[TusharK]

The 2023 KTM 890 Adventure R has been spotted in India. The brand-new bike was being transported on a pickup truck and was seen at a fuel pump close to the Bajaj factory.



Reports suggest that KTM may have imported the 890 Adventure R for R&D purposes, prior to putting test mules on the road. If that’s the case, we might see the bike being launched in the Indian market.

Another theory is that KTM could be planning to showcase the 890 Adventure R at the upcoming India Bike Week in Goa. The event offers an opportunity to gauge customers' responses. The company had earlier showcased the 790 Adventure and 1290 SuperDuke at IBW.

The 2023 KTM 890 Adventure R is powered by an 889cc, parallel-twin engine that makes 104 BHP and 100 Nm. The bike is kitted out to take on rough surfaces. It comes with adjustable upside-down fork suspension at the front and a mono-shock at the rear, wire-spoke wheels and offroad tyres.

The KTM 890 Adventure R competes with the Triumph Tiger 900.

Source: Zigwheels

Link to Team-BHP News

[RT13]

We can dream I suppose. Just like we do of the Tenere.

[TusharK]

KTM 890 Adventure R unveiled at India Bike Week 2022

The KTM 890 Adventure R was first spotted in India back in October. The bike has now been showcased at India Bike Week 2022.



The 890 Adventure R is a purpose-built ADV designed to tackle rough terrain. The bike is kitted out with adjustable upside-down fork suspension at the front and a mono-shock at the rear. It has raised handlebars with knuckle guards, a flat seat and an upswept exhaust.

The 2023 KTM 890 Adventure R is powered by an 889cc, parallel-twin engine that makes 104 BHP and 100 Nm. The engine is mated to a 6-speed gearbox.

The bike rides on wire-spoke wheels and is equipped with dual front disc brakes and a single disc at the rear. It also comes with various riding aids, including traction control, ride modes and ABS.

Link to Team-BHP News

[zaks]

This will never be sold in india, even if it comes it will be CBU and will be too expensive and too capable for what we need here. I think this is just a eye candy to get people interested in their 390 ADV. I think more likely we might get a 390ADV R with spoke rims and tunable suspension.

[rajeevsulu]

If this beauty is launched in India, it would be fantastic. Maybe atleast a low on spec version.

[Venkatesh]

KTM 890 Adventure R showcased at India Bike Week.





















Link

[Samarth 619]

Answering the question in the title, we must stop thinking that corporate managers are pinpoint planners and executers, who brought this bike as a planned measure to launch it in India.

I've been obvserving the 2 wheeler industry for decades now and I can tell you one thing: what's highly probable is that someone at Bajaj Chakan (Pune) plant got a bunch of bikes from abroad just for inspiration, or maybe to show some trending change in parts world, to their parts suppliers (most are based out of Chakan area itself).
Now, IBW is also a good chance to judge public response so they might say, let's see if it clicks to the audience, and this way, they'll also have a chance to display a sense of commitment towards IBW community.


So, when should we consider a bike's launch being around the corner?
Well, when you a working, RTO numbered prototype on the road, at least its clear that the bike's prototype certificate exists and we have a good reason to believe it might launch.

I've been waiting for the Superduke 1290R since like, eternity now. You must've guessed, it might not come any time soon.

[bf1983]

I think after the Duke 790 failed to sell well in India till it was highly discounted KTM will think twice before launching any high end bike in India again.

KTM should actually sell a few of these if they launch it given it should undercut the Tiger 900 comfortably while offering more power and torque than the Tiger. Plus probably much cheaper service. But sadly doubt this will happen anytime in future.

[Samarth 619]

Originally Posted by bf1983

I think after the Duke 790 failed to sell well in India till it was highly discounted KTM will think twice before launching any high end bike in India again.
KTM should actually sell a few of these if they launch it given it should undercut the Tiger 900 comfortably while offering more power and torque than the Tiger. Plus probably much cheaper service. But sadly doubt this will happen anytime in future.

KTM's heavy discounting on Duke 790 was a result of BS4 phasing out, hence there was a sense of urgency to sell out the remaining stock before time.
Hence, it can't exactly be concluded that Duke 790 sold bad; if you remember, there was a Buy 1 Activa, Get 1 Activa offer too from Honda dealers, but by no means does Activa sell bad.

I just wish they had a customised range for India. If they just launch a 690 in single cylinder, 990 in two cylinder as it was earlier and the Superduke 1290 series, their Indian range would be complete from all angles.

But they're too confused for this, I heard they were launching 490 twin cylinders sometime back, and then withdrew from the plan obviously. Who wants a Ninja 400 successor from KTM instead of Kawasaki? Plus, 490 should be a single to keep price, running costs, and service technicalities low.
KTM should stick to their strengths.

[bf1983]

Originally Posted by Samarth 619

KTM's heavy discounting on Duke 790 was a result of BS4 phasing out, hence there was a sense of urgency to sell out the remaining stock before time.
.

If they couldn't sell just 100 units of a brand new bike in 6 months it's definitely a sales dud.

The Hayabusa sold its 100 units in 2 days flat at full price even though that bike was priced double of the Duke.

The biggest competitor of the Duke in the Z900 sells about 40 units a month despite being a rather stale model now.

[Samarth 619]

Originally Posted by bf1983

If they couldn't sell just 100 units of a brand new bike in 6 months it's definitely a sales dud.
The Hayabusa sold its 100 units in 2 days flat at full price even though that bike was priced double of the Duke.
The biggest competitor of the Duke in the Z900 sells about 40 units a month despite being a rather stale model now.

Ok, turns out you're right. I checked online as I wasn't aware about sales figures. It did sell about 41~ units in the first ten days of launch, and then it faded to 0 within 3 months.

It did have potential though, not only in market but also tracks, considering how it performed in races and mountain trails. But a pricing that goes head to head with inline 4's of the market is not something all bikers will accept, regardless of its flexibility. In the Indian premium motorcycle segment, you can't compromise on cc or cylinders I guess.
ZX 6R also suffered this fate- a fine machine market-ruined by resale concerns and cc mentality. No wonder we'll never get Ninja ZX 4R (4 cylinders).

[bf1983]

Originally Posted by Samarth 619

...

It did have potential though, not only in market but also tracks, considering how it performed in races and mountain trails. But a pricing that goes head to head with inline 4's of the market is not something all bikers will accept, regardless of its flexibility. In the Indian premium motorcycle segment, you can't compromise on cc or cylinders I guess...

Oh it had a lot of potential. I tried the Z900, Street triple and the Duke. Both the Street Triple and the Duke were excellent handlers while the Z900 had neutral handling and wasn't much of a corner carver. Comfort wise I found the Street Triple to be pretty committed and not all that comfortable while the Z900 was decent but the Duke was by far the most comfortable bike. Finally both the Z900 and Street Triple had ground clearance issues which the Duke didn't have any issues with. So as an alrounder the Duke was a fantastic machine.

Only issue I had with the Duke was quality control. Lots of niggles and minor issues including a rear brake that would time to time refuse to work! I thought I had broken my friends rear brake and he told me it happens from time to time 🙄