Is The KTM Duke 890R THE BEST Middleweight Naked bike? | Day In The Saddle

[@spitescorner]

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[@richardmalone6805]

Spite's Corner, Did you not have track mode on that?

[@houjous5131]

It seems like he didn't play with the tech at all. If he did - he would've realized the heated grips, if they are on the bike - you just need to turn them on in the menus no extra purchase needed. If the was no track-mode I doubt the bike has the auto-shifter/blipper either & he was just abusing the clutch.

[@spitescorner]

@@richardmalone6805 Nope, you have to pay to unlock that

[@spitescorner]

@@houjous5131 The R doesn't come standard with the track package. That's an extra purchase option. However, this did have a quickshifter and autoblipper.

[@houjous5131]

@Spite's Corner they bought the autoshift+ w/o the msr? Probably the issue right there.

[@franklinschneider1273]

I’m 53. A Boxer engine guy. A dad guy. I got on this and grinned ear to ear for six hours straight. 366 lbs and 121hp. So much fun compared to the 550lb behemoths. I’m 5’10”. No problem reaching the ground. It’s a naked bike. There is wind. S’ok. QS is chonky for sure; wears in well though. Throttle requires finesse; it helps to have finesse. Make sure you have it as a rider. I never change modes mid ride. Never track it-just pure twisties on Rt 1 looking at the Pacific. Reminds me of my dirt bikes as a kid. SO much fun and makes me a better rider. Corners on rails, just astounding.

[@BigRockMoto]

My heart told me Duke 890R, my head told me MT-09 SP. I went with my head this time.

[@frenchtoast-d7u]

Are you doing a review on that MT-09?

[@COWGUYVT]

Your heart would have had more fun.

[@stubbingtonmarigold3032]

Until it broke like his motorcycle

[@COWGUYVT]

@@stubbingtonmarigold3032 you get out of here with your logic.

[@TjBruce817]

Here in Canada my wallet told me to get out of the KTM dealer and get my butt over to the Yamaha dealer, the none SP MT 09 is what I ended up with in the end.

[@AselevID]

That's the thing about KTM. They may have some questions about reliability and certainly some questionable design language, but while you are riding them, the performance and character make you just not even care. They are all such fun bikes. I have the 890 Adventure and am in love with it.

[@RollinwithRoland]

As a 790 Adventure S owner with 25k miles on my bike, thoroughly thrashed... It's been surprisingly reliable in my experience, but I'm keen on engine maintenance. Not so much with ever washing the bike though, it's been jumped/bottomed out WAY more than it's ever been washed or chain-lubed... XD

[@AselevID]

@@RollinwithRoland Great to hear! Hoping mine will work out well! I've also beat mine up but not nearly as long with no issues. Completely dismissed KTM in my search for a new bike, went into the dealership to buy an Africa Twin and came home with the KTM sitting next to it after the salesman convinced me to give it a ride. Felt like a no-brainer after that lol.

[@RollinwithRoland]

@@AselevID nearly the same story with me, was a Honda guy for life until KTM... XD

[@maguslascivious4980]

I've read they don't warranty their electronics either... That was a couple years ago now, but if that's still a thing it's another reason to avoid them even if they're awesome.

[@andrewschultz2504]

I love my 890 adventure s it’s fun and fast and the best all around motorcycle I’ve ever had. I don’t use Rally mode unless I want to go real fast

[@SWFlowseeker]

I love my 890r. Zero problems and lots of smiles!

[@richardchileshe9910]

I absolutely love this colour scheme. I wished the new 23 790 looked as good.

[@theportugamer3686]

@@richardchileshe9910 Hi! how many time do you have with the 890 R? because i buy one and i´m waiting for the bike it´s comming from Autria with the ship because i live in a island.

[@Narog-s1k]

890r 0-140 km/h 6,1sec. Mt 09 5,4sec. 😂

[@Lochlann13]

I've ridden for a long time and bought a KTM Super Duke 1290R about a year ago. To this day, that bike humbles me every time I ride it. Its top speed isn't insane, but you get there _so fast._

[@spitescorner]

The SDR is on a whole other level.

[@matvill4405]

This segment 750-900 cc are full of great options. It's so hard to choose one. I did the test drive of Monster 937, then look for MT09, Z900, Street Triple and the 890 Duke. I was hesitating about which one is the best for me. The performance, handling and electronics of the Ducati and the KTM was above, but the reliability issues made me thing about the Japanese that are also great bikes. Finally the KTM dealer gave the best price and I bought 890 Duke. After 5000km I am so happy with my choice, it's a great all around bike. In city traffic set rain mode and its so light, agile and friendly that you feel in an over power 250cc that can go through anything. But if you want to go fast, just set it in track mode: slip control in 3 or less, anti wheelie off, track throttle response and braking mode in super moto, the bike becomes a beast. It always put a smile on my face in any place and cero issues until now. I love this bike.

[@nakuls003]

In my opinion, the duke 890 is a maniac machine for riders with a busy riding style…carving corners, accelerating fast, braking often, you know, the works.. A person like me who prefers a little laidback style of riding would be better off on something like a Z900 or a retro roadster. Heck, even MT09 and striple 765 beg to be thrashed around but duke 890 is another level of crazy.

[@jorreee]

I own a Duke 890 R and I can confirm this. It's also not a very enjoyable bike to ride slow. I even thought of selling mine because I lost my busy riding style and just wasn't having fun on the Duke anymore, until I rediscovered that riding style and started having loads of fun again.

[@englishsteel-nz6im]

Duke890 is no crazier than a Striple, they're very comparable. Also a z900 isn't a laid back bike that bike moves it's in the same class. MT09 is poor handling wouldn't advise trying to thrash with it so many ppl crash them. The Z900RS is def more laid back but got some performance. Most riders don't need what they end up buying and don't have the capability to push the bikes. That's why it's like "I outgrew a 600"... nobody outgrows one lol

[@myst0307]

@@englishsteel-nz6im Not sure what people you're seeing crash the new MT-09's. I've seen maybe two in compilations. The old ones definitely, but I have a 2022 and it handles like a dream. I thrash on it every other day and have absolutely no issues in corners, no weird handling quirks, and that's riding the base model. They are a completely different machine from the old generation. Especially with the R1 IMU. I don't push every ounce of performance out of it obviously, but for an all-arounder in the middleweight section, nothing can really beat it currently imo. I've ridden the Z900, but not the Duke as of yet.

[@joaoseven460]

@@englishsteel-nz6im You sir, speak the truth. I own a MT-07 and i think it will be very hard to ever be able to extract 100% out of that bike on a twisty road, let alone a 900-1000cc beast. It´s just too much power for the average joe to handle to its full capabilities

[@69nites]

It really just seems like he wanted it to be a 790. The same thing as him not wanting to put it in street mode when casually riding in the street despite preferring how it rides in that mode. There's no shame in preferring something a little less track focused and a little more comfortable.

[@bogdanm7873]

KTM 890DUKE R is not a jack of trades, I own one, as my daily, I use it for commuting and weekend blasts, but this is what I was looking for, I wanted best in class for what is made, I previously owned Kawasaki`s, Honda`s but those were good at all brilliant at nothing and I wanted something brilliant. You know how they say when you know too much about a lot it end up not knowing enough about anything. One thing is fore sure I sold on European bikes, hard for me to go back on Japan bikes. But never say never. Very good video!

[@the-mixed-one8812]

I have an mt 09 sp now, but tried the 890r before the purchase. The 890r was really fun and nimble and really made me giggle alot! But It felt plastic and "cheap" and was vibrating alot, especially when taking off. The yamaha in my eyes feels more premium and looks more expensive with the gold ohlins and the r1M paintjob. The cp3 engine is also just so damn good. Torquey like a v-twin but pulls like a 4 cylinder🤌 So thats why i picked the mt 09 SP

[@Drunken_Hamster]

The MT09 and the 890 have functionally identical power curves and peak HP/Torque numbers. If the MT09 is "torque like a twin, top like a 4-cyl" then so to should the 890 be.

[@KingFriday274]

I wanted the sp but insurance was triple. Did you have this issue?

[@robertandersson2523]

You can add your favorite driving modes to favorites. Then it's easier to change modes. This is a non issue. After owning it for a while you will stick it into track mode with your favorite throttle response and use up and down buttons for adjusting the tc.

[@PhilTonic]

Nice video! I came from a KTM 690 SMC, too. Testing the 890 Duke R made me realise I would have to change my style of riding quite significantly. So instead I got a second 690 SMC R.

[@kassra20500521]

I picked up one last year, the 2022 Model, and here are some points about it: 1. The new orange-blue color looks so awesome and head turning. 2. I totally agree with what you said about being blown away in wind. I live in Vienna, Austria, and the city is known for it's insane winds. There has been numerous times that I was pushed over a lane while riding at speeds over 130kph 3. You can configure the up and down buttons on the cluster to be quick selectors, so you can go to modes selector witch just one push of a up or down button

[@franckpicard8030]

1. Point 1 is a matter of opinion so I won't tell ^^ 2. I'm not really concerned about heavy wind condition and didn't suffer this effect on normal wind blast 3. I agree with point 3, it's real time saver, except in track mode which require to go to its specific "quit track mode" 3 Bonus :) You MUST HAVE the tech or track pack on this bike, track mode is yet another level in comparison to sport mode Between rain, road, sport & track; it's like having 4 engines swapable at will on 1 bike, all thx to ride by wire and torque limitation essentially :)

[@irf888]

Hi. I've got a 2023 890 R and would like to know how to do no.3 you mentioned, any directions will be appreciated? Regards.

[@ivanjones7690]

I have a 2022 890 Duke R. Love it. It is a very different bike from the Gen 1 1290 Super Duke R that I had. The 1290 SDR is built around the engine. It's a hammer. The 890 is very different package. It is built to corner. It's like the Monster S2R 1000 I used to have. If I want to carve, I pick the 890 Duke R. I made a bunch of tweaks to make the 890 to fit my needs: all software upgrades, cruise control, comfort saddle, Touratech GPS mount, heated grips, full (KTM) Akro Evolution exhaust with remap, crash protection, radiator guard, etc. The exhaust upgrade w/ remap adds midrange. Now the bike pulls smoothly across the rev range as opposed to the top-only feel I had before the exhaust arrived. (Thanks EPA!) Adding cruise control requires a new switch assembly on the left plus a software upgrade. (2 SKUs). I picked the integrated heated grips which also requires a change to the computer settings. I have a 1290 Super Adventure so I have not leaned into the "sport touring" accessories like luggage. My only wish is for a better steering damper from WP. BTW: You can setup the favorites to access the Ride Mode menu with one button push. I've got mine setup as 'up' is my heated grips, 'down' is ride modes.

[@SounderMusician]

Hey Spite! Had this bike for the last 2 years and I just paid mine off. I have the dual exhaust from Austin racing and it’s amazing. That plus the coober LM and I’m at 7000 miles with no issues. Track mode, street throttle, level 4 traction! Try it out! Also turn off anti wheelie mode for street riding, leave it on for track imo. Faster lap times with it on for most riders Edit: fix for the quickshifter is the coober LM. Smoothed it out perfectly, also make sure the shifter is aligned properly. If you take off the bolt holding on the short arm that contains the quickshifter sensor, you’ll see a gear that has a small greenish line. This line should match up with the white line on the piece surrounding the gear. If not that’s why your shifter doesn’t work well

[@mammocas]

Got a used one last year without test riding it. Really really fun, and no issues so far. Put an exhaust on it so it sounds proper. The things that surprised me about it: it's very comfortable (I always rode supersports with clipons, so that might be why I think so), and the fuel economy riding 'normally' (i.e. normal traffic speeds) is amazing, I'm getting 66mpg without trying. I live far from the twisty roads so this is a huge plus for me. Have done several 300+ mile days and I'm loving it.

[@dukie1616]

Don’t worry about your boot heel it will melt a bit, lol. Try putting it into track mode with street fueling selected. That seems to do the trick, because you can manually dial the slip control. Choosing to have anti-wheelie on allows for sporty throttle inputs on corner exits. Or turn it off and release your inner hooligan. Now go get’m tiger!

[@hustler717]

Cool seeing you review a bike I own. I like your frank and honest assessment. It's true, the Super Scalpel is a very focused track/canyon weapon. A frenetic hooligan machine. It's definitely not a touring bike or a chill cruiser. For someone like me who likes go out out and ride hard for a few hours it's the perfect bike. If you want an all-rounder, this isn't it.

[@adamk116]

Came from an XSR900 and own an 890R. I love it for my style of riding. Short 2-3 hour blasts around town, city, back roads. I miss the CP3 and feel they have similar power. So far it’s been reliable. I don’t like having to pay extra to unlock features.

[@meathead365]

Hi, I'm currently riding an xsr900 and thinking of an 890r. Do you have any more thoughts on the ktm since your previous comment, Thank you

[@shanemoto97]

@@meathead365buy it and thank me later for the best purchase of your life

[@RandySpeer]

Just got a brand new 2023 890r. Love this thing!! Not even unlocked out of break-in mode yet. Can't imagine what sport mode will be like

[@johnadams3038]

Just start riding it in sport mode and honestly you won't change it back. Personally I ride mine like I stole it lol

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Breaking in engines carefully is just a myth. It's so dumb, so unnecessary, so retarded, so illogical. No court or lawyers are standing over you to make sure you behave. No manufacturer would even sell millions of dollars of their expensive products if they thought people were going to break them left and right by "not being gentle". I've been aggressive off the bat with new engines, just changing oil several times before 1000 miles. Never once had an issue. I've run over a half dozen engines this way. Also, professional tuners will say the bikes that make the most power are those which were NOT babied.

[@intensegamer7559]

Grew up 30 minutes from the KTM headquarters. The brand is part of my childhood memories. I love riding their bikes very hard as long as I don‘t have to own them (with very few exceptions). Great video, Spite. Stay save.

[@richardtreadwell5044]

Im riding one as my first bike lol. Absolutely love it, you can only use the quickshifter in high revs to upshift. Downshifts are great always. The standard grips arent heated 350gbp upgrade Cruise control another 350 Tyre pressure indicators another upgrade All should be standard Those roads youre on arent twisty! Come to the uk! Great vid, i would like to check out a supermoto

[@DieselBaller420]

I gots an 890R and is insane!! Yes she leaks already, but I'm replacing entire exhaust anyways so the whole reliability argument is for those who only ride stock, and don't know how to upgrade and maintain

[@lovelessissimo]

The Z900 is almost 4k less, plus you get that sweet sweet Kawi inline 4. The MT09 comes with all the electronic goodies for 10k. Those get you japanese reliability And no predatory consumer practices.

[@sleeper.simulant7327]

MT09 for $10k? Every dealer I see if marking them up lol, if it’s the SP model then it’s definitely marked up a fair bit…

[@lovelessissimo]

@@sleeper.simulant7327 that is a dealer thing, no doubt. But still far less than even a base 890.

[@sleeper.simulant7327]

@@lovelessissimo no, it’s not lol, the markup of an SP is past the price of a base 890, by like $500+. The few SP’s I’ve seen are priced north of $12,000 from what I’ve seen, $12,300 to $12,500. You can get a new 890R for $12,399. A base 890 MSRP is $11,899, and they aren’t marked up because the euro dealers (at least in my area) don’t do markups, they list everything at MSRP, or in the case of the Triumph/Ducati dealer, everything is marked under MSRP because they’re having a big sale for new inventory. Meanwhile Japanese dealers are all marked up, because people will buy them regardless…

[@lovelessissimo]

@Sleeper.Simulant Correct me if I am wrong, but a cursory search on cycletrader is looking like an 890 duke R is 13k and an mt09 SP is 11.5k. These are for the 2023 models.

[@sleeper.simulant7327]

@@zed5129 the SP model still doesn’t handle like an 890R. While the new MT09 handles a lot better then the previous generation MT09, it’s still not quite on the 890R’s league

[@jarituomi5649]

I rode my motorcycle license on a KTM 890. Which was the first motorcycle I've ever ridden. In rainy mode, the beginner easily mastered it. It leaked oil between the gasket of the valve mechanism cover and jerked off on a flat throttle, but I got a license. Good driveability.

[@1965computer]

hi all ive been riding motorbikes and racing them and in my younger days have worked on a lot of bikes. Ktm do what they say on the label. (adventure, track, road, moto cross. and on) what I'm saying look at nature like ktm. do you need to be a sporty leppard or have a bit of wait behind you like a lion. or a bit of a mix of both. lol. keep up the good work x p.s make sure you carry a tool bag 😊

[@gxtoast2221]

If a bike has adjustable suspension and importantly depends on correct setup, like the Duke 890 R (especially the Duke R - so, for example, setting suspension to be far more plush for street use), please can you have a section where you work with a knowledgeable tuner to help you setup for the review. Then talk about the settings and how it changes the experience. Most reviewers are almost ignorant of suspension setup on bikes that are specifically built for tuning. Even MCN reviewers neglect to address suspension setup on bikes that essentially demand it. Cheers, good review thanks!

[@pedroparis9135]

Hey Mate, I followed you from yammie, I started watching yammie for about five years now, and if I am correct, you weren't in it, yet I found it funny, especially the tier list. I saw you or more heard initially and did like you much, but I guess you just grew on me since I also have a Harley 48, and I thought that you just got it. It wasn't about getting on the highway doing 200kph, but maybe a burst here and there to get the heart pumping. This is to say could you make the tier lists that we came to love in the yammie noob and videos of 10 minutes. Sincerely, Fan

[@jasonkendrick1974]

The KTM is $12,950. Adding the tech pack, cruise switch and software makes it $14,050. I'd get the MT09 SP for $3,000 less or even the base MT 10 for the paltry $150 more.

[@adamlannerd1408]

Spite with his left blinker on for 25 minutes.

[@spitescorner]

That turn's coming up eventually

[@Theredeemedchild2]

Nothing annoys me more 😂. Damn pay attention to your shit!

[@frederikclaeyssens9201]

I really appreciate your honesty. I never trust reviews that don't dare to point out negatives. They all feel like 20min commercials. Longshot, but could you by any chance include some maintenance perspective included in the tech segment? How easy is it to get to the oil filter? Must I remove the tank to get to the air filter. How impossible is it to get to the plugs? That kind of stuff is really interesting for some riders interested in buying any bike.

[@spitescorner]

I can try, some of it might be a bit in the weeds though.

[@Racha0900]

The 2022 890r does not come with heated grips or cruise control. You have to buy them separately, install them, AND pay for the software package for them and have that installed by a KTM dealer. The track package of software is also a separate purchase. No regrets, though, for twisties, this bike can't be beat.

[@villeayras5371]

The heated grips aren't stock. You have to buy them separately. For the modes, you can select "favorites" from the menu. On mine one press from the up button gets you directly to the modes selection. Press the down button and it goes to trip one. The bike is not as savage as you make it seam. You get used to it fast and it is a joy to ride. 👍👍👍

[@stevemanner7452]

Your final thoughts sold me. When compared to different classes of motorcycles, super sport, cruisers, super motos, I would almost put this bike in the muscle bike category.

[@TheVwboyaf1]

The Z900 is called soft and heavy, but there is something to be said for a smooth, stable ride. It almost feels more "upscale" than a twitchy lighter bike.

[@TheAsheybabe89]

The Z is clearly a better bike than the MT 09 in everyway. And if you want it to be more rowdy with power wheelies, just swap a sprocket. Then you'll have the same power wheelie happy type bike the Mt fanboys rave about with the same lower MT09 top speed.

[@spartanx169x]

@@TheAsheybabe89 The Whole Z line is incredibly underrated with the exception of the H2 IMO.

[@imthedude5035]

I have the plain 890... and it scares me sometimes.. straight goon of a bike. Also the sound of the engine when it's getting wrung out sounds like a servo electric motor. It's wild

[@ricatiman]

KTM's designers have been mainlining Red Bull for decades! Wicked cool bike!

[@johnadams3038]

I got the Duke 890 R 2022 as my first bike :) best decision ever. If you consider it as your first bike and you're not completely insane, then get it. The electronics will allow you to grow on it without actually killing yourself.

[@dominikhunter1324]

That’s awesome, I got the 2020 Duke 790 as my first bike back in November and it has been a blast to ride. I don’t regret the purchase at all.

[@johnadams3038]

@@dominikhunter1324 Me too man, so glad I didn't go for the 390, I would have gotten used to it quickly and then selling it would have been a problem IMO

[@Bengy22]

Correction at 7:20 the Wet weight is around 405lbs, 366lbs is the dry weight

[@sn00pgreen]

got one last year..love it..I like it because it's small and narrow and easy to handle, it's a compromise but they all are..very fast and surprisingly comfortable..the only thing I don't like is the awefull fueling down in first and second around town , I might get parallel twin fatigue one day and wish for a triple or four again, but the thing is an animal

[@just_N_case]

I love my ‘22 Duke 890R and this bike has the best brakes of anything I’ve gotten to ride. I would go for the MT09SP if reliability becomes an issue but I worry about losing those fantastic brakes

[@je4266]

TRACK mode, ordered cruise control, tall comfort seat

[@blacktea4835]

Spite, thank you for the review. I had the same impression from Tuono 1000 (aggressive V-Twin) - I totally agree with you that riding this type of bike is fun, but exhausting. Very well put and expressed in your review, very accurate and spot on description.

[@DonGregers]

Great video, i like the ending at it makes me appreciate my lovely Honda CB650R even more. Its the perfect combination of power and fun for me, aswell as opportunity to drive daily. Even tough the KTM is a mighty beast and it sure whould be fun to try taim it, i settle with what i got! Thanks for the todays ride.

[@tedsalmon2533]

It looks like a fun bike for sure. I live in southern middle Tennessee and it would be a ball to ride here. No shortage of twisties here! In fact our boring roads are the equivalent of Texas twisties!

[@tay5730]

Try track mode... It's a similar jump from street to sport. Love you Spite

[@michealsisson3404]

Thanks for the great video Spite. Very informative content.

[@RoyClendaniel]

Love mine... always puts a smile on my face. I never leave sport mode, but after some time you will have a very good throttle hand. My quickshifter is perfect. not sure what thats about. It wouldnt be my only bike, but as a fun bike, it cant be beat. I have a KTM 1090R as well for long trips.

[@davereinhart9933]

Great honest review Spite!

[@DisposableCowboy]

KTM motorcycles are like taking a super model to bed, but the dealership is only into pegging.

[@Gw49172]

Spot on

[@localenterprisebroadcastin5971]

This has to be the absolute best analogy I’ve ever read regarding KTM 😆

[@scottie_dawg]

All the attention you have give her or you’ll loose her, she wants to be ridden high RMP or won’t quick shift nice for you, expensive tune ups, but more reliable than rumored once you get her signing she knows how hot she is and her performance speaks for itself!

[@lh5943]

Had a Yamaha before and got the 890r with the tech pack, cruise, and quick shift. This is the best bike I have ever owned!

[@Charles_Dean]

Another great video Spite! I love the variety of content you’re putting out on here. I love it when I see that you’ve put up a new video!

[@spitescorner]

Thanks man! I really appreciate it

[@TheOliveradams]

About the seat : you can buy the KTM ergo seat (more comfort) in standard hight , 2cm less or 2cm higher .

[@jacquescrusan9500]

the duke 790/890 are far and away the spiritual successors to the RC8 platform; more so than their 1299 brethren. I own an RC8R, and have ridden multiple versions of KTM's late model duke lineup, and here's why: 1) surgeon's scalpel handling 2) large, flat, usable torque curve you can argue the 1299 also characterizes these traits, but not to the same extent as the others.

[@dasko3]

I had no idea this bike was so light! Awesome video!

[@xorbe2]

It's not 366 wet, he got some key details wrong. Like claiming the 1200cc FTR has less torque (FTR has more torque at the wheel than the KTM at the crank, and also lower in the revs). Salesman review style ...

[@bogdanm7873]

Hello in regards to changing modes, please note that you can map shortcuts to up and down arrows and you can set it to change the riding mode.

[@franckpicard8030]

except in track mode ;)

[@ManCannotRide]

I was blessed enough to be one of the first riders to test this bike here in Manila. I will agree with everything Spite said. The 890R does not like slow, lazy, chill riding. The 890R wants to dart around, flick about, and put the front wheel up. That is a TON of fun but, unless you own the roads for yourself, the 890R does not really settle for city riding. Don't get me wrong, the 890R will do street riding well. Put it on Rain Mode and the bike settles. Street Mode, for me, feels so restricted. Sport Mode is snatchy, twitchy, fun but can get a rider out quickly. Having said that, I prefer the TRACK Mode, would you believe. The power delivery is linear, a bit, more progressive from low to mid rpm. The quickshifter has a lot of room for improvement, a really big room. The Brembo brakes up front is just phenomenal, I was giggling while hard braking. I never thought doing emergency braking will make me chuckle, but the rear brake is "just" fine. The 790 Duke used to be my ideal KTM bike. I thought the 890R will unseat the 790 but nope, I will still consider the 790 Duke for the type of overall riding I want to do. The 890R, I will consider getting it if I will hit the tracks very often.

[@spartanx169x]

I can't imagine riding a bike in or around Manila. I've been there 4 times now. No way I would ride a bike there. Kudos to you for doing it.

[@ManCannotRide]

@@spartanx169x The dominant bikes here are small 150cc scooters and underbones. The 400cc and up type of bikes here we call bigbikes are typically out-of-town riders via expressways and highways. It is challenging to ride any bike here in Manila. It is a fight fire with fire scenario everyday. My bike is a 400cc, 206kgs of chunkiness that puts out only 41hp. It is fun though. I think if you can master riding here in Manila, or other Asian countries, and India, the big open roads of western countries will be boring already, hahaha. Just kidding man. Ride safely wherever you are.

[@terrellgarren7125]

The last five minutes of that review generated and thumbs up and subscribe. I can read the manufacturers website to hear how great the bike is. A good reviewer tells me what to be concerned about. p.s. Did KTM find that swingarm at a construction site?

[@glennmcgown5814]

Great review. I owned a 790 Duke for three years and had v little trouble with it. One slight error you made. It is not a 270 crank it is 285 degrees. Cheers

[@rynosteyn7896]

Spike does a vid about KTM 890r , few days later... That other channel has a vid with a KTM 890r..... Even KTM was not a hot topic with the other channel, just a mention here and there. Spike, you go for it

[@Brpower83]

@spite they aren't the heated grips, I bought mine after the fact and installed them myself with no dealer activation needed. They do look the same though, the 790 and 890 grips are different as well. The 890 grips are activated through your dash while the 790 have a button you mount to your handle bars. Cruise control is an option, you have to buy a new switch and have it activated think that cost me $100 for the switch and $200 activation (Canadian so might be less US). You can set hotkeys to the up and down buttons on the switch, so for instance I set up to bring up the rider modes and down to my heated grips.

[@vladpocol3603]

Up & Down buttons can be set as quick actions. I.e. - u could set the up as mode selector and down for the integrated heated grips. Also, u can get cruise control- at extra cost of course 🤦‍♂️😅

[@paulred158]

Took one for a test ride and loved it then I got back on my rsv mille R and realized I didn’t need another bike. The ktm is an amazing handling nimble machine.

[@giuvilas1]

Heated grips isn’t just software. You need to change the grips. Add a module under the seat and activate the software as well

[@Carvetii]

No. It will never have the MT09's reliability and at the end of the day its down to rider ability aswell. I have had 2 KTM"s 1 a superduke R and the other a Superduke GT both from new. They both got fired back to the dealers for a refund after 5 months of torture with failing electronics and poor build quality in places. I have owned 9 Yamaha's and every single one was faultless from the old FZR600,s to my current MT10 SP and many in between. I am a 51 year old Brit and been riding for 32 years and ex advanced riding instructor and you just cannot beat Japanese reliability in the most part. DUCATI KTM Aprillia I have had them all and especially italian bikes can have there fair share of issues. Don't get me wrong that 890 R looks amazing fun but MT09 for me all day long

[@Sinister_fartbox]

Yes bro. Yes 🍺

[@Dius765RS]

KTM & Aprilia I love to ride there bike but owning one, hell no I simply dont trust the brands...

[@RobertLeMay848]

It’s funny how much different ktm is conceived between dirt and street riders. The Austrian bikes are miles ahead of the Japanese bikes these days in reliability and build quality on the dirt side. And my street riding group is almost exclusively duke 390, 790 and 890 and none of us have had a single issue in the past two years

[@localenterprisebroadcastin5971]

Agreed …I’ve got 64k miles on my 2015 FZ09…I’ve only had to replace the battery l, valves and oil changes …probably gonna do the clutch soon but it’s still not slipping

[@Gordoxgrey]

@@RobertLeMay848 KTM feels cheap yet is more expensive than the Japanese bikes where I live. I highly doubt EU bikes can beat Japanese in terms of reliability. Heck EU vehicles in general have reliability issues in my experience

[@ragerider6283]

Nice review & this is an awesomely demented bike. Not sure I could live with it as my only bike day to day but it would be fun trying. Also one slight correction, it's wet weight is 405lbs, 366 is the dry weight. If it was 366 wet that would be something special although you'd probably be looping it every 5 minutes lol.

[@depechemoto]

Spite! Love your vids as always but for the love of god move that 360 cam off to the side lol it really bothers me in the middle of the pov view, and also I think it'll look better off to the side a bit. Great vid I want an 890R!!

[@bennettburkholder977]

Would love to see what you think of my Z900 with a day in the saddle. Maybe if you get the chance hop on one that has had an ecu flash. I love your content, I followed you from the previous channel and have not watched any thing from that content producer since. Keep up the good work!

[@charlesbailor703]

I really like you reviews! I own not the r version but 890 also I new rider really want to go to the track! That veered! But the way you are describing the duke is how I am feeling. Every point. But hey that ride is for me!

[@HyperSpaz]

Loving your content so far Spite. Just wondering when you’re planning on posting a review vid on your Hyperstrada? Curious of your opinions.. Also I highly recommend the 3 inch taller windscreen from Puig. At 5-10 it made a world of difference and reduced the buffeting by a lot. I know you’re much taller so your results may very. Keep up the excellent work 👍

[@TheOnceAndFutureDoug]

That price/power range is interesting. Not only do you have the MT-09 but there's also the Speed Triple. And out of left field you also have something like the Tuono 660 Factory (not as powerful but still a great bike). I keep dreaming about what I'll do post SV650 (assuming Suzuki doesn't just go and make a new bike that'd fit my needs) and all of those fight for position in my mind. With the Energica just smiling in the corner because sometimes we don't make good choices, we make happy ones.

[@maguslascivious4980]

Would this be closer to a street triple or would a speed triple be closer to this?

[@AmenCornerRider]

I have the 2023 and the the quick shifter is amazing and smooth.

[@MrWolf2212]

Yamaha hands down. Reliability is the biggest selling point for me.

[@Dius765RS]

Agree, dont trust KTM

[@Bengy22]

@@Dius765RS Same, I sat on one at a dealer and really liked it but I don't think I could trust it enough

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Trust and buy Japanese. Don't trust KTM. They break. Trust and buy Japanese. Don't trust KTM. They break. Trust and buy Japanese. Don't trust KTM. They break.

[@jastay2726]

The 790 heated grips also fit the 890. It uses the regular button control on the handlebars, but I don't mind. Saved some loot as I didn't have to get the controller for the tft use.

[@ridelikebuu]

As a Yamaha guy, owner of two 09s, with over 45k on that bike, and a current SMCR owner. The 09 can't be judged in stock form. with a vcyclenut flash exhaust, air filter, air box mod the 09 is a ANIMAL. Stock if you can ride it's problem to other riders, with that setup you're a top competitor. I am amazed that the 890 weighs so little. Not to mention the suspension is better on the 890 hands down.. I'm debating on getting One but IDK the 690 is too good to let go.

[@scottwalker8949]

I am a 60 year old guy and ride a 890 R , grow a pair

[@rozzbourn3653]

i took the z900 over this and the mt09. the z900 weighs quite a bit more, but costs about $4k less and puts down a few more ponies. it feels more solid to me (if that makes sense). with the exhaust i have on it, it wails like a banshee.

[@jreynol100]

I got the heated grips for my 22' 1290r. The heated grips on that bike look exactly the same as the regular. I installed the grips and most dealers will enable for free in my experience

[@williamdouglas8040]

Weight is dry. Quote from Google: Seat height is 32.8 inches, fuel capacity is 3.7 gallons, and dry weight is 366 pounds (curb weight with all fluids was 405 pounds for our 2020 test bike).

[@KeViNMCMXXCIX]

I like orange! Lol! Combines nice with many colors. That aside I think the bike is pretty awesome. Love the shape and lines. Makes a nice sound and plenty powerful, But if this motorcycle is pretty bonkers already, how bonkers is the 1290R then?! 😅 I can't even imagine lol.😂😆Also gratz on the Cardo sponsorship! Great stuff!

[@StockySnail]

Tuono 660 is my favorite middleweight naked and it's under 400lbs with an aftermarket exhaust or battery, or get the factory model which comes with the light battery to put it under 400lbs. Tuono is super comfortable as well.

[@StockySnail]

@@zed5129 I think it's really fast so I guess it's in the eye of the beholder. Tech included works great and has saved me from crashing. More expensive than say a mt07 yes but has much better components so worth the couple extra k.

[@justind4806]

Great vid!

[@chiguy_]

the power to weight ratio is right around the top of what I want on the street. I think the 110 to 150 hp and 75 to 100 tq with weights from 350 (super duper light lol) to 780 lbs (small bagger lol) is the sweet spot imo with road bikes. My goal or dream machine would be the 150 hp, 100 tq and around 500 lbs. that is what I like. little less power and a little less weight is fine. yeah that mode setting selection is pretty ridiculous. also the idea of burning your ankle or heal due to the exhaust is not good either.. anyway keep up the great reviews as always. cheers.

[@Randolini]

I had a Harley Road Glide with cruise control. I love it. Every cruiser should have it.

[@Morgazmz]

wow .. youve said it all . All of what I think about the new bike I bought.

[@Dius765RS]

I truly love the 890R but I simply don't trust KTM for my own bike. Riding it great fun, owning it as a daily UK rider... Nope!

[@JeffN7]

New exhaust fixes the boot issue. I noticed the same thing when it was stock.

[@Metla666]

Great review. I'm currently considering this bike or the Ducati Streetfighter V2.

[@xorbe2]

That's why I prefer the smaller Street Triple 765. Having gobs of torque is fun, but it gets tiring when you have to constantly "manage" it at urban speeds. And the 890 doesn't howl like the 12,500 rpm triple. And if you want The Power, why only the 890, if you are going to put up with babying the throttle, just go all the way with the 1290 or Tuono or Speed Triple or MT-10.

[@evanjohn503]

I have been told that all the app charges that are turned off by the dealer after the 1st service is because KTM are using them as incentives for the dealers. They keep 100% of any of the additional app fees they sell. I haven't been able to confirm this, my local KTM dealer wouldn't tell me, so maybe you might have better luck.

[@Neosho1337]

Your quickshifter isn't calibrated correctly if it's not smooth - dealers often forget / don't know to do that.

[@millerhendrix6311]

Hey Spite big fan, I was wondering if you could do some reviews on later models of sport touring bikes like Suzuki katana, yzf-600, and the other early 2000s purely for the budget rider in mind as much as I love the videos of the best new bikes realistically as a budget rider it's just not in my cards and just not relateable unless I happen to join a group who has a bike that you discuss. Loved the VFR.

[@Tmackbb4]

It's the best when your on that 30⁰ wind lean going straight, and the wind cuts cut out. So now your at 30⁰ with no wind, and it scares the crap out of you lol.

[@markhall3434]

That KTM is helluva lotta bike! That heated grip subscription thing is a show stopper! Probably faster than the XSR900 which weighs 420 Lbs, but gosh that's THE BIKE to beat IMO. Twins just sound "Bumpy".. For $10300 for the 2023 XSR900 which includes the perfect quick shifter and cruise control is the standard. 60 Lbs less is a LOT of weight! That's 16% Less!

[@HarrowedDreams]

About time you did a duke 890 review... been yelling yam yam 🍠 that he need to do a review on this

[@RoyClendaniel]

Love my 890R duke. It's the best naked street bike... Period. I ride mine in sport mode all the time. You can't outride it. It's definitely a fun bike. I have an adv bike for travel.

[@MotoJoshP]

I just want them to make that limited edition 890 sport bike they announced widely available at a similar price to this Duke.

[@maguslascivious4980]

why limited? I'd love to have a set of fairings that have that RC8 look. But keep the bike somewhat upright for daily driving.

[@bradhone9168]

How are you using Cardo and Mic for GoPro? Would love to get setup to have comms and record videos

[@spitescorner]

I prefer to keep them separate. I find recording comms audio is a little lower fidelity. I've got a video on my vlogging set up.

[@Gofr5]

KTM: Says they don't make sport bikes because they are dangerous and impractical. Also KTM: Makes the Duke 890 and 1290 Super Duke R

[@abymathew295]

KTM will soon be launching a RC9R...a street legal version.

[@DukeOfTwist]

I had a massive tank slapper n highside on my '21 890R now ride '21 Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 a lot more stable.