KTM 890 Duke R

KTM 890 Duke R PRICE & OVERVIEW

PERFORMANCE & ENGINE

The heart of the KTM 890 Duke R is its impressive 889 cc, 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, parallel twin engine. This powerplant is a testament to KTM’s engineering prowess, delivering a maximum power output of 89 kW (121 PS) at 9250 rpm and a torque of 99 Nm at 7750 rpm. These figures translate to exhilarating real-world performance, with the bike designed to deliver a “gut punch of power” below 8500 rpm, focusing on usable mid-range power that’s perfect for city streets and open highways. The KTM 890 Duke R is known for its quick acceleration, typically achieving 0-60 mph (0-100 km/h) in approximately 3.5 seconds.

This puts it in a highly competitive position within the middleweight naked bike category, offering thrilling performance for enthusiasts who demand responsiveness and speed. Its lightweight chassis and high-quality suspension components further enhance the bike’s performance. The KTM 890 Duke R features adjustable suspension and sportier engine mapping, significantly improving its handling and ride quality. This combination of power and agility makes the 890 Duke R a formidable machine on twisty mountain roads and city streets.

MILEAGE & FUEL EFFICIENCY

Fuel efficiency is essential for many riders, especially in Indian conditions where long-distance touring is popular. The KTM 890 Duke R has been certified by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) with a mileage of 21 kmpl. However, it’s important to note that this figure is based on ideal test conditions and may vary in real-world scenarios. In practical riding conditions, owners can expect a mileage of around 20 kmpl, which is still impressive for a high-performance motorcycle of this calibre.This real-world mileage puts the KTM 890 Duke R ahead of 25% of other bikes in its class, striking a balance between performance and efficiency. With its 14-litre fuel tank capacity, riders can expect a range of approximately 280 to 294 kilometres on a full tank, depending on riding conditions and style. This range makes the 890 Duke R suitable for daily commutes and weekend getaways, offering a good balance between performance and practicality.

FEATURES & TECHNOLOGY

The KTM 890 Duke R has various advanced features and technologies that enhance its performance and rider experience. While specific details for the Indian model are not explicitly mentioned, based on global specifications and typical features in this class of motorcycle, we can expect the following:

1. Ride-by-Wire Throttle System for precise control
2. Traction Control System (TCS) to maintain optimal grip
3. Riding Modes to adapt to various conditions
4. Quick Shifter for seamless gear changes
5. Full-Color TFT Display with potential smartphone connectivity
6. Fully adjustable WP Apex suspension for both front and rear
7. Brembo Stylema brakes for superior stopping power
8. Lightweight chassis design for improved handling
9. Cornering ABS for enhanced safety during leaned turns
10. Wheelie Control to manage power delivery
11. Launch Control for optimal acceleration from a standstill
12. The new “Atlantic Blue” paint colour aligns with the aesthetic of the 1290 Super Duke R EVO
13. Aggressive naked bike styling that emphasizes its performance-oriented nature

These features collectively make the KTM 890 Duke R a technologically advanced and rider-friendly motorcycle, suitable for experienced riders and those looking for a more powerful machine.

BUILD QUALITY

The KTM 890 Duke R is generally praised for its robust build quality and use of high-end components. The bike features a tubular steel frame that provides a solid foundation for its performance capabilities. Including top-shelf components like the fully adjustable WP Apex suspension and Brembo Stylema brakes, typically found on high-end superbikes, underscores KTM’s commitment to quality. However, some users have reported that some regions of the bike, particularly around the switchgear, can feel a bit plasticky.This suggests that while the core components are of high quality, there might be room for improvement in some finishing touches. Regarding reliability, the KTM 890 Duke R has received mixed reviews.

While many owners report no significant issues, concerns about potential oil and coolant leaks have been raised, particularly in earlier models.Common problems include leaky seals, especially around the countershaft and valve cover.KTM has reportedly tried to address these issues in the 890 Duke R, improving upon the reliability concerns present in its predecessor, the 790 Duke. The bike comes with a two-year factory warranty, which should provide peace of mind for new owners. However, potential buyers should be aware of the importance of having access to a reliable KTM dealer for support and maintenance, as some users have reported varying experiences with dealer network and warranty support.

HANDLING

The KTM 890 Duke R is renowned for its exceptional handling and agility. It is a favourite among riders who enjoy spirited street and track riding. The 890 Duke R features top-tier, fully adjustable WP suspension, which significantly enhances its handling performance. This setup includes adjustable linear spring WP APEX front forks with split function damping, allowing for compression and rebound settings. This advanced suspension system contributes to the bike’s ability to maintain stability and control during high-speed manoeuvres and tight cornering. The motorcycle’s dynamic, load-bearing tubular chassis is crucial in its agile handling characteristics.

This lightweight construction improves the bike’s responsiveness and manoeuvrability, allowing riders to confidently push their limits on twisty roads. Despite its performance-oriented setup, the 890 Duke R provides a ride that isn’t overly jarring over bumps and road imperfections. The suspension’s ability to handle rough roads effectively ensures that riders can maintain comfort and control, even on uneven surfaces. Whether carving through corners or navigating city streets, the KTM 890 Duke R’s handling characteristics inspire confidence and enhance the riding experience.The KTM 890 Duke R, priced at ₹ 14,50,000, is the KTM competitive package in the high-performance street naked segment. Its advanced features, powerful engine, and premium build quality justify the price point for enthusiasts seeking a top-tier riding experience.

COMFORT & ERGONOMICS

While the KTM 890 Duke R is primarily designed for performance, it doesn’t completely sacrifice comfort. The bike features a close-coupled riding stance that positions the rider’s chin over the front wheel, contributing to its sporty feel. Despite its performance-oriented setup, the 890 Duke R provides a ride that isn’t overly jarring over bumps and road imperfections, making it suitable for everyday use and spirited rides. However, it’s important to note that the ergonomics are more suited to sporty riding than long-distance touring.

The seat is often described as firm, which supports aggressive riding but might not be ideal for extended journeys. The handlebar position and footpeg placement are designed to complement the bike’s sporty nature, which can lead to a more tucked-in riding position. For those planning longer rides, some users have reported making modifications such as adding aftermarket seats or handlebar risers to improve comfort. While the KTM 890 Duke R can handle long rides with some adjustments, it’s primarily designed for performance-oriented riding rather than touring.

STYLING & DESIGN

The KTM 890 Duke R boasts a striking, aggressive design embodying the brand’s performance-oriented philosophy. The bike features sharp, angular LED headlights, contributing to its dynamic and sporty appearance. This distinctive front-end design sets the tone for the motorcycle’s overall aggressive styling. One of the standout design elements is the exposed aluminium subframe. This adds to the bike’s aesthetic appeal and emphasizes its lightweight construction, which is crucial for enhancing performance and handling.

The KTM 890 Duke R comes equipped with extremely lightweight, light-alloy wheels finished in the signature ‘R’ orange colour. This vibrant touch aligns with KTM’s brand identity and adds a distinctive visual element to the motorcycle’s overall look. The overall design of the KTM 890 Duke R is compact and sporty, typical of the Duke series. This design approach enhances the bike’s visual appeal and contributes to its agility and performance on the road. These styling cues create a visually striking motorcycle that stands out in its segment. The KTM 890 Duke R’s design perfectly blends form and function, reflecting its high-performance capabilities while turning heads on Indian roads.

COLOR OPTIONS & VARIANTS

The KTM 890 Duke R in India is available in a single colour option and variant:

1. Colour: Orange
2. Variant: One standard variant

The vibrant orange colour scheme is synonymous with KTM’s brand identity and adds to the bike’s striking appearance. The single variant comes fully equipped with all the features and performance capabilities that define the 890 Duke R.

VALUE FOR MONEY & PRICING

The KTM 890 Duke R is priced at ₹14.50 lakh (ex-showroom) in India. While this positions it in the premium range of the middleweight naked bike segment, it’s essential to consider this price tag’s advanced features and performance capabilities. The bike is powered by a potent 889 cc, 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, parallel twin engine that delivers a maximum output of 121 PS at 9250 rpm and a torque of 99 Nm at 7750 rpm. This level of performance allows the 890 Duke R to compete with larger displacement motorcycles, offering an excellent power-to-weight ratio.

The KTM 890 Duke R has various advanced features, including customizable riding modes, electronic aids, and high-quality components such as the WP suspension system. These features contribute significantly to the bike’s overall value proposition. In comparison tests, the KTM 890 Duke R has consistently performed well against its competitors, such as the Triumph Street Triple RS and the Kawasaki Z900. Its ability to outperform in these tests further solidifies its position as a value-for-money option in the middleweight naked bike segment.