KTM 890 Duke R vs Ducati Hypermotard

After our recent review of the KTM 890 Duke R there were a few people asking how it compares to the Ducati Hypermotard 950.
#ktm #ducati #naked

[@Evil.Turkey]

Wow this review was just perfect. This dude makes it fun to listening to him and gives great advice. Thanks and more of these please!

[@bjyrwa3398]

He is Chris Northover one of the official rider of BMW Motorrad..

[@yashinnil5047]

one of most under rated bike reviewer

[@BikeWorldTVshow]

Thanks!

[@HeyAddieImTojo]

Based on just the footage of the two bikes alone, the hypermotard just looks more fun in every way. I’d buy it over the 890.

[@mrkrex7989]

It definitely is more fun, also much more reliable

[@WStar4Life]

I wanted a Hypermotard or Duke but couldn’t afford it. Ended up finding a brand new 2018 Aprilia Dorsoduro for $6500 out the door. With an Arrow exhaust and couple other mods it only came to $7600. It may be underpowered but it’s still a very fun bike. Also, Aprilia’s V-Twin engine has been the same since 2007 just extended the stroke to make it a 900. This engine is bulletproof and time tested

[@mnjthtl]

I search this exact thing last night and there is no proper video on KZbin, but this video is awesome and answers everything I wanted to know,

[@thesoapster]

Coming upon my third year of 890 Duke R ownership. There are times I want something more touring-friendly, but after a few twisty roads, I cannot help but just fall for the 890.

[@popmanmanpop9297]

The opening scene of the way you rode the Ducati out of garage mentioning 'it's instant' is so well done. ❤️❤️❤️

[@ryananderson6321]

Really like that you did this comparison. Looking forward to more of your FTR updates!!!

[@wockodiddlo]

Great video! And I like that you can summarise in under 7 mins what it would take other channels 20mins to say

[@scandimc]

Finally a comparison between those👌 I really want the looks of the hypermotard tho🥵

[@giddyrightonup]

When the 890 came out, I thought everyone would be comparing it to the hyper. Finally someone did!

[@bocolis88]

I was hoping for this review! Pressed like even before seeing the video! Awesome job!

[@lukejacobs2710]

This is the best public road bike review I've seen in years 🥳🎉🎊

[@markbcn4000]

Chris you're by far the best motorbike reviewers out there! More content please.

[@nicksavich7970]

Great review! Most of the moto journalists out there should get out of the way and just let this guy talk.

[@BikeWorldTVshow]

Cheers Nick!

[@ryananderson6321]

hahahha, great comment

[@nordgroove]

Great comparison - very informative and helpful. Two thumbs up!

[@frankzaaijerify]

I rode both of them and eventually bought a Hypermotard. Nothing beats a Ducati when it comes to looks, sound, finish and feel for me. Besides that, the Hyper makes old men behave like teenagers again haha.

[@jimc793]

As an old man myself (age 71 , I'd say my Ducati 950 SP makes me THINK and FEEL like a teenager again. Fortunately, the Old Man in me remembers to back off the throttle more often than not so I still RIDE like an Old Man who's deluding himself into thinking he's younger than he is. What fun!

[@JunixKuizon]

The ducati is heavy with less power. You bought the wrong bike.

[@driesverniers165]

@@JunixKuizon you probably ride a Ninja 125... or you are drunk!

[@Scootir185]

I also rode both and also picked the Ducati. Both are great bikes, but the Hyper is so much more fun to ride. Way better power delivery, and the suspension takes a rough road really well. Not to mention that the Hyper doesn’t think it’s Halloween every day like the KTM. 😋 I fully endorse your choice!

[@Lennartnieuwland]

@@jimc793 me in 46 years, hooligan bikes are awesome

[@alenseven11]

Great review, fun, interesting, all points covered, no journo bias or bs, thumbs up!

[@PadmaDorjee]

I decided to follow this channel because this guy is hands down the most honest, humble and yet unbelievably skilled as a rider. He makes watching really fun.

[@jesus2400]

Great video has always I am going to checkout A 890 Duke tomorrow thanks for you excellent input.

[@No1nate1]

Thanks for answering my question. Epic review. 🤙

[@6Mar99]

A really good review of 2 bikes in just 6 minutes, bravo!

[@strutter176]

Have to agree. Short and sweet. Perfect!

[@keeno86]

Another great vid Chris! Good comparison

[@Gothealsforu]

NOTE: The KTM quickershifter-blipper/launch control etc.. if you even wanted to wheelie you have to pay extra on it. The Ducati it's built into the price for the same "add-on's" as the 890 Duke "R"

[@seanashenden]

my god, a well thought out, insightful , very well explained assessment into the question .... John is that you !!!!!! well done chris .. 👍

[@tomtraynor5384]

Very accurate assessment. Your last sentence: "If I could have both..." resonates with me. So here is how I "handled" it: Background is I owned a Hyper 1100 SP but it ran like a chainsaw in town/below 4000 RPM. A Dyno tune and power commander did not cure it. I assume a 950 is at least marginally better. Further, I have owned about every KTM--but started motorcycling on a Monster S4 in 2008. So THOSE TWO are my favorite brands. In fact I still have a Ducati Sports Classic Gt 1000 that is my "look at me" bike and good for the coffee shop runs and pointing at it. Onward: Ducati dealer will not discount--so $16,500 for the SP. KTM dealer sold Duke to me with all track packs, etc for $10,800. Then I took the "spare" $5,700 and bought a KTM SMCR 690--adding $4800. There. Both. I still want to ride a Hyper though. But those two KTM's handle most every possible "mood' I can be in. Handled!

[@tomtraynor5384]

Also the Duke is about 35-pounds lighter curb weight. It's not the end all--but there is a video showing the Duke leaving the Hyper for dead on several races, including roll-ons.

[@hurrle_3600]

Dude write your biography

[@prazweera3769]

So i have a 1100S - more or less the same as yours. I got a tuner to crack the ECU and dyno tune and put a custom map it with a decat and custom exhaust instead of piggy backing it with a Power commander - i've been told it makes it much smoother and it feels a lot better than before. But agree, around town under 4K it still is chomping at the bit and just wants to go. I've heard the the newer ones are much smoother across the rev range - i'm going to test ride the 950SP and see how it compares!

[@jean-marclapierre9413]

you have the sport classic 1000 :0 !!! I'm officially jealous!

[@beamdoctor5637]

Interesting info above TOM T. Years ago I bought a Ducati 996 then raised the handle bars and toured for years on it. Next was a 998s then raised the bars and still own it. Later I bought a left over Super Tenere and put on all the Adventure stuff. The money I saved over a GS1200 loaded I bought a left over 2015 ZX10R. So many deals out there to be had. The only reason I haven't bought a Hypermotard is seat height is too high,

[@abhishekdhibar9641]

Such an awesome comparison video. This dude is so fun to listen to.

[@duc899]

LIke both bikes, love the reviewer. My new go to for bike reviews - thanks and stay safe!

[@arjunp1835]

I just want to watch a montage of you riding! Amazing skills!

[@racerdaveracerdave]

You have skills that are off the charts, but I thought you did a great job capturing the why and what of both bikes. I hadn't heard many people describe the spectrum of how the Duke behaved at different speeds before.

[@advaitparnaik3186]

loved the comparison between the different twins. so true

[@skyworks1621]

Love your reviews!

[@bjyrwa3398]

Finally Chris Northover with a review... Kneel to the king... I would love to see more vids from you...You are an inspiration to me. Love all your official BMW Motorrad videos... All the Love from Meghalaya...

[@BikeWorldTVshow]

Hey, he's one of our full time guys now, there's loads of vids with Chris on the channel.

[@robbarr5300]

This guy is a real pro..... Great review..... easy to watch and listen to. Keep up the good work ya loon.

[@davidelizabeth4933]

Perfect breakdown of both bikes and amazing riding. Chris is our hero for today. 👍 👨‍👩‍👧❤

[@reneokker4837]

Big compliments to this reviewer guy for me this guy is the best!!!!

[@sAu54g3]

Great review, thanks. I’m a KTM man, thinking of going for an older superduke, but the 890 is attractive

[@abymathew295]

YOUR REVIEWS ARE THE MOST ENJOYABLE ON KZbin....CANT WAIT TO HEAR YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE NEW KTM 890 ADV R....😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍

[@LifeOnTwoWheels]

This guy is awesome, great review. Would like him to try out and review the street triple rs

[@xs433]

love this guy! By the way, i ride my hyper950 everyday commuting in Beijing and i really enjoy it!

[@strutter176]

Awesome review. I think I’m going for the Ducati soon. Cheers

[@johnpaulrichardmuller2560]

Great review, thanks!

[@GarryMcGovern]

Instinctively hit the 'like' button before video had barely started. Then thought to myself: 'hmmm, maybe I shouldn't do that, maybe I should actually WATCH the video first before deeming it worthy of a 'Like' first?' Oh what a silly boy I was: watched the video, and of course it was bloody worthy of a big aul 'like', how could I even doubt anything less? Top, top video as always my man! 😉

[@foolspeedahead]

Just got my RVE and have ridden the 890. Couldn’t agree more with this. I have fast bikes, well behaved bikes and needed a hooligan in the pack.

[@markreynolds8630]

Thank you! Really appreciated. Just what I needed to hear.

[@foolspeedahead]

Mark Reynolds which one are you going for?

[@markreynolds8630]

@@foolspeedahead I'm pretty nuts about both. Hopefully a test ride in the spring will clarify which is best for my intended use. But at the moment, think I'm leaning towards the Ducati. Low down grunt, and long suspension for pothole riddled mountain roads could be just the ticket.

[@foolspeedahead]

Mark Reynolds not a bad choice. I picked up the Hyper because I wanted a complete hooligan bike. The throttle is a bit snatchy. You have to be very light on it when you aren’t trying to throw the front wheel up.

[@markreynolds8630]

@@foolspeedahead ok. Perhaps some aftermarket airbox, slip-on and retune can sort that out. Did the trick on my KTM smt.

[@foolspeedahead]

Mark Reynolds I actually like it. Haha! I got the Hyper specifically for hooligan riding.

[@Blazemon9999]

It's like you read my mind. Do it again...T7 vs 790r next time?? Love your review!! Cheers

[@kamenslaveev1821]

Thanks for comparing both bikes and giving an honest opinion.

[@faizalahmad99]

Was wondering about this tbh. Keep em comin!!

[@donaldduck9424]

Brilliant honest review. I test drove a 890r recently and a friend of mine an me changed bikes (me on GSX-R 1000R 2017 he rode a hypermotard with the 821ccm engine). It is as you saight. After you rode the ducato you can stay a while in the garage and just watch this artwork, whereas the KTM is easier to drive. I guess i will go for the ktm cause i never had any bike that provided that much fun. I grinned all day long when riding it. And it is not exactly ugly either. At least for me.

[@Balafoutre]

I agree 100% with your, excellent, review...!!! Great video!

[@screaminchief]

Great presenter, love this dudes reviews!

[@user-kd2of1ed2v]

Best reviewer at bike world, and one of the best in general

[@jaredandersen82]

Yo!! Great video, I currently drive a Hyper RVE and absolutely love it, considering adding the Duke 890 as well. Curious which you’d think would be better for track days??

[@mosca3289]

Great review 👍🏻

[@Ac22768]

Rode both extensively, purchased one. The Ducati doesn’t have an identity and is awkward to ride. Cool to look at. The Duke 890R is a performer and is totally at home on the road or a race track. Very comfortable and the engine just goes and goes.

[@johnfazackerley6951]

Great comparison.I am looking forward to your thoughts on the new Monster 950 vs the KTM 790.Thanks John.

[@BikeWorldTVshow]

We’ve been riding it today John, vid coming soon.

[@MarcBesancenot]

Hey, thanks for this review! How would you rate those two when only talking about character ? Coming from a 1198sp and a multistrada I love hooligan and non linear feeling. :)

[@peterschweizer214]

Very nice review, well done and fun to watch! ... as a Ducatisti and also having compared both bikes I must admit that you get the same fun for quite less squids by chosing the Duke over the Hypermotard SP. However, Ducati by heart ✌🏻

[@SeF001]

Well... i bought the hooligan this summer... as a daily driver (i dont own a car). Call me stupid but getting to work every day with a smile on your face and more often then not take the long way home afterwards is just brilliant. Didn't test the ktm though, after my z1000 i wanted something a bit more different.

[@pippolacoste8547]

I have a Hyper (821, so the 950 can only be better) and it's going to stay with me for a veeeeery long while for a simple reason: it's hand down the most FUN bike I had. I've had faster bikes, torquer bikes, heavier and lighter bikes... the Hyper is to me what a bike should be: fast enough, light enough, fantastic handling and goddam FUN! I agree with the reviewer though that it is not an easy and immediate bike, it takes a while to get intimate with it, but once you do...

[@johngraham1763]

I hear you brother

[@markopolo8348]

Being an awesome test rider is amazing but having all this positive energy on the top is beyond words...

[@MunsKi]

nice review!

[@BikeWorldTVshow]

Munski Thanks, don’t forget to subscribe so we can keep doing vids like this. 👍🏻

[@stuka101]

Been waiting for a comparison from you guys, nailed it. I love my Hyper 950sp...it is a hooligan bike and I always feel like a big kid riding it and that's why I ride. The 890 looked like a good competitor but didn't fit my style. Plus I think the Ducati turns more heads in public! :p

[@alpap1980]

Compared to the Ducati Desert Sled does the standard 950 feel taller? Even with the 20mm lower seat? Thanks.

[@124272bill]

Would love to see Ducati Hypermotard 950 vs Ducati Monster 950!

[@jarquesbarnard1398]

Great vid👌🏻👌🏻

[@eyalvita9834]

Good morning which bike is better Aprilia RS 660 or KTM 890

[@NudaMan]

Even though I work at a Ktm dealer, the hyper would be my go to👌🏾, I’m not a fan of p-Twins

[@mariopaes7872]

Oh C´mon Chris, I'm disappointed with you.:( I really thought you were more for the Ducati. Your test of the Ducati hypermotard SP was the video that convinced me to buy that particular bike. You don´t look the kind a person that only on weekends go hooligan :) :) :)

[@jimc793]

Funny his test of the Ducati helped persuade me to buy the Ducati, too!

[@mariopaes7872]

@@jimc793 This only proves that these journalists cannot be trusted 🤣

[@diagoleben]

What about reliability? I heard Ducati hyper had worse electronics? But that was for the 821 (snowcat). Would you agree or is that electronic thing solved with the 950? Thanks in advance

[@Firestorm637]

Great eval. Some really great bikes out there. Hard to go wrong with any. I am on my second Super Duke 1290r because of that engine. I also have a MV Agusta 800 rr Dragster Pirelli Edition. You do not have to own halo liter bikes. The Middle weights are the perfect bikes. I have owned Ducati’s in the past. I would take the 890 or 790. Thx again for the video. Addendum I looked at the Ducati Streetfighter V4 but I bought the MV instead. Happy with my decision.

[@liwciatv2787]

Hi Scott, just making decission SD 1 gen or 800rr Dragster, 80% city ride , what would be your advice ?

[@capngeo2002]

Best reviewer.

[@apantelop]

What an awesome real-life review Chris!! Please do more of these. However, the 890 R is actually ~16kg lighter (183 kg wet vs 199 kg) than the Hyper.

[@ceverett68]

excellent review. if go with the more practical 890r. I like the hyper but don't need the extra encouragement to hoon

[@brucekendall52]

Thanks.

[@racerdaveracerdave]

Now, it's not the same as the Ducati, but I already have a hopped-up DRZ-SM that covers the supermoto bases. I have to take a look at the 890R

[@na_ma_ru6228]

God I wish KTM had replicated the LED's on the 1290 in the 790/890 duke's. The ones with the strips running down the side in a 'pincer' arrangement.

[@na_ma_ru6228]

@@blackoutblaze Oh thats cool - in videos I always see the bottom 2 lights being on, I assumed those are the DRL's.

[@gerardoesquivel9919]

Which is better, ktm 890r vs ducati monster 937 (2021 model) ????

[@banestock]

Wonder if a 890 duke gt would make sense? It definitely sounds tasty on paper!

[@samiam5326]

Nice one! Now only if I could ride like you...

[@1xplorer]

I love the look of the Hyper and the premium quality of it

[@CubanRider]

Excellent observations, pretty much how I felt after riding both bikes back to back. My friend has the Hypermotard SP and I felt the KTM still had the edge even though the Ducati was more supermoto-like. I have a couple of videos playing with both bikes on one of the best roads in America.

[@banestock]

Yeah I’ve seen your videos, the 890 is definitely the better all rounder! Have you had any quality issues with the 890 so far?

[@CubanRider]

​@@banestock On one of the videos it shuts down on me. We're thinking water in one of the electronics since I open-trailered it while raining, but it never happened again. Another common issues is leaks, but mine has been leak-free, fingers crossed.

[@blackoutblaze]

Yea those videos are awesome, two great bikes! I also own an 890 and I have had absolutely no issues with mine. No leaks or shut downs or anything, it's been a great bike so far and only time will tell how reliable it really is.

[@bazitube390]

I am a ducati guy myself but i think KTM makes absolute bangers just wish they could clean up their reliability game a little bit . Although i think they specifically made 890 to fix what was wrong with 790 so lets see if this bike proves to be reliable overtime!

[@Juuul89]

Wait you're a ducati owner complaining about KTM reliability? You've GOT to be kidding XD

[@timdavis8768]

Hi Chris I would love to see you do comparison with the 1290 superduke R to the Ducati V4S Streetfighter. Loved your test ride at the KTM launch.

[@BikeWorldTVshow]

Willard Davis We’ve already done it, vid coming soon! Cheers

[@timdavis8768]

Well thanks for the reply guy's! But could not wait. So l got the new 1290 Superduke R. And it's awesome.

[@gregdominiclibunao2245]

Do a comparison video of duke 890r vs standard mt09 or the sp version😊

[@megapet777]

Hypermotard is over 20k in Finland. Although it's SP model.

[@ChronicTHCBlaze]

How tall are u sir? I'm 5'6 can I tip toe the Ducati?

[@sabamacx]

Hey, KTM? 1290 SM R. We're waiting.

[@Tanmay_390]

I can't even dare to sit on that beast moto

[@foolspeedahead]

Hahaha! They’re crazy, but not THAT crazy!

[@HeyAddieImTojo]

Make it an 890smr. It would be more than enough

[@anonymousanonymous8306]

Which one is most resistant to ethanol fuel? Plastic tanks?

[@Dudsy907]

How does the Duke 890 compare with the Mt 09 ? I love the sound of the 3 cylinder.

[@user-kd2of1ed2v]

I test drove the ktm790 and mt09 back to back. The mt09 gives a lot more for your money on paper, but I'd take the 790 any day. It's just way more fun and small

[@Kr1zToV]

now that's a VS video :D

[@Damjan25]

awesome review! :D and tbh if you look at the price, it is pretty much the same... since you need to pay for quickshifter for ktm 890 duke r and exhaust becacuse the default exhaust is just weird af xD and at the end they are both 13 500€

[@martijnvkk]

Dont have my license yet but got a very nice Ducati hypermotard 1100s

[@randledewees4405]

"And Have That to look at". I must agree the Hyper is a good looking bike

[@tubejorrit]

The black bike behind you (dirt tracker?) I want to know more about that!

[@DRPC-jr4ft]

It a Indian FTR 1200 on a long term loan from Indian importers, being used as a bit project for hooligan stuff.

[@davidrespect6471]

Which is comfier for a 6'4 rider?

[@zerocochrane1713]

I wanted to buy a ducati but on the secondary market it is very little compared to the ktm and it is more expensive if you get a nice one. I bought a ktm and i'm happy, very powerful engine, aggressive character, in ducati i like super moto style more, higher suspension and very minimalist design and cooler look but after some mods duke looks good too.

[@mujtabakamal]

Bloody good content. What about mv agusta rivale ?

[@fyorbane]

They don't make it anymore.

[@blackoutblaze]

MV's are great looking bikes, I've never owned one but the styling is on point. The Rivale makes less torque than these two and weighs a good bit more than the KTM, which is the lightest of the three.

[@briangc1972]

KTM has had a history of engine problems and brake issues with the 890. The Ducati is more aggressive in it's power delivery and it designed to be ridden, not just tooling around town. I have a couple of Ducatis and there is no substitution for Ducati power. When you twist the throttle, they make you smile. Both my Ducatis have been 100% reliable.

[@robertosmith1]

Ducati SP looks best and I own one but I might have to pick up a Duke R also to see what the hype is all about