2020 KTM 890 Duke R

KTM released the 790 Duke last year to criticial acclaim but they have one-upped the concept for 2020 with a new 890 Duke R. The new model does not replace the 790 Duke, but will sell alongside it as a more premium option that delivers a bit more sting and will arrive in Australia sometime in the second-quarter of 2020. 

And for the first time in the known history of the universe a KTM model displaces the cubic capacity it says on the box!  The 890 Duke R displaces exactly 890 cc thanks to both a bore and stroke increase over the 790 Duke, which actually displaced 799cc.

Power jumps from the 105 hp 790, to 121 hp in the 890. Torque is up by around 15 per cent to 99 Nm at 7750 rpm.

Urgency under throttle is also sure to be more responsive due to a large increase in the compression ratio from 12.7:1 to 13.5:1. The 790 is already very impressive in this regard so I am especially eager to sample the response of the 890. 

Stoppers are also up-specced to Brembo Stylema Monoblock calipers clamping on larger discs.  

With the increased focus on outright performance the ergonomics of the 890 Duke R are also more aggressive than found on its sibling. Lower bars, higher pegs and a 9 mm taller seat height round out the rider triangle.

Fully adjustable WP APEX 43 mm split open-cartridge upside-down forks and a fully adjustable WP APEX rear shock absorber with linear spring and pre-load adjuster suspends the 3 kg lighter 890 Duke R. There are also some geometry changes including a steeper swing-arm angle. 

Duke 890 R also boasts 20 mm more ground clearance with an almost adventure bike-like 206 mm under its trim belly. 

2020 KTM 890 Duke R Specifications