KIWI RIDER FEBRUARY 2021 VOL1 | Page 14

ROAD NEWS

KTM DUKE GETS 890 TREATMENT

A s soon as KTM announced the 890 Duke R , we knew the base model bike would also be receiving the latest version of the LC8c parallel twin , and the boys from Mattigofen haven ’ t disappointed . KTM says the 890 Duke R is a track weapon , so with that role filled the 890 Duke tones things down a little to make for a better street focussed machine . “ With the KTM 890 Duke R we knew we were bringing a bike that was distinctly KTM to the market and it was only a matter of time before we could reshape that package to introduce the ideal second generation of The Scalpel ”, says KTM Head of Product Development , Adriaan Sinke . The larger displacement engine ( 889cc from 789cc ) uses a more sophisticated ECU mapping and pumps out 115hp and 92Nm of power . That ’ s 10 more horsepower and 5 more Nm of torque than the KTM 790 Duke and , thanks to an increase in rotating mass by 20 %, the 890 engine helps bring better cornering stability and smoother engine action at lower revs and part throttle .

Electronics are , as you ’ d expect from KTM , top-notch as well including a customisable TFT display , three rider modes ( with the option to add a fourth Track mode ) adjustable traction control which can be increased or lowered on a nine-gauge scale , anti-wheelie control which can be disengaged , and even throttle response has three levels . Oh , and there ’ s launch control in the package as well . Despite the larger displacement and other advances , the 890 Duke keeps the same weight as its predecessor at 169kg dry . The subframe is innovative with the whole single unit containing the air intakes and airbox ; designed to be simplistic , minimal and light . The suspension , one of the “ weak ” points of the 790 Duke , has been updated and upgraded WP APEX Suspension ( 43mm open cartridge upsidedown forks ) and a gas-assisted rear shock . Other features of the 890 Duke include a full set of LED lights , Continental ’ s new ContiRoad tyres as well as KTM myRide App compatibility .
14 KIWI RIDER