KTM 890 Adventure R vs Suzuki V-Strom 800DE
Specs side by side, plus our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.
The KTM 890 Adventure R and Suzuki V-Strom 800DE are among the most cross-shopped adventure bikes of 2026. The Suzuki V-Strom 800DE undercuts the KTM 890 Adventure R by about $3,000, so value is squarely on the table. On paper the KTM 890 Adventure R leads on power with 105 hp. Below we put them head to head on price, performance, weight and seat height, then give our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.
Our pick
Suzuki
Suzuki V-Strom 800DEThe verdict
The KTM 890 Adventure R edges it overall at 8.7/10, but the Suzuki V-Strom 800DE wins on best for new riders, so let how you ride decide.
Suzuki V-Strom 800DE
84 hp.
KTM 890 Adventure R
105 hp and 0.50 hp/kg, the strongest here.
Suzuki V-Strom 800DE
Our 8.4/10 at $11,599, the most bike per dollar.
KTM 890 Adventure R
210 kg with an 880 mm seat, the easiest to throw around.
KTM 890 Adventure R
Our top score in this matchup at 8.7/10.
Cyan marks the best figure in each row. Specs are the most-cited for the current model; verify before relying on them.
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KTM 890 Adventure R vs Suzuki V-Strom 800DE: your questions answered
Which is faster, the KTM 890 Adventure R or the Suzuki V-Strom 800DE?
The KTM 890 Adventure R makes the most power at 105 hp and 100 Nm, giving it the edge on outright performance.
Which is cheaper, the KTM 890 Adventure R or the Suzuki V-Strom 800DE?
The Suzuki V-Strom 800DE is the most affordable here with an MSRP around $11,599.
Which is lighter, the KTM 890 Adventure R or the Suzuki V-Strom 800DE?
The KTM 890 Adventure R is the lightest at 210 kg, which makes it the easiest to manage at low speed and in the bends.
Which is better for a beginner, the KTM 890 Adventure R or the Suzuki V-Strom 800DE?
For a new rider we'd point to the Suzuki V-Strom 800DE: 84 hp and 230 kg make it the most approachable of the group.
