I got to test ride this bike during my TET trip in Norway. People talk about the suspension, brakes, fuel pods, centre of gravity - but man that engine was so good! Made my T7 feel like a 300cc bike 😅
As a first time motorcycle owner at 62 I went with that. I rode once as teenage on dirt but amazingly I'm getting the hang of it fast on the bike. All the MTB riding gave me a number of prerequisite skills that are transferable. Body and bike position mainly. The bike almost makes it easy for a novice. I zipped through rocky ascents pretty easy until it got too hairy and turned around but next time it will be easier. The Continental TKC 80 on the back disappeared fast so I went with the TKC 70 for a little more tread life.
Thank you very much for sharing all that valuable info with us ! Would you be able ,PLEASE to provide some more details : 1) did you removed the factory stabilizer after installing another SteeringDamper under the Handlebar? Or you simply have them both installed ? 2) Did you replaced genuine catalytic converter with any De-Cat pipe ( Arrow decat mid pipe ) after installing Akrapovic silencer ? Or you simply use Akrapovic silencer with genuine catalytic converter ?
would love to see chris to a two-up pillion series of videos. My old lady doesn't want to camp out let alone ride on the back of my 1290SAR :) any advice is appreciated.
@@ChrisBirchNZ every time i see ur garage i can feel the peace spending time there.. actually i also have a garage n work room of 300 square feet.. but yours is far more beautiful.. I'm just loving it..
Chris I am having trouble getting my 890 Adventure R to be smooth suspension at all. I have set everything to have the most resistance but still slaps me in the back .
often with suspension adjustment you need to do the opposite of what your intuition tells you. It sounds like you may need to soften or open your suspension settings. It's always worth trying the opposite.
Question for anyone. On my 2023 890r I am wondering if dialing the preload down to only 2 turns out from stop on the soft end might not be advisable since the manual says 4 turns out is recommended for anything besides luggage loaded. I'm only 140 lbs and 5'10" so I am trying to get the seat down a little with less preload, at least when riding with no added load. I'll probably just put it back to 4.
Chris, do you usually use Rally mode for offroad riding? If yes, what throttle control mode, rally or offroad? I tend to ride mostly loose, rocky trails and find the rally mode to abrupt with power delivery and end up using offroad throttle control. But, then I find the front end much harder to quickly lift up over obstacles.
Chris, what tire sizes are you using with thoseDID Dirtstar rimes? 140/80 rear? Hows is it on wet ashphalt for short hauls to the dirt? - nice vid as always
@@cliftonsr no, I always run a 15 on the front but sometimes I’ll go up a couple of teeth on the back if we are playing enduro bikes. My bike in USA is like that. It’s a bit too short for real world adv riding.
@ I’m working on a a bit taller 6th gear 0.913 ratio setup to swap from the stock gearing of 0.956 ratio that I have in stock, so to help that situation out a bit for better top gear cruising speeds to relax the engine from the vibration, cause people including me hear in the USA want to do the same that you are doing for better versatility on the awesome 890 Adventure platform.
Yes, but only for the Philippines AFAIK. There is an MY2022 750 ADV (+ DUKE, +SMT) in development, to be made in China and exported globally as an entry ADV slotted below the 890. The 890 has replaced the 790 ADV globally. 29 August 2021
It's the one man tent from @bushbuck If I was buying it again I would probably go for the two man as it packs down about the same size and you have more room for your kit.
@@ChrisBirchNZ - thanks Chris, really helpful. Looks similar to the MSR that I can buy in the UK where I currently live. I'll book one of your Thames tours with you on my next visit home, unless I see you at KTM Sweet Lamb in Wales first! Loved the new KTM Rally Australia video btw.
Hi Chris, could you share the names of the aftermarket footrests and grips please ? Here in Europe I dont seem to find anything like that. i find the vibrations of this bike quite unbearable on a long trip. thank you
Hi The foot pegs are KTM power part. The grips are ProGrip Rally Foam. We sell these on my website. You shouldn't be getting big vibrations on the 890, wheels balanced?
@@ChrisBirchNZ Thanks for answering Chris. I found a foam sleave that covers the central flat side of the grip, it helps a bit, i will try the rally foam but it is just that the bike vibrates too much. i dont' think its the wheels, lots of vibration from the engine and transmission, bought the bike new, just done the first service. previous bike the 1090r. the 890r is a much easier bike, even more fun, the lower center of gravity a game changer, but a step down in quality and qc, compared to the 1090r. the engine is very noisy not in a good way, i had condensation in the tft screen after just a week, side mirrors are pretty cheap stuff too, had to change the cheap seat for the powerparts one, but the riding position is still cramped so im having to put lower footpegs as well. but the vibrations are just bad. ktm dealer says some vibration is to be expected given the type of bike, but i have been riding for 40 years, i have had most bikes, so after your reply it looks like they are not all as bad as mine. i just got a bike that although technically is not faulty, it should not have left the factory. New ktms have improved technology but they are chinese bikes and it shows.
@@ChrisBirchNZ Thanks, installed today, feels very nice. Getting it done was a bit of a struggle :) Would have been nice with a alu aftermarket throttle tube available, PowerPart suggestion?
@@cracotator Used a sharp blade and cut them of and then scraped them clean. There are small ridges also that I removed to get a smooth surface for new grips. It took me an hour or so. Using a sander might be quicker
They are really different bikes with different personalities. I love the engine on the 1290 but I love the light handling and suspension of the 890. Just win lotto and get both!
@@ChrisBirchNZ 😂😂 yes I think that’s the way forward: I’ve been stuck for months, holding off a purchase, as I can’t make up my mind about these two beauties.
It's not mentioned that the suspension that he's installed costs over €5000! The OE suspension is absolute garbage, so be aware of this if you're thinking of buying the Adventure R.
Seems a bit strange that we buy a top of the line off-road bike then we have to spend a motza improving it! If this bike is 100% what is it off the dealer floor. 99.9%, 70%, 50%?! 🤨
@@The2ndProtectsTheRest Dakar I can understand. It pushes everything over the limit. But bikes bought by the general public? As Chris says - no need to.
Chris, love the bike review. That being said, the treatment of Aussie folk in NSW, is shocking, and all for case numbers for a flu. I stand with a Free Australia!
I got to test ride this bike during my TET trip in Norway. People talk about the suspension, brakes, fuel pods, centre of gravity - but man that engine was so good! Made my T7 feel like a 300cc bike 😅
I've had mine for just a month and have over 1000 miles on it. It's my favorite bike
The few little mods and changes :) About 30k USD of mods! Great info. Thanks with sharing it.
As a first time motorcycle owner at 62 I went with that. I rode once as teenage on dirt but amazingly I'm getting the hang of it fast on the bike. All the MTB riding gave me a number of prerequisite skills that are transferable. Body and bike position mainly. The bike almost makes it easy for a novice. I zipped through rocky ascents pretty easy until it got too hairy and turned around but next time it will be easier. The Continental TKC 80 on the back disappeared fast so I went with the TKC 70 for a little more tread life.
sneaky ride forever kick stand pad hiding in the bag.
ACC approved, good work my man
Thanks Chris! Now we love this evolution of a bike even more 😍
Always interesting to see what the Masters tweaks are. Cheers
If I had a bike like that, it would be my sole means of transport. Even riding to work would be a mini adventure.
Thank you very much for sharing all that valuable info with us !
Would you be able ,PLEASE to provide some more details :
1) did you removed the factory stabilizer after installing another SteeringDamper under the Handlebar? Or you simply have them both installed ?
2) Did you replaced genuine catalytic converter with any De-Cat pipe ( Arrow decat mid pipe ) after installing Akrapovic silencer ? Or you simply use Akrapovic silencer with genuine catalytic converter ?
Great setup. Very impressive machine. Thanks for walking us through it.
Hey Chris, Thanks for a great video. Just picked up a 2022. So far an amazing machine. If your ever teaching in the states I’ll join in.
I'll be there next year for sure
Hi Chris, Very useful video. You mentioned you like the narrower rims, but I was wondering what width tires you use on those rims?
would love to see chris to a two-up pillion series of videos. My old lady doesn't want to camp out let alone ride on the back of my 1290SAR :) any advice is appreciated.
I just love the garage n dream for that..also the bike..
I love my garage too, I just need to paint the floor!
@@ChrisBirchNZ every time i see ur garage i can feel the peace spending time there.. actually i also have a garage n work room of 300 square feet.. but yours is far more beautiful.. I'm just loving it..
Awesome, congratulations, best regards from Catalonia!
Sunday motivation ❤️❤️❤️❤️
You need a longer side stand as well...
I just got one, put almost 2 thousand miles on it in 3 weeks. I don't have all the sweet parts you do tho.
Chris I am having trouble getting my 890 Adventure R to be smooth suspension at all.
I have set everything to have the most resistance but still slaps me in the back .
often with suspension adjustment you need to do the opposite of what your intuition tells you. It sounds like you may need to soften or open your suspension settings. It's always worth trying the opposite.
ty
Cant wait for the Ktm 390 set up and review! 🤙🏻
How i wish having a bike like that🥺.. hi kuya chris new fan here.. i love watching your videos riding at the mountains .. God bless. 😇
Thanks for the follow!
Nice rig!
Chris have you removed the cat from the exhaust
I'm based in the UK. Where can I get the XRC steering damper Chris?
You will need to email sales@xtremeracecomponents.co.nz
What gear ratio do you feel is the best set up for more off road?
Question for anyone. On my 2023 890r I am wondering if dialing the preload down to only 2 turns out from stop on the soft end might not be advisable since the manual says 4 turns out is recommended for anything besides luggage loaded. I'm only 140 lbs and 5'10" so I am trying to get the seat down a little with less preload, at least when riding with no added load. I'll probably just put it back to 4.
This would be ok, you’ll want to raise the forks one line as well to keep the bike balanced.
A dream bike. Great video. Thank you.
Chris are those the stock hand guards? Do they come white or orange? Thanks!
Best 👍 bike
Thank You Sir....not much Changed from the 790 setup ?
Did your bike not come with a steering stabilizer? If yes, what’s wrong with it?
Chris, do you usually use Rally mode for offroad riding? If yes, what throttle control mode, rally or offroad? I tend to ride mostly loose, rocky trails and find the rally mode to abrupt with power delivery and end up using offroad throttle control. But, then I find the front end much harder to quickly lift up over obstacles.
Chris, what tire sizes are you using with thoseDID Dirtstar rimes? 140/80 rear? Hows is it on wet ashphalt for short hauls to the dirt? - nice vid as always
Hi Chirs
You fitted the one finger clutch on your 790, did you fit one on the 890 as well?
Thanks
No I haven't. I think they are a good product but personally I don't have any problem with the feel of the stock clutch.
Hey Chris! Can you give me name or link of the custom Footpegs? regards.
They are from KTM Power Parts catalog
Chris do you keep the sprocket gearing ratios the same on all your KTM 890 Adventure bikes?
@@cliftonsr no, I always run a 15 on the front but sometimes I’ll go up a couple of teeth on the back if we are playing enduro bikes. My bike in USA is like that. It’s a bit too short for real world adv riding.
@ I’m working on a a bit taller 6th gear 0.913 ratio setup to swap from the stock gearing of 0.956 ratio that I have in stock, so to help that situation out a bit for better top gear cruising speeds to relax the engine from the vibration, cause people including me hear in the USA want to do the same that you are doing for better versatility on the awesome 890 Adventure platform.
Does the narrower rear wheel have an effect on street performance? I guess I am wondering why KTM designed it with the wider wheel.
Is the 790 Adventure still in production? I can't see it in the listings in Singapore's KTM dealer. Has the 890 replaced the 790?
Yes, but only for the Philippines AFAIK. There is an MY2022 750 ADV (+ DUKE, +SMT) in development, to be made in China and exported globally as an entry ADV slotted below the 890.
The 890 has replaced the 790 ADV globally.
29 August 2021
Really appreciate your videos Chris. Regarding your recent bike pack video (Kriega), what tent did you use on your South Island adventure?
It's the one man tent from @bushbuck If I was buying it again I would probably go for the two man as it packs down about the same size and you have more room for your kit.
@@ChrisBirchNZ - thanks Chris, really helpful. Looks similar to the MSR that I can buy in the UK where I currently live. I'll book one of your Thames tours with you on my next visit home, unless I see you at KTM Sweet Lamb in Wales first! Loved the new KTM Rally Australia video btw.
And,the stock skidplate. You must think its not too bad? Your suspension is the same as what comes on the Rally I guess?
Yes, the PRO version.
The best adventure bike ever, made after 990 adventure R
Nah 1090R b4 it
are i
Your mirrors “double take” brand but have they been made shorter ? If so how if you don’t mind sharing
Chris, big fan here. What are the hand grips that you use? Which brand please? Thanks for your amazing videos.
They are Pro Grip Rally foam
@@ChrisBirchNZ thanks much Chris. Hope to meet you some day in a live training! Cheers
Hi Chris, thanks for the video. Would you have some powerpart numbers or links for the kit that you could add in the video description?
I can do that.
Hi Chris, could you share the names of the aftermarket footrests and grips please ? Here in Europe I dont seem to find anything like that. i find the vibrations of this bike quite unbearable on a long trip. thank you
Hi The foot pegs are KTM power part. The grips are ProGrip Rally Foam. We sell these on my website. You shouldn't be getting big vibrations on the 890, wheels balanced?
@@ChrisBirchNZ Thanks for answering Chris. I found a foam sleave that covers the central flat side of the grip, it helps a bit, i will try the rally foam but it is just that the bike vibrates too much. i dont' think its the wheels, lots of vibration from the engine and transmission, bought the bike new, just done the first service. previous bike the 1090r. the 890r is a much easier bike, even more fun, the lower center of gravity a game changer, but a step down in quality and qc, compared to the 1090r. the engine is very noisy not in a good way, i had condensation in the tft screen after just a week, side mirrors are pretty cheap stuff too, had to change the cheap seat for the powerparts one, but the riding position is still cramped so im having to put lower footpegs as well. but the vibrations are just bad. ktm dealer says some vibration is to be expected given the type of bike, but i have been riding for 40 years, i have had most bikes, so after your reply it looks like they are not all as bad as mine. i just got a bike that although technically is not faulty, it should not have left the factory. New ktms have improved technology but they are chinese bikes and it shows.
G'day Chris, could you do a review on the 2021 KTM500exc?
Hey Chris, which brand crap flap and radiator grills are they?
They are KTM power parts
hay there birchy, have you de cat with the akro?
yeah, suspension is great but faulty brakes and faulty electronics ruin other attributes...wished I kept my 1090R.
Got me a 1090 works suspension now building her up slowly
An absolute pearler of a model....
What Rally foam grips have you installed and do they just slide ontop of OEM or do you need to remove?
Hi, they are pro grip rally foam. You need to remove the OEM grips.
@@ChrisBirchNZ Thanks, installed today, feels very nice. Getting it done was a bit of a struggle :) Would have been nice with a alu aftermarket throttle tube available, PowerPart suggestion?
@@simonberglund4442 I've looked to change mine but it seems that the OEM grips are glued to throttle tube. How did you do ?
@@cracotator Used a sharp blade and cut them of and then scraped them clean. There are small ridges also that I removed to get a smooth surface for new grips. It took me an hour or so. Using a sander might be quicker
@@simonberglund4442 thanks a lot for your response (and sorry for the late reply) ! What glue did you use ?
What is happened to the right sticker from the fork? 😁
Thanks Chris. Do you prefer this bike over the 1290 SAR? If yes, why?
They are really different bikes with different personalities. I love the engine on the 1290 but I love the light handling and suspension of the 890. Just win lotto and get both!
@@ChrisBirchNZ 😂😂 yes I think that’s the way forward: I’ve been stuck for months, holding off a purchase, as I can’t make up my mind about these two beauties.
@@miro_s
Exactly!! Same here!
Excellent question & answer 😃
@@7arkhwf I’m more and more leaning towards the 890
Hi Chris, did you change the air filter to foam instead of paper? cheers mate
Yes and I use the power parts pre filter.
So is it really better than the old 950R SE? Should I sell mine and get one?
Don't get me wrong, I love a 950 but yeah they 890's are something else.
Now KTM just sells this bike from the factory… 890 Rally
Hi chris thanks for sharing 🍻Any headlight protection,,and do you use a neck brace mount to support the headlight? Thanks
Hi Chris, do you run stock gearing on the 890 ?
Im setting up a new workshop soon, where did you get that tool bench/cabinet?
Shes a trade me special
Are you back to the stock clutch arm vs. the longer arm for lighter pull?
Yes I am. I don't really have a problem with the stock one
I’ve got a buddy who finds the suspension very harsh.
Why You do not use MOOSEs? That would eliminate flats all togather.
They will overheat and break up on road use.
Which radiator gaurd/skid plate combo are you using?
Stock KTM stuff. 20,00km of off road and no problems so far.
It's not mentioned that the suspension that he's installed costs over €5000! The OE suspension is absolute garbage, so be aware of this if you're thinking of buying the Adventure R.
Hi Chris, why didn’t you just get the Rally version?
You've got to be in quick to get one of those!
Hi, great bike! Do you use rimlocks on the 890?
On the rear only
Any plans on the 390? I've seen your instagram you got one😁
Yes, it's supposed to Mrs Birch's new toy nit we are locked up for covid at the moment. I can't wait to go play with it.
Do you know of a good GPS mount for a 2019, Ktm 1290SAR?
Have you checked out power parts one?
I put the power parts one on my 2020 1290 SAR - it quite good, I prefer it to the handle bar mount that came with my Zumo XT
@@GanGoz does this mount to the handle bar clamp?
I was hoping to find a GPS bracket that mounts to the TRT screen mounts, but I could only find a Touratech one that only fits to the 2021 model year.
@@five-eyes666 No it mounts to the top 2 windscreen mounting screws.
Great recap Chris, thanks!
Do you find the additional steering damper a requirement on the 890 r when you go off-road? If so, why?
Thanks!
Yeah its nice to have. Especially when things get a little loose!
Seems a bit strange that we buy a top of the line off-road bike then we have to spend a motza improving it! If this bike is 100% what is it off the dealer floor. 99.9%, 70%, 50%?! 🤨
You don't have to spend a cent, if you don't want to.
That’s the case if everything we buy, when it comes to performance mods. You honestly done things the bikes run in Dakar are completely stock, do you?
@@The2ndProtectsTheRest Dakar I can understand. It pushes everything over the limit. But bikes bought by the general public? As Chris says - no need to.
It s all fun and games until the pegs start separating from the bike lol
I would remove the ugly frontmask and Dashboard.
Fit an EXC light onto it
Chris, love the bike review. That being said, the treatment of Aussie folk in NSW, is shocking, and all for case numbers for a flu. I stand with a Free Australia!
Still going with the flu idea? Even trump dropped that bs long ago.
@@bradsanders6954 and he would have dropped you as well!
...FIRST!!! hahahaha