The newest of KTM’s Duke lineup, the 2020 KTM 890 Duke R, is aptly nicknamed “the Super Scalpel.” It is a sharp naked bike that is a highly capable road or track model stemmed from the 790 Duke, but with more power, increased stopping performance, more adjustability, and less weight. Its aggressive riding position is matched by the aggressive 890cc parallel-twin engine that produced an addicting 106.2 hp and 60.4 pound-feet of torque on the Cycle World dyno. Pair that with the measured 406-pound wet weight and it can tear around any corner thrown its way.
“It’s the best motorcycle in the world,” exclaimed Road Test Editor Michael Gilbert in passing. In his review, Gilbert related that it rightly earned the Super Scalpel badge by shredding the corners with absolute confidence.
This naked middleweight sees competition with the Triumph Street Triple RS, Kawasaki Z900, Aprilia Tuono, Suzuki GSX-S1000, and Yamaha MT-09.
This model is all-new for 2020. It starts at an MSRP of $11,699.
