KTM 890 Adventure R (2021+, including Rally) Maintenance Schedule and Service Intervals
This is the maintenance schedule and service intervals for the KTM 890 Adventure R, including the Rally special edition.
The KTM 890 Adventure R and Adventure R Rally together are a fast-follow update to the 790 Adventure which was already a crowd-pleaser.
It’s also a little sibling to the 2021 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R.
Like their predecessor, the 890 Adventure R bikes are “middleweight” adventure motorcycles based on a parallel twin engine. It’s an 889 cc motor that makes peak torque of 100 Nm (74 ft-lb) at 6500 rpm and peak power of 78 kW (105 hp) at 8000 rpm, both more than the predecessor.
There’s a bevy of other improvements, including to the drivetrain and to the rider electronics — see below for details.
Updated in Sep 2023 with chain maintenance guidelines and a simpler service schedule.
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Service Intervals for the KTM 890 Adventure R
Like many liquid-cooled KTM motorcycles, the maintenance schedule intervals for the 890 Adventure R are 15 000 km (9 300 mi) or annually, with a major service (valve service & new plugs) every two intervals (every 18 600 miles or 30 000 km, but with no time interval).
The 890 Adventure R has a hydraulic clutch, so change the clutch fluid at the same time as when you change the brake fluid (every 2 years).
The KTM 890 Adventure R has a chain final drive. Seeing it’ll get a lot of abuse, make sure to check its condition regularly, and keep it lubed.
What you need to service your KTM 890 Adventure R
Apart from basic motorcycle maintenance tools, here are a few spares, fluids, and consumables that will help you service your KTM adventure bike.
| Part | KTM 890 Adventure/R spec |
|---|---|
| Engine oil | The manual specifies recommends Motorex Power Synthetic 4T 10W/50, or another SAE 10W/50 fully synthetic engine oil that meets JASO T903MA2 spec. |
| Oil filter | Use part number 61338015200 or Hiflofiltro part HF650, a popular equivalent. (This oil filter is used in most KTM adventure bikes.) |
| Air filter | A well-recommended one is the K&N KT-1113. |
| Fork oil | The manual recommends SAE 4 fork oil, e.g. Motorex 4W fork oil. |
| Brake fluid | The manual requires DOT 4 or DOT 5.1, recommending Castrol DOT 4 of Motorex DOT 5.1 brake fluid. The 890 Adventure R has a hydraulic clutch, and you can use the same spec fluid. |
| Coolant | Use “high-grade, silicate-free coolant with corrosion inhibitors”, e.g. Motorex Coolant M3.0. |
| Spark plug | Use an NGK LMAR9AI-10 to change spark plugs. |
Maintenance Schedule for the KTM 890 Adventure R
Below is the maintenance schedule for the KTM 890 Adventure R, adapted from the manual.
The original manual for the 890 Adventure R separates “required maintenance” from “recommended maintenance”. But KTM combined them in later schedules into one recommended service schedule.
For convenience, we’ve separated it out into
- Core maintenance — Engine oil and other fluid / part changes
- A service checklist
Core maintenance
Below is the core maintenance schedule for the KTM 890 Adventure R.
Notes:
- After the end of the service schedule, keep repeating it in this pattern.
- The maintenance schedule in the manual is broken up into two sections — required maintenance and recommended maintenance (but you should do both).
| miles x 1000 | 0.62 | 9.3 | 18.6 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| km x 1000 | 1 | 15 | 30 | Every |
| Perform service checklist (see below) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| Change the engine oil (Motorex Power Synthetic 4T 10W/50) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| Change the oil filter (HF650), and clean the oil screens. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| Change the spark plugs (LMAR9AI-10) | ✓ | |||
| Check the valve clearance | ✓ | |||
| Change the air filter (KT-1113.), clean the air filter box. | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Check the headlight setting | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Change the front brake fluid. (Motorex DOT 5.1) | 2 years | |||
| Change the rear brake fluid. (Motorex DOT 5.1) | 2 years | |||
| Change the hydraulic clutch fluid. (Motorex DOT 5.1) | 2 years | |||
| Check/clean the oil nozzle for clutch lubrication | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Change the coolant (Motorex Coolant M3.0) | 4 years | |||
| Check the fork bearing for play | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Check the wheel bearings for play | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Check the frame and the link fork | ✓ |
Service checklist
Perform these inspection items according to the schedule above.
| km x 1000 |
|---|
| [Dealer] Read out the fault memory using the KTM diagnostics tool. |
| [Dealer] Program the shift shaft sensor. |
| Check that the electrical system is functioning properly. |
| Change the engine oil and the oil filter, clean the oil screens. |
| Check the front brake linings. |
| Check the rear brake linings. |
| Check the brake discs. |
| Check the brake lines for damage and leakage |
| Check the front brake fluid level. |
| Check the rear brake fluid level. |
| Check/correct the fluid level of the hydraulic clutch. |
| Check the free travel of the clutch lever |
| Check the free travel of the foot brake lever |
| Check the coolant fill level and antifreeze |
| Check the shock absorber and fork for leaks. Perform service as needed and depending on how the vehicle is used. |
| Clean the dust boots of the fork legs |
| Check the steering head bearing for play. |
| Check the tire condition |
| Check tire pressure |
| Check the spoke tension. Retighten the spokes |
| Check the rim run-out |
| Check the chain, rear sprocket, and engine sprocket. |
| Check the chain tension |
| Check the cables for damage and routing without kinks |
| Check the fuel pressure. |
| Check that the radiator fan is functioning properly. |
| Check all hoses (fuel, coolant, bleeder, drainage etc.) and sleeves for cracking, leaks, and incorrect routing |
| Empty the drainage hoses |
| Grease all moving parts (e.g. side stand, hand lever, chain) and check for smooth operation |
| Check the tightness of the safety-relevant screws and nuts which are easily accessible. |
| Final check: Check the vehicle is roadworthy and take a test ride. |
| [Dealer] Read out the error memory after the test ride using the KTM diagnostics tool. |
| [Dealer] Set the service interval display. |
| [Dealer] Make a service entry in KTMDealer.net |
Chain Maintenance on the KTM 890 Adventure R
You need to service the KTM 890 Adventure R’s chain regularly, particularly as it’s an adventure motorcycle on which the chain is likely to get a lot of abuse (in dusty, dirty conditions, etc.).
Use a good-quality and portable lubricant like Motul Chain Paste, which is highly regarded.
| Chain maintenance item | Every |
|---|---|
| Check the chain, rear sprocket, and engine sprocket Chain length: 18 rollers = 272 mm maximum | Service |
| Check the chain tension (see notes below) | Service |
To check the chain condition on the 890 Adventure:
- Put the bike up on a centre stand (or raise up the rear somehow).
- Put the transmission into neutral.
- Pull on the lower chain section with 15 kg / 33 lb of weight.
- Measure the distance of 18 rollers (checking against the max spec).
If the chain is more loose than the max spec, replace it, along with the sprockets.
To check the chain tension, the manual and the sticker on the side of the motorcycle are a bit confusing.
- Find the plastic chain slider, go to the end, and go 2.5 cm (or one inch) apast the end.
- Push the chain up and try to make it touch the metal swing arm.
- Measure the distance from the flat part of the link fork directly above the chain to the chain. Target spec: 2-5mm (0.08-0.2 in).
If the tension is not within this spec, adjust the chain tension.
To check the chain tension on the KTM 890 Adventure R, the manual and the sticker on the side of the motorcycle are a bit confusing. Here’s a slightly clearer guide.
- Loosen the axle nut and lock nuts on either side of the axle.
- Turn the adjusting screw until you reach the target chain tension spec.
- Make sure you check the reference marks, to make sure you’re adjusting both sides of the motorcycle the same amount.
- Tighten the lock nuts, and then tighten the axle nut (90 Nm / 66.4 lb-ft of torque)
- Check the chain tension again.
Wheels and Tyres for the KTM 890 Adventure R
The manual recommends the following tyre pressures solo or with a passenger. Obviously tweak them according to your own preferences, setup, ride style and conditions.
| Wheel | Tyre size | Tyre pressure (cold) |
|---|---|---|
| Front | 90/90-21 M/C 54T M+S TL | 35 psi (2.4 bar) |
| Back | 150/70-18 M/C 70Q TL | 42 psi (2.9 bar) |
The tyres that ship with the 890 Adventure R are Continental TKC80 Twinduro tyres, more aggressive than those on the base model Adventure.
Tightening Torque specs
Below are some core tightening torque specs from the manual. There are quite a few more in the manual for you to peruse.
| Item | Nm | lb-ft |
|---|---|---|
| Oil drain plugs (x2) | 20 | 15 |
| Oil filter cover screws | 6 | 4 |
| Spark plugs | 11 | 8 |
| Front sprocket | 100 | 74 |
| Rear axle | 90 | 66 |
| Front axle | 45 | 33 |
| Steering head | 18 | 13 |
| Top triple clamp | 15 | 11 |
| Front brake caliper | 45 | 33 |
| Rear brake caliper pin | 22 | 16 |
About the KTM 890 Adventure R and Rally
The KTM 890 Adventure R and Adventure R Rally were announced late in 2020 for the 2021 model year.
It was a quick update to the 790 Adventure model line which seemed as if it would be a KTM mainstay for a while. Needless to say, many buyers of the 790 adventure were miffed.
But the 890 Adventure was a clear upgrade. It has more power, more refined riding gear, and passes Euro 5 emissions restrictions — so it had to happen.
The 890 Adventure R (and other motorcycles in the 890 range) is based on an 889cc liquid-cooled DOHC parallel twin. It makes 71 kW (105 hp) at 8000 rpm and peak torque of 100 Nm (74 ft-lb) at 6500 rpm — perfect “middleweight bike” territory, competitive with the likes of the Africa Twin (which these days has a ~200cc advantage).
Front and rear suspension is WP Xplor branded, with huge 48mm forks. It’s fully adjustable at the front and rear.
The KTM line of adventure bikes have always been known as being exciting and as close to a “dirt bike” as you can get while still being road capable.
The middleweight 890 Adventure R meets that goal, with its beefy, long-travel (240mm front and rear) suspension, standard gear for going off-road (bash plates and so on), and Metzeler Karoo 3 tyres (good for both on-road and off-road).
It also comes with a bunch of niceties like the option for cruise control, so you can get to your destination stress-free.
Owners of KTM 890 Adventure R bikes say it makes them feel like superheroes off-road. Visordown said “Off-road it is extremely plush, amazingly forgiving, and flatters even mediocre off-road riders like myself. It seems to have a magical ability to continually soak up hit after hit after hit, without ever winding up or feeling like it’s getting anywhere near flustered.”
The KTM 890 Adventure bikes come with a TFT dash, but there are a lot of optional extras you have to pay for, including
- Cruise control
- Quickshifter
- Rally pack
- Motor Slip Regulation
- Bags (which is common)
And even fully kitted out, the 890 Adventure R is still a “middleweight” bike with a middleweight spec. For example, you won’t get electronically adjustable suspension or an electronically adjustable windscreen — those are all “premium” features found on the brand’s top-end bikes.
The Adventure R Rally is a limited edition bike, with only 700 units sold in total worldwide. It includes the following improvements over the base 890 Adventure R:
- An updated engine and electronics
- WP XPLOR Pro suspension with longer travel
- Shorter windshield
- Lightweight Akrapovič exhaust
- A racing style seat
- Rally mode, with a quickshifter included
There’s more in the Rally version — additional aesthetics features, as well as more race-oriented options.
Below is a table with the spec of the KTM 890 Adventure base, R, and Rally specs.
| Item | Base | R | Rally (Limited run model, select years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Front suspension | WP APEX USD, 43 mm, non-adjustable 2023+: Preload/compression damping adjustable | WP XPLOR USD, 48 mm, fully adjustable | WP XPLOR PRO 7548 shock, 3-way adjustable |
| Rear suspension | WP APEX monoshock, preload / rebound adjustable | WP XPLOR PDS shock, fully adjustable | WP APEX monoshock, preload/rebound adjustable |
| Suspension travel front / rear | 200 / 200 mm | 240 / 240 mm | 270 / 270 mm |
| Tires | 2023+: Pirelli Rally STR | Continental Twinduro TKC80 | Mitas Enduro Trail E-07+ |
| Silencer | Standard | Standard | Akrapovič |
Using the KTM 890 Adventure / R / Rally’s Screen and Controls
New KTMs tend to come with the kitchen sink of ride aids in test mode. After a certain distance (typically 1500 km) you have to pay to keep using them.
Controls
Everything on the KTM 890 Adventure is controlled by a switch block on the left, and the cruise control tip switch above it.
Changing ride modes
There are three ride modes stock on the KTM 890 Adventure, with one more optional (Rally mode, with the Rally pack). The three core modes are Street, Rain, and Offroad.
To change ride modes, you have to use the switch block. Do this with the motorcycle at a standstill.
- Press the set button to get into the menu.
- Press up/down until “Motorcycle” is highlighted. Press set.
- Press up/down” until “Ride mode” is highlighted. Press set.
- Press up/down to choose the riding mode. Press set
That might seem cumbersome, but you can also set up your own bike (once you have one) so that one of the up/down buttons directly accesses one part of the settings. This is done via the “quick selector” setting. The quick selector can control ride mode, MTC setting, trip, or heated grips setting (maybe other things depending on your option level).
Here’s how the ride modes work on the 890 Adventure:
| Mode | Rain | Street | Offroad | Rally |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power | Reduced | Full | Reduced | Full |
| Throttle response | Soft | Balanced | Very direct | Extremely direct / Configurable |
| ABS | Both wheels | Both wheels | Front wheel only | Configurable (ABS submenu) |
| TC | Very little rear wheel slip | Normal rear wheel slip | High rear wheel slip | Configurable (TC submenu) |
Cruise Control on the 890 Adventure
Cruise is optional on the 890 Adventure (as is so much on modern KTMs). Before rolling out, if you want to test it, make sure it’s enabled in the software. This means that (if it’s not new, and thus with demo modes available) it should be a purchased add-on, and it should also be enabled in the menus (as should demo modes).
- To turn cruise control on, you press the cruise control tip switch to the left. Same action to turn it off. (The status will display on the screen.)
- To activate cruise at the current speed, press the cruise control tip switch briefly at the bottom.
- To increase or decrease speeds, you either briefly toggle up or down for a 1 km/h / mph increase, or hold it up and down for a 5 km/h / mph increase.
Manual for the KTM 890 Adventure R
The above maintenance schedule comes from the user’s manual for the KTM 890 Adventure R from 2021. It’s the same manual for the Rally, and the maintenance schedules are the same.
Below is the combined maintenance schedule from the updated 2023 manual.
You can get the user manual directly from KTM’s website.
