The powerful 1290 Super Adventure against the Agile 890!
Adventure motorcycles spark intense competition, with none more captivating than the showdown between the KTM 1290 Super Adventure and KTM 890 Adventure. Both bikes represent engineering at its finest, yet they appeal to distinct types of riders, each offering a unique combination of power, agility, and thrilling performance.
The KTM 1290 Super Adventure is the ultimate road warrior, renowned for its exceptional power and luxurious feel. This machine is designed for adrenaline junkies who seek heart-pounding speed and unparalleled performance. Picture yourself carving through a mountain pass, the 1290’s engine roaring as you accelerate, feeling the surge of power with every twist of the throttle.
Meanwhile, the KTM 890 Adventure shines as the champion of versatility. It’s perfect for riders who want the freedom to explore both paved roads and rugged off-road trails. Imagine weaving through tight trails and rocky terrain with ease, the 890’s agility and precision putting you fully in control, no matter the challenge.
Despite the 400 cc difference in displacement, the power gap is more striking, with the 1290 delivering an extra 55 horsepower and 38 Newton meters of torque. But it's not just about the numbers—each bike embodies a distinct riding experience.
So, which KTM is calling your name? The raw, untamed power of the 1290 Super Adventure, or the nimble, go-anywhere capability of the 890 Adventure? Let’s break down their features, performance, and what kind of adventure each bike brings to the table.
The engine rating goes to the mighty V2 of the KTM 1290 Super Adventure
How fast is the KTM 1290, you ask?
Well, it can reach top speeds of around 140 mph, making it one of the quickest adventure bikes on the market. This power translates into incredible acceleration, allowing riders to zoom past slower vehicles effortlessly.
How fast is the KTM 890?
While it may not match the 1290’s top speed, it can reach around 120 mph, which is still impressive for an adventure bike.
Riders often praise the 890 for its smooth power delivery and responsive throttle, making it a joy to ride.
In terms of engine performance, the 1290 clearly holds the crown, but don’t underestimate the capability of the 890. Both engines cater to different riding styles, ensuring there’s an option for everyone.
Comfort and Ergonomics: A Closer Look
The electronics of the 890 and 1290 can also be considered complete: riding modes, lean angle-dependent traction control and cornering ABS are standard on all models, but the two 1290 models come with a larger color TFT display and cruise control as standard. The 1290 Super Adventure S even comes with radar-based cruise control and an electronic chassis, which is obviously particularly useful for long trips and when carrying passengers and luggage.
On the flip side, the KTM 890 Adventure weighs approximately 432 pounds, making it significantly lighter. This weight reduction enhances its agility and maneuverability, especially on twisty roads or rugged trails.
Riders often feel more confident navigating tight corners on the 890, thanks to its nimble handling.Both bikes offer comfort, but the 890 shines in terms of ergonomics for those who prioritize agility and ease of handling.
Budget Considerations: Is the 1290 Worth It?
When it comes to adventure motorcycles, price is always a consideration.
The KTM 1290 S Adventure comes with a higher price tag, often exceeding $20,000, depending on the model and features.
With that investment, you get a premium experience filled with advanced technology, such as cornering ABS and multiple riding modes.Many riders feel that the luxury and performance justify the cost, allowing them to explore new terrains with confidence.
However, if you’re on a tighter budget, the KTM 890 adv. offers an impressive alternative at around $13,000.
For many riders, the 890’s price point allows for a fantastic balance of performance and value.You still get excellent features, like a TFT display and rider aids, making it a well-rounded choice for those who want to experience adventure riding without breaking the bank.
Ultimately, the question isn’t just whether the 1290 is worth it, but whether it aligns with your riding goals and financial plans.
Want to go off-road? Then the KTM 890 Adventure R is the best choice
The two R variants are very similar, but slightly different. With exactly the same 21/18 wheel size, the big KTM 1290 Super Adventure R also turns very well on tarmac, and, since the engines do not differ in terms of their respective cubic capacity, it also has more power. However, off-road, the 30 kg weight is much more noticeable than on the road, even if the big R can handle the terrain surprisingly well.
However, the off-road version of the 890 Adventure R with 20 mm more front and rear suspension travel (220 mm front and rear for the Super Adventure R, 240 mm front and rear for the Adventure R) is the better choice and is also fun on the road.
The KTM 1290 S Adv. does offer off-road capabilities, but it leans more toward touring comfort. While it can handle dirt roads, it’s not as agile or lightweight as the 890 Adv R. With a more aggressive stance, the 890 Adventure R can tackle challenging terrains with ease. Many riders share tales of conquering rocky paths and muddy trails, all thanks to the bike’s superior handling and suspension.
Insider tip seat height: KTM 890 Adventure
Anyone who often goes off-road will probably be able to cope with the seat heights of the two R models. The KTM 1290 S Adv. has a seat height of approximately 33.5 inches, which can be daunting for shorter riders. Many riders have found themselves tiptoeing at stops, which can be uncomfortable, especially in tricky situations.
In contrast, the KTM 890 Adventure offers a seat height of about 32.7 inches, making it more accessible for a wider range of riders. This slight difference can make a significant impact, especially for those who value confidence while navigating tricky terrains.
The normal 890 adv. is a really good insider tip for smaller riders or anyone who simply doesn't want to sit high.
While on the 1290 Super Adventure S, with its 200 millimeters of suspension travel at the front and rear, the seat height can be changed between the usual 849 and 869 millimeters for the class, on the 890, despite also having a decent 200 millimeters of suspension travel at the front and rear, the range extends from a really low 830 to 850 millimeters.
Does money matter? Yes, it can be the little one!
In terms of cost, KTM puts all models in their respective categories, a very cheap outlier, but also without an overpriced, incomprehensible price. The 890 model cleverly retains some features such as the adjustable windscreen in order to differentiate it from the 1290 model in this way, and not just with the bombastic V2 engine. The cheapest of them, the 890 adv, is therefore a very good touring enduro for less than 14,000 euros, scores well with its powerful engine and can still be driven reliably off-road.
The extra 1,000 euros for the 890 Adventure R is therefore only for those who really eat vegetables on the road regularly, or who simply like the more imposing look of the high fender at the front.
Conclusion
Ultimately, both motorcycles have their merits, and the right choice will depend on your priorities.
Do you want raw power and luxury, or do you prefer agility and value?
In conclusion, whether you’re drawn to the might of the 1290 or the agility of the 890, both bikes promise unforgettable adventures and experiences on two wheels.
Technical Data KTM 890 Adventure R 2024
Engine and drive
| Power in KW | 77 kW |
| Weight (without fuel) | 200 kg |
| Displacement | 889cm³ |
| Performance | 105hp |
| rpm at power | 8,000rpm |
| Timing | 4-stroke |
| Torque | 100Nm |
Technische Data KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2024
| Power in KW | 118 kW |
| Weight (without fuel) | 228 kg |
| Displacement | 1301cm³ |
| Performance | 160 HP |
| rpm at power | 9,000 rpm |
| Timing | 4-stroke |
| Torque | 138 Nm |
