2021 KTM 890 Duke R First Look Preview

KTM's 790 Duke, dubbed "the scalpel," has been well received since its 2017 launch, but hardcore sport riders look down their noses at the bike's merely average suspension and brakes. That all changes with the introduction of the 890 Duke R, which is everything we hoped for from the 790 and even more. "Sharp just got sharper," boasts KTM.

KTM 790 Duke Reviewed On Home Court

First the obvious, a bigger engine. Bore and stroke sizes go up to produce a displacement of 889cc. Bigger valves and a higher compression ratio helps bump horsepower 16 ponies to a purported 119 at 9,250 rpm, 250 revs higher than the 790’s peak. Meanwhile, the added displacement pays torque dividends, producing an additional 9 pound-feet 250 rpm earlier than the 790, now up to 73 pound-feet.

The frame remains the same aside from its new orange color, but the suspension is all new, a certain upgrade from the somewhat flaccid and minimally adjustable units on the 790 Duke. WP’s latest Apex suspension graces the 890 Duke R, leading with a fully adjustable 43mm inverted fork. The Apex shock includes provisions for adjusting high- and low-speed compression damping as well as rebound damping. A hydraulic preload adjuster is a handy feature for setting up the bike for various loads.

The new suspension and its greater wheel travel (5.5/5.9 inches front/rear) have an effect on the chassis geometry. Rake extends slightly from 24.0 to 24.3 degrees, while trail goes up a skosh from 98 to 99.7mm. Together with a wheelbase stretched a hair (58.1 to 58.3 inches), the 890 Duke R should have a tad extra stability. The seat height lifts from 32.5 to 32.8 inches.

Another sweet upgrade is the addition of Brembo’s wonderful Stylema Monoblock brake calipers, addressing one of the 790’s few weak points, biting on 320mm rotors. Other nice bits are the Brembo MCS radial-pump master cylinder (with adjustable lever ratio) and braided steel brake lines. The brake system is purportedly more than 2 pounds lighter than the 790’s components. An IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) informs a Bosch 9.1 MP controller to provide cornering ABS and switchable traction control. An optional Track mode adds another level of TC to the three-level-adjustable TC on the stock bike.

Ergonomics are slightly racier, as its tapered aluminum handlebar is lower and the footpegs are higher and further rearward. The handlebar location is customizable to four positions via its mounting on the triple clamp as well as by rotating it. The fuel tank remains unchanged, still at a diminutive 3.7 gallons.

KTM says the 890 Duke R has lost 6.6 pounds compared to the 790 Duke, bringing its dry weight down to a petite 366 pounds. That’s an incredible 51 pounds lighter than the new Super Duke R, which should make the new 890 incredibly swift down a twisty canyon road.

2020 KTM Super Duke R First Look Preview

Downside? The 890 Duke R won’t make it to our shores until late fall of next year as a 2021 model. We anxiously await!