Last Updated on: September 30, 2024

25000 kilometers I did on the 2023 KTM 890 Adventure. The bike is no longer in my possession, but that’s not because of issues or problems.

Late May 2024: a 2023 KTM 890 Adventure where it belongs.

The simple truth is, I didn’t have any problems or issues. Or nothing major. Just a few minor things, stuff that could have happened with any motorcycle. I thought that, amidst all the talk about KTM and reliability, some counterweight is needed. Some real experiences.

I’ll be honest and admit that, now riding what probably is one of the most comfortable adventure bikes of all, there are things I miss. Especially if riding gravel and dirt, or offroad. Even if the GS is good, the 890 is just so much better. And, not the least, lighter. Fuel economy and range is superior to most in its class.

This mileage I certainly miss!

Then comes the “temperament” aspect. Sometimes it just feels damn good to twist the throttle, hear a roar and feel a push that KTMs are known for. It’s exhilarating and rejuvenating. The 890 Adventure to me felt like a down-scaled version of the previous bike. And you don’t need to be “ready to race” to enjoy that temperament.

At 25000 kilometers

Everything was fine. Well almost. The handlebar switchgear that cracked open (mentioned here), wasn’t malfunctioning. Nor did it fall off, or needed to be duck taped. I rode the motorcycle in pissing rain, and that did not cause any switches to stop working. The switchgear was replaced under warranty.

Also mentioned in an earlier post the cruise control could stop working, or would not activate, right after the bike had been washed. The dealer tried to fix it and changed handlebar switchgear on the left side. Believing it could have something to do with the cruise control switch. But this didn’t help.

Typically. after wash it would conk out for about an hour or so, then come back and work fine. Every time. Riding in rain, even torrential rain, did not cause it to stop working. I drew the conclusion that it either had to do with a sensor, measuring currents and detecting something, or a connector somewhere.

If I had kept the bike I highly likely would have followed up the case to get it sorted. But it wasn’t a major problem and I frankly got used to it.

Early June 2024: out in the woods again

Else I had no problems whatsoever, no issues with the software. The engine showed no sign of any abnormal wear or have any abnormal symptoms. Oh yeah, that’s right, the 890 Adventure didn’t like E5/98 Octane. That caused cold start difficulties. So if you’ve experienced this with the bike, use E10/95.

When/if the motorcycle is stored for a longer period, typically like winter storage (we unfortunately have to do here), use fuel additives to get rid of potential moist in the tank and fuelling system.

25000 kilometers perhaps not much

But it’s a lot more than many of the bike reviewers have ever done on borrowed motorcycles. Longer term use experiences comes from users. But considering mine was a 2023 model I’d call 25000 kilometers pretty respective. And it should be enough to provoke any faults or issues.

Some reflections

Most of the things worth mentioning you can either find here on my blog and/or on the web. But don’t listen to or believe everything you see or read. Go experience yourself! Here are some things worth considering:

• If it was me buying an 890 today I’d be looking for either a 2023 or 2024. And while at it, consider if the 790 Adventure would do the trick for you.
• The engine of the 890 makes a lot of mechanical noises. Old beemers clonk, KTMs rattle.
• I think the electronics package is great. Probably among the best, if not the best, in its class. Slip control in Rally mode definitely a highlight. But the cruise control I didn’t like. It fluctuates tremendously. all depending on whether you ride uphill or downhill.
• if you experience software bugs, or issues, don’t panic. Give it a cold start to see if it comes up again. Sometimes removing battery does also help. KTMs, like many other motorcycles, have software subroutines that activates post faults.
• The headlight is very good. But not good enough for me. I bought the bike with KTM’s auxiliary lights. They’re expensive, but good.
• The stock mirrors are vibey and look old. Oddly enough the 790 has better mirrors. Consider swapping them out with something else.
• Ask your dealer regarding issues (cam wear among other things). Especially regarding used 790s and 890s, model year prior to 2023.
• Sadly, all the noise and talk about sustained questionable quality have impacted depreciation. So If you buy a new KTM, it will lose value more quickly than many other motorcycles. This too should be a concern for KTM.

Final words

Well there’s not a whole lot more to add really. Will I consider buying a KTM again? Yes I would. With 80.000 kilometers done on two KTM bikes the positive experiences are many. Some new models highly likely will make appearance fall/winter 2024/25.

990 Adventure will replace the 890. The 790 Adventure lives on. Likewise 1390 Super Adventure S and R will make appearance soon. Possibly on EICMA. Time will tell.

See also: First impressions | 5 000 kilometers | 10 000 kilometers | 16 000 kilometers