There’s always been a lot of chatter in the build-up to one of KTM’s new offerings, and the 890 Duke R was no exception. For the 2023 model year, the KTM Duke has stuck with its core philosophy of cramming in a lot of performance and ability on to a compact frame.
The KTM 890 Duke R, or “The Super Scalpel” as it’s commonly referred to as, first debuted in 2020. The “R” in its name is something that KTM reserves for its high-performance ‘Ready To Race’ models. For the 2023 model year, the 890 R is offered in an all-new Atlantic Blue colorway, inspired by the KTM RC16 GP race bike.
But that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the 890 R’s breadth of abilities.
All the information in this article has been sourced from KTM's website.
10 The KTM 890 Duke R Makes A Lot Of Power
KTM has taken the Duke 790 engine and enhanced it, resulting in a more formidable, efficient, quicker, and sturdier unit. The parallel twin-cylinder engine boasts incredible performance, which could potentially overwhelm an unprepared rider. Part of the reason why the 890 Duke R feels a lot more powerful than it should be is down to the 405 lbs wet weight.
Engine Specs
| Engine | Liquid-cooled, DOHC, 8-valve, 4-stroke, parallel twin |
| Displacement | 889cc |
| Horsepower | 119 horsepower |
| Torque | 73 lb-ft |
| Bore x Stroke | 90.7 mm x 68.8 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 13.5:1 |
| Curb Weight | 405 lbs |
This unique combination of a high-performance engine and an exceptionally lightweight positions the KTM Duke 890 R as a potent track weapon. Notably, the engine mapping leans more towards performance when compared to other variants of the Duke 890.
In terms of numbers, this results in its 889cc parallel-twin making an impressive 119 horsepower and 73 lb-ft of torque. Power is put down to the rear wheel via a 6-speed, PASC antihopping clutch.
Overall, KTM's revamp of the Duke 790 engine into the 890 R version has given us a motorcycle that boasts increased potency, responsiveness, and potential, making it ideal for those who want an out-and-out rocket for the road.
9 Aggressive Ergonomics Are Standard
There’s no duality while dealing with the KTM 890 Duke R’s ergonomics; there’s only one way to ride the motorcycle, and that’s with an aggressive riding position. The 890 Duke R features a slimmer fuel tank that allows your thighs to grip it tightly, helping you get more control from the bike.
The foot-pegs are positioned higher, resembling those on sport bikes, which might require taller riders to bend their knees more than anticipated. Leaning slightly forward is necessary to match its race-oriented design. And yet, this is precisely what you'd want if you're familiar with the 890 Duke R's character; KTM has purposefully crafted the ergonomics to mirror the engine's aggressiveness.
8 The KTM 890 Duke R Is A Sharp Handler
Hitting twisty roads on the mountains will never be the same after you’ve experienced how the 890 Duke R tackles corners. And as we have come to expect, the KTM 890 Duke R features four riding modes: Street, Rain, Sport, and Track modes. The riding modes enhance the bike's performance depending on the situation. The chassis design is a willing accomplice to the power, making the 890 Duke R agile and decisive. KTM designed the triangular sub-frame to be stronger and stiffer. The swing arm supports the bike's stability with a steeper angle. KTM also optimized the front forks to better suit high speed runs.
As good as it is around the bends, the KTM 890 Duke R is equally impressive when it comes to stopping power. It gets Brembo Stylema Monoblock calipers and 320mm discs combining for great feel and braking performance, especially out on the track. There's also a Brembo MCS master cylinder with adjustment for lever ratio. The brake feel, then, can be adjusted to suit your preference.
7 The KTM 890 Duke R Still Gets Sharp Styling
The Duke lineup highlights a bold streetfighter aesthetic, a quality consistently present in all models, including the 890 Duke R. The bike's color scheme predominantly features black on the bodywork, complemented by vibrant orange on the frame. This contrast between the orange and the surrounding colors stands as a distinctive trademark of KTM. The design team at KTM approached the bike's proportions and overall silhouette with a focused mindset. The 890 Duke R is adorned with sharp, defined lines that accentuate its sleek overall proportions.
Viewed from the front, the KTM 890 Duke R shows off a brilliant sight courtesy of its vivid headlight. This headlight is divided into two significant sections, resulting in a menacing and memorable look overall.
6 The KTM 890 Duke R Needs You To Pay Attention
There's no denying the appealing nature of the KTM 890 Duke R. It's adept at cornering with precision and boasts formidable power. However, like any motorcycle, unlocking the full strength of the bike necessitates control from the rider. But with the 890 Duke R, there’s an added layer of caution required before trying to maximize its potential. This is why the 890 Duke R will never win any prizes for being the easiest motorcycle to ride. As competent and potent as the chassis is, it’s equally unforgiving of mistakes. That said, there are lots of good reason why every rider should ride a KTM Duke at least once.
5 There’s No Shortage Of Features On The KTM 890 Duke R
KTM has ensured that the 890 Duke R is not only technically sound, but it’s also got an immense amount of features on offer. There’s a fully adjustable WP Apex suspension, a WP steering damper, Brembo style mono block front calipers, a Brembo MCS front master cylinder, a PASC slip/assist clutch, Michelin Power Cup tires, and a state-of-the-art electronics package.
This includes cornering ABS with Supermoto mode, lean-angle-sensitive Motorcycle Traction Control, and selectable ride modes (Sport, Street, and Rain). The three ride modes have preset settings for throttle response and traction control. Sport is for aggressive riding, Street is for everyday riding, and Rain is for when the road is slippery. An optional Track mode adds sharper throttle response, along with on-the-fly TC adjustability over nine levels.
If you're willing to pay extra, KTM will also fit a bidirectional quickshidter and MSR (Motor Slip Regulation) which works with the slipper clutch to reduce engine braking. Also, lean-angle-sensitive Cornering ABS is standard on the KTM 890 Duke R.
4 What’s The Difference Between The 890 Duke R And 890 Duke?
Whereas the KTM Duke 890 R gets critical components like an adjustable suspension, more performance-oriented tires, and a sportier engine mapping, there is the option of a more toned-down version.
So, if the 890 Duke R is too hardcore for your liking, the 890 Duke should suit you better. The latter is more street oriented. The parallel-twin engine is the same as the R’s, but power is reduced thanks to its own mapping. The non-adjustable WP Apex suspension is more suited to relaxed highway riding, and the ergonomics have been adjusted for everyday comfort. Of course, there’s also a lower price tag for the 890 Duke.
3 What Competition Does The KTM 890 Duke R Have?
The middleweight naked motorcycle category has no shortage of competition. But there are quite a few variations in displacements and engine types. The twin cylinder options include the Suzuki SV650, the Kawasaki Z650, and the Yamaha MT-07. Triumph also has the Trident 660 and there’s also the option of the Tuono 660 from Aprilia.
If four-cylinder motorcycles are more your thing, then the options in this category include the Suzuki GSX-S750, the Honda CB650R ABS, and the Kawasaki Z900 ABS.
2 What About Its Warranty And Fuel Economy?
As per KTM, the 890 Duke R comes with a standard 12-month/12,000-mile transferable warranty. Its other variants, the 890 Duke and the 890 Duke GP come with KTM’s 24-month/24,000-mile transferable warranty.
Unfortunately, KTM has not disclosed any figures for the 890 Duke R's fuel efficiency.
1 How Much Is The 2023 KTM 890 Duke R In The U.S.?
The 2023 KTM 890 Duke R has a base price of $12,949. Once you tack on freight charges of $750, that goes up to $13,699. Keep in mind that there are a few optional extras you can add, too.