Updating the 790 Duke for 2020’s Euro5 regulations, the new KTM 890 Duke R makes more power and torque from its parallel twin motor, has ‘racier’ ergonomics, better brakes and fully-adjustable WP suspension…

Making a very strong 119bhp (89kW) @ 9,250 and 73lb-ft (99Nm) @ 7,750rpm, the new 890 Duke R gains 16bhp 250rpm later in the rev range and 9lb-ft 250rpm EARLIER in the revs than the 790 Duke. Compression is increased in the 890cc motor from the 12.7:1 of the 790 to 13.5:1. The 46mm DKK Dell-Orto throttle body remains, and the motor still has four valves per cylinder. Equally, the gear ratios remain unchanged from the 790 Duke, and the slip/assist clutch is still used.

How else is the new KTM 890 Duke R different to the 790 Duke? The KTM 890 Duke R has now got radially-mounted Brembo Stylema four-pot calipers biting a pair of 320mm discs up front, with the addition of cornering ABS and cornering traction control, thanks to the Bosch 9.1 MP IMU-equipped braking controller. The rear caliper loses a piston to become a single pot, still working on a 240mm disc. Dry weight is down by 3kg to 166kg dry, so with the unchanged tank capacity of 14 litres, we expect the new KTM 890 Duke R to weigh around 185-190kg with a full tank and ready to ride.

Other tweaks compared to the 790 Duke include a steering head angle that drops from 66° to 65.7°, an increase in trail from 98mm to 99.7mm, an increase in wheelbase from 1,475mm to 1,482mm and a taller seat – now 834mm, up from 825mm. Being an R model, ground clearance is also 206mm, up from 186mm on the ‘standard’ 790 Duke. The front suspension is still a 43mm WP APEX fork, with the WP APEX shock retained on the rear, and travel remains the same. Tyres are also unchanged, as 120/70 ZR17 and 180/55 ZR17.

What is the price of the KTM 890 Duke R? KTM has priced the new bike at £10,399 and in terms of nearest rivals, then Kawasaki's less sporty Z900 is £8899 while Yamaha's MT-09 is available from £8745 (SP from £9745) and MV Agusta's Dragster 800 Rosso is €12,990. New KTM 890 Duke R Specification Engine type 2 cylinder, 4 stroke, DOHC Parallel twin Displacement 890 cc Bore / stroke 90.7 / 68.8 mm Power 89 kW (119 bhp) @ 9,250 rpm Torque 99 Nm @ 7,750 rpm Compression ratio 13.5:1 Starter / battery Electric starter / 12V 10 Ah Transmission 6 gears Fuel system DKK Dell’Orto (throttle body 46mm) Control 8 V / DOHC Lubrication Pressure lubrication with 2 oil pumps Engine oil Motorex, Power Synth SAE 10W-50 Primary drive 39:75 Final drive 16:41 Cooling Liquid cooled with water/oil heat exchanger Clutch Cable operated PASC™ Slipper clutch Ignition / engine management Bosch EMS with RBW Traction control MTC (lean angle sensitive, 3-Mode + Track mode optional) Frame CrMo-steel frame using the engine as stressed element, powder coated Subframe Aluminium, powder coated Handlebar Aluminium, tapered, Ø 28/22 mm Front suspension WP APEX, Ø 43 mm Rear suspension WP APEX shock absorber Suspension travel front / rear 140 / 150mm Front brake 2 Å~ Brembo Stylema four piston, radially mounted caliper, brake disc Ø 320 mm Rear brake Brembo single piston floating caliper, brake disc Ø 240 mm Abs Bosch 9.1 MP (incl. Cornering-ABS and super moto mode) Wheels front / rear Cast aluminium wheels 3.50 Å~ 17"; 5.50 Å~ 17" Tires front / rear 120/70 ZR 17, 180/55 ZR 17 Chain X-Ring 520 Silencer Stainless steel primary and secondary silencer Steering head angle 65.7° Trail 99.7 mm Wheel base 1,482 mm ± 15 mm Ground clearance 206 mm Seat height 834 mm Fuel tank capacity approx. 14 litres / 3.5 liters reserve Dry weight approx. 166 kg