Here’s what the KTM 890 Duke has to offer

KUALA LUMPUR: KTM has finally globally unveiled the 890 Duke and like its sibling the 790, it is light, fast, and razor-sharp. Well, at least that’s what we think, check out the KTM 890’s specs and find it for yourself whether or not it deserves these adjectives.

The KTM 890 is powered by an 889 cc, parallel-twin, LC8c powerplant that churns out a maximum power of 115 PS and a peak torque of 92 Nm. Compared to the previous version, this one makes 10 PS and 5 Nm more power and torque. Besides, the bike meets the Euro 5 emission norms.

The KTM 890s dry weight is the same as the 790’s that is 169 kg. The company is also offering the new 890 with a bi-directional quick-shifter that goes along with the 6-speed transmission.

There’s a 20 percent hike in the bike's rotation mass that ensures lesser vibration at lower revs and better cornering stability. Further, helping it perform better are its four ride modes - street, track, rain, and sport, cornering ABS, traction control, launch control, and switchable wheelie control. The previous-gen MAXXIS Supermaxx ST radial tyres are now replaced by better grip providing Continental ContiRoad units.

The KTM 890 Duke sits on the tried and tested Chromoly tubular steel backbone frame with the mill acting as a stressed part. The bike benefits from a cast aluminium swingarm-mounted gas-charged rear mono-shock and an updated WP APEX 43 mm open cartridge upside-down fork.

The KTM 890 doesn’t feature any sort of front fork adjustments, also the mono-shock comes with preload-adjustability - both features are part of the track-version 890 Duke R. The seat here is however more accessible at 820 mm (5 mm lower compared to the 790 Duke). Also, it is 14 mm shorter than the 890 Duke R, making it suitable for regular riders.

Though there is no news on KTM 890 Duke’s arrival in the local market, however on arrival it will compete against the likes of Yamaha MT-09, Triumph Street Triple R, and Ducati Monster.

Also Read: Meet the all-new KTM 890 Adventure