The KTM 790 DUKE sent riders into a rapture, but the throttle grip is ready for a new limit thanks to the new KTM 890 DUKE launch.
The latest edition of THE SCALPEL is poised to make another deep cut through the popular naked bike midweight motorcycle segment.
Weight, power, torque, agility, style, undoubted attitude and guaranteed glee. The KTM 890 DUKE redefines the reference point for riders and all rivals.
The journey has been quick and short.
All the envious attributes of the LC8c parallel twin that caused a stir and stirred riders’ emotions young. And old with the KTM 790, DUKE has found a new boundary.
The original SCALPEL’s reaction motivated KTM to work more with the LC8c and line-up something to tease extreme petrolheads’ desire.
The emergence of KTM 890 DUKE R in the early part of 2020 answered: a track weapon.
A potent blast for country roads harnessed all boosted power of the LC8c. And added a range of features that almost obliged riders to get their knees close to the tarmac.
Now, staying firmly in the exhaust note of the KTM 890 DUKE R.The KTM 890 DUKE brings all the excellence of its acutely focused sister-version to be the new rapier for the road.
The DUKE styling will turn heads, and the aesthetic makes this slim package of power and punch unignorable. But the essence of the bike is the compact, light, throbbing source of all the fun located between the two wheels.
Large motor
The more significant displacement from 789cc to 889cc uses a more sophisticated mapping logic. And is now pumping out 115 Hp, and 92 Nm (10 more horsepower and five more newton meters of torque than the KTM 790 DUKE).
And the increased rotating mass by 20% ensures better cornering stability and smoother engine action at lower revs.
And part throttle. Euro5 ready and offering 4,8l/100km through the 14l fuel tank; the speed come offset by keen practicality.
While all the horses are straining to be free, the KTM 890 DUKE can either be gunned or gently guided; creating a large grin for all ages and abilities.
The KTM DUKE is ‘midweight’ only through concept. The kilos and the nimbleness of the handling alone. The rest is rasping performance and state-of-the-art ride by wire electronics. This bike will stare down all rivals on the road.
Filtered through the light-sensitive, customizable TFT display the rider aids span RAIN MODE (smooth throttle response, maximum traction control, reduced power and anti-wheelie).
STREET MODE (standard throttle response, regular TC, full power, anti-wheelie). And SPORT MODE (sport response, reduced TC, full power, anti-wheelie).
The optional TRACK MODE allows time attacks settings for those tempted by the KTM 890 DUKE full potential.
Traction control can be increased or lowered on a nine-gauge scale, anti-wheelie can be disengaged, and throttle response has three levels.
Launch control fixes the engine at the ideal RPM to assist with pacey standing starts. A 6D lean angle sensor means that the ECU filters a wealth of information. And input from the bike’s behaviour and positioning for optimum feedback.
Electronics
Cornering ABS helps the 300mm twin floating discs with improved callipers and pads for more vital force haul the whole show to a safe halt.
To feel comfortable thanks to the shorter shift lever, lighter springs and augmented Quickshifter+ (optional) settings.
The handling of the KTM 890 DUKE comes into play with fitting the tubular CroMo steel frame. With a cast-aluminium subframe, stiffly set for a sporty feel and a pinpoint sensation.
The LC8c is central again thanks to its role as a stressed member of the chassis. Despite the technical ‘growth’. The KTM 890 DUKE keeps the same weight as its predecessor at a 169 kg (dry) flight.
The subframe is innovative with the whole single unit containing the air intakes and airbox; designed to be simplistic, minimal and light.
The KTM 890 DUKE glides thanks to updated. And upgraded WP APEX Suspension (43mm open cartridge upside-down forks) and gas-assisted rear shock.
‘Ergo’ is less purposeful than the all-action KTM 890 DUKE R. And created to accommodate a wide demographic of rider, with a lower seat height of 820mm.
The KTM 890 DUKE is part of the DUKE family. The lines are unmistakably KTM, where every centimetre of the bike has been combed and analyzed for purpose.
There are no unnecessary edges, angles or parts, or plastics that do not contribute to the unique KTM 890 DUKE feeling.
For example, the condensed taillight is integrated into the plate holder. Reducing dimensions and freeing up customization for the rear end.
Other details include a full LED lights set, tubeless wheels, superb and well-tested new Continental ContiRoad tires. Strong stability and a very short ‘warm-up’ phase) as well as KTM myRide App compatibility.
A comprehensive complement of KTM PowerParts (from Akrapovic slip-on exhausts to sprocket covers). And KTM PowerWear options are other elements that help the KTM 890 DUKE become the sharpest tool in the naked bike ‘box’.
KTM 890 Duke – MODEL HIGHLIGHTS
- Larger displacement from 789cc to 889cc and Euro5 ready
- Increased engine performance to 115 Hp and 92 Nm
- Extreme power to weight ratio, peerless agility
- Updated APEX WP Suspension technology
- Updated electronics package with a 6D lean angle sensor & optional TRACK MODE
- Improved braking potential thanks to a system upgrade
- Distinctive, functional and stylistic aesthetics: DUKE spirit
- New high-performing Continental ContiRoad tires
Adriaan Sinke, Head of KTM Product Management: “With the KTM 890 DUKE R we knew we were bringing a bike that was distinctly KTM to the market.
And it was only a matter of time before we could reshape that package to introduce the ideal second generation of THE SCALPEL.
We found where we could either improve or offer the rider more than could be found on the KTM 790 DUKE.
The DUKE is stuffed with the DNA of KTM: READY TO RACE. Technically advanced and engineered to meet the demands of any rider.
It takes pride in the DUKE family and is another big statement in the midweight market and the naked bike segment. I’d typically tell riders to enjoy this one but, this time, there is really no need.”
