KTM 890 Duke 2021 vs. Suzuki GSX-S1000 2015

KTM 890 Duke 2021

Suzuki GSX-S1000 2015
Overview - KTM 890 Duke 2021 vs Suzuki GSX-S1000 2015
The KTM 890 Duke 2021 and the Suzuki GSX-S1000 2015 are both naked bikes with similar engine types, fuel systems, and suspension setups. However, there are notable differences between the two models.
In terms of engine power, the Suzuki GSX-S1000 2015 has a higher output with 149 HP compared to the KTM 890 Duke 2021's 115 HP. The Suzuki also has a higher torque of 106 Nm compared to the KTM's 92 Nm. This means that the Suzuki may offer more aggressive acceleration and a higher top speed.
Both bikes have liquid cooling systems and a displacement of around 1000cc. However, the KTM 890 Duke 2021 has a smaller displacement of 889cc, which may result in slightly lower overall performance compared to the Suzuki.
In terms of suspension, both bikes feature upside-down telescopic forks at the front and a swing arm with a monoshock at the rear. The Suzuki GSX-S1000 2015 offers additional adjustment options for the rear suspension, including preload and rebound adjustments. This allows for a more customizable riding experience compared to the KTM 890 Duke 2021, which only offers preload adjustment.

KTM 890 Duke 2021
When it comes to the chassis, the KTM 890 Duke 2021 features a chromium-molybdenum frame, while the Suzuki GSX-S1000 2015 has an aluminum frame. Both frames are designed to provide stability and rigidity, but the choice of material may result in slight differences in weight and handling characteristics.
In terms of braking, both bikes have double disk brakes at the front with four pistons and radial technology. The Suzuki GSX-S1000 2015 has slightly larger front disk diameters of 310mm compared to the KTM 890 Duke 2021's 300mm. This may result in slightly better braking performance for the Suzuki.
When it comes to rider assistance systems, the KTM 890 Duke 2021 offers a more advanced package compared to the Suzuki GSX-S1000 2015. The KTM includes ABS, riding modes, cornering ABS, launch control, ride by wire, traction control, and anti-wheelie features. The Suzuki, on the other hand, only includes ABS.

Suzuki GSX-S1000 2015
In terms of dimensions and weights, both bikes have similar front and rear tire widths and diameters. The Suzuki GSX-S1000 2015 has a slightly longer wheelbase of 1460mm compared to the KTM 890 Duke 2021's 1476mm. The seat height is also slightly lower for the Suzuki at 815mm compared to the KTM's 820mm. The Suzuki also has a larger fuel tank capacity of 17 liters compared to the KTM's 14 liters.
In terms of strengths, the KTM 890 Duke 2021 is praised for its rev-happy engine, lively handling, buttery-smooth quickshifter, and comprehensive electronics package. It is also noted that the base model does not leave riders desiring the higher-performance R version on country roads. On the other hand, the Suzuki GSX-S1000 2015 is praised for its legendary Suzuki engine, sharp sound, rev-happy nature, pleasing design, strong brakes, and taut chassis. It is also noted that the Suzuki does not compromise on performance.
In terms of weaknesses, the KTM 890 Duke 2021 is criticized for its quickshifter being an extra cost option. The Suzuki GSX-S1000 2015 is noted to have an older base, weaker performance in the rev range, and potential issues with load changes.
Overall, while the Suzuki GSX-S1000 2015 may offer higher engine power and a larger fuel tank capacity, the KTM 890 Duke 2021 excels in terms of its advanced rider assistance systems, lively handling, and comprehensive electronics package. The choice between the two models ultimately depends on the rider's preferences and priorities.
Technical Specifications KTM 890 Duke 2021 compared to Suzuki GSX-S1000 2015
Pros and Cons in comparison
Pros and Cons in comparison
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.
Suzuki GSX-S1000 2015

The GSX-S1000 is an honest motorbike in terms of performance and handling. You get even more than stated on paper, but you have to get the four-in-line up to speed first. As a rider, you have the feeling that you are still in command, even if the GSX-S is no longer completely without standard riding assistance systems - which work extremely well. Contact with the road feels direct, the dynamics are precise and transparent. Not only in terms of design can this naked bike give pleasure for many years to come, the somewhat outdated basis is quickly forgotten.
Price Comparison Avarage Market Price KTM 890 Duke vs Suzuki GSX-S1000
There are a few key differences between a KTM 890 Duke 2021 and a Suzuki GSX-S1000 2015. In terms of price, the actual average price of a KTM 890 Duke 2021 is about 27% higher. Compared to Suzuki GSX-S1000 2015 there are more KTM 890 Duke 2021 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 22 compared to 6. It takes less time to sell a KTM 890 Duke with 78 days compared to 86 days for a Suzuki GSX-S1000. Since model year 2021 1000PS.de editors have written 11 reviews for the KTM 890 Duke and 36 reviews for the Suzuki GSX-S1000 since model year 2015. The first review for the KTM 890 Duke was published on 1/19/2021 and now has more than 37,800 views. This compares to more than 17,100 views for the first review on Suzuki GSX-S1000 published on 9/27/2014.