KTM 890 Duke R
KTM launched the 790 Duke last year and soon after that, the arrival of the 890 Duke R started spreading like wildfire after ECIMA 2019. Good news for us, KTM just released an official media presentation on Youtube with all the details you would be dying to know.
The Super scalpel, KTM 890 Duke R takes everything we love about the KTM 790 Duke and takes it up a notch. From Engine, chassis to suspension, keep the KTM 890 DUKE R at the peak of the middleweight fight.
To begin with, the 890’s engine is developed from the same parallel-twin engine that powers the 790. The increased stroke and bore with a higher compression ratio pushes the RPM limit higher up which makes the KTM 890 Duke R push out 121 HP and 99 Nm of torque. Compared to 89HP and 82.3Nm of peak torque on the 790.
On top of this, the 890 DUKE R features horizontally split, high pressure cast aluminium crankcases. This allows reduced wall thickness and weight. Furthermore, A heavier crankshaft and flywheel setup also helps to pump up torque. Aside from this, a new cylinder head has been developed specifically for the KTM 890 DUKE R . This accommodates a set of larger 37 mm intake and 30 mm exhaust valves. Increase camshafts feature increases lift and a more aggressive profile. To cope with the increased rotating RPM, A new balancer shaft has also been added to match.
Furthermore, to improve throttle response and smoothing out throttle action for more precise throttle inputs, DELL’ORTO developed sensors in each throttle body measure the manifold pressure and adjust the mixture accordingly per cylinder.
Work is done on the chassis too, the 890 frame is sharp and precise. The Subframe is cast aluminium which also houses the airbox; reducing complexity and weight. On top of this, the triangular shapes in the subframe lead to stronger and stiffer construction. Die-cast, open-lattice swingarm increases stability, as well as flex characteristics which lead to sharper handling characteristics. Ride height has been increased by 15mm over the 790 to improve handling and ground clearance.
KTM ensures racier feel on the 890, from the handlebar, seats to footpegs, the 890 Duke R delivers what we expect from KTM’s R-rating. As for the bodyworks, the 890 Duke R features distinctive razor-sharp lines and orange accents all around the bike, giving it the traditional KTM R feel and look.
The KTM 890 features a 43-mm WP APEX fork and shock with 5.5 and 5.9 inches of travel respectively. As for the brakes, the 890 gets a set of Brembo brake. This includes a pair of four-piston Stylema Monobloc callipers coupled with a 320mm floating discs at the front. Also, a single-piston floating calliper with a 240mm disc at the back with Bosch cornering ABS with Supermoto mode.
In the case of the electronics, overall the KTM 890 Duke R packs advanced electronics. From the LED headlight with DRL to the TFT display which presents relevant information efficiently to the rider. On the 890 however, both the anti-wheelie and ABS modes are active on the display.
According to sources, it will be rolling out to the market this year. In the case of North America, the 890 Duke R would hit the streets this spring. However, in the case of Malaysia and other parts of the world, we are not sure how the ongoing coronavirus could affect the arrival of the 890 Duke R.
Price
In the case of Australia, the 890 Duke R expect to cost AUD 17,195 and £10,399 in the UK. Which puts the 890 in the Street Triple RS and MT09 SP zone!