KTM 890 Adventure versus Suzuki V-Strom 1050 XT

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
KTM

KTM 890 Adventure

Adventure
Suzuki

Suzuki V-Strom 1050 XT

Adventure

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2021 bis 2024~
Built von 2020 bis 2024~
RRP 15.190 €
RRP 14.600 €
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Pros:
  • Brakes and chassis
  • not too heavy
  • Technically well equipped
  • great engine with neat bums
  • handy thanks to low center of gravity
Pros:
  • Comfort
  • Precision
  • Engine identical to everyday traffic jams
  • Passage
Cons:
  • Tank polarizes optically
  • Turbulence and noise on the helmet
  • Cruise control switch available, but function must be activated (extra charge)
Cons:
  • Display
  • Weight

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.528 mm
Seat :
850 mm
Weight :
196 kg
Wheelbase: 1.555 mm
Length :
2.265 mm Height : 1.465 mm
Seat :
850 mm
Weight :
247 (max: 440 ) kg

Engine

Motor design: Row, four-stroke 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 889 ccm
Hub: 69 mm
Hole: 91 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6
Motor design: V2 4-stroke 90 degrees 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.037 ccm
Hub: 66 mm
Hole: 100 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6

Performance

Maximum speed: 239 km/h
Performance: 105 HP at 8.000 U/Min
Torque: 100 NM bei 6.500 U/Min
Tank contents: 20 Litre
Consumption:
5 l
Reach:
444 km
Maximum speed: 210 km/h
Performance: 107 HP at 8.500 U/Min
Torque: 100 NM bei 6.000 U/Min
Tank contents: 20 Litre
Consumption:
5 l
Reach:
408 km

Chassis

Frame type:
Chrome-molybdenum steel frame, motor is structural component, powder coated (steel)
Front suspension:
WP APEX USD 43mm (travel 200 mm)
Rear suspension:
WP APEX Monoshock (travel 200 mm)
Rear suspension:
Aluminum two-arm swingarm
Tyres at the front: 21 inches
Rear tyres: 18 inches
Frame type:
Bridge frame (aluminium)
Front suspension:
Kayaba USD fork 43 mm (travel 160 mm)
Rear suspension:
Central strut with lever system (travel 160 mm)
Rear suspension:
Alu-Kastenschwine
Tyres at the front: 110/80 R19
Rear tyres: 150/70 R17

Brakes

Front brake
Four-piston radial fixed caliper, double disc ( 320 mm) Rear brake
Brembo two-piston floating caliper, single disc ( 260 mm)
Front brake
Double disc, four-piston fixed caliper, radial ( 310 mm) Rear brake
Single disc, single-piston floating caliper ( 260 mm)

Conclusion - what's stuck?

More steam, more technology, more fun? After our test, we can answer yes to this initial question. However, owners of a 790 Adventure don't have to go straight to the KTM dealer and buy an 890. The differences between these two bikes are not as great as KTM likes to portray. Nevertheless, the 890 Adventure is the better motorcycle.
 
Competitors are the Triumph Tiger 900, the Suzuki V-Strom 1050 and the Ducati Multistrada 950 - the travel enduros of the upper middle class. The difference from the upper-class thick ships such as the BMW GS 1250 and 1290 SAS is clearly noticeable, but as described above, both advantages and disadvantages are noticeable.
 
The test motorcycle was kindly provided to us by Motorrad-Ruser from Haseldorf - thank you very much.

Price/Availability/Colours/Years of Construction

  • Price: €13,295
  • Availability: from 2021
  • Colours: orange, black

Conclusion - what gets stuck

Again, the thought arises: Why do so few people know this bike? Suzuki itself is holding back on the market with novelties, which can be clearly seen in its market shares. Too bad, really a pity. You can, because this mid-range adventure bike clearly shows that the Japanese can create a really good bike, which has its own character.

So off to the test drive. Example ice here: Miner and sons in Tornesch have provided us with the test bike.

Doesn't have to be yellow.

Price / Colours / Years of Construction

  • Price: 14.190€ as XT
  • Years of construction: since 2020
  • Colours: red, yellow, black