KTM just unveiled an updated version of the 890 Adventure R for 2023, featuring a host of upgrades that include rally-inspired changes designed to boost its dirt prowess and versatility. The new model was launched today at the KTM Adventure Rally in Idaho among a crowd of journalists and adventurers from all over the world. 

First up, the bike’s WP suspension settings have been reworked. Taking cues from the Dakar-winning KTM 450 Rally setup, the fully-adjustable WP XPLOR forks and WP XPLOR PDS rear shock were retuned for improved feeling and better damping with a target to combine high performance with reduce fatigue out on the trail. 

KTM also points to the influence from the Factory Rally bike in the redesigned bodywork which features a new fairing, fuel tank and cowling, improving aerodynamics and ergonomics. The 2023 890 Adventure R also receives a new lower windshield, high front fender and engine protector, for those tricky technical moments.

The reworked machine is also equipped with a new 5” TFT display with a completely new appearance featuring colored pictograms and more intuitive graphics that allow for easier navigation through the menus. In addition, the bike is equipped with a developed turn-by-turn plus navigation system that allows riders to select their preferred destination from the bike’s menu. A new phone call-out function also allows a favorites call option, with a maximum of 10 numbers, or the option to call one of the 10 last numbers called.

To take the software and hardware potential of the electronics suite to new levels, KTM has also included the next generation of ABS control unit that takes readings from the 6D sensor — which continually informs the CMU on the angle, pitch, speed and general behavior of the motorcycle — to apply the correct amount of braking force for any given situation. Riders opting to try the bike’s potential off the beaten track can count on OFFROAD ABS as an integrated element of OFFROAD MODE, or the optional RALLY MODE, without the need to select the OFFROAD ABS separately.

KTM has also taken advantage of the growing electronic capacity of the 890 Adventure R to install a new DEMO MODE, seen for the first time on this 2023 model. The new mode will allow riders to sample the full electronic rider aids suite of the bike for the first 1,500 kilometers (932 miles), before the rider decides which pack or features to acquire. Thanks to the DEMO MODE setting, adventurers can feel and experience the areas of the bike they prefer or rely on while in the thick of throttle-wringing action.

Riders can also be seen with new LED style indicators that complement the revitalized graphic set for 2023. Speaking of graphics, the reworked 890 Adventure R features a new white, orange, and blue colorway. The graphics are produced with in-mold technology instead of stickers.

2023 KTM 890 ADVENTURE R – HIGHLIGHTS

• Reworked suspension settings for reduced long-distance fatigue
• Reworked bodywork and fairing inspired by the KTM 450 RALLY
• New windshield offering improved airflow
• Upgraded 5” TFT display with USB connection, reworked intuitive graphics, and new Turn-by-Turn + navigation (app needed). 
• Improved ABS components with new modulator (9.3 MP)
• OFFROAD ABS linked with OFFROAD MODE and (optional) RALLY MODE 
• Updated turn-by-turn plus navigation system
• New Demo Mode allows sampling of the full electronic rider aids suite for the first 1,500 km
• New, larger aluminum guards 
• Handlebar switch with hazard warning
• New LED indicators
• New engine protector 

The 2023 KTM 890 Adventure R will be available at authorized KTM dealers from December onward. Pricing has not been announced yet. For more information, go to KTM.com.

2023 KTM 890 Adventure R Specs

Photos Rudi Schedl