2023 KTM 890 Adventure: New look, new tech

KTM’s drip feed of new 2023 models hasn’t ended yet and the latest upgrade for next year’s range is the revamped 890 Adventure – a bike that gets improved suspension but most importantly a less controversial appearance.

Regardless of how good the old model was (and it was very good), its bodywork has always been something of a talking point – and not always in a positive way. With its headlight and screen supported separately, away from the side panels and tank, it looked like the nose was an afterthought, or something borrowed from a different bike altogether. For the 2023 bike, that problem has been erased with a more conventional approach that connects the front fairing to the sides, making for a much more balanced appearance, particularly when seen in profile. 

Not that it’s just another cookie-cutter adventure bike. KTM’s signature headlight setup, split vertically down the centre, remains, as does the unusual-but-practical fuel tank arrangement that stores the petrol low down on either side of the engine to drop the centre of gravity. The same style update has already been applied to the higher-spec 890 Adventure R.

The bodywork updates extend to a new windscreen, hopefully addressing one of the few problems we found with the previous model when we tested it – buffeting at speed – and there’s an additional alloy guard around the front of the engine and fuel tank. The new screen is inspired by the KTM 450 Rally Replica and is much more vertical than the outgoing version.

While the rear bodywork is essentially unaltered, the 2023 bike claims improved comfort thanks to a redesigned seat with different foam. Two heights are possible – 840mm or 860mm – with the standard seat, but optional extras can raise it as high as 865mm or drop it to 825mm, and a lowering kit can reduce the height by another 25mm.

There are suspension tweaks, too, with revised WP Apex 43mm USD forks, now with rebound and compression adjusters atop the fork legs, and a retuned WP Apex shock at the back. Other chassis updates include new Pirelli Rally STR tyres on the 21-in front and 18-in rear wheels, with optional TPMS giving tyre pressure readouts on the dash.

That dash itself is new as well. Now a 5-inch TFT colour display, with a mineral glass panel, it has different settings for day and night as well as the option to switch between a default mode and a ‘Rally’ screen (an extra-cost upgrade). Another cost option is Bluetooth connectivity for navigation, calls and media, and like several other new KTMs the 890 Adventure features a ‘demo mode’ that allows you to try out software-based options including the quickshifter and cruise control free of charge for the first 1500km before deciding whether to pay to activate them permanently.

The main mechanical bits are unchanged, including the 889cc LC8c parallel twin engine, making 103bhp at 8000rpm and 74 lb-ft of torque at 6500rpm, although the airbox is reworked for the 2023 model. It sits in the same chromoly steel tube frame as before, too.

2023 KTM 890 Adventure Price

Prices have yet to be announced but aren’t likely to stray too far from the 2022 model, which cost £10,449. The updated 2023 890 Adventure R, with higher spec suspension and a more dedicated off-road appeal, is priced at £12,999.