KTM’s new 890 Duke R is edgier than the smaller 790 with more power and torque while getting better brakes and lighter overall weight.
KTM has unveiled the new KTM 890 Duke R, featuring more power and torque while forgoing some of smaller KTM 790 Duke’s daily capabilities. Presented online, KTM gave us the details on its latest middleweight segment offering.
With the learnings from its motorsports experience, KTM threw in what the company knew into the KTM 890 Duke R. The ‘R’ badge and the ‘R’ styling – including the orange frame and signature livery – is reserved for more prestige KTM models.
The new KTM 890 Duke R is powered by a new and uprated parallel-twin four-stroke two-cylinder engine based on that of the 790 Duke. The engine has an increased displacement from 799cc to 890cc and compression ratio has been up from 12.7:1 to 13.5:1. The new mill makes 119 bhp at 9,250 rpm and 99 Nm of torque at 7,750 rpm.
Moreover, the crankshaft boasts 20% more rotational mass than the 790 Duke, which results in better engine stability, part-throttle acceleration and cornering agility. The transmission gets a shorter shift lever and lighter spring action which allows quicker shifting characteristics. Also, the 890 Duke R will also come with the optional Quickshifter+ with improved settings.
Other notable components are the larger radiators, new shorter intakes and new throttle bodies which allow individual fuel injector adjustments for each cylinder for better low throttle conditions.
Suspension wise, the KTM 890 is similar to that on the 790 with a 43-mm WP APEX fork and shock with 5.5 and 5.9 inches of travel respectively. With more power, the 890 gets its own set of Brembo brakes including a pair of four-piston Stylema Monobloc callipers with 320mm floating discs at the front and single-piston floating calliper with a 240mm disc at the back, coupled with Bosch cornering ABS with Supermoto mode.
Despite having a bigger engine onboard, the 890 weights lighter than the 790, tipping the scales at 165.5 kg. The saddle is positioned much higher at 83.3 cm, and taller ground clearance at 20.6 cm. Geometry-wise, the 890 offers a much more aggressive ergonomics with a lower, flatter handlebar and footpegs positioned higher on the frame, which places the rider much higher and further forwards.
There are no prices or when the KTM 890 Duke R would come to Malaysia considering the current health crisis the world is facing, it is best to wait until the dust settles.
