2023 KTM Duke 890 R

DESCRIPTION:

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.

Chassis

Frame

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.

Subframe

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.

Swingarm

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.

Suspension

Adapted to suit the added power of the KTM 890 DUKE R but still retaining the signature DUKE agility, the adjustable suspension on the KTM 890 DUKE R has been fettled to be sportier with improved high-speed stability, while retaining real-world street riding comfort.

Engine and Exhaust

Engine

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 its increased bore and stroke, higher compression and higher max. RPM limit, the KTM 890 DUKE R churns out an impressive new level of horsepower and torque.

Engine case

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.

Injectors

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.

Cylinder heads

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.

Software & Electronics

LED Headlight

The LED headlights on the KTM 890 DUKE R combine optimal near-field illumination with maximum light output. Daytime running lights ensure that other road users see you coming, which you undoubtedly will be doing at speed.

TFT Display

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.

MTC

Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC) is a mouthful, but it's an important part of the KTM 890 DUKE R. MTC is a lean-angle sensitive traction control system, which reduces engine output with an extremely smooth, barely noticeable intervention to limit wheelslip. Depending on the selected ride mode, MTC also allows for several levels of traction control at the rear wheel.

Bodywork & Graphics

Bodywork

The KTM 890 DUKE R casts an intimidating shadow thanks to its menacing profile and ultrasharp lines. In the metal, however, it's obvious that this DUKE means business. Compact proportions, loud graphics and a bright orange frame are all unapologetically KTM R.

Tank

Just like the KTM 790 DUKE, the KTM 890 DUKE R gets a 14 liter (3.7 gal) steel tank, perfectly profiled to accommodate aggressive and relaxed riding styles.

Graphics

A high-quality application process has been used to ensure the signature 'R' graphics on the KTM 890 DUKE R demand respect. Contrasting orange on white sets it apart from anything else in the mid-weight title fight.

Ergonomics & Comfort

Handlebar

The tapered aluminum handlebars are positioned flatter, lower and further forward to increase feeling from the front tire and give the KTM 890 DUKE R a racier riding position. Riders can also tailor their preferred reach with three rotational adjustments and 4 positions of fine-tuning on the triple clamp.

Seats

At 840 mm (33 in), the KTM 890 DUKE R sits higher than the KTM 790 DUKE to give it a meaner stance, but also more lean angle. The pillion seat comes as standard with the DUKE’s signature cover to give the KTM 890 DUKE R a sharper, racier look.

Footpegs

The KTM 890 DUKE R features completely new foot pegs, which are positioned higher and further back for a sportier riding position and greater lean angles. Reverse race shifting is also possible without any additional parts.