KTM 890 Duke: It’s the bike that everyone loves to ride – the KTM 890 Duke, and it’s righteously known as the weapon of choice thanks to its moniker of “Scalpel”. This one blends all-out performance with everyday use in a very unique package.
Design Philosophy
Design The 890 Duke shows off KTM’s signature styling with its sharp, aggressive bodywork and minimal fairings that show off the bike’s trellis frame.
The typical forward leaning look is comprised of a compact tail section, muscular fuel tank and LED headlamp assembly that’s hard to miss when seen head on.
It’s boot, rally and mudguard-friendly compact forms with the mechanicals exposed all point to it being created for a specific purpose, and its vivid orange frame (in some colorways) ensures it immediately carries the look of a KTM.
Engine and Performance
At the heart of the 890 Duke is an 889cc parallel-twin motor which performs extremely well throughout the rev range.
The liquid cooled engine bounds with a powerful heart pumping out an amazing 115 horsepower with 92 Nm torque that wood-smoke’s both competition and creates traction at both ends of the spectrum.
The 285-degree firing order produces a characterful exhaust note unique to the model and both the engine character and exhaust note further separate it from the rest of the middleweight twins.
High revs feel quick and the throttle response isn’t just snappy, it’s a snapper.
Chassis and Handling
Exacting like no other, the chromium-molybdenum steel frame is by all means one of the best chassis in the segment and offers a great weight at around 189 kg (dry).
The WP APEX suspension is well sorted and provides good compliance over all types of road surfaces with well-damped control, especially during spirited riding.
Its radical 24.3-degree rake angle, combined with 1,482mm wheelbase, clearly contributes to handling of the razor-sharp, new-age kind, with ultra-precise line selection and reaction quick as a cat.
Electronics Package
The electronics of the 890 Duke are quite advanced and the list is controlled through a TFT display.
Added to this the cornering optimised motorcycle traction control, selectable riding modes and up to 5 custom setup screens to enhance the riders experience.
The standard quickshifter promotes clutchless gear shifts both up and down. The cornering ABS is very subtle, adding a welcome safety net and not cutting in or pulling the bike upright when ridden aggressively.
Braking System
Braking is courtesy of Brembo, with two 300mm front discs and four-piston radial calipers providing powerful and progressive braking performance.
The 240mm rear disc is grabbed by a single-piston caliper and delivers good feedback when you are maneuvering at slower speeds. The”cornering ABS” can be assigned to various levels of intervention dependent on riding mode.
Everyday Usability
Performance-oriented it might be, but the 890 Duke has decent everyday useability with an upright stance that’s comfortable yet commanding.
The FX is competitively styled, looking decently sleek in appearance, thanks to its 820mm seat height and angular design, and I fit reasonably comfortably in the saddle as someone with a 32-inch inseam, but riders much taller will likely chafe against the relatively cramped riding position on long rides.
Its 3.7-gallon fuel tank gives you just about 75 miles of range between fill-ups—enough for day trips and weekends.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Exceptional handling agility
Powerful, performance-driven engine.
Total electronics package
Unique look and presence
Powerful, progressive braking
Engaging riding experience
Lightweight for its class
Cons:
Taut, tight suspension on broken pavement
Limited wind protection
Fuel tank is quite small
Vibration in specific rpm bands
High price compared to other players in the market
Sparse pillion accommodations
To much of an aggressive riding position for me when on the bike for hours on end
KTM 890 Duke: Verdict
The KTM 890 Duke brings an engaging, agile package to the table and it works well in a technical riding environment, though it gives fair returns to everyday use.
The potent engine performance, precise handling ability, and outstanding electronics combine to provide a compelling package for the riding enthusiast.
If you’re happy to sacrifice absolute comfort or touring capability in order to maximise handling precision and feel, it’s hard not to recommend the 890 Duke as the pick of the middleweight naked bunch.
What KTM has unleashed here is a motorcycle which justifies its “Scalpel” moniker with its precision-engineered and unique persona.