Last year, KTM introduced the 890 Duke R, which received rave reviews, including from MD. Now, KTM is introducing a base model 890 Duke priced at $10,999 in the U.S. ($1,000 cheaper than the 890 Duke R). Many features are shared by the two models, but the base model receives a lower-spec suspension and brake package, as well as an engine rated at 5 horsepower lower (114 horsepower vs. 119 horsepower).
The ergonomics on the base 890 Duke are also slightly different, with a lower seat height and more relaxed rider triangle. The stock tires on the 890 Duke are Continental ContiRoads, versus the grippier Michelins on the 890R.
Here is the full press release from KTM:
MSRP: $10,999 USD
THE SCALPEL
The new KTM 890 DUKE takes everything that made the KTM 790 DUKE so successful, most notably the potent LC8c powerplant, and refines and reimagines it with a healthy up spec in power and performance. The KTM 890 DUKE benefits from a power increase, updated WP APEX suspension, updated electronics, new Continental ContiRoad tires and completely new graphics while remaining super sharp and incredibly agile. A compact and well-balanced performance bike made for your favorite track or twisty roads, it is precise, lightweight, fast and developed with one task in mind: dominating the street. The best equilibrium between high performance, agility and real-world riding demands.
2021 KTM 890 DUKE HIGHLIGHTS
- Based on the KTM 790 DUKE, the new KTM 890 DUKE features striking new graphics and colorways in both a black and orange model.
- Extremely powerful, torquey parallel twin 889 cc DOHC engine with electronic fuel injection, dual balancer shafts, PASC slipper clutch and Ride-by-Wire for a smoother and more refined response.
- Based on the parallel twin of the KTM 790 DUKE, the engine features an increased bore and stroke, higher compression ratio and rpm ceiling, larger valves and a new piston design coupled with new connecting rods and a new crankshaft, all wrapped in new engine cases.
- New crankshaft with 20% more rotating mass for improved engine character at constant speed and improved cornering stability due to its gyroscopic effect.
- New sensors specifically developed for KTM by DELL’ORTO in each throttle body to measure the manifold pressure and adjust the mixture accordingly, allowing individual mapping control per cylinder.
- New box piston features 10 gram weight reduction despite larger bore, three piston rings and a bronze conrod bearing to support the increased RPM and power.
- New cylinder head developed to accommodate a set of larger 37 mm intake and 30 mm exhaust valves, a new camshaft with increased lift and more aggressive profile and a new balancer shaft to match the increased RPM and increased rotating mass.
- Faster gear changes have been achieved through shorter shift lever action. This is combined with new settings for the optional Quickshifter+ to improve clutchless up and down shifting action.
- New 6D lean angle sensor keeps track of the angle of the bike and sends information to the ECU and relevant control units which use this data to improve traction control and ABS actuation.
- Cornering ABS allows for maximum braking forces under lean while Supermoto ABS provides rider-centric control.
- State-of-the-art lean-angle sensitive MTC (Motorcycle Traction Control) uses two different controllers (a wheelslip controller and a pitch angle controller) to offer advanced traction control behavior and settings.
- Selectable ride modes including Sport, Street, Rain and optional Track allow for easy changes to engine and MTC character.
- Optional Track mode includes 9-level adjustable traction control, launch control and anti-wheelie off.
- Optional MSR (Motor Slip Regulation) is an engine brake control and works in the opposite direction of the MTC to compliment the slipper clutch for controlled deceleration.
- Ultralight tubular Chromium Molybdenum steel frame with a cast aluminum subframe and aluminum steering stem for weight savings.
- Updated 43 mm open-cartridge WP APEX forks with new linear springs are lighter and guarantee more intuitive feeling and better support while braking. New added basevalve improves high speed damping.
- High quality gas assisted WP APEX shock with progressive spring and preload adjustment.
- Updated brake system featuring twin 300 mm floating discs, new 4 piston radially mounted calipers and new pads controlled by a radial master cylinder and KTM’s Cornering ABS system offers improved response and feel.
- New Continental ContiRoad tires providing excellent grip in the wet, strong stability and a very short ‘warm-up’ phase.
- LED headlight and LED daytime running lights.
- Multifunctional dashboard with full-color TFT display is bright and clear.
- Die-cast, open-lattice swingarm is precisely manufactured and has been optimized for stiffness and stability while still offering excellent flex characteristics.
- WP steering damper fitted as standard and setup to feel as natural as possible, giving the rider a secure feeling while keeping the agile riding character of the bike.
- Tapered aluminum handlebar is adjustable in 4 positions on the triple clamp and can be rotated in three further positions.
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Was anyone waiting for this bike? What’s the point? I was expecting the announcement of the 890 Duke GT or SMT or something.
I have a Honda CB1000R and this seems to be in a similar catagory, I can see how desirable it is. the point is, its a very good bike. I guess if you were expecting something else from KTM, your just going to have to wait. I like it. I can see how others would too.
Yeah it is a great bike, sorry what I mean is, the R version already exists for only $1000 more. Is there a big customer base that would not buy the R, but will buy this for only $1000 less….
With less brakes and suspension you have to balance it out with 5 less HP. It is all about keeping you safe.
I’ve had a couple bikes in the past that didnt have adjustable suspension, but what setting it had was just about perfect for me. And not having a couple HP off the top, where one seldom ever goes (remember the gloating over the gutless motoguzzi). This wont be a slouch. I’ve had my fill of ricky racer cramped leg, clip on types, with only max Hp at peak rpm. This machine looks like they understand that, not everyone wants knobs, that once you turn them to a setting you like, you never touch them again, and pay for that one,two, knob turns. Safety, is how you ride it, not what your riding. If i have to tell you that, you’ll blame the bike, whatever. I can see what they are doing, larger mass crank, a less than premium level of components, lower price. Not everyone wants a full tilt race bike. They are uncomfortable, difficult to ride for long distances, and you get tired of having to point out stuff you paid for, seldom using, to justify your initial outlay. The 270° engine talks to me, maybe not to others. I just need to sell a few of my other machines, before i go and get another.
Hey dude, it was a joke about flawed logic.
cool it joe b I was trying to make a joke. The next nice day you need to go for a ride.
Suspension adjustment is not only for performance oriented “ricky racers”. In simple cheap forks both: compression and rebound rates are pre-set on equally ballanced level. For less harsh front feeling on poor quality roads it’s good to be able to to turn compression down about 15-20% without touching rebound (or turn rebound up same rate above untouched compression, if both values were too low). That makes difference in terms of comfort and stability and you are not able to reach it with simple fixes, like heavier/lighter oil, or pre-load distance pieces. You are right about, that once we find a spot-on setting, we never touch it again, but for me these few clicks makes difference and is worth some extra bucks. If producer gives a choice as KTM does with standard and R version, then it’s great, but if not (new Trident, or Monster), then for some of us it might be a deal breaker.
Suspension adjustment is not only for performance oriented “ricky racers”. In simple cheap forks both: compression and rebound rates are pre-set on equally ballanced level. For less harsh front feeling on poor quality roads it’s good to be able to to turn compression down about 15-20% without touching rebound (or turn rebound up same rate above untouched compression, if both values were too low). That makes difference in terms of comfort and stability and you are not able to reach it with simple fixes, like heavier/lighter oil, or pre-load distance pieces. You are right about, that once we find a spot-on setting, we never touch it again, but for me these few clicks makes difference and is worth some extra bucks. If producer gives a choice as KTM does with standard 790 and 890 R versions, then it’s great, but if not (new Trident, or Monster), then for some of us it might be a deal breaker.
Hmm… guess i’m just a cool dude, then. snapping my fingers, click, click, click…
The 790’s have poor resale value due to mechanical issues, real or imagined, are the 890’s any better.
My daughter has a 790 Duke with about 12K miles on it, and it’s been fine. It had maybe 600 miles on it when we left on a ride from MT to Maine and back. Only issue was that the stock rear tire was shot by the time we made it to Michigan, and the front was shot by NY on our way back. Michelin Pilot 2CTs fixed that.
I have a 2015 690 duke with 18K flawless miles. Valves remain in perfect adjustment.
I can see the poor resale value as more of the “new model” phenomena – KTM keeps pushing, and making the older stuff obsolete.
I am, however, a sample of one.
Nice balance of properties, performance, price! Which bike – Base or R version – is more reliable and lower maintenance costs? Assume I don’t need the highest-spec suspension or brakes, and prefer to confidentially ride from Raleigh to Alaska and back without a breakdown. Thanks.
Cool bike. It reminds me a lot of my old SV1000. Less weight, a bit less power, much better electronics (the SV had no ABS, TC, ride modes, etc), better brakes, better suspension, uglier styling (IMHO), but very similar in concept.
Cool bike. It reminds me a lot of my old SV1000. Less weight, a bit less power, much better electronics (the SV had no ABS, TC, ride modes, etc), better brakes, better suspension, uglier styling (IMHO), but very similar in concept.
Make sure you pay the extra $300 so you can wheelie. Ridiculous to pay extra to unlock features that are already on the bike. Even worse is when KTM refuses to unlock the features after the purchase! All the reviews and even the owners manual are written with these features unlocked but (on the 690 at least) KTM stopped honoring the sale of Track Pack in the US without telling anyone.
The MotoGP apologists have been trying to tell us all the wonders the switch to diesels would bring to street bikes.
Yeah right. Eighteen years later you get a host of electronic nannys that you have to pay extra just to shut off.
I think I am going to expand my comprehensive boycott of all four stroke racing to include all features derived from four stroke racing. Want to not sell me a bike? Just equip the thing with traction and wheelie control. Done!
MotoGP, the nightmare that never ends.
In your world there are only three motorcycles that fit your requirements (number pulled out of my butt) unless you build it yourself.
In my world, I am amazed at the number of motorcycles available these days to fit just about any desire. And I understand everything in the industry is not perfect or perfectly suited to my needs.
And I have been riding for a long time just like you.
KTM_jailbreak.zip file expected soon on e-bay with PC wire included- around 50$…
So you must have a bone to pick with Tesla as well?
Tesla and Apple do not exist in my universe for the same reason.
I could give a hoot about Tesla as they only make cars (though I am in the industry of making cars too). I don’t buy cars, especially ones without a manual transmission. Apple? It’s just a generic appliance.
Just go ride it, probably all your petty complaints will fade away. KTM does some serious engineering to improve their bikes. Styling, price and nit picks are a distant second to all around WOW performance. You can thank me later. (KTM SMT and SD GT owner for many years)
WOW! My bike won’t run and I’m 340 mi. from the nearest KTM dealer! You’re right, WOW is the key word.
I say that’s a pretty $hitty move to ding the engine 5 hp … presumably to punish you for not spending the extra grand. It is costing both you and KTM money to do this. Similar to the other $hitty move of making you buy a track pack to unleash the full power of the Super Duke R. This kind of customer “service” will bite them in the end. Great bikes. Extremely questionable marketing strategy. If I had wanted that kind of customer service I’d have asked them to buy me dinner and a drink first.
Agreed…..thought da exact same ting when I read da part about less horsepower. It’s kinda sucky….and I don’t see how it would make da bike cheaper?????? BOOOO
The way I see it, KTM is really just a European version of the Motor Company (the colors are even similar) but making bikes for those who have no need for cruisers. They both charge you a premium price for a questionably reliable bike (at least at their respective price points) and then you must pay more after the sale to get the performance you should have gotten in the first place.
Still waiting for the KTM version of the “Screamin’ Eagle” catalog.
“Still waiting for the KTM version of the “Screamin’ Eagle” catalog.”
Your wait was over 20 years ago. It’s called the KTM PowerParts catalogue.
I must of been living in a box some where, cause the numbers on this are wonderful. 114 hp, less than 400 pounds, a reasonable tankage, value priced for all the technology, we’re not in the 60s any more. Of course the butt crack splitter seat and speed points else where look funny, but – gee whiz. Hope it has a 270 crank.
Well, mickey, at least the second color option isn’t all THAT orange. Just the wheels, really.
Still pointy, though.
Yea, I was shocked when I opened this up and saw the pic lol
Sooooo, three color options…
Gray, with a single small orange stripe at the front of the fairing, and orange wheels.
Orange and black, with orange wheels.
Orange and black, with black wheels that have a thin narrow band of orange covering three-fourths of the outside of the rim.
Yep, this is one seriously frustrating manufacturer. Forget this “Ready To Race!” blather. Ditch that. “‘Great looking bikes!’ – Stevie Wonder” truly ought to be their corporate slogan.
“‘Great looking bikes!’ – Stevie Wonder” truly ought to be their corporate slogan.”
Holy Smokes that’s funny. Good one Veal!