
KTM has just given the world a pleasant surprise. Over the weekend, we received news of KTM’s release of the new Duke R. KTM has seen so much success over their sport naked duke range and this time around, they listened to the clamor of their faithful followers for an updated 790 Duke.

The 2020 KTM 890 Duke R was first revealed last November at Esposizione Internazionale Ciclo Motociclo e Accessori (EICMA) and was originally slated to be released in autumn of 2020 as a 2021 model. Now, KTM is treating us by releasing a limited run of the 2020 KTM 890 Duke R. Powered by a new 890 cc parallel-twin engine based on the old 790 Duke. The new engine was given a higher bore and stroke, compression ratio and redline, and larger valves. A new piston design, connecting rods, crankshaft coupled with a new individual mapping adjustment on each cylinder, in total gives it an output of 121 hp and 99 Nm of torque.

Its suspension system also gets a new update and it's a welcome boost. It now comes with a fully adjustable 43 mm Inverted fork by Apex with a travel increase to 5.5 inches. Its rear mono-shock, also an Apex unit now has the option to adjust high- and low-speed compression damping. The result of the new suspension system, however, gives it an increase of ride height by 15 mm to improve handling and ground clearance.

KTM’s Duke series has always been loaded with tech features and the new 890 Duke R is no exception. It now comes with cornering ABS and Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC) that not only detects the side-to-side and forward and backward pitch of the bike, but also its drift positioning. The result is greater linear acceleration and anti-wheelie for faster and controlled power away from a corner or situation. But for more advanced riders, this feature can be disabled for less intervention by the bike. Among its switchable riding modes (Raid, Street, and Sport), comes an optional TRACK setting which gives the rider a nine-level slippage gauge allowing the rider to fully customize the traction, anti-wheelie, and throttle control.
The lower handlebar and more rear-set footpegs give the rider a more aggressive and sportier riding position and a greater lean angle. The lack of a pillion and passenger footpegs clearly makes it a worthy machine made for the track.

The new KTM 890 Duke R is set to be released for spring in the USA for a limited run for the price of $11,699. While no official announcement has been made yet as to when it’s release in the Philippines would be, we are hoping to expect its arrival perhaps towards the end of 2020 at around the Php 850,000 to Php 880,000 price range.
Tagged Under
Related Articles
-
KTM and Bajaj partnership has produced more than one million motorcycles / News
The KTM and Bajaj partnership has yielded in excess of one million motorcycles consisting mainly of small to mid-displacement bikes ranging from 125cc to 400cc
-
KTM updates the RC 200 and 390 with a new windscreen for 2023 / News
KTM has updated the RC model range consisting of the 125, 200, and 390 in the global market with a new windscreen.
-
Take a look at KTM’s brand new 2023 street bike lineup / News
For the 2023 model year, KTM has unveiled new hues for its street motorcycles, the Duke and RC 125 and 390, as well as the 790 and 890 Duke.
-
The KTM 790 Duke returns to Europe / News
The original scalpel is making a return in the European market with A2 compatibility and 95 horsepower.
-
Here are more details about KTM’s investment in MV Agusta / News
Timur Saradarov, MV Agusta’s CEO, clarified the KTM capital infusion deal, stating better dealers in the future.
Latest News
-
Is CFMOTO working on a V4-powered superbike? / News
CFMOTO is reportedly developing a new V4-powered superbike, according to recent patent applications in China.
-
Moto ACCS opens its second branch in Greenhills, San Juan / News
Autohub has recently inaugurated the second branch of Moto ACCS, an all-in-one motorcycle gear and accessories shop in Greenhills, San Juan.
-
Pirelli presents the newest generation of Diablo Supercorsa V4 hypersport tires / News
Italian tire specialist Pirelli has launched the newest generation of its hypersport tires, the Diablo Supercorsa V4