New KTM 890 Duke R for 2020: Details revealed

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

VIDEO - Say hello to the new KTM 890 Duke R