Can the KTM Duke 890 be a great touring motorcycle? We are putting it to the test!

What do you think of the CRAZY touring test we are going to do?!
With heaps of agility & power, comfortable sitting position, luggage options, and a few comfort feature ad ons, the Duke 890 can be quite the touring machine when outfitted properly!
If you like adrenaline pumping, canyon carving action, (or twisties of any sort) you might be considering the KTM Duke - and for good reason. Its a blast to ride! It's even fun to zip around in urban settings because it is so light and nimble.
But what if you want to hit the highway and do some long haul riding? Or even explore some backroads that might turn into dirt/gravel on occasion? We think it just might be able to do that with ease as well.
Join us for this review video, and let us know what you think!

[@mister656]

Hi, just by fate or KZbin algorythms I stumbled over your video.😃 My name is Eric and I‘m a 49 years old bike-enthusiast from Germany nearby Cologne. My stature is quite robust having 197cm in size. My 2020 Duke 890R is my 26th bike in my bike carreer and it serves as the second & whirlwind-optional bike, beside a BMW R1200GS. I fully can confirm that touring does also work very well on the Duke and I really love full-day touring (~400-500km) with it on small roads. Even just returned from a one-week trip from Italy and the Dolomites Alps last friday.👍 To fully enjoy touring, my Duke 890R also has some touring options: 1.) the Original heated grips 2.) the Original Cruise Control option 3.) the fabolous Quickshifter + 4.) the MSR option 5.) the small SW-Motech tankbag (OEM Louis-Vanucci/KTM) 6.) a large Original KTM tail-bag (18-32L) 7.) a SW-Motech softcase incl. carrier-frame 8.) the PowerParts Ergo-Seat (+2cm) 9.) Michelin Road 5 tires, which are perfect for all weather touring and have a long duration 10.) PowerParts large screen 11.) BMW Navigation bracket + active Connected Drive craddle (shared with my GS) 12.) +2,5cm riser for a more relaxing ride position 13.) full set of crashpads (engine,fork & swing). Many of those parts have been purchased used as the local Ebay-market offers a lot, so you can optimize with less financial effort. The Duke is very nimble in handling, especially on small mountain-roads it‘s pure fun and reacts so easy that you are able to ride for several hours a day nearly stressless. It‘s a real contrast to my heavy 250kg GS and always brings a smile on my face. 😃 The GS is also perfect in a different way with less emotion. Long distance rides on highways are no problem, you can easy ride 500km on the Autobahn just have a 1 hour break and go for another 500km to reach your destination. The only lacking point on the Duke, especially with the sexy short tail mods here in Europe, is rain-protection from the back. Whenever you get into messy weather your back is wet and all the dirt is spinned up to your back and messes up the complete bike. Therefore it‘s more fun on sunny weather and small roads. I‘m really curious about your trip-experience and will follow your channel!👍 Please ride safe and have a good time on two wheels! Greatings with my left hand from Germany! ✌️Eric

[@pavechaser]

Hi Eric, Thank you for your comment! It sounds like you have done a lot of similar updates to your Duke as I have (and am in the process of doing). I was on the fence for the power parts ergo seat, but I think I might add that to the list (as long hours on a firm seat can be hard!) I just got back from a 4 day trip to the Magdalen Islands here in Canada and will be posting soon on that. Also adding a bunch more goodies in the upcoming weeks before the BIG test this summer to the Arctic Circle! Cheers from Canada! :)

[@cuzimaluzer777]

Ive done some pretty big miles on mine. Powerparts seat, Powerparts windshield. Sw motech roll top bag which is waterproof and i wear a backpack. Ive gone over 600 miles a day several times. Usually stop for fuel around 140 miles. I also have cruise control.

[@fuzzypic]

Great review, you pretty much answered all my questions. Thank you. Great bike!

[@pavechaser]

Thank you! 🙂

[@sadeqalbana]

when I said that this is the perfect all rounder bike and you can do adventures and offroading on it like those big ADV bikes, they laughed at me, I'm gonna get it soon and I'm pretty sure that you're correct, 205mm ground clearance, 169KG dry weight (vs 200+ most adv bikes), very comfortable seating position and can almost flat foot both my feet even though I'm barely 170cm tall, so it's perfect for short people as I tested that myself, ability to attach saddle and rear bags, no fairings so you have easier access to the bike's components in emergency situations, not to mention it'a basic inline 2 setup, it's just perfect

[@sandbiker]

Excellent video.

[@pavechaser]

Thanks! 🙏 🙂

[@zachwayne6343]

This is my dream bike. I'm on a ninja 650 right now, it's getting beat up but I'm learning a lot 🤘 The KTM 890 has been on my list since before the first one was released.

[@pavechaser]

It’s definitely a great bike - very versatile! 👍

[@bogdanm7873]

I have the 890 duke R is my daily driver, i usually do around 60km a day commuting inside and outside town, it amazing in town very easy to manage thru traffic and even better outside town, a blast on the roads, and without windshield i can do 120-140 km/h no issues, the way it blows the air is very good, but i am short rider maybe this helps as well. In the end I always say you can tour on any bike as long as you accept that may not be the most comfortable ride, but if there is the willingness everything is possible!

[@pavechaser]

They are definitely a blast! I agree with you - you can tour on any bike (even a bicycle! 😝) . My goal with this bike series is to make the Duke a comfortable and functional touring bike with a bit of scrambler/adventure capabilities! 🤞 We will find out soon 😂✌️

[@sadeqalbana]

I would take it over a BMW GS even for offroading, it's about 80-100kg lighter but with a lower seat height and a very good ground clearance (205mm vs 238mm on the R1250GS), other naked bikes sit around 150-160mm, so in actual offroad situations, I can handle it when it falls or when it's about to fall.

[@Thumpermad]

Same bike same screen clip on 15L tank bag and a gearsack rack and reversible bag I leave permanent on my 890R and also the Powerparts seat is great. I also put GSXR footpegs on for added grip and a Akrapovic Muffler + Arrow decat and running Michelin Road 6s the bike is truly amazing also try a set of KTM 690R Handlebars they have a little more sweep and are much more comfortable cheers mate. Sweet Ride man

[@pavechaser]

Nice! I might just look into the handlebars. Thanks for the comment!✌️

[@Showmetheevidence-]

I don't know why people in other reviews have said this bike isn't good for long distance... I rode one today for the first time, and it was perfect - sure the wind protection is 1 big issue on any naked bike, but having recently ridden the triumph 765rs that the KTM 890 was actually BETTER for me as a longer distance bike.

[@movem1]

Fun stuff. SW Motech sure do make nice gear. Both bikes look sharp in black, consider some yellow aux lights so cars see you better

[@pavechaser]

Not a bad idea- thx! 👍

[@timaurus]

Great video, I'm outgrowing my Street Triple. I was wondering how the 890 Duke is for pillion comfort? The pillion pegs do look a little high - how are passenger's knees after a while?

[@pavechaser]

Thank you! I guess It would depend on the passenger. A taller person might find it a bit cramped for longer trips. Yes they are a bit high because at the end of the day, it is still a sport bike! :)

[@prrsnikety]

I also own the Duke 890 (R version) and I'm currently doing what I can to make it a touring bike as I'm interested in Motorcycle Camping. I have a Ventura 40L bag on the back, and a repurposed Yamaha (Mt07) pannier bag on the left side only. I had a quick question about the windscreen, how easy is it to put on and take off? I also take this bike to the Track (another great reason to own the Duke 890), and I'd be uninstalling the windscreen nearly once a week.

[@pavechaser]

I remove the windshield often myself. It’s quite easy - all you do is remove the four screws holding the screen to the brackets and you’re done. This assumes that you are able to leave the brackets on the bike when you’re on the track. They are not very large/that noticeable on the bike without the windscreen, so I have no problem leaving them on. (Removing the brackets is a bit more of a headache as they are connected to the fork bracket.) I did a video on the installation process of it, so you can get a better look there if you want to check that out! 👍🙂

[@ConsideringMyPosition]

When are you going to be in Edmonton with that sweet Duke!

[@pavechaser]

We should be rolling though that part of Canada the last week of August give or take a few days! :)

[@gertthesquirt3924]

I've done long trips way on a 790 and an 890. For touring, I find both to be more than up for it in all conditions (barring snow/ice). It's very comfy even for an old granny like me. Extra luggage was not a problem and didn't dampen the fun at all.

[@pavechaser]

They do tour well even fully loaded! The extra padded seat makes a big difference too :)

[@mrrpm]

Hi, I own the duke r now for just two weeks. Highways is not the most fun. Does the puig windshield really keep the wind away from upperbody/ head? Without windshield there is almost no buffeting. How is that whith the windshield installed? Kind regards Marc Netherlands Ps when does your trip start?

[@pavechaser]

Congrats! The windscreen does make a difference on long highway runs. Don’t expect it to ride like a gold wing or anything LOL. Wind direction and velocity will also affect highway running with or without the screen. I find it very helpful for wind buffeting, but also allows me to tuck my cell phone and other things in behind so they don’t get blown off with the wind! The Atlantic Ocean to Arctic Ocean tour begins in about two weeks from now 😁 Always nice to hear from the Netherlands! - I’m half Dutch as my mothers from there!✌️

[@philiplaurell1163]

It will not be anything close to a proper touring bike's windscreen. At most it will deflect some of the wind off your chest, but not a lot. That is a flyscreen, not a windscreen.

[@dancingmaryjane]

Do you have a video or could you tell me what your favorite gear to wear is?

[@pavechaser]

I don’t have a video on apparel gear yet - I have a wide variety of gear that I use depending on the bike/type of riding I’m doing - but for adventure/touring riding I use a KTM adventure jacket, LS2 Valiant Helmet, and Harley Davidson Leather boots! I did a video on my moto camping setup which includes some gear as well if you want to check that out here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eqPMgZ5pqcelnrs

[@jimmylau6388]

Great channel. I recently got a 890R as well. Awesome bike. Your videos are quite informative. If you are in the Ottawa area and want to grab a bite or a drink, let me know.

[@pavechaser]

Thank you! 🙏 I’ll keep that in mind! ☕️🍲👍🙂

[@user-le9vh1jc1k]

anyproblem with the bike so far? leaking? starting problems ?

[@pavechaser]

Nope - no problems whatsoever 👍

[@orlandoberry4031]

How many ks do you get out of your tyres?

[@pavechaser]

It varies, I wore out a set of continental contiroads in about 7K kms - on the last leg of my journey to the Arctic Circle, I used Shinko 705‘s, and the back tire got around 11,000 kms (2000 kms of off pave gravel/shale - And I kind of pushed it for the last 2000 km, to get home 😅)

[@CB74651]

How many km did you do on you Duke now?

[@pavechaser]

I’m probably getting close to 28,000 kms

[@donaldduck9424]

A really nice video about a topic that interests me burning. I'm thinking about a sport tourer for next spring. I have two candidates (seriously). Kawasaki z1000sx or the KTM. I've ridden the KTM and it's tons of fun. Tours are also possible as whell as one can see here. But what about reliability? KTM isn't exactly known for being reliable. Are these problem's i've heard of only rumors without truth content? Shure they come with warrenty. But far away from dealership it is of no real use i gues. The Kawa is boring and fat compared with the KTM , but it's a japanes bike at least. An i've had lots of them without a single problem. Pleas dispel my concerns 😉

[@pavechaser]

Thanks for the comment! All I can speak from is my experience - I’ve had no issues with any of my KTMs up to this point (I’ve had three). I’ve also had no problem with my ninja (and it’s a 2002 with 50k kms!). Any machine could have problems no matter the brand, so I guess I would say go for the one that will make you smile most! (of course serviceability is an issue, and if you have no dealer nearby that might be problematic)

[@Zvigos83]

touring with a passenger?

[@pavechaser]

Certainly possible, although that’s mainly going to depend on your passenger. You might want to look at an upgraded passenger pillion if there’s gonna be long hours.

[@javierc2726]

Cupholder on a motorcycle. I don't even..

[@gorlami3341]

No offense but does not look exactly like a Kawasaki?

[@pavechaser]

No offence taken (I have, and love Kawasaki’s!) Personally I find the KTM has a rather unique look though!