2020 KTM 890 Duke R | Too Sharp For The Street?

I take the new Super Scalpel out on the street to see if "the scalpel" has been sharpened and if so, has it become it too sharp for the street?
Thank you Motorrad Huneke: ktm.motorrad-huneke.de/
Without partners like Motorrad Huneke I would not be able to make videos like this. Please check them out if you live in the Paderborn, Germany area.
My Contact Information:
Scott Warner
Email: [e-mail]

[@wavshrdr8452]

Nice review. I bought one of these and it is an awesome bike. It isn't as singular purpose as many make it out to be. While I have other bikes better suited for touring (K1600GT for example), if I didn't have one of those, I would have no problem putting soft luggage on this and a small screen and go touring. The motor is awesome, with torque like a bigger bike and the top end pull is very good. The brakes are stellar (same as on 1290 Super Duke but a lot less weight). If you can ride with restraint (less the 80 mph/130 km/h) you can get about 55+ mpg US, 5l/100km) and have about 300km on tank of fuel. You can easily adjust the front fork dampening on the fly if you want. The KTM traction control is really dialed-in. Get the full electronic package so you get the quick shifter, track pack, etc. The cruise should have been standard but is worth adding too. This bike is about 90-95% of the Super Duke at about half the price. Put it in track mode and you can wheelie like a Super Duke. Just crank the throttle in the lower 3-4 gears and hoon to your delight. KTM really got this bike right. Even if you don't love the looks, can't say I do, but I appreciate it more than before, it is a great all-around bike. More often than not, I find myself putting the key in the 890R's ignition even though I have "faster, smoother, more comfortable, etc." bikes to ride. It has pretty much all the HP you can use on the street and unless you are spending most of your time over 100 mph (160km/h) you aren't going to need more.

[@GrtSatan]

The biggest impediment to touring on the 890 is the seat. I can't tolerate more than 90 minutes on mine. As much as I love it, long distance riding will never be a thing. Having said that it is exponentially better in every respect than the 790 I traded in for it. Still a bit choked that I had to pay for the features that came stock with the 790. Also, the stock tires were done after less than 3000 km.s and scared me on several occasions by being useless until they were warm.

[@tommathers224]

@@GrtSatan I got about 2k miles out of the rear so pretty similar to you. For improved seat comfort, try something like an airhawk seat cushion or one of its clones. Made a huge difference for me and much cheaper/easier than swapping out the seat. I can ride for hours now without an issue. The tires are definitely on the performance rubber side of the tire spectrum and definitely liked to be warmed up before pushing them. They don't like cold weather either. I just had my first experience riding below 12C temps. No precipitation on the ground, just very cold. They were scary as can be. Still love the bike though.

[@ThrottleJunkie31415]

Love your reviews, absolutely no BS! Thank you, keep them coming!

[@breadofgodd]

I've been looking at a ton of reviews because I'm looking into buying this motorcycle and this review is by far the best review I've seen! Great job!

[@jimbojonesporfavor]

Thanks for video mate! Love your voice and delivery and of course the 2 great rules at the end! You seem a top bloke 👍😎

[@stephenchapman8344]

Great review Scott. Was going to get the 890 but my local dealer was doing such a great deal on the 790, I got it instead. Have been smiling ever since.😀👍

[@nicholaskemp2451]

Take a 1290 for a test ride with the electronics off and let me know what happens to your smile.

[@ironken1796]

I like your reviews! Casual and well done. Still getting to know my 890 R. Good info here.

[@samgardiner771]

I've watched a few 890r reviews to get an overall perspective and yours is by far the best. Great work. Subscribed. :)

[@NothingToProve]

Thank you Sam! Ride safe & take care, Scott

[@gabriel011080066828]

x2 !! His voice is so easy to listen to

[@motoactionyoutubechannel]

Gorgeous riding experience! All thumbs up!!!

[@adityakhatwa8555]

The quality of Audio is really crisp and clear man.

[@gabriel011080066828]

This review is so well done; 23mins point to point. Very informative. Subbed.

[@NothingToProve]

Thanks for the sub!

[@Youtube_Globetrotter]

I got this toy 😄🏍️ and I love it. It cost me more because I bought some powerparts, but its worth every money I spent

[@edmaluf]

What power parts did you get?

[@Youtube_Globetrotter]

@@edmaluf Orange aluminium fork braket, orange cover break fluid, Acrapovic slipon, aluminium foot pegs, sport pack software, barmirrors

[@edmaluf]

@@KZbin_Globetrotter cool. Thanks! 👍

[@freebehindbars8654]

Had an issue, yet?

[@Youtube_Globetrotter]

@@freebehindbars8654 no, but It seems like my brake fluid need refill, do I have a leak? I don't know but its not the first time

[@shreksexy6879]

NTP, Like your riding jacket! Color matches that bike nicely. Excellent video and beautiful scenery there in Germany.

[@spetersonmusic]

That is hard to not enjoy based on how often it made you laugh out loud. Very cool bike.

[@verdonrocksphotography3510]

Looks like you had a blast, the exhaust pipe is not my type of coffee , cool review, thank you, cheers V!!!

[@kirkdunn1379]

i dont mind the exhaust actually......better than those cannons kawi and suzuki use....its tucked in tight even though shape is odd actually one of the better looking stock exhausts

[@tigerbennettski7456]

your works are stylish and informative.thank you

[@janmuhammed9680]

A very nice 👌 for this comprehensive review, Both thumbs are up.

[@HariShankar-dw2pn]

This guy did a great job! Kudos! 👍

[@MrEunuch]

Another quality review where content and presentation has become very polished. Nice work! That and I really want the 890R ;-). Per one of your other comments, because KTM always offer good discounts around year end I will wait until end 2021 until thinking about pulling the trigger. Did the same on a 1290R a few years ago and could sell after 18 months at no loss. Feel for those that pay full price, but you'd be stupid not realising they do this every year and holding back until it's on offer.

[@NothingToProve]

Yes agreed! I did the same with my 2015 1290SDR, purchased it on December 28th 2015 for almost €2,000 off the normal price, it was a "winter special" price. 👍 Rode it for 4 yrs & 5 months and 22,000 km later and got €8k for it on the trade-in for my next bike. So it cost me a total of €6.5k to ride a 1290SDR for 4.5 years. 😁 👍 Never pay full price for a KTM. Well for that matter, almost any bike...LOL! Ride safe, Scott

[@andrewfletcher9559]

Great review Scott as always, I just got a new one, it's like a Dalmatian puppy, just wants to play all the time, absolutely nuts and far more capable than most riders abilities, grin factor 11 😁 Obviously you didn't get time but set the suspension to the comfort settings in the handbook and the difference is massive so it will tour. Also importantly the 890R comes with a rear seat and footpegs in a box which can be fitted in minutes!! For some reason your bike has the rear seat fitted instead of single seat cowling and no rear footpegs.

[@caltiki3090]

Great excuse to come to Germany !! Thnx NTP !!

[@alexfonseca9249]

Very nice video, nice views as well. Thank you ..!

[@paulbrook2459]

Another great review 👍👍be proud of your boy just chilling eating berry’s 😂

[@MTNPANTS]

Stand-out review! Thank you. I’m Considering my options for a third bike coming from a 2020 GSX-S 750. This looks like a solid step in the fun-focused direction which may be what I’m looking for. But I do enjoy that screaming in-line four above 8k rpm. Regardless, your review has been very helpful thanks again!

[@doubleaaaron]

Thank you scott, I really enjoy your videos. I sat one one of the 790's in hawaii and it was super comfy. I really wanted to take it up the mountain in maui, but couldnt get one rented. Only thing i worry about is reliability. Other than that, I like this bike.

[@pistolpete6321]

Fantastic review!

[@nickturnbull4302]

Great detailed review. Thanks

[@anthonycapirichio3957]

Love this guy…..fantastic review

[@jeman022004]

Another great review! I picked up the 790 and love it. Haven’t had any leaks or issues yet but am a bit concerned about the reputation for leaks (coolant/oil) these bikes are starting to get. Wish KTM would step up their quality control! Want to eventually get a Super Adventure but am kind of leaning towards the Japanese options due to reliability concerns during a long trip.

[@MrKdr500]

KTM'S super adventure is bullet proof....LC8 has been around for 6 years now & i have seen a 1290 superduke R with 136,000km's and still sounded great. My 790 duke has 46,000km's on it with zero issues.

[@charlesmastin5628]

I own 3 KTMs and mine have been great. Any issues have been due to normal wear and tear or user error. They get a bad rap for quality control but I can’t speak to anything not produced in Austria. My 2011 990 SMR (30k miles) has been known to leak a little oil and clutch fluid. Not a big deal. My 2008 690 SMC (12k miles ) leaks a drop of coolant every few weeks. My 2016 1290 SDR (10k miles) hasn’t leaked a drop in the 6 months I’ve owned it. They are fantastic bikes and anything actually produced in-house by KTM like the frame and engine are awesome. Everything else is more or less the same old global parts bin special but slightly more premium than your typical Japanese bike. Your chain is going to wear the same, you’re gonna get flat tires, your brake pads are gonna need replacing. It’s not like if you don’t talk to it nicely it breaks a rocker arm and leaves you stranded 😂. Good luck with your decision. The important thing is you’re getting out on two wheels.

[@ne21]

Great review, thanks.

[@donaldduck9424]

Brilliant review. I test drove a 890r recently and was addicted to this engine quite instantly. Sold my GSX-R 1000 to buy one of these. My only question 790,890 or 890 r .You have answered it in an obviously honest manner (one can hear the joy you have riding the bike) . So gues i have to order a 890 duke r . This thing is tons of fun. Love it.

[@johnDukemaster]

Thank you! I have the 690 Duke Thumper and I loooove it!

[@Mycatz]

Another great review. Hope you get to make a video on the KTM adventure 890.

[@_philipgitau]

Your intros are epic

[@krisv5591]

Awesome review :)

[@michaelgarcia-ql5mj]

Very informative video thanks

[@andrewd7586]

Good review Scott & I agree with that damn ugly “banana” on the side!🤮 I’d at least spray the heat shield black, if not the whole thing!

[@alexmorgan3435]

Good camera work at the start. Pity there's no pre-load on the front susp. Also would be nicer with a larger TFT and anti-glare screen. Would have to add the price of the QS and race pack though.

[@charlyromeo7926]

Whoever designed the exhaust pipe was into some very intense shit at the time.

[@DR-lg6xr]

really enjoy your reviews..... very concise and in depth, i look forward to them appearing on youtube ..... but i don't know how you can compare the 890 to the 790 unless you ride them back to back..... i think your 790 test was probably a year ago, and yet you can remember how much better the 890 torque etc is...... undoubtedly the 890r is a better bike, but by how much is impossible to judge unless you ride them back to back .....just my opinion....

[@Luckylohn]

....." it is a toy ...only enjoy ..... and being aware .......drive cool and fair " ;-) ............ Danke für den Upload u. Grüße nach Paderborn . Luckylohn

[@thomaskwoll991]

Altenbeken-Langeland: love that Track, but since they made that "bumpers(?)" in the road, you need a hard ass or a Enduro :-) Nice Test Report by the way...thank you for that.

[@114jt]

Two thumbs way way up for this video and all of your content recently Scott. Keep it coming!

[@frankstocker5475]

Two thumbs up for this review.

[@LizardMane]

I love this guy hahaha so genuine

[@tomtraynor5384]

I believe swingarm pivot is located higher. Great bike. If they would "GT" it that would be a winner.

[@JeanClaudeNiue]

Hey Scott, Great review! I have try one of these out when they are at some dealers down under. What brand of pants are you wearing while doing the walk around? They look awesome and comfortable for riding.

[@NothingToProve]

Thank you. The jeans are the Trilobite Parado, great for hot weather riding. Very breathable and comfortable. Ride safe, Scott

[@TopshelfJunior]

Man the music at the beginning really pumped me up and got me excited to watch this lol.

[@Bredaxe]

Because of my back, I can't ride totally upright anymore. I've been gravitating towards bikes that give me more forward lean. Plus I find bikes like cruises tend to transfer the road roughness direct to my spine.

[@wakajawaka44]

I test rode the KTM Duke 890 R 2021 yesterday and yes I agree with everything you said in the video. However I found the shifting between first and second gears very clunky which really took the edge off what was a fantastic ride but for me this could be a deal breaker! A few other reviewers also complain about the shifting in first and second gears. I am not sure if it's my poor riding skills or the fact it was a demonstration bike. You had no complaints about the transmission and I know you always give very honest review. As always a great video Thank you!! SW France

[@NothingToProve]

Thank you! And yes, the "hardest" shift or "biggest" shift is always between 1st and 2nd, the rest of the gear shifts are easy to get right for any OEM. I don't recall this bike being "overly" clunky but it was over a year ago that I rode it and the bike you rode well, yes, it could be the "demo" bike because a lot of demo bikes get used and abused on a regular basis. ride safe, Scott

[@wakajawaka44]

@@NothingToProve Thank you Scott for your very quick reply and taking the time to respond. It is appreciated!! I am sure I speak for all of us.

[@TheJWC56RSA]

Shift too soon and it will cluck... Pull of in 1st and go past 5k rpm and it is OK.

[@brucekendall52]

Thanks,great bike.Would you find it a bit of a disappointment getting back on your XR?(I know they have different purposes).Just an interesting observation?

[@KevXRDuke]

XR1200? I have a 2010 Pearl Orange XR 1200. It is in excellent condition. I put 37,000 miles on it in 51/2 years. I bought a 2021 890 Duke R yesterday with 1200 miles. It is all set up. I am in Florida so we ride all year here. I am going to have to start doing some trackdays with the Duke. My 12 year old son races supermoto. So I do some trackdays with him on the gocart tracks.

[@GaryJohnWalker1]

Excellent review - up there with Neeves mcn test. Great bike, but it isn't the answer to everything. If we ever return to regular commutes this'd be a serious option for me. As it is, maybe too much the Sunday morning blast.But must check out the price of 790s here in the uk...

[@NothingToProve]

Thank you for the nice compliment, much appreciated. Yea, here the 790 is 3,500 euros less than the 890, so it's hard to pass up a 790 for that kind of money. OR wait till next year when dealers have plenty of 890's in stock, then the price will drop some but right now guys are just waiting for them to hit the dealers, so full price! 😒

[@pierremartin9048]

Good vid

[@duffymoto4632]

my first bike was (and still is) a drz400sm. been riding it for a year and a half. should i get the 790 or jump right to the 890?

[@ericeengies]

Ok it will be my everyday toy!

[@scottstetson2879]

I tested one of these at the KTM demo ride and the bike was a blast to ride.

[@GrtSatan]

I agree completely about the hideous stock silencer which is the reason I opted for the Acrapovic when I bought my 790. Was a little miffed when the 890 was introduced but will be trading up for one, again with the Acrapovic and for the same reason. Was unpleasantly surprised to learn that the silencers for the 790 and 890 are not identical despite the machines having the same frame geometry, and the Acrapovic for my 890 was 400.00 more expensive than the one for my 790.

[@06szymonszymanski]

Amazing review. I don't know what to think about this bike really. It is a toy like you said but for 15k and still no quick shifter sounds a bit like a joke. I would go for 765rs :)

[@archilvardidze6761]

it has it but you need to unlock it as well as track mode. ask dealer

[@edselsugay5342]

9:59 The kid in the back totally startled me. Hahaha

[@NothingToProve]

He was getting a little impatient with me, I was taking way too long to shoot the video, so he decided to entertain himself. 😁👍😊

[@markstill8258]

@@NothingToProve Children of the corn about to wish him to the corn field.

[@Nutter1138]

Nice review. Was that your adorable family at the start?

[@NothingToProve]

Yes 😊

[@THEelduderino]

Agree this makes the 790 Duke obsolete. The “790 platform” however will be interesting. 890 ADV just came out, 790 ADV is remarkably capable off-road, its biggest limitation for single track is the weight, 890 ADV just adds more weight w/o benefit, the 790R has more power than you could ever use off. If you ride 890 ADV mostly street w/ easy off-road, 890 ADV makes sense

[@robertandersson2523]

You forgot to mention that track mode and quick shifter is not included in 890. I have loved every km of my 8000km so far on my 890R. Haha you did mention it later but not while you talked about the money:)

[@d1daveoh]

Love the idea and follow through but my knees would revolt.

[@ericjohnson1472]

I had the 690 duke, I can’t believe in this day and age KTM are still pushing out top bikes with no preload set in the front forks, I’ll buy the Triumph with full adjustable forks and shocks

[@louislopez55]

Not too many years ago there was an article in Motorcycle Consumer News (now out of business) about motorcycles with tall gas tanks and how in some accidents the rider sustained a broken pelvis, because they first would slam into the rear of the gas tank. The article questioned why designers continued to make bikes like that. It doesn't look like that was a consideration with this bike. I think the manufacturers know this is not something most motorcyclists care about. Who buys a motorcycle taking into consideration how it performs in a crash?

[@MrStickxx3]

hey ! great video as usual. i am considering buying an everyday bike. Is 1290r way more better for every day roads ?

[@charlesmastin5628]

You gotta define every day roads more. Dense urban with mad lane splitting and filtering, backroads where you need to pass trucks, highways were you gotta stay stable while blasting past 4 lanes of traffic and do this at night in the rain? A 1290 let’s you overtake easily but a smaller, less powerful and lighter bike (like my older 990 or these 790/890s) is more than suitable to do everything.

[@MrStickxx3]

Charles Mastin thanks for responding. I will try the 1290 in one hour so I will see but I cant try the 890 for now. My every day roads are small roads, no highway

[@charlesmastin5628]

MrStickxx3 hope you enjoyed the ride! Which model year did you take out? I have a 2016 and love it.

[@tannenherz]

High, i like the seat-position, because i am able to ride slowly with enough comfort too. Kindly Fiete

[@NGarcia]

What boots are you using? Good work!

[@NothingToProve]

Those are TCX Rush WP boots. Thanks!

[@larryvanputten4048]

Scott lets his pocketzippers open, just to fit the KTM Orange! :-)

[@NothingToProve]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@hawkwood6405]

With the middle weight sport touring segment being hot right now KTM would be remiss if they do not come out with a GT version to compete with BMW F900XR and Yamaha Tracer900gt. A small fairing, cruise control, quick shifter, a slightly lengthened swing arm and a set of dedicated panniers would make a nice light little package which is not just a toy...

[@NothingToProve]

and a wheelie bar off the back tire to finish it off. 👍😁

[@vicorrosiv]

Bro Great review as always, Honestly I wanna upgrade to to this Motorcycle but I feel like it may be a bit too much for my rookie ass! haha Also Big question where can I find those Moto jeans dude? They are pretty sick, and I am quite biased to when it comes to riding jean Ugly Bros all the way!...

[@NothingToProve]

Thank you. The jeans are Trilobite Parado. Great for hot weather, very breathable.

[@SpirosGlykas]

How about the BMW F900R? The two engines have similar characteristics. You own the XR, so which one would you pick? I recently rode the XR and found it really playful-like. It reminded me of Ktm engines!

[@NothingToProve]

I want to put the 890 motor in my 900XR! BMW fit&finish and KTM power! Now that's the perfect bike! 👍😊 But I'd take the 900R over this for the same reasons that I got the XR, quality, fit/finish is second to none on the BMW. But 10 years ago, I'd take the 890 😁

[@somethingelse1988]

A belly pan and a different Pipe and this would look awesome

[@RealOrbit-Australia]

Best middleweight in every comparison I've seen. The RS has a bit more top end but it isn't faster in a straight line from the get go. As for the looks. Take the banana off, add a tail tidy and slap on the racing seat cowl and it looks orgasmic. Probably change the mirrors aswell. The only gripe I have is the tank is a bit small

[@RutgerMulder]

The RS is the fastest middleweight naked in a straight line. The only one that does 0-200 under 10 seconds. What i found more surprising was that the RS also has the fastest acceleration in 6th gear from even low rpm (60-100km/h) beating the more torquey engines.

[@RealOrbit-Australia]

@@RutgerMulder have you got a source mate? That's not what I've found out through my research. I'd be interesting to see if every journalist got it wrong when comparing the two because...the KTM pushes more HP and torque until it revs out and the Striple catches up after 9k. So how would that make it faster off the line and coming out of corners and just general street riding? Very interested to see your sources on this one

[@wineglassoracle7356]

Would you compare it with your F900XR?

[@Ducatijay72]

You should ride in UK, our pot holes occasionally have a road

[@NothingToProve]

😁😂🤣🤣🤣

[@sivvinod3187]

Same in India. Like father, like son, I guess.

[@Ducatijay72]

@@sivvinod3187 better food there though 😛

[@sivvinod3187]

@@Ducatijay72 but people here are absolutely toxic, but yeah, the food balances it out.

[@Ducatijay72]

@@sivvinod3187 yes unfortunately we have the same problem in UK, we can just ride out bikes and ignore them 👊 have good day/evening

[@coopula3387]

I would love to know what you think for someone 6-4 could I ride this thing long distance with the right mods?

[@NothingToProve]

Sure, should be no problem. But riding any naked for long distances has it consequences.

[@marek19922209]

this one in non R version is also capable for "touring" :) for sure more than Street triple

[@ulrichfriehe3459]

It's a joy, a good ole toy.

[@gerardoesquivel9919]

What do you think about the upcoming ducati multistrada 937 vs this ktm 890 duke?

[@NothingToProve]

I don't know anything about it, so no opinion as of yet 😢

[@duanedragon2]

This bike is measurably better in every single metric to my Speed Twin but I still like my bike better. My wife's Duke 390 is a great bike.

[@jiggooloco408]

Scott thanks for this video.. How is the Duke 890R compared to BMW F900R? Power.. Acceleration.. Handling.. Value For Money.. I've seen Ur Video of the BMW F900R and U really had fun with it. So if U were to purchase between these 2...which is which? Appreciate Ur Honest reply as I am planning of getting soon.. 🙏

[@NothingToProve]

Two different bikes, even though they are in the same group. This beats the 900R in every thing except maybe the value, the 900R is 8,300 here and the 890R is 11,500. So 3000 difference and it really depends on what you want, high performance or fit/finish/refinement. I'm getting to the age that performance is not everything any more, I'm looking for comfort/refinement with a little performance and so I'd take the 900R right now but 10 years ago I'd probably take the 890 👍😊 and go balls to the wall with it!!! 🤣🤣

[@jiggooloco408]

@@NothingToProve thanks a lot Scott. 🙏❤️ More Power to Ur channel 👍.

[@jiggooloco408]

And also take a review on the BMW R nine T Pure 2020... Want to know Ur Feeling on the Bike Dynamics👍❤️🙏🙏🙏🙏 Ive seen Ur Video on the 2014 Model. Hope U can review it. Cheers

[@vincentmbuyane]

Young man wants to help with the review 😄😄😄 .

[@l.8297]

Nice review man!! Do me a favor and ride the 1290 3.0 and compare it to the 890 :)))

[@NothingToProve]

Hi, I did a review of it this last May: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ipi5noR5d7J6eKM Enjoy, Scott

[@l.8297]

NothingToProve yes I see. What do you prefer on Landstraße?

[@JuniorJr_23]

Very nice review. What's the difference between the 890 Duke R and the 890 Duke?

[@NothingToProve]

Thank you. Cheaper, a little less power and a little less performance but that's about it. take care, Scott

[@TheJWC56RSA]

@@NothingToProve Not the same suspension and brakes though!!

[@jimbojonesporfavor]

Any idea when you might be able to review the 890 non-R ?! It's a lot cheaper here (USD$ 3k). The 790 is no longer available in dealers

[@NothingToProve]

Yes, that is on my "to-do" list! 👍😁

[@LizardMane]

the 790 has a quick shifter but the 890 des not???

[@pedromiguelareias]

How about a semi-faired version to compete with the F900XR ? I would still go for the BMW but this appears to be livelier.

[@NothingToProve]

NOW that would be interesting indeed!

[@Rainer.M67]

890 SMT (google for prototype pictures) is expected in 2021 and its what I am waiting for

[@steve-wu7jp]

Great idea✌️

[@13conair]

I just paid £6499 for the 790 last month ! bargain and just could not say no, dealer only had 2 left and wanted rid of them to get the 890 in so thanks KTM and love the 790, and the money i saved will soon be getting spent on brembo calipers and better suspension !

[@Thorsten_Kueppers]

I‘d love to have this engine in an all new 890 SMT, I still hope they‘re bringing it 2021/2022 I almost bought a used 990 SMT last year but I did not like the engine‘s behavior at low revs.

[@sigberetta72]

Are they really gonna make a 890 SMCR? I got the 690 and would be happy to see a 890 version of same bike .

[@markreynolds8630]

You can sort out the low speed handling on the smt with air box mods, and a remap. Yes, there has been spy shots of the 890 smt. Maybe due for release by 2021.

[@charlesmastin5628]

Mark Reynolds yup. I have a 990 SMR and it rips. Rottweiler intake, remove all the emissions “stuff”, Akra map, wings exhaust, weight reduction, etc. I had the chance to go back to back with a stock SMT and it was so soft and lumpy.

[@markoosmani8700]

Servus, welche 360 camera benutzs du? Danke

[@NothingToProve]

Gopro Max. 😁

[@marcom7916]

Totally flexible bike, I put a top case and bring a passenger comfortably on a regular basis.

[@fyorbane]

Great review Scott. It's obviously a great toy and somewhat single minded. Not really a fan of the marmite styling and they should offer more than one colour option. This will limit it's appeal and potential buyers. Come on KTM. Personally I would take the Triumph 765 R over this which has more power than the RS up to 10,000 RPM [great for the road]. Also the Kawasaki Z900 is a better all round road bike [with less niggles too] and makes similar power [although it is heavier]. Take care my friend and a big thumbs up from me here in sunny France.

[@vector409]

the z900 doesn't have as good an electronics package though, cornering abs etc ... sadly

[@fyorbane]

@@vector409 Agreed. Would love Kawasaki To produce an R version of the Z900 with better suspension, brakes, quicksilver etc.

[@RutgerMulder]

Very true, the Kawasaki and Triumph are better allrounders. Motorcycle mag over here tested all middleweight nakeds and rated both of em higher than the 890 duke. They also didn't like the 890 engine when put under load at low rpm. For who cares this is how they rated them all: 1. Triumph Street Triple RS 2. Kawasaki Z900 3. KTM 890 Duke R 4. Yamaha MT-09 SP 5. BMW F900R 6. Suzuki GSX-S750 7. Ducati Monster 821 Stealth

[@vector409]

@@fyorbane wouild love that too boz, I've been off bikes for 10 years .. the RS nearly tempted me back, which led me to the z9, but the shit suspension and lack of cornering abs has stopped me. given every dickhead on the road is either on the phone or totally oblivious, i want all the electronic toys which points to ktm/bmw but ktm's are about as reliable as a politician

[@fyorbane]

Meant quickshifter not quicksilver. Bloody predictive text.

[@demetripapa307]

would you go 890r or mt10 here in the states they are about the same price?

[@NothingToProve]

MT10 has a lot more to offer but it is a bigger bike and is in the heavyweight naked category, this is a middleweight. Just depends on what you want, bigger, heavier more power, then MT10, smaller, lighter, less power 890R. Although the sound of the MT10 is awesome, so I'd take the Yamaha, it's just a lot more bike for the same money.

[@demetripapa307]

@@NothingToProve Thanks. I got to ride the mt10 but not the ktm. The mt10 sound is amazing.

[@stolenlaptop]

I want to love ktm bikes but their styling is always so jarring to my eyes. Looks like a blast tho!

[@dambition7495]

yeah the bugshead headlight and the plastic toy car look, i dont like it but it sounds like a fun as hell bike.. to bad

[@farmoboy83]

They look just like they were designed for a 16years old boy to impress schoolmates...too flashy for shure

[@adventuride9611]

You're not looking at it while you're riding it. My 1090 Adv is the best bike I've ever owned

[@farmoboy83]

@@adventuride9611 yes its true but if you are going to pay 15k or more for a bike, at least it has to look good to your eyes. As someone said, if you dont look back at least once when you park your bike and walk away, its not the bike you should have bought.

[@Joric78]

Hit and miss for me. I like the 1290 Super Duke R, but less so the 790/890. Similarly with the adventure bikes, the 1290 and 1090 look great, but the 790 adventure is an ugly duck. Even with the models I like the lines of, I still find the amount of orange pretty offensive. Orange wheels in particular. Not that it'll stop me getting one.

[@meattooth1303]

if i decide on a new naked, this is my #1 target. Currently have a 690 so I know I would love the upgrade.

[@michaelj.kastner5165]

Go 1290-R !!! Phenomenal

[@after75]

Hi Scott, this or the 1290R for ultimate road hooliganism? 😉

[@NothingToProve]

"ultimate" hmm...this! It's sooooooo much lighter and flick-able.

[@charlesmastin5628]

I would propose the 690SMC if you truly mean hooliganism. It’s much lighter and has way more ground clearance. Then again you said road 😁

[@michalpach1179]

No quickshifter in 890 despite there was one with 790? Weird. I would rather buy a 790 and spend the difference on aftermarket suspension. Do you really need those 15 bhp more?

[@exothermal.sprocket]

From their website: Quickshifter optional Supermoto ABS optional Cruise Control optional Standard TC Standard rider modes Standard rider aids Standard Bosch IMU Cornering ABS And a lot more.

[@twowheelslater7112]

I'm looking into either this or mt09 sp. Folks say the mt09 is easier to live with. If the fueling has no issues with the ktm I don't kind of see why.

[@kirkdunn1379]

issue is MT 09 SP is getting around 3k ADM where i can a duke at sticker........tried all over so cal , OTD yammie is same as 890 R so.....actually was quoted 12.6k for MT 09 base model today......SP is 1600 more plus another 1k in markup......probably little more comfy and reliability.....could re gear the KTM to smooth it out if it felt too barky.........

[@junaidmullajee2946]

this over a cheaper used 1290?

[@kirkdunn1379]

without a doubt i would spend the extra 1k to get the R.......better resale, brakes, suspension, tires, engine, steering dampner, and looks......well worth a thousand bucks, if you had to buy it later on you probsbly can get better suspension although would cost alot more and these brakes used just for front are $700 just for fronts brakes and suspension are just as important as the motor for me.......and you can adjust both for appications.... should have the quickshifter as standard and wish these naked bikes had better wind control but that will slow many down and thats a good thing most likely.......looking at one of these for first bike on street.......tuono 660 is a better deal but worry about reliability, owned plenty of ktm bikes in past and all were solid