2023 KTM 890 Duke R Sports Motorcycle Review Specs

While remaining nimble, the 2023 KTM 890 Duke R Sports Motorcycle amplifies all the qualities we adore about the 2023 KTM 790 Duke to an unprecedented degree. Delivering more power, torque, and Dukeness than any previous parallel twin, this midweight naked bike makes no concessions and is equally suited for mountain roads and testing grounds.

2023 KTM 890 Duke R Sports Motorcycle – Features and Specs

Frame

The 2023 KTM 890 Duke R Sports Motorcycle, similar to the 2023 KTM 790 DUKE, derives its handling qualities from the load-bearing, dynamic design of its tubular chassis. This design enables the motorcycle to traverse winding trails and ascend mountain ranges with remarkable agility. Like all other KTM R models, the chassis is painted orange to emphasize its athletic nature.

Subframe

Cast aluminum composes the subframe, which contains the airbox. To reduce weight and intricacy, there are no plastic coverings or additional attachments; instead, everything is cast into two connected parts. The subframe’s triangular configuration facilitates a more robust and inflexible construct.

Swingarm

The open-lattice, die-cast swingarm is optimized for rigidity while exhibiting superior flex characteristics and a steeper angle for enhanced stability. As a result, the 2023 KTM 890 Duke R Sports Motorcycle is precisely as agile as one would anticipate.

Suspension

Modified to accommodate the increased power of the 2023 KTM 890 Duke R Sports Motorcycle while preserving the distinctive DUKE agility, the adjustable suspension on the 2023 KTM 890 Duke R has been adjusted to provide enhanced high-speed stability and street riding comfort while maintaining a sportier feel.

Front fork

The front suspension is an adjustable linear spring WP APEX with divided function damping, compression, and rebound settings. It is featured on the 2023 KTM 890 Duke R Sports Motorcycle. It enables riders to fine-tune their preferred Street or Street setup precisely.

Triple Clamps

Adjusting the triple clamp rigidity to correspond with the fork’s elasticity has resulted in vigorous handling and outstanding feedback. An aluminum steering stem has been utilized instead of the steel stem found on the KTM 790 DUKE to minimize the overall weight.

Rear shock

An entirely adjustable WP APEX shock at the bike’s rear features high and low-speed compression settings and rebound adjustment. A hydraulic preload adjuster facilitates effortless and instantaneous adjustment.

Wheels

Standard on the 2023 KTM 890 Duke R Sports Motorcycle are light-alloy rims that are incredibly lightweight and feature the distinctive ‘R’ orange finish. It reduces the bike’s total weight and unsprung masses, facilitating a quicker turn-in and diminished rolling resistance.

Tires

A set of MICHELIN Powercup II hypersport tires enhances the asphalt traction of the 2023 KTM 890 Duke R Sports Motorcycle. These cutting-edge tires in construction provide exceptional traction in all conditions, whether on the track or the Street.

Brakes

Braking at the pinnacle of Street and track riding performance, the 2023 KTM 890 Duke R Sports Motorcycle features the industry’s finest components. When decelerating from high speed, the lighter 320 mm floating disks and Brembo Stylema monoblock calipers up front provide a crisp and precise brake feel.

A Brembo MCS master cylinder further improves these by allowing the rider to modify the lever ratio and brake sensation. A reduction in unsprung mass of 1.2 kg (2.8 lbs) has been observed compared to the KTM 790 DUKE.

Engine

Constructed using the identical parallel twin engine as the KTM 790 Duke, the 2023 KTM 890 Duke R Sports Motorcycle propels a midweight behemoth with exceptional performance. Due to its increased bore and stroke, compression, and maximum RPM, the KTM 890 DUKE R generates an unprecedented amount of torque and horsepower.

Engine case

The crankcases of the 2023 KTM 890 Duke R Sports Motorcycle are made of high-pressure cast aluminum that is horizontally divided, thereby reducing wall thickness and weight. An even greater crankshaft and flywheel mass also contributes to increased torque.

Injectors

DELL’ORTO has implemented novel sensors within the throttle bodies of KTM vehicles to gauge manifold pressure and subsequently regulate the mixture per cylinder. This implementation enhances throttle response and mitigates abrupt throttle action, facilitating more accurate throttle inputs.

Cylinder heads

To accommodate a set of larger 37mm intake and 30mm exhaust valves, a new cylinder head has been designed for the 2023 KTM 890 Duke R Sports Motorcycle.

Additionally, the camshafts have been enhanced with increased lift and a more aggressive profile. A new balancer shaft was incorporated to accommodate the increased RPM and rotating mass.

Ride-by-wire

Ride-by-wire operations: The throttle inputs are activated using electronic sensors, which convert the rider’s throttle commands into the optimal throttle valve positions for the given riding conditions. It ultimately results in increased command when attempting to attack the twisties.

Crankcase

The horizontally divided crankcases of the 2023 KTM 890 Duke R Sports Motorcycle are constructed from high-pressure cast aluminum, which permits a reduction in wall thickness and further weight reduction. In addition, compared to the KTM 790 DUKE, the KTM 890 DUKE R crankcases have been redesigned to accommodate the extended stroke.

Pistons

The beater of the 2023 KTM 890 Duke R Sports Motorcycle is propelled by a bronze conrod bearing and two forged box pistons, each containing three piston rings. Despite the larger capacity, the piston weight is reduced by 10 grams due to the box construction compared to the pistons found in the KTM 790 DUKE engine.

Exhaust

An elegant work of stainless steel. The middle damper’s centralizing mass enables a comparatively diminutive exhaust to produce a dramatic ambiance. Using numerous test bench runs and intricate simulations; it was ascertained that this exhaust system significantly contributes to the manageable torque curve and exemplary emission standards.

LED Headlight

The LED headlamps of the 2023 KTM 890 Duke R Sports Motorcycle combine maximum light output with optimal near-field illumination. Running daytime lights ensures that oncoming motorists can see you approaching at high speed, as you will undoubtedly be doing.

TFT Display

The display presents pertinent information in an uncluttered, multicolored combination. The color combination of the display bars changes as the engine is revved, either to indicate that the engine is still cool or to encourage you to crank it. Additionally, the display alters its illumination automatically to the surrounding light. The ABS and anti-wheelie modes are represented on the 2023 KTM 890 Duke R Sports Motorcycle’s display.

Rider Aids

Electronic rider aids allow KTM to increase efficacy, enjoyment, and control. Sport, designed for more aggressive riding; Street, intended for comfortable urban riding; rain, designed for conditions that become slightly slick; and Track, the pinnacle of aggression, are the four ride modes available to riders.

Ride Modes

Electronic rider aids are a means for KTM to increase efficacy, enjoyment, and control. Riders have the option between four journey modes:

Rain mode

“Rain mode” is the default setting for treacherous riding conditions; it provides enhanced traction control, a refined throttle response, and reduced power, as the name implies.

Street mode

The daily riding mode provides adequate traction control, full power, and default throttle control to accommodate Street riding without compromising acceleration by reducing power when the front tire rises off the surface.

Sport mode

Wheelspin is permitted in the mode designed for agile street motorcycling due to its maximum power, quicker throttle response, and less intrusive traction control. Additionally, this mode permits maximal acceleration by allowing the front wheel to depart the ground without interference from the traction control.

Track mode

Track mode is an optional feature of the 2023 KTM 890 Duke R Sports Motorcycle that allows motorcyclists to customize throttle control, traction control slide to nine different levels, and anti-wheelie mode. In track mode, MSR is deactivated to permit greater control.

Quickshifter+ (optional)

The 2023 KTM 890 Duke R Sports Motorcycle can have clutchless acceleration and deceleration via the optional Quickshifter+ system. It detects and reacts to your riding speed regardless of the burden to ensure that the transfer action matches your speed. The system adjusts the engine speed to correspond with the lower transmission speed during downshifting.

Track Mode (optional)

As its name implies, the optional “Track mode” provides boundless excitement and track-ready attributes. It has variable slip adjustment, a launch control function for fast escapes, enhanced throttle response, and the capability to execute spectacular wheelies by disengaging anti-wheelie.

Supermoto ABS

Supermoto ABS enables experienced and ardent motorcyclists to secure the rear wheel, essential for dedicated Supermoto riding and purposefully executed slides. This results in the deactivation of ABS on the rear tire while the front wheel retains ABS functionality.

Bodywork

The 2023 KTM 890 Duke R Sports Motorcycle’s menacing profile and razor-sharp lines allow it to cast an intimidating silhouette. On the contrary, the metal makes it evident that this DUKE is serious. An orange frame, compact proportions, and bold visuals are all unabashedly KTM R.

Tank

The 2023 KTM 890 Duke R Sports Motorcycle, similar to the KTM 790 DUKE, features a 14-liter (3.7-gallon) steel tank precisely designed to accommodate aggressive and relaxed riding styles.

Graphics

Utilizing a superior application procedure, the 2023 KTM 890 Duke R Sports Motorcycle ‘s signature ‘R’ graphics deserve reverence. The orange-on-white contrast distinguishes it from all others in the midweight championship.

Handlebar

The tapered aluminum handlebars are positioned lower, flatter, and further forward to increase front tire contact and provide a more aggressive riding position for the 2023 KTM 890 Duke R Sports Motorcycle. Additionally, the triple clamp features three rotational adjustments and four positions for fine-tuning the reach to the rider’s liking.

2023 KTM 890 Duke R Sports Motorcycle – Technical Specifications

Engine

Chassis