KTM is all set to reveal the 890 Adventure on October 19, 2020. KTM had recently released images and details of the higher-spec 890 Adventure R and 890 Adventure R Rally, leaving everyone guessing if a standard 890 Adventure will see the light of day. After this teaser, those doubts have certainly been laid to rest.
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Sits below the KTM 890 Adventure R and Adventure R Rally
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Expected to be powered by the same 889cc twin-cylinder engine as the R/Rally
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India launch may not happen anytime soon
A lower-spec KTM 890 Adventure
KTM has always reserved the prestigious R badge for the top-of-the-line motorcycle in a particular model range. The Rs get the best possible engine specifications, suspension components, electronic rider aids and what have you. And not to forget, the orange colour for the frame. Going by this, the standard 890 Adventure is expected to be devoid of most of the components that we see on the 890 Adventure R and Adventure R Rally.
KTM 890 Adventure design
KTM made the announcement about the upcoming launch of the standard 890 Adventure on its social media platforms but the released video barely gives a glimpse of the motorcycle. That said, after taking some screenshot on our phones, we've got a clear view of the '890 Adventure' sticker on the rear cowl, confirming the name of the motorcycle.
We expect the KTM 890 Adventure to sport a similar design to the 890 Adventure R, both of which in turn are based on the 790 Adventure and 790 Adventure R, respectively.
This means the 890 Adventure should get the same praying mantis-like LED headlamp, minimal bodywork, low-slung fuel tank and two-piece seat that we see on the standard 790 Adventure. Also, KTM is sure to put up a long catalogue of aftermarket PowerParts to enhance the looks and equipment list of the 890 Adventure.
KTM 890 Adventure powertrain
KTM had released engine specs of the 890 Adventure R and 890 Adventure R Rally recently. It displaces the same 889cc as the 890 Duke, but produces 105hp at 8,000rpm and 100Nm of torque at 6,500rpm – this is up from 95hp and 88Nm in the 790 Adventure. This engine also gets a 20 percent heavier crankshaft than the 790, which KTM says helps increase the sense of stability at low RPM. The engine in the standard 890 Adventure should be in the same state of tune.
KTM 890 Adventure chassis and electronics
KTM has employed the 790's chromium-molybdenum steel frame for the 890s as well, with the only difference being the new aluminium steering head tube and lighter subframe. Whether the standard 890 Adventure gets the lighter components or will it use the same frame as on the 790 Adventure remains to be seen.
What is certain is that the 890 Adventure will not feature the higher-spec suspension components as its R and Rally siblings.
This means it may get non-adjustable WP front fork and pre-load adjustable rear monoshock suspension, instead of the fully adjustable WP Xplor Pro suspension on the R. The frame will be painted in black, instead of orange, and it should be running on the same 21-inch front / 18-inch rear, wire-spoke wheels as seen on the 790 Adventure.
In terms of electronics, the 890 Adventure should feature a comprehensive suite that includes multiple traction control settings and ride modes. However, the quickshifter is an option on the 890 Adventure R and it could be the case with the standard 890 as well.
KTM 890 Adventure India launch
The chances of the KTM 890 Adventure making it to India are uncertain. At present, KTM India is busy gearing up for the launch of the KTM 250 Adventure, which will represent the entry point in KTM's Adventure range. And while the KTM 390 Adventure is already on sale, the company is said to be evaluating the prospects of launching the 790 Adventure in India. Whether KTM launches the 790 Adventure in India or surprises us by launching the 890 Adventure instead, is anybody's guess. Let us know in the comments if you feel KTM should get the 890 Adventure to India.
Azaman Chothia
Vishal Venugopal
