CHASSIS It was interesting to read the steering head angle is 26.3 degrees . Back in the day a great turning MX bike had a 26.5 head angle . So , the 890 has quick steering ! Some might argue a little too quick for mud and deep sand ? After all , the KTM is still a big heavy bike even though deemed mid-size – for an adventure bike . The 879mm seat height feels taller because it ’ s not dirtbike-slim through the middle . Certainly , if one was wanting to go hard in muddy / soft sand conditions , sliding the forks out through the clamps and whistling a little spring preload off the shock would be advised . It would help shore up stability and reduce the dreaded front wheel ‘ tuck ’ likelihood , which is very unwanted on a big machine . The flip side is , on tarmac road , gravel and decent traction areas , the sharp turning is great , making the 890 very agile for a 210kg machine ( fully fuelled ). The sharp steering also contributes to a little headshake when at high speed on road . Not bad in a 1980s motocross kinda way , but just enough to let you know the KTM Adventure R is not a sports road bike . The sensation is reduced with a full 20 litres of fuel in the tank ; indicating that the front was light when hard on the gas , and a contributing factor . A lot of the fuel is carried low and forward which must add weight to the
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