KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2018 vs. KTM 890 Duke 2021

KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2018

KTM 890 Duke 2021
Overview - KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2018 vs KTM 890 Duke 2021
The KTM 1290 Super Duke R model year 2018 and the KTM 890 Duke model year 2021 are both naked bikes from KTM, but they have some notable differences in terms of technical specifications and features.
In terms of engine power, the KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2018 has a more powerful engine with 177 HP compared to the KTM 890 Duke 2021, which has 115 HP. The KTM 1290 Super Duke R also has higher torque with 144 Nm compared to the 92 Nm of the KTM 890 Duke. Both bikes have a 2-cylinder engine and similar displacement, with the KTM 1290 Super Duke R having a slightly larger engine at 1301 ccm compared to the 889 ccm of the KTM 890 Duke.
Both bikes feature upside-down telescopic forks for the front suspension, with the same brand, WP. The rear suspension also uses WP brand. Both bikes have a chromium-molybdenum frame and tubular frame type. The front brakes on both bikes have four pistons, but the KTM 1290 Super Duke R has radial, monoblock technology, while the KTM 890 Duke has radial technology.

KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2018
In terms of advanced rider assistance systems, the KTM 890 Duke 2021 has a more extensive range of features compared to the KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2018. The KTM 890 Duke includes ABS, riding modes, cornering ABS, launch control, ride by wire, traction control, and anti-wheelie. The KTM 1290 Super Duke R has ABS and traction control.
Both bikes have similar dimensions and weights, with the KTM 1290 Super Duke R having a slightly longer wheelbase at 1482 mm compared to the 1476 mm of the KTM 890 Duke. The seat height of the KTM 890 Duke is slightly lower at 820 mm compared to the 835 mm of the KTM 1290 Super Duke R. The dry weight of the KTM 890 Duke is also lower at 169 kg compared to the 189 kg of the KTM 1290 Super Duke R. The fuel tank capacity of the KTM 1290 Super Duke R is larger at 18 l compared to the 14 l of the KTM 890 Duke.

KTM 890 Duke 2021
In terms of strengths, the KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2018 provides a wonderful adrenaline rush and has extensive configuration options. It also has terrific brakes with cornering ABS and practical electronic features. The seating position is great and the electronic features can be set very sporty or deactivated. The bike also has a very good shift assistant. On the other hand, the KTM 890 Duke 2021 has a rev-happy engine and lively handling. It also has a buttery-smooth quickshifter and a comprehensive electronics package. It does not arouse a desire for the R version on the country road.
In terms of weaknesses, the KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2018 has a precise stroke that is not always easy to hit. It is also considered one of the most dangerous motorcycles for the driving license on the market. The KTM 890 Duke 2021 has a weakness in that the quickshifter is available at an extra cost.
Overall, the KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2018 is a more powerful and feature-rich bike compared to the KTM 890 Duke 2021. However, the KTM 890 Duke offers a more affordable option with a good range of features and enjoyable riding experience.
Technical Specifications KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2018 compared to KTM 890 Duke 2021
Pros and Cons in comparison
Pros and Cons in comparison
KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2018

The epithet "Beast" is not completely out of the blue, the KTM is and remains a brutal naked bike - 177 hp from two pots with a combined displacement of 1301 cubic metres is nothing harmless. Nevertheless, it is surprisingly easy to control; the upright seating position combined with the good handling make it seem almost docile. Compared to its predecessor, it has been improved precisely at its weakest points. The engine now runs more smoothly, the shift assistant brings calmness in the acceleration phase and the chassis has been improved in quality. But it still loves the wild chase more than high speed in long curves.
KTM 890 Duke 2021

The predecessor 790 Duke already proved that KTM knows how to build a mid-range naked bike for the road. The new 890 carries the torch with a puffy chest and once again lives up to its scalpel nickname. Lively, it pulls the radii and gives off a certain nervousness that can be interpreted as a wild character. The equipment is almost complete - but only almost. Why do you have to pay extra for the quickshifter when it was standard on the predecessor? It is all the more annoying that the clutchless upshifting and downshifting functions as smoothly as butter and that one would not want to do without it.
Price Comparison Avarage Market Price KTM 1290 Super Duke R vs KTM 890 Duke
There are a few key differences between a KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2018 and a KTM 890 Duke 2021. In terms of price, the actual average price of a KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2018 is about 37% higher. A KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2018 experiences a loss of 170 GBP in one year and 1,720 GBP in two years of ownership. This is offset by a loss of 350 GBP and 1,040 GBP for a KTM 890 Duke 2021. There are the same number of bikes of both models available on the 1000PS.de marketplace, specifically 22. It takes less time to sell a KTM 890 Duke with 78 days compared to 86 days for the KTM 1290 Super Duke R. Since model year 2013 1000PS.de editors have written 65 reviews for the KTM 1290 Super Duke R and 11 reviews for the KTM 890 Duke since model year 2021. The first review for the KTM 1290 Super Duke R was published on 08/11/2012 and now has more than 4,900 views. This compares to more than 37,800 views for the first review on KTM 890 Duke published on 19/01/2021.