KTM has unveiled the 2020 KTM 890 Duke R in a digital presentation to the media. The KTM 890 Duke R is based on the KTM 790 Duke which boasts a lightweight, compact and agile package but the R badge means KTM has tuned the 890 Duke R engine to be more aggressive and features the top of the range performance parts that the brand has to offer.
In terms of styling, the ‘Super Scalpel’ features ultrasharp angular styling with a full LED headlamp unit at the front, a 14-litre fuel tank with angular tank shrouds with KTM R body graphics, orange painted chassis, orange painted alloy wheels, bolt-on subframe, step-up seats, multicolour TFT instruments console, etc.
The KTM 890 Duke R features tapered aluminium handlebars that are positioned lower and have a forward position to increase the feedback from the front tyre. The handlebar can be tuned for reach with three rotational adjustments and four positions on the triple clamps and combined with the profiled fuel tank can accommodate both relaxed and aggressive riding styles.
The KTM 890 Duke R is powered by an in-line two-cylinder 4-stroke engine based on the KTM 790 Duke that has been reworked and has a larger bore, stroke and a 20% larger rotational mass on the crankshaft. The engine gets bigger but lighter pistons and new connecting rods along with a new camshaft that has a more aggressive profile which allows more lift and a higher compression ratio. The engine on the KTM 890 Duke R produces 121 hp of power and 99 Nm of torque matched to an upgraded gearbox with a shorter shift lever travel and lighter spring action that allows faster gear shifts. The optional Quickshifter+ also gets improved settings.
KTM 890 Duke R features 43mm fully adjustable upside-down WP Apex forks on the front and a fully adjustable WP Apex monoshock suspension on the rear. The stopping power comes from dual 320mm disc armed with Brembo Stylema callipers which offers lighter components and sharp but precise brake feedback through the Brembo MCS master cylinder unit on the front and a single disc with Brembo calliper on the rear.
KTM 790 Duke was officially launched last year in India but the brand has not updated the 790 Duke to BS6 standards and as of now there is no official announcement from the brand about the KTM 890 Duke R coming to our shores, but KTM may be planning to introduce the KTM 890 Duke R in replacement of the 790 Duke, so fingers crossed.
