Reviews

2020 KTM 890 Duke R First Ride Review

This is the KTM middleweight streetbike you need in your garage.

Updated: May 25, 2020

For 2020, KTM shows off a new top-shelf version of its original 790 Duke middleweight in the 890 Duke R ($12,439 as tested). This hot-rodded parallel-twin-powered 890 expands the basic formula of the 790 by infusing a vastly higher level of engine, chassis, and electronic countermeasures.

The KTM 790 what? The 890 Duke R is the middleweight sport naked KTM should have built from the beginning.Jeff Allen

We wrote about its technical improvements in the 2021 KTM 890 Duke R First Look Preview article and gave an in-depth evaluation of its road performance during the 2020 KTM 890 Duke R Review MC Commute article. In this ancillary review we expand on its sporting pedigree after spending a day melting Michelin Power Cup rubber through our favorite stretch of Southern California back roads. Watch the video and see what’s special about the 890 Duke R.

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Higher-spec suspension components and ultra-grippy Michelin Power Cup equal incredible sport handling. If you like riding fast around twisty pavement, this is your bike.Jeff Allen

Gear Box

Helmet: Shoei RF-SR

Jacket: Dainese Carve Master 2 D-air

Pant: Alpinestars Copper 2

Gloves: Racer Guide

Boots: TCX X-Cube EVO Air

2020 KTM 890 Duke R Pricing And Specifications

PRICE	$12,439 as tested
ENGINE	890cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled parallel twin; 8 valves
BORE x STROKE	90.7 x 68.8mm
COMPRESSION RATIO	13.5:1
FUEL DELIVERY	Dell’Orto fuel injection w/ 46mm throttle bodies
CLUTCH	Multiplate, PASC slipper
TRANSMISSION/FINAL DRIVE	6-speed/chain
FRAME	Chromoly steel tubular trellis
FRONT SUSPENSION	43mm inverted WP Apex fork, fully adjustable; 5.5-in. travel
REAR SUSPENSION	WP Apex shock, fully adjustable; 5.9-in. travel
FRONT BRAKE	Brembo Stylema 4-piston calipers, 320mm discs w/ switchable ABS
REAR BRAKE	Brembo 1-piston caliper, 240mm disc w/ switchable ABS
TIRES, FRONT/REAR	Michelin Power Cup 2; 120/70-17 / 180/55-17
RAKE/TRAIL	24.3°/99.7mm
WHEELBASE	58.3 in.
SEAT HEIGHT	32.8 in.
FUEL CAPACITY	3.7 gal.
MEASURED CURB WEIGHT	407 lb.
WARRANTY	2 years
AVAILABLE	May 2020
CONTACT	ktm.com/us/
Contact:	triumphmotorcycles.com

As the nomenclature insinuates, the 890 Duke R uses a big-bore, long-stroke version of its LC8c parallel-twin engine. It pumps out 10 more horsepower than the 790 version.Jeff Allen

The 890 Duke R weighs in at 407 pounds with its 3.7-gallon tank filled to the brim. In motion, it feels even lighter than its curb weight implies.Jeff Allen

The 890 Duke R rotors grow in diameter and are pinched by Superbike-style Stylema calipers from Brembo. Clever red sliders on the fork legs allow you to monitor suspension travel.Jeff Allen

Braking performance is a tremendous improvement versus the 790 Duke. We’re especially fond of its MCS-type adjustable-ratio radial master cylinder that delivers a high level of customizable lever feel and stopping power.Jeff Allen

We appreciate the 890 Duke R’s auto-dimming color TFT display. Riders who want to exploit maximum handling and engine performance need the optional $739.99 Tech Pack which unlocks nine-way-adjustable traction control.Jeff Allen

The 890 Duke R employs a long swingarm that affords a high degree of mechanical grip off turns. The PDS-style-equipped (non-linkage) rear suspension favors sport handling over around-town comfort.Jeff Allen

No company offers more comfortable well-thought-out ergonomic setups than KTM. Its 890 Duke R continues this trait. It is comfortable in a straight line, yet up to the sport task when the road gets twisty.Jeff Allen

We’re big fans of the sharp and elegantly shaped exhaust muffler that not only looks cool but delivers a mean throaty tone.Jeff Allen

The 890 Duke R is impressive from any angle. Our only gripe is the mechanical function of its slipper clutch.Jeff Allen

The 890 Duke R uses KTM’s now-signature praying mantis-style front end. The LED headlamp throws a bright swath of light during night rides.Jeff Allen

If you’re looking for a relatively practical sport naked that rides even better than it looks, you need an 890 Duke R.Jeff Allen