KTM will release its new 890 Duke R naked bike in Australia next month priced from $17,195 plus on-road costs.
The all-new model will not replace the current 790 Duke, but rather sit atop it in KTM’s line-up, bridging the gap to the full-fruit 1290 Super Duke.
Affectionately dubbed the ‘Super Scalpel’, the new Duke rides on a significantly updated platform with a new engine, updated chassis and boasts a high-end electronics suite.
As its name suggests, the Super Scalpel is powered by an 890cc parallel-twin motor that is tuned to produce 121hp (90kW) and 99Nm, up 16hp/12Nm compared to the 790 Duke.
The bike comes standard with three riding modes, Rain, Street and Sport, while a Track setting is available as an option to give more adjustability of things like anti-wheelie, traction control and throttle control.
Other tech features include cornering ABS, as well as cornering traction control that uses a 6D lean angle sensor to detect side-to-side and forwards and backwards pitch of the motorcycle.
Highly adjustable WP Apex suspension is fitted, while uprated Brembo brakes and Michelin Powercup II tyres are utilised to handle the extra power.
From standard, the 890 Duke is 3.3 kilograms lighter than the 790 Duke, as it does away with passenger footpegs and uses a single seat.
Specifications
Type: Oil-cooled, four-stroke, parallel-twin, EFI
Displacement: 890cc
Power/Torque: 89kW/99Nm
Transmission: Six-speed, chain final drive
Tyres: Michelin Powercup II
Front brake: Brembo Stylema monobloc four-piston calipers
Rear brake: Brembo single-piston floating caliper
Seat height: 834mm
Dry weight: 166kg
Fuel capacity: 14L
Spencer has a keen eye for hard news, and does some of his best living on deadline day. He loves more than anything to travel on his motorcycle, and is adamant that Melbourne Bitter is a world-class lager. He also knows how to operate the big computery thing in the office. By night, Spencer plays guitar with Melbourne punk outfit LOUTS.
