On March 28, just 15 months after breaking ground on the development, KTM North America and parent company Pierer Mobility celebrated the grand opening of their new North American headquarters in Murrieta, California.

In attendance at the event were Stefan Pierer, CEO of Pierer Mobility AG; members of Pierer Mobility AG’s global board of directors; employees of KTM North America, including members of the KTM, Husqvarna, and GasGas factory race teams; local politicians and dignitaries; and numerous invited guests.

Related: 2023 KTM 890 Adventure | First Ride Review

“This is an emotional day for me,” said Pierer. “Exactly 30 years ago, I started in the USA with only a dozen employees. Today, we are Europe’s leading powered two-wheeler group, and we’re selling approximately 100,000 units annually in the U.S. market – so, more than $1 billion in sales. The most important success factor for us is racing; that is the driving force that pushed us over the years. Building our new North American headquarters in Murrieta was the biggest single investment we’ve ever made. We set a new standard for the whole U.S. market.”

Pierer stated that North America is Pierer Mobility’s most important market, which warranted the $53 million investment in the new headquarters campus.

Pierer Mobility AG purchased KTM out of bankruptcy in 1992, and at the time it had just 160 employees and sold only 6,300 motorcycles that year. Under Pierer’s stewardship, KTM grew slowly but steadily, but in the past decade its growth has accelerated.

In 2013, Pierer expanded its brand footprint by purchasing the legendary Swedish off-road brand Husqvarna from BMW, and in 2019, it acquired the Spanish off-road brand GasGas. Pierer Mobility AG also owns WP Suspension and the Felt and R Raymon bicycle brands.

Related: 2023 Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition | First Ride Review

In 2022, three decades after Pierer acquired KTM, the KTM Group produced 375,492 motorcycles, an increase of 13% over 2021. Of those, 268,575 (71.5%) were KTMs, 75,266 (20%) were Husqvarnas, and 31,651 (8.5%) were GasGas motorcycles. During the same year, Pierer also produced 118,465 pedal and electric-assist bicycles for its Husqvarna, GasGas, Felt, and R Raymon brands.

Last year, Pierer also acquired a 25% stake in Italian motorcycle manufacturer MV Agusta, and it will provide distribution and marketing support in North America and other markets.

Pierer Mobility AG is very much on the gas, generating revenues of 2.437 billion euros in 2022, a 19% increase compared to 2021. It currently employs 6,000 workers around the globe, including 360 in North America – more than 200 of which are based in Murrieta, California.

John Hinz, CEO of KTM North America, Inc. and Pierer Mobility North America, Inc. was also in attendance at the grand opening, and he called the event a “massive milestone in our company’s history.”

“The campus and our facilities, this represents the single biggest investment by our company,” Hinz said, “so thank you to Mr. Pierer. We designed these buildings for our employees, race teams, athletes, and truly for our dealers across North America to help support our brands and help support sales. This new campus showcases not only the facilities as a tool for our employees and dealers, but it’s our commitment, our dedication, and our investment into the motorcycle and bicycle industry here in North America.”

The new headquarters occupies a 20-acre site that includes three buildings comprising a total of 130,000 square feet. The two-story administrative building includes office and conference space, facilities for dealer and technical training, space for media fleets, and Kiska’s North American design center. The powersports building houses the KTM, Husqvarna, and GasGas factory race teams, WP Suspension, and R&D facilities. A third building serves as a warehouse.

Pierer Mobility also acquired 12 additional acres located adjacent to the new headquarters that have been set aside for future development. The group’s purpose-built private motorsports facility – RD Field – sits one block south of the corporate campus. It includes two supercross test tracks, a hard enduro test track, and a trials competition section for product testing and athlete training.

For more information, visit PiererMobility.com, KTM.com, Husqvarna-Motorcycles.com, or GasGas.com.

We test a lot of KTM motorcycles here at Rider, along with those from nearly 20 other manufacturers, and we realize it’s a privilege to get seat time on the latest and greatest bikes. Test rides at dealers are a rarity, so the KTM Ride Orange Demo Tour is a great opportunity to ride KTM’s street-legal range, everything from the 200 Duke up to the 1290 Super Duke R Evo, ADVs ranging from the 390 Adventure to the 1290 Adventure R, the 690 SMC R supermoto, and the 690 Enduro R and 500 EXC-F dual-sports.

There are currently 15 stops scheduled for the demo tour between March and October, with more to be added. Check out the details in KTM’s official announcement below.

MURRIETA, Calif. – The KTM Ride Orange Street Demo Tour is back for 2023, providing the unique opportunity for U.S. consumers to sample the latest models in the KTM Street range. This year’s tour will commence during Daytona Bike Week in Florida on March 9-11, and will once again be taking place alongside a wide selection of the nation’s premier motorcycle events.

Organized by KTM North America, Inc. in association with participating dealers, this will be your chance to get up close and explore the 2023 lineup together with knowledgeable KTM experts on location before taking to some of the most enjoyable roads in the country. Each ride will take place on pre-planned routes that will be sure to deliver an exceptional experience at this year’s KTM Ride Orange Street Demo Tour.

From the spectacular KTM 1290 Super Duke R Evo to the razor-sharp KTM 890 Duke R – until the new 790 Duke arrives – and KTM 390/200 Duke lightweight heavy hitters, there will be no shortage of ready-to-race performance on offer. In addition, riders will have the chance to climb aboard the current Adventure range, featuring the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R and KTM 1290 Super Adventure S models alongside the KTM 890 Adventure R, KTM 890 Adventure, and KTM 390 Adventure variants. Plus, don’t miss the KTM 690 Enduro R, KTM 690 SMC R or KTM 500 EXC-F models.

2023 KTM Ride Orange Street Demo Tour Models:

• KTM 1290 Super Adventure R
• KTM 1290 Super Adventure S
• KTM 1290 Super Duke R Evo
• KTM 890 Adventure R
• KTM 890 Adventure
• KTM 890 Duke R (until the new 790 Duke arrives)
• KTM 690 Enduro R
• KTM 690 SMC R
• KTM 390 Adventure
• KTM 390 Duke
• KTM 200 Duke
• KTM 500 EXC-F

Please note that the model list is subject to change and may vary by demo location.

Find all of Rider‘s KTM coverage here

Participants at the KTM Ride Orange Street Demo Tour will also receive a Ride Orange VIP Card voucher (valued up to $500 MSRP), redeemable on KTM PowerParts, KTM PowerWear and/or KTM SpareParts at an authorized KTM dealer with the purchase of a new KTM Street model.

Registrations for each stop of the 2023 KTM Ride Orange Street Demo Tour open at 9 a.m. on the morning of that event, with riding taking place between 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Demos are first come, first served.

In order to participate, you must be 25 years or older for 690cc and up, and 21 years old or above for 500cc and under. Participants 21-24 years old can Only ride motorcycles 500cc and under. Experienced riders only (no beginners). No passengers are allowed at any time, and KTM staff can revoke riding privileges at any time for any reason deemed necessary.

All riders must show a government issued photo ID with motorcycle endorsement and will be required to complete a signed waiver prior to any demo rides. Proper riding apparel is essential, including but not limited to a DOT-approved helmet, eye protection, gloves, long sleeves, pants, and sturdy footwear.

For a complete list of 2023 KTM Ride Orange Street Demo Tour locations and to connect with your local participating dealer, please visit KTM’s website or email ktmeventsna@ktm.com. Follow KTM USA on all social media platforms for the most up-to-date information on events.

We review the 2023 KTM 890 Adventure, which has new styling and was made more off-road capable with revised suspension, new tires, updated electronics, and more. Overall, it’s a more capable, versatile, comfortable adventure bike.

Check out our video review:

Related: 2023 KTM 890 Adventure | First Ride Review

Changes to the 2023 KTM 890 Adventure:

• Softer damping settings for the WP APEX suspension and new new finger-turn adjusters on the fork caps.
• Automatic selection of Offroad ABS in Offroad and (optional) Rally ride modes.
• New Demo mode, which allows a new owner to use and evaluate optional electronic upgrades for 1,500 km (932 miles) before paying for them. Options include Rally mode, Motor Slip Regulation, Quickshifter+, and cruise control, which can be purchased individually or all together as part of the Tech Pack ($549.99).
• Upgraded 5-inch TFT display with new graphics, a more intuitive menu system, and color-coded pictograms of the bike. An optional connectivity unit allows the bike to be paired to the KTMconnect app via Bluetooth, which enables Turn-by-Turn+ navigation as well as music and calling functions when connected to a helmet communicator.
• Revised bodywork with a more integrated front fairing that includes larger tank and side panels, as well as more load-bearing capacity for large GPS devices (there are USB and 12V outlets on the dash). The new windscreen is taller, has a steeper pitch, and includes a vertical lip at the top, as well as an opening in the center that reduces buffeting at high speed.
• A revised seat with an extra 0.4 inch of foam in the seat, which increases the height of the dual position seat by the same amount to 33.1/33.9 inches, but the seat has a narrower shape for similar stand-over height.
• New Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tires, which have a roughly 70/30 on/off-road ratio compared to the 90/10 ADV tires on the previous model.

2023 KTM 890 Adventure Specs

• Base Price: $13,949
• Price as Tested: $14,499 (Tech Pack)
• Website: KTM.com
• Warranty: 2 yrs., 24,000 miles
• Engine Type: Liquid-cooled, transverse parallel-Twin, DOHC w/ 4 valves per cyl.
• Displacement: 889cc Bore x Stroke: 90.7 x 68.8mm
• Horsepower: 105 @ 8,000 rpm (factory claim)
• Torque: 74 lb-ft @ 6,500 rpm (factory claim)
• Transmission: 6-speed, cable-actuated slip/assist wet clutch
• Final Drive: X-ring chain
• Wheelbase: 59.4 in.
• Rake/Trail: 25.9 degrees/4.2 in.
• Seat Height: 33.1/33.9 in.
• Wet Weight: 474 lb (claimed)
• Fuel Capacity: 5.3 gal
• Fuel Consumption: 52.3 mpg (claimed)

Gear Up:

• Helmet: Arai XD-4 
• Jacket: Fly Racing Off Grid 
• Gloves: Fly Racing Surveyor 
• Pants: Fly Racing Terra Trek 
• Boots: Fly Racing Milepost 

KTM has announced details of the 2023 KTM 390 Adventure, which will be available in dealerships in March. The 390 Adventure has been given a new look and increased off-road capability, for a bike that KTM says offers “sheer usability, superb power, and incredibly light handling.”

In our review of the 2020 model, our reviewer said the KTM 390 Adventure was “a lot of bike for the money, with an impressive list of standard features that make it a serious threat to value-oriented Japanese competitors like the Honda CB500X and Kawasaki Versys-X 300, as well as BMW’s G 310 GS.”

Related: 2020 KTM 390 Adventure Road Test Review

The 2023 KTM 390 Adventure still features a compact 4-stroke DOHC 373cc Single with four valves, a balancer shaft, a PASC slip/assist clutch, and electronic fuel injection. Two catalytic converters ensure the system breathes within emission targets, and the vapor design of the 3.8-gal fuel tank also contributes to its eco-friendliness.

Also returning for the 2023 model and contributing to the bike’s off-road persona is the Offroad ride mode (offering more rear-wheel slip) and linked Offroad ABS (disengaged on the rear, reduced on the front), as well as throttle-by-wire, Motorcycle Traction Control, and cornering ABS. Stopping power comes from Brembo BYBRE brakes (320mm front and 230mm rear discs with a 4-piston calipers on the front and single-piston in the rear), and the bike has adjustable WP APEX suspension.

See all of Rider‘s KTM coverage here.

The KTM 390 Adventure also still has 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels shod in Continental TKC70 tires, but for 2023 the wheels are spoked (but still tubeless) and have black anodized aluminum rims. The bike also comes with a two-tier seat that can be easily removed to reveal storage space or swapped out for other models in the KTM PowerParts collection, LED lights, and a windscreen with two positions. It has a claimed wet weight of 379 lb.

KTM says both the lightweight steel trellis chassis and the new 2023 colorway take design cues from the company’s work at “the sharp end of rally competition.”

MSRP is $7,399. For more information, visit the KTM website.

To stay current with the latest technology and ahead of the competition, KTM has been on a two-year development cycle with its middleweight Adventure platform. The KTM 790 Adventure and 790 Adventure R were launched for 2019, then they evolved into the KTM 890 Adventure and 890 Adventure R for 2021, and now we have updated versions for 2023. 

KTM unveiled the 2023 version of the more off-road oriented 890 Adventure R at its Adventure Rider Rally in Idaho last September, and the 2023 KTM 890 Adventure was announced two months later. The standard model and the R are mostly the same, differing only in terms of suspension, tires, seats, windscreens, and color/graphics.  

Related: 2021 KTM 890 Adventure R | Long-Term Ride Review

When the platform debuted for 2019, KTM said the 790 Adventure was designed to be the most off-road capable touring bike and the 790 Adventure R was designed to be the most touring-capable off-road bike. They were head and shoulders above anything else in the category, and they shared Rider Magazine’s 2019 Motorcycle of Year award. 

KTM has continued its two-pronged approach. To handle its more rugged mission, the 890 Adventure R is equipped with higher-spec WP XLPOR suspension, which mostly accounts for its higher price ($15,199 versus $13,949 for the standard model tested here). It also has Mitas Enduro Trail+ tires, a single-piece seat perched 34.6 inches off the ground, a short windscreen, and rally-inspired graphics. 

At the press launch for the 890 Adventure in Obidos, Portugal, KTM representatives said that many customers end up buying the R over the standard model because they perceive the higher-priced one as being the better of the two. But it really comes down to where and how someone rides. If they spend most of their time on the road with occasional forays in the dirt, if their off-road riding style is more exploratory than aggressive, and if they tour with a passenger, the standard model is a better overall fit. 

Related: 2023 KTM 890 Adventure R | First Look Review

In that vein, KTM made the 890 Adventure more off-road capable without sacrificing its street manners or road-going comfort. New damping settings for its WP APEX suspension are less sporty, geared more toward touring comfort with or without a passenger and compliance on rough off-road terrain. The fully adjustable 43mm inverted fork has an open-cartridge design with compression in the left leg, rebound in the right leg, and new finger-turn adjusters on the fork caps. The Progressive Damping System rear shock is adjustable for rebound and preload, with an adjuster knob for the latter under the left side of the seat. The 890 Adventure has 7.9 inches of suspension travel front and rear, 9.2 inches of ground clearance, and 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels. 

On the technology front, there’s a new ABS unit that works in conjunction with the 6-axis IMU, and as before, there are two ABS modes: Road (full intervention front and rear, lean-angle sensitive) and Offroad (less intervention at the front, no intervention at the rear, and no compensation for lean angle). Also unchanged are the three standard ride modes (Street, Rain, and Offroad) and an optional Rally mode, all of which adjust throttle response, power, and MTC (Motorcycle Traction Control). 

In the past, a rider had to select ABS mode and ride mode separately. On multiple occasions on previous models, I’ve switched over to an off-road mode, headed down a trail, and only then realized I was still in Road ABS mode. Now, when either Offroad or Rally mode are selected, Offroad ABS is automatically selected, while Road ABS is the default for Street and Rain modes. 

Gear Up:

• Helmet: Arai XD-4 
• Jacket: Fly Racing Off Grid 
• Gloves: Fly Racing Surveyor 
• Pants: Fly Racing Terra Trek 
• Boots: Fly Racing Milepost 

A new feature on several 2023 KTM models is Demo mode, which allows a new owner to use and evaluate optional electronic upgrades for 1,500 km (932 miles) before paying for them. After the distance limit has been reached and the bike is keyed off, the options are deactivated. The owner then has the option to return to the dealer to pay for them to be reactivated. On the 890 Adventure, those options include Rally mode, Motor Slip Regulation (MSR), Quickshifter+, and cruise control, which can be purchased individually or all together as part of the Tech Pack ($549.99).  

There’s also an upgraded 5-inch TFT display with new graphics, a more intuitive menu system, and color-coded pictograms of the bike – when ABS is turned off at the rear wheel, for example, it changes from green to red. With the optional Rally mode, there’s a high-contrast, minimalist Rally display that shows the slip-adjust setting, which can be changed on the fly via the up/down arrows on the switchgear. An optional connectivity unit allows the bike to be paired to the KTMconnect app via Bluetooth, which enables Turn-by-Turn+ navigation as well as music and calling functions when connected to a helmet communicator. A new call-out function lets riders create a favorites list of 10 phone numbers for quick access. 

See all of Rider‘s KTM coverage here.

To underscore the 890 Adventure’s newfound off-road worthiness, at the press launch, KTM organized a challenging route near the coast of Portugal. It was a winter day that started off cold, foggy, and damp. Our ride leader was Giacomo Zappoli, KTM’s Product Marketing Manager Offroad & Travel, a young, energetic Italian who has competed in hard enduros and rally raids. After just a few miles of wet pavement, we turned onto a rough gravel road riddled with roots, ruts, and puddles, and before I had even gotten my “dirt legs,” we were throttling our way through deep sand. Alrighty then, game on. 

Throughout the day, we switched frequently between paved and unpaved surfaces. The asphalt ranged from wet to dry, flat to curved, and rural to urban, along with some sketchy roundabouts. The off-road terrain included loamy single-track winding through trees, dodgy farm roads lined with ancient stone walls, packed-down gravel on a 6th-gear ridgeline dotted with wind turbines, and even a shortcut between paved sections that had us roosting our way through a small garbage dump. The variety provided the perfect opportunity to test every ride mode repeatedly in its intended environment, and the automatic selection of the appropriate ABS mode meant there was one less thing to worry about. 

The 890’s softer suspension settings felt spot-on for the variable terrain, and the new Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tires, which have a roughly 70/30 on/off-road ratio compared to the 90/10 ADV tires on the previous model, were appreciated. Countless rocks pinged off the beefier aluminum engine protector, which also covers the front and sides of the lower fuel pods on the horseshoe-shaped fuel tank. The tank’s design, introduced on the 790, carries most of the fuel down near the rider’s feet, reducing the bike’s center of gravity for better handling. 

Though unchanged for 2023, KTM’s 889cc LC8c parallel-Twin remains a compact, well-balanced, lively engine. When we put a 2021 890 Adventure R on Jett Tuning’s dyno, it made 90 hp at 8,200 rpm and 62 lb-ft of torque at 6,200 rpm at the rear wheel. The ride modes allow the engine’s character to be tailored to conditions, and the Twin’s flexibility, responsiveness, and auditory rumble are well-suited to an adventure bike that will be pressed into different roles and provide enough excitement to keep things interesting. 

Inspired by the KTM 450 Rally – which clinched the top two positions in the 2023 Dakar in the hands of Kevin Benavides and Toby Price – the new bodywork on the 890 Adventure has a more integrated front fairing that includes larger tank and side panels. The connection between the fairing and the frame now uses two forged aluminum components, providing additional strength as well as more load-bearing capacity for large GPS devices (there are USB and 12V outlets on the dash). The new windscreen is taller, has a steeper pitch, and includes a vertical lip at the top, as well as an opening in the center that reduces buffeting at high speed. Wind protection and airflow were noticeably improved, and the taller screen didn’t interfere with terrain reading during tricky off-road sections. 

Comfort was further enhanced with an extra 0.4 inch of foam in the seat, which increases the height of the dual position seat by the same amount to 33.1/33.9 inches. To compensate for the added height, the seat has been made narrower in the front to make the effective stand-over height roughly the same. Since I have a 34-inch inseam and ample curb weight of my own, I appreciated the seat’s additional support but did not mind the extra height, even in the higher setting with rear preload cranked up a bit. Lower seats and a lowering kit are available as accessories. 

Our test ride on the 890 Adventure certainly lived up to the bike’s name. I made heavy use of the brakes as I adapted to the rapidly changing conditions – both the front lever and rear pedal were easy to modulate – and the ABS intervention did its job without fail. Late in the day, as the hide-and-seek sun had dried out the pavement and we did our best to keep up with Zappoli on a particularly serpentine stretch of road, I gassed it exiting a corner and felt the rear step out. Before I could even think “Oh, sh…!” the TC light flashed and the moment passed. 

Back at the hotel, my fellow North Americans and I went directly to the bar; we did not pass Go and we did not collect $200. We ordered tall glasses of beer, toasted each other, and recounted highlights of the day. We had been out in the elements, challenging ourselves, exploring a new area, and having fun. That’s what adventure is all about. 

2023 KTM 890 Adventure Specs

Base Price: $13,949 

Price as Tested: $14,499 (Tech Pack) 

Website: KTM.com 

Warranty: 2 yrs., 24,000 miles 

Engine Type: Liquid-cooled, transverse parallel-Twin, DOHC w/ 4 valves per cyl. 

Displacement: 889cc 

Bore x Stroke: 90.7 x 68.8mm 

Horsepower: 105 @ 8,000 rpm (factory claim) 

Torque: 74 lb-ft @ 6,500 rpm (factory claim) 

Transmission: 6-speed, cable-actuated slip/assist wet clutch 

Final Drive: X-ring chain 

Wheelbase: 59.4 in. 

Rake/Trail: 25.9 degrees/4.2 in. 

Seat Height: 33.1/33.9 in. 

Wet Weight: 474 lb (claimed) 

Fuel Capacity: 5.3 gal 

Fuel Consumption: 52.3 mpg (claimed) 

In addition to the recent announcement of the 2023 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R, KTM has released details on the 2023 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S, which will be available this month at authorized KTM dealers. 

Related: 2023 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R | First Look Review 

For 2023, KTM has taken the base of the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S, which the company says is “engineered to conquer mile after mile on all types of terrain,” and added a fresh sheen as well as several refinements for the benefit of practical adventuring. 

The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S is still powered by the 1,301cc LC8 V-Twin making a claimed 160 hp and 102 lb-ft of torque and mated to a 6-speed Pankl transmission and a PASC slip/assist clutch. 

A few years ago, we took the 2018 model on roads ranging from those found in Joshua Tree National Park to clogged Southern California freeways.  

“Regardless of the condition of the pavement or the radius of the curve, the KTM is unflappable,” our reviewer wrote. 

Related: 2018 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S | Road Test Review 

The 2023 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S has a 22-lb chromoly stainless-steel frame, vertically stacked LEDs with low beam, high beam, and cornering lights that illuminate sequentially as lean angle increases, a reengineered windscreen and adjuster, a height-adjustable seat (33.4 or 34.2 inches), and a new lightweight aluminum sidestand. 

The heart of the bike is regulated by a Bosch 6D IMU administering the ride height, ABS, ride modes (Sport, Street, Offroad, Rain, and optional Rally), tire-pressure monitoring, and the WP semi-active suspension damping and anti-dive (WP Suspension Pro is an optional upgrade, as is Quickshifter+). 

For 2023, KTM says that roaming roads everywhere and anywhere is now a lot easier thanks to augmented navigation software. The 7-inch TFT display already gave the rider full control over the ride modes, suspension, ABS settings, and adaptive cruise control, but for 2023, KTM aimed for more utility. The KTMConnect App now boasts Turn-by-Turn+ guidance and waypoint markers while on the go and without having to stop and adjust any mobile device. The same functionality also extends to audio tracks and listing ‘Favorites’ when it comes to phone calls. 

The KTM PowerParts collection includes additional gear and protection for the 2023 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R, such as extra protective parts, aesthetic touches through detailing, or travel items like luggage, racks, and bags. 

The 2023 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S will come in two new color schemes: the iconic KTM orange-and-black trim or the more neutral hue of KTM’s Graded Gray aesthetic. Pricing starts at $20,299. 

For more information, visit the KTM website.

KTM has announced the release of the updated KTM 1290 Super Adventure R, which the company says is oriented for “hardcore offroad adventurers who want and need premium kit to level any landscape or terrain.” 

The 2023 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R is still powered by the 1,301cc LC8 V-Twin making a claimed 160 hp and approximately 102 lb-ft of torque and mated to a 6-speed Pankl transmission, a PASC slip/assist clutch, and optional Quickshifter+. 

“You can’t ride a big ADV like it’s a dual-sport,” our reviewer wrote of the 2022 model. “But with a little restraint and sound judgment, the 1290 Super Adventure R can take you to places well off the beaten path.” 

Related: 2022 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R | Review 

The KTM 1290 Super Adventure R is designed for the rigors of multiple surfaces thanks to the Bosch 6D IMU that informs much of the bike’s behavior through Motorcycle Traction Control, Motorcycle Stability Control, various ride modes (Sport, Street, Rain, Off-road, and optional Rally), ABS, and more.

When we put the 2022 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R on Jett Tuning’s dyno, the bike produced 126 hp at 9,100 rpm and 88 lb-ft of torque at 8,000 rpm at the rear wheel in Sport mode. In Off-road mode, it made 81 hp at 6,600 rpm and 62 lb-ft of torque at 6,900 rpm. 

The KTM 1290 Super Adventure R features WP XPLOR fully adjustable suspension, with a 48mm split- cartridge fork, a Progressive Damping System rear shock, and 8.7 inches of travel at both ends.

KTM says the suspension funnels the maximum level of feedback through the Alpina aluminum spoked wheels, with an improved sealing system appropriate for tubeless tires. The 2023 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R is shod with Bridgestone AX41s. 

Related: 2023 KTM 890 Adventure R | First Look Review 

For 2023, KTM has boosted the navigation potential of the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R. Enhanced Turn-by-Turn+ guidance and the ability to set waypoints and diversions are now all possible through the handlebar switch dial and through the 7-inch TFT. There is no need to prop the bike and fish around for the phone that engages the KTMConnect app; everything – including phone call answering and logging top ten “favorites” – can all be done with a push of a finger. 

The KTM PowerParts collection includes additional gear and protection for the 2023 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R, such as 11 different seats, luggage, crash bars, or more aesthetic touches. 

The 2023 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R comes in a new sporting white color and graphic scheme starting at $20,299. 

For more information, visit the KTM website.
 

KTM has announced that joining the recently unveiled 2023 KTM 890 Adventure R is the new KTM 890 Adventure, a bike the company called “the ultimate master of all conditions and distances.”

Related: 2023 KTM 890 Adventure R | First Look Review

The 2023 KTM 890 Adventure features a liquid-cooled 889cc LC8 parallel-Twin, a 6-speed gearbox, the PASC slip/assist clutch, Bosch EMS with throttle-by-wire, and Dell’Orto throttle bodies with an integrated knock sensor for handling varying fuel quality while off the beaten path.

For 2023, one of the most significant changes has been made to the fairing between the front of the bike and the fuel tank.

A connected fairing section offers improved protection from the elements, and it is now further reinforced to offer more security and more load-bearing capability for larger GPS devices. The KTM 890 Adventure also has wider panels on the tank and side panels. 

For suspension, the reworked WP APEX 43mm fork now comes with adjustment for rebound and compression, accessible from the top caps. The APEX shock, engineered and slotted into the bike to minimize height, has new settings orientated for the demands of adventure riding.

A new ABS unit is informed by the six-axis IMU to enable full braking power in a range of scenarios. The improved ABS is synced with the ride modes, allowing Offroad ABS (maximizing braking control through disengagement on the rear wheel and lowered intervention on the front) to be activated automatically in Offroad or Rally mode.

The KTM 890 Adventure can be clicked into Street, Offroad, Rain, and an optional Rally mode to adjust engine and traction control character, and a Demo setting allows the rider the chance to try the full gamut of optional rider aids for the first 932 miles (1,500 km) before deciding whether to purchase and keep them permanently.

The 2023 KTM 890 Adventure has a new higher windscreen that offers increased protection and is inspired by the product used on the KTM 450 Rally, and the two-part seat has a new soft foam structure and a slimmer front fender for aerodynamics and rain protection.

The overhauled 5-inch TFT display has revised hardware (bonded mineral glass for extra scratch and glare resistance), and KTM says the redesigned software system of menus and infographics makes alterations to the behavior of the KTM 890 Adventure even simpler. The backlight changes intensity as it reacts to the environment, and a new feature for 2023 enables riders to list their ‘top 10’ calls by the last ones made or favorites list. The Turn-by-Turn+ navigation allows the rider to add extra customization to their navigation details on the go from the bike’s TFT menu without having to stop and fish around for their mobile device.

Sportier graphics and more dynamic looks (the plastics are color injected and using in-mold decals where possible for extra resistance, as seen on the KTM offroad bikes) comes with other practical additions such as the new aluminum engine and tank protector. Other additions include a handlebar switch with hazard warning, Pirelli Scorpion STR tires for offroad emphasis, and LED indicators.

The 2023 KTM Adventure has a 5.3-gal fuel tank and has a dry weight of 441 lb.

Related Story: 2021 KTM 890 Adventure R | Long-Term Ride Review

2023 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R and 1290 Super Adventure S

The 2023 KTM 890 Adventure and 890 Adventure R machines join the flagship 2023 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R and 1290 Super Adventure S, both of which were completely redesigned in 2022.

Related: 2022 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R Review

Both bikes return for 2023 and are still powered by the liquid-cooled 1,301cc LC8 V-Twin engine with a 6-speed PANKL gearbox, PASC slip/assist clutch, and Keihin EMS with throttle-by-wire. Both also have a 7-inch TFT display and Rain, Street, Sport and Offroad ride modes as standard, as well as an optional Rally mode with nine levels of adjustable traction control intervention. Offroad ABS mode allows for dirt-specific ABS application on the front wheel while disengaging the rear ABS.

Suspension on the 2023 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R is provided by a fully adjustable, long-travel WP XPLOR fork with separate compression and rebound damping and a fully adjustable WP XPLOR PDS rear shock. On the 2023 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S, WP APEX Semi-Active Technology (SAT) suspension adapts the damping rates in real time according to Sport, Street, Comfort, or the optional Offroad, Auto, and Advanced, and the WP APEX rear shock with 200mm of travel and new hydraulic preload adjustment (20mm) offers 10 steps of adjustment or, as an optional add on, three levels of automatic leveling in Low, Standard, and High.

The KTM LC8 and LC8c ADVENTURE range will begin shipping to authorized KTM dealers from December onward. Pricing hasn’t been announced as of publication.

For more information, visit the KTM website.

White Rim Trail – or White Rim Road in national park parlance – is a 100-mile unpaved route that loops around the Island in the Sky mesa in Canyonlands National Park near Moab, Utah. It’s on the bucket list of many dual-sport and adventure riders, and rightfully so. The scenery is spectacular, and the trail is ridable by anyone with a modicum of off-road experience.

Scan QR code above or click here to view the route on REVER

White Rim Trail, named after the layer of White Rim Sandstone that it runs on top of, was built in the 1950s by the Atomic Energy Commission to access uranium deposits. The mines didn’t produce much ore and were abandoned, and the road became part of Canyonlands after it was established in 1964.

Although White Rim Trail is a rough and rugged route, only street-legal (plated) motorcycles and high-clearance, four-wheel drive vehicles are permitted. Off-road-only dirtbikes, ATVs, and side-by-sides that are common on many trails around Moab are prohibited, which helps keep noise and traffic down. There’s also a daily limit of 50 day-use permits.

Since the trail is within Canyonlands, a national parks pass or entrance fee ($25 per motorcycle, good for seven days) is required. Day-use permits are free at visitor centers, but a $6 fee is required for permits purchased online at Recreation.gov. There are several campgrounds along the trail that require overnight permits for an additional fee. In the spring and fall, reservations are strongly encouraged.

The plan was for four of us – Bruce Gillies, Vic Anderson, Kevin Rose, and me – to ride the entire White Rim Trail in one day. We would be traveling light, with all of us riding KTM 690 Enduro Rs. As enjoyable as camping would be in such a beautiful place, it requires gear that would’ve weighed us down, and whatever was in our saddlebags or panniers would be subjected to paint-shaker conditions for hours on end. Instead, we rented a house in Moab that served as our base for two days of riding.

As a warm-up for the White Rim, we spent our first day riding Chicken Corners Trail, a 42-mile out-and-back route on Bureau of Land Management land that passes through Kane Springs Canyon, goes over Hurrah Pass, and runs along a high sandstone bench on the southern edge of the Colorado River. We got hammered by rain early on, but then the clouds parted, and we enjoyed a fun, scenic ride. The trail ends 400 feet above the river across from Dead Horse Point Overlook, the filming location for the final scene in Thelma and Louise when they drive off the cliff.

Having obtained our day-use permits online, the next day we left the house around sunrise and rode north on U.S. Route 191 past Arches National Park and then turned west on State Route 313. There’s no gas in Canyonlands, and the nearest gas station is about 30 miles away in Moab, so completing the loop requires at least 160 miles of range. We were equipped with auxiliary fuel canisters just in case.

White Rim Trail is a two-way road, so it can be ridden in either direction. Our plan was to ride it counterclockwise, saving the famous Shafer Trail for the very end. We turned west on Mineral Canyon Road (BLM 129) before entering Canyonlands and followed the long, flat, well-graded dirt road for about 12 miles.

The road into Canyonlands climbs up onto the Island in the Sky mesa, which is where the visitor center and many RV-clogged overlooks are located. Since the White Rim is below the mesa, riding it in either direction requires going down a series of steep switchbacks to get to the trail.

On a crisp morning in late May, we peered down into the red sandstone canyon carved by the Green River and descended to Horsethief Bottom. After passing the Canyonlands National Park boundary sign, we cruised along the flat trail and took in the full spectrum of colorful scenery: green vegetation along the river; layers of red, pink, yellow, white, and gray rock; and blue skies sprayed with tufts of white cirrocumulus clouds. Off in the distance was Canyonlands’ Maze district.

Our first challenge was crossing a sand wash where Upheaval Canyon dumps into the Green River. If the Green is running high, the wash can be flooded and make the trail impassable. We blasted through on the gas and soon found ourselves at one of the two most technical sections on the trail: Hardscrabble Bottom. Since we rode the loop counterclockwise, this section was downhill, and we picked our way along without incident.

Even though it was a Saturday, we rarely saw others on the trail. We waved to a group of Jeepers at a campground, and we passed a few 4x4s and mountain bikers followed by support trucks. Otherwise, it was just the four of us enjoying the sweeping views and a fun trail with minimal dust thanks to the previous day’s rains.

The second technical challenge on White Rim Trail is climbing up and over Murphy’s Hogback. Our KTMs were perfectly suited for the terrain, and we again made it through without any problems. Bigger ADV bikes would be more of a handful here but certainly capable of getting through.

Read all of Rider‘s KTM coverage here.

While some of White Rim Trail is red dirt and sand, miles of it are on bare sandstone, which makes for a bumpy ride. Long-travel suspension, good ground clearance, and a sturdy skid plate are essential.

The sky had become progressively cloudier throughout the day, and by midafternoon, dark clouds blotted out the sun. At the junction with Potash Road, a ranger checked our permits before we began the final climb up the Shafer Trail switchbacks. This section of trail is accessible by anyone visiting Canyonlands, so we worked our way to the top around not only Jeeps and mountain bikes but Toyota Camrys full of Instagrammers too.

A few fat raindrops began to fall as we exited the trail. We made a hasty retreat back to the house to hoist celebratory beers and share stories about our adventure.

KTM North America Inc. has announced the 2023 Duke and Super Duke Duke range. After a brief hiatus, the 790 Duke and 1290 Super Duke GT will be back in KTM’s lineup, and they’re joined by the returning 890 Duke R and 1290 Super Duke R Evo. The 2023 KTM Duke and Super Duke range will begin shipping to authorized KTM dealers in December 2022.

Related Story: 2022 KTM 1290 Super Duke R Evo | Road Test Review

2023 KTM 790 Duke

Introduced in 2017, the KTM 790 Duke sold more than 29,000 units, and was later upgraded to the 890 Duke. KTM says the 2023 790 Duke is a “true mid-range motorcycle” that joins the 890 Duke R to fill the gap between the 390 Duke and the 1290 Super Duke R Evo.

Related: 2019 KTM 790 Duke | First Ride Review

Related: KTM 200 Duke, 390 Duke, 890 Duke, and 1290 Super Duke R | Comparison Review

The 790 Duke will be powered by KTM’s LC8c parallel-Twin DOHC engine with 799cc of displacement and two balancer shafts for smooth power delivery and minimum vibration.

The 2023 KTM 790 Duke features throttle-by-wire, a PASC slip/assist clutch, three ride modes (Rain, Street, and Sport), lean-angle- sensitive Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC), cornering ABS with Supermoto mode, a full-color 5-inch TFT display, and LED lights front and back.

Optional features include Quickshifter+, Motor Slip Regulation (MSR), cruise control, tire-pressure monitoring, and Track mode, which includes traction control slip adjuster, anti-wheelie mode, launch control, and three levels of throttle response variation. The bike has a 3.7-gal tank and a dry weight of 383.6 lb.

In terms of looks, the 2023 KTM 790 Duke introduces two new colorways to the mix: a traditional KTM orange scheme and an all-new gray and black motif. MSRP is $9,199.

2023 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT

The KTM 1290 Super Duke GT sport-touring bike has also returned to North America for 2023. KTM says the bike was “designed to offer riders a unique Grand Touring experience but engineered to be a true Sports bike underneath the touring parts.”

Related Story: 2019 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT | First Ride Review

The 2023 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT has enhanced emissions control and a reworked 1,301cc LC8 V-twin engine and the same standard features of the 1290 Super Duke R Evo (see below).

However, the WP APEX semi-active suspension on the 1290 Super Duke GT has been geared for the long-distance tourer, enabling the rider to set the suspension according to four different riding situations: Rider, Rider & Pillion, Rider & Luggage, or Rider, Pillion & Luggage. On top of that, the anti-dive function is fitted as standard. The larger 6.1-gal tank also contributes to the touring capabilities.

The wheels are also the same as the 1290 Super Duke R Evo and boast a weight savings of 2.2 lb of unsprung mass over the old set of rims. These all-new lightweight wheels are wrapped in new Continental ContiSportAttack 4 tires, boasting a sportier and more stable riding experience while delivering on the demand for a sportier tire to match the bike’s versatility. The 1290 Super Duke GT has a dry weight of 476 lb.

A new 7-inch TFT display has a newly designed layout, and the setup is completed by the new switchgear that KTM says not only feels premium but also allows for intuitive interaction between the rider and the dash itself.

The 2023 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT will also debut an all-new navigation system called Turn-by-Turn Plus, which will be available via KTMconnect and further enhance the touring experience. TBT+ allows navigation instructions to be projected directly on the TFT display.

Powered by SYGIC, TBT+ can also operate offline, allowing riders to plan their journey and adventure from remote locations, with the Navigation feature using industry-standard mapping to guide riders to their destination of choice. There’s also an advanced search feature and a diverse range of POIs including gas stations, restaurants, and rest stops. Or you can select one of your pre-saved destinations directly from the TFT dash.

The new system also allows for waypoints to be skipped without prompting a turnaround. The system will merely recalculate and find the next available route to get you back on track. Also, the last 10 destinations searched are automatically saved and available directly on the dashboard. MSRP is $19,799, and the saddlebags are sold separately as accessories.

2023 KTM 890 Duke R

KTM says the 790 Duke is great for introducing a new generation of riders to the world of the Duke naked bike, “and when they’re ready to take things to the next level, the 2023 KTM 890 Duke R is waiting.” The company added that the 890 Duke R is as comfortable on mountain roads as it is on the track.

Related: 2022 KTM 890 Duke R | Road Test Review

In addition to the standard features mentioned above for the 790 Duke, the 2023 KTM 890 Duke R has adjustable, track-ready WP APEX suspension, monoblock Brembo Stylema calipers grabbing 320mm front discs, and Michelin Power Cup II tires. The bike has a 3.7-gal tank and a dry weight of 377 lb. MSRP is $12,949.

2023 KTM 1290 Super Duke R Evo

Taking it up a notch, KTM’s flagship street motorcycle, the KTM 1290 Super Duke R Evo, underwent its most significant update in 2020, boasting a number of tweaks and engineering improvements, including a reworked 1,301cc LC8 engine and an all-new chassis.

In 2022, the latest incarnation of “The Beast” was launched with the same LC8 engine making a claimed 180 hp and 103 lb-ft of torque. The bike was dubbed the “Evo” thanks to the evolution of the second-generation WP APEX Semi Active Suspension with damping adjusted in real-time based on conditions in three preset modes: Sport, Street, and Comfort. Rear spring preload can be set via the TFT display’s menu over a 20mm range in 2mm increments.

Related: 2022 KTM 1290 Super Duke R Evo | Road Test Review

KTM says the 2023 KTM 1290 Super Duke R Evo has “the most power and torque in the family and the most advanced electronics to keep it all under control.” The bike features Motorcycle Stability Control (MSC) with cornering ABS by Bosch including Supermoto ABS, ride mode technology, and multi-stage, lean-angle sensitive Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC) using a 6 axis lean angle sensor, and cruise control. The bike has a 4.2-gal tank and a dry weight of 441 lb. MSRP is $20,399.

For more information, visit the KTM website.