal Venugopal
