Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1241562
2020 K TM 890 DUKE R R I D E R E V I E W P44 deep grooves—which are much deeper than what you'll find on the equivalent Dunlop or Pirelli—will scoop the water out of the way brilliantly. The electronics are intui- tive and easy to use once you spend a bit of time getting used to them. The good news is if you're coming from pretty much any KTM street bike from about 2017 or sooner, you'll already be used to the layout and how everything works. As stock, the electronics are a little sparse, but the Power- Parts catalog, as mentioned, will sort that right out (for a price, obviously). I came off the 1290 at the world launch in the Portuguese sun pretty convinced I'd found the perfect naked bike. That 1301cc brute is a heavyweight boxer that's light on his feet, but the middleweight version might just be a better street bike. The 890 Duke R is going to take a hell of a beating from the other manufactur- ers if they're to top it—think Triumph Street Triple 765, the Kawasaki Z900 or the Yamaha MT-09. All are brilliant bikes, but could struggle to top the 890 in terms of sheer enjoyment. KTM has created a motor- cycle absolutely anyone of any level can enjoy. The 890 Duke is the perfect mix of bratty, snappy character, civil on-road manners, intuitive electronics and enough practicality (more if you chose to fit the option pas- senger pegs and seat) to be any bike you want it to be. But being sensible isn't really in the 890 Duke R's nature, especially when you unleash the Track package. This bike is an absolute riot, and now a true worthy little brother to the 1290 Super Duke R. CN S P E C I F I C A T I O N S 2020 KTM 890 DUKE R ($11,699) ENGINE: .............Liquid-cooled, DOHC, 8-valve, 4-stroke, parallel twin DISPLACEMENT: ....................................... 890cc BORE X STROKE: ...................... 90.7 x 68.8mm HORSEPOWER (CLAIMED): ........ 89kW (121 PS) @ 9250 rpm TORQUE: .............................99 Nm @ 7750 rpm COMPRESSION RATIO: ...............................13.5:1 TRANSMISSION: .................................... 6-speed FUEL SYSTEM: ............. DKK Dellorto w/46mm throttle body LUBRICATION SYSTEM: .... Pressure Lubrication w/2 oil pumps PRIMARY DRIVE: ........................................ 39:75 FINAL DRIVE: ................................................16:41 CLUTCH: ....... Cable operated, w/PASC slipper ENGINE MANAGEMENT: ... Bosch EMS w/RBW TRACTION CONTROL: ..............MTC (lean-angle sensitive, 3-Mode, Track optional FRAME: ....................................... Chromoly steel SUBFRAME: .........................................Aluminum FRONT SUSPENSION: ...........WP Apex 43, fully adjustable REAR SUSPENSION: ..... WP Apex Monoshock, fully adjustable FRONT WHEEL TRAVEL: ............................ 5.5 in. REAR WHEEL TRAVEL: .............................. 5.9 in. FRONT BRAKE: .... 2x Brembo Stylema 4-piston, radially mounted caliper, 320mm discs, ABS REAR BRAKE: ....Brembo single piston floating caliper, 240mm disc, ABS FRONT WHEEL: .. Cast aluminum, 3.50 x 17-in. REAR WHEEL: ..... Cast aluminum, 5.50 x 17-in. RAKE X TRAIL: .........................65.7° x 99.7mm WHEELBASE: ........................................... 58.3 in. GROUND CLEARANCE: ............................... 8.1 in. SEAT HEIGHT: ......................................... 32.8 in. FUEL CAPACITY: ......................................3.7 gal. WEIGHT (DRY, CLAIMED): .....................366 lbs. Loud, feisty and damn good looking. The 890 ticks all the boxes.