KTM 890 Adventure R Rally (2021-2022): The Rally-Bred Beast for Uncompromising Adventures

Introduction

The KTM 890 Adventure R Rally isn’t just a motorcycle—it’s a statement. Born from the DNA of the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Rally team, this limited-edition machine (only 700 units worldwide) represents the pinnacle of KTM’s off-road prowess. Designed for riders who view "the road less traveled" as a starting point rather than a challenge, the 890 Adventure R Rally blurs the line between factory rally machinery and a production bike. After spending hours wrestling its handlebars through rocky trails, sand washes, and high-speed dirt roads, one thing becomes clear: this isn’t just an adventure bike. It’s a rally weapon with license plates.

Design & Ergonomics: Form Follows Fury

The moment you throw a leg over the 890 Rally, its purpose snaps into focus. The 910 mm (35.8-inch) straight rally seat towers over the terrain, paired with a staggering 305 mm (12 inches) of ground clearance—enough to straddle fallen logs without breaking sweat. The minimalist bodywork, adorned with factory-inspired graphics, hides a 20-liter (5.3-gallon) fuel tank that’s surprisingly narrow between the knees. Rally footpegs—wider, serrated, and self-cleaning—dig into your boots, while the Akrapovič exhaust tucks neatly out of harm’s way.

The LED headlight and clear windscreen winglets are nods to its Dakar heritage, but the real magic lies in the details: D.I.D DirtStar rims, carbon fiber tank protectors, and a suspension setup that looks like it belongs on a GP podium. This isn’t a bike that whispers subtlety—it screams intent.

Engine: Twin-Cylinder Torque Monster

At the heart of the Rally beats KTM’s 889cc parallel-twin, now Euro5-compliant but still gloriously rowdy. With 105 HP @ 8,000 RPM and 100 Nm (73.8 lb-ft) of torque peaking at 6,500 RPM, this engine is a study in controlled aggression. The 20% increase in rotating mass over the 790 model pays dividends in stability, letting you chug down to 2,500 RPM in higher gears without stalling—a blessing when crawling through technical terrain.

Throttle response is immediate but never abrupt, thanks to Bosch Ride-by-Wire (RBW) and selectable ride modes. In Rally mode, the traction control loosens its grip, allowing controlled slides while maintaining a safety net. The optional Quickshifter+ (standard on the Rally) enables clutchless up/down shifts with rifle-bolt precision—a feature you’ll appreciate when attacking winding fire roads.

Fuel consumption averages 4.5 L/100 km (52.3 MPG), though this plummets to 6.5 L/100 km (36.2 MPG) when you’re hammering through desert stages. The Akrapovič silencer isn’t just 35% lighter than the stock unit—it also unleashes a bark that’ll make your spine tingle on hard acceleration.

Suspension & Handling: WP Pro Components Dominate

Here’s where the Rally separates itself from the standard 890 Adventure R. The WP XPLOR PRO 7548 forks and WP XPLOR PRO 6746 PDS shock are fully adjustable, race-spec units offering 270 mm (10.6 inches) of travel at both ends. Preload, compression, and rebound can be tuned via hand-clickers—no tools required.

On fast dirt roads, the suspension soaks up braking bumps and square-edge hits with disdain. Dial in two clicks more rebound damping, and the Rally transforms into a desert sled, floating over whoops at triple-digit speeds. The 26.2° rake and 63.8° steering head angle strike a perfect balance between stability and flickability, letting you pivot through tight singletrack or carve asphalt corners with equal confidence.

The Brembo brakes—dual 320mm front discs with radial calipers and a 270mm rear—offer monstrous stopping power. ABS in Rally mode disengages the rear entirely and reduces front intervention, perfect for late-braking into corners or executing dirt-surfing slides.

Electronics: Smarter Than Your Average Rally Bike

KTM’s 6-axis IMU orchestrates a suite of rider aids:
- Cornering ABS: Adjusts braking force based on lean angle (disengageable off-road).
- Traction Control: Nine levels of slip, accessible via the TFT dash.
- Rally Ride Mode: Customizable throttle response, engine braking, and TC.
- Cruise Control: A surreal but welcome feature for highway slogs between trails.

The TFT display remains legible in direct sunlight, though you’ll spend more time glancing at the optional Rally tower (sold separately) during navigation-heavy rides.

Competition: How It Stacks Up

1. Yamaha Tenere 700

• Pros: Lighter (205 kg wet), cheaper, CP2 engine reliability.
• Cons: 72 HP feels anemic next to the KTM, basic suspension, no cornering ABS.
• Verdict: A budget adventurer vs. KTM’s apex predator.

2. BMW F 850 GS Adventure

• Pros: Plush touring ergonomics, shaft drive, superior wind protection.
• Cons: 95 HP can’t match the KTM’s urgency, 33 kg heavier, less suspension travel.
• Verdict: Choose the BMW for RTW trips; the KTM for RTW trophies.

3. Honda Africa Twin CRF1100L

• Pros: 101 HP/105 Nm, DCT option, legendary reliability.
• Cons: 226 kg wet weight, softer suspension tuning, less rally-focused.
• Verdict: The Honda is a gentleman adventurer; the KTM is its feral cousin.

The 890 Rally’s closest rival is the Aprilia Tuareg 660—but even Aprilia’s 80 HP twin and Sachs suspension can’t match KTM’s race-bred edge.

Maintenance: Keeping the Rally Spirit Alive

Owners praise the LC8c engine’s durability, but this is a high-strung machine that demands respect. Key considerations:

1. Oil Changes

• Use 10W-50 full synthetic (2.8L with filter).
• Interval: Every 15,000 km (9,320 miles) or annually.

2. Valve Adjustments

• Intake: 0.10–0.15 mm (0.004–0.006 in) cold.
• Exhaust: 0.15–0.20 mm (0.006–0.008 in) cold.
• Check every 30,000 km (18,640 miles).

3. Chain & Sprockets

• 520 X-ring chain: Tension to 55–60 mm (2.2–2.4 in).
• MOTOPARTS.store recommends DID VX3 chains for extended off-road use.

4. Brake Fluid

• Replace DOT 5.1 fluid every two years.

5. Cooling System

• Capacity: 1.6L. Use ethylene glycol-based coolant rated for -37°C.

Pro Tips:

• Swap the TKC 80 tires for Motoz Tractionator ADV fronts and RallZ rears for hardcore off-roading.
• Install a aluminum skid plate from MOTOPARTS.store to protect the engine during rock bashing.

Conclusion: The Unapologetic Adventurer

The KTM 890 Adventure R Rally isn’t for everyone—and that’s the point. It’s a motorcycle that rewards skill, punishes complacency, and laughs in the face of "good enough." Whether you’re chasing Dakar-daydreams or simply want the most capable ADV bike money can buy, the Rally delivers a raw, unfiltered experience that’s as close to factory rally machinery as civilians can get. Just don’t blame us when your idea of a "quick detour" turns into a three-day odyssey.

Ready to make your 890 Rally even more formidable? Explore MOTOPARTS.store’s curated selection of performance upgrades, protective gear, and rally-inspired accessories—because even perfection has room for improvement.

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Specifications sheet

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