KTM 890 Duke R

Still agile, but with more punch, the KTM 890 DUKE R takes all the things we love about the KTM 790 DUKE and turns it up to 11. This is a no-compromise mid-weight naked bike, equally at home on mountain roads as it is on the race track, delivering more power, more torque and more dukeness than any parallel twin that has come before.

Engine and Exhaust

Keeping the KTM 890 DUKE R at the peak of the middleweight fight is a powerful yet compact parallel-twin. Honed to be a more powerful version of the already-impressive KTM 790 DUKE, the KTM 890 DUKE R steps up power and torque levels to suit the aspirations of the most demanding street and track warriors

Developed from the same parallel twin that powers the KTM 790 Duke, the KTM 890 Duke R engine has been worked into a fire-breathing, high-performance midweight titan.  With it’s increased bore and stroke, higher compression and higher max rpm limit, the KTM 890 Duke R churns out an impressive 121 hp and 99 Nm.

A stainless-steel thing of beauty. The middle damper centralizes mass and allows for a relatively small muffler that plays a dramatic soundtrack. Hundreds of test bench runs and complex simulations ensured that this exhaust system contributes decisively to the tractable torque curve and excellent emission standards.

The KTM 890 DUKE R features horizontally split, high pressure cast aluminum crankcases, allowing for reduced wall thickness and weight. A heavier crankshaft and flywheel setup also helps to pump up torque.

Developed specifically for KTM by DELL'ORTO, new sensors in each throttle body measure the manifold pressure and adjust the mixture accordingly per cylinder, improving throttle response and smoothing out throttle action for more precise throttle inputs.

A new cylinder head has been developed specifically for the KTM 890 DUKE R to accommodate a set of larger 37 mm intake and 30 mm exhaust valves, while the camshafts feature increased lift and a more aggressive profile. A new balancer shaft has also been added to match the increased RPM and increased rotating mass.

The slipper clutch allows riders to enter corners confidently without locking up the rear wheel under hard deceleration or when downshifting, while remaining feather-light on the clutch finger.

Ride-by-wire processes throttle inputs with the help of electronic sensors and activates the throttle valves, electronically translating the throttle commands of the rider into the best throttle valve positions for the current riding situation. All this means more control when attacking the twisties.

The KTM 890 DUKE R features horizontally split crankcases, made from high-pressure cast aluminum, allowing for thinner wall thickness and added weight saving. The crankcases on the KTM 890 DUKE R have also been re-engineered to allow for the longer stroke over the KTM 790 DUKE.

Two forged box pistons featuring three piston rings and a bronze conrod bearing work in tandem to power the beating heart of the KTM 890 DUKE R. Thanks to the box construction, piston weight is reduced by 10 grams compared to the pistons in the KTM 790 DUKE engine, despite the larger bore.

Chassis

The KTM 890 DUKE R has a simple philosophy when it comes the chassis - be lighter with more stability and be able to push the lean angle without reducing agility. Thanks in part to less unsprung weight and sportier ergonomics, the KTM 890 DUKE R has achieved just that, saving approximately 3.5 kg when compared to the KTM 790 DUKE.

Just like the KTM 790 DUKE, the KTM 890 DUKE R's handling characteristics are thanks to the dynamic, loadbearing design of the tubular chassis, which allows it to carve through twisty tracks and mountain passes with extreme responsiveness. Just like every other KTM R, the frame is painted orange to highlight its sporty credentials.

The subframe is cast aluminum and houses the airbox. No plastic covers, no additional brackets - everything is cast into two connected pieces to reduce complexity and weight. The triangular shapes in the subframe allow for a stronger, stiffer construction.

The die-cast, open-lattice swingarm is optimized for stiffness but features a steeper angle for increased stability as well as excellent flex characteristics. This makes the KTM 890 DUKE R every bit as sharp as you'd expect it to be.

Ergonomics & Comfort

The KTM 890 DUKE R delivers what you'd expect from its R-rating. An aggressive, track-ready seating position compels you to shred corners with pinpoint accuracy, while remaining comfortable on the street.

Just like the KTM 790 DUKE, the KTM 890 DUKE R gets a 14 litre steel tank, perfectly profiled to accommodate aggressive and relaxed riding styles.

Software & Electronics

The KTM 890 DUKE R is reined in and controlled by an advanced electronics package. From a full-color TFT display showcasing everything you need at a simple glace, to a plethora of Ride Modes and safety enhancements.

A multicolor combination of relevant information, presented in an uncluttered way. As you rev the engine, the display bars change color, either spurring you on or warning you that the engine's still cold. The display also automatically adapts its illumination to the ambient light. On the KTM 890 DUKE R, anti-wheelie and ABS modes are shown in the display.