Yamaha MT-09 SP 2023 vs. KTM 890 Duke R 2023

Yamaha MT-09 SP 2023

KTM 890 Duke R 2023
Overview - Yamaha MT-09 SP 2023 vs KTM 890 Duke R 2023
The Yamaha MT-09 SP 2023 and the KTM 890 Duke R 2023 are both powerful naked bikes with impressive specifications. However, they have some differences that set them apart.
In terms of engine power, the Yamaha MT-09 SP features a 119 HP engine, while the KTM 890 Duke R boasts a slightly higher 121 HP engine. Both bikes have an in-line engine type and utilize fuel injection systems for efficient performance. The Yamaha MT-09 SP has a torque of 93 Nm, while the KTM 890 Duke R offers a slightly higher torque of 99 Nm.
When it comes to suspension, the Yamaha MT-09 SP is equipped with high-quality suspension elements from Kayaba and Öhlins. The front suspension features an upside-down telescopic fork with adjustable compression, preload, and rebound settings. The rear suspension is a swing arm with a monoshock and adjustable compression, preload, and rebound settings. On the other hand, the KTM 890 Duke R features suspension from WP, with an upside-down telescopic fork at the front and a swing arm with a monoshock at the rear. The front suspension offers preload adjustment, while the rear suspension offers preload adjustment as well.
In terms of chassis, the Yamaha MT-09 SP has an aluminum frame with a twin-tube design, providing stability and agility. The KTM 890 Duke R, on the other hand, features a chromium-molybdenum frame with a tubular design, which helps keep the vehicle weight low.

Yamaha MT-09 SP 2023
Both bikes are equipped with double disk brakes at the front, with the Yamaha MT-09 SP having a diameter of 298 mm and the KTM 890 Duke R having a larger diameter of 320 mm. This ensures powerful and reliable braking performance.
In terms of advanced rider assistance systems, both bikes offer ABS and traction control. The Yamaha MT-09 SP goes a step further and includes cornering ABS, ride by wire, quickshifter, cruise control, and anti-wheelie. The KTM 890 Duke R also offers riding modes and connectivity as additional features.
When it comes to dimensions and weights, the Yamaha MT-09 SP has a wheelbase of 1430 mm and a seat height of 825 mm. It has a fuel tank capacity of 14 liters and a range of 280 km. The combined fuel consumption is 5 l/100km. On the other hand, the KTM 890 Duke R has a longer wheelbase of 1482 mm and a slightly higher seat height of 834 mm. It also has a fuel tank capacity of 14 liters, but offers a slightly longer range of 295 km. The combined fuel consumption is 4.74 l/100km.

KTM 890 Duke R 2023
In terms of equipment, both bikes feature LED headlights and TFT displays. The KTM 890 Duke R also offers connectivity as an additional feature.
In terms of strengths, the Yamaha MT-09 SP stands out for its extremely agile and powerful engine, comfortable riding position, high-quality suspension elements from KYB and Öhlins, good quickshifter with blipper, and distinctive look. On the other hand, the KTM 890 Duke R impresses with its powerful and rev-happy engine, finely controllable response, good (optional) quickshifter, sporty seating position for great front-wheel feel, high-quality adjustable suspension, powerful Brembo brakes, low vehicle weight, and extensive (partly optional) electronics.
However, the Yamaha MT-09 SP has some weaknesses, including a small TFT display, a horn that is half-heartedly installed at the front, and a wide turning circle. The KTM 890 Duke R, on the other hand, has a sitting position that may be more demanding than on the basic model and a tight basic set-up that may not be to everyone's taste.
Overall, both the Yamaha MT-09 SP 2023 and the KTM 890 Duke R 2023 are impressive naked bikes with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and riding style when choosing between the two.
Technical Specifications Yamaha MT-09 SP 2023 compared to KTM 890 Duke R 2023
Pros and Cons in comparison
Pros and Cons in comparison
Yamaha MT-09 SP 2023

The Yamaha MT-09 SP already had it easy in the previous generation, as it is the even more refined version of an already really good, because wonderfully agile fun machine! The current SP version is no different, but it has been improved even further. A little more power, increased torque and better-tuned electronics make it even more fun. As expected, the suspension with classier KYB and Öhlins components works excellently, the brakes could be a little sharper, but the seating position is still what you would expect from such an agile and easily controllable fun machine. The few quirks like the small TFT display or the controversial light mask in no way make it worse, but simply an even more independent personality!
KTM 890 Duke R 2023

The KTM 890 Duke R is the sportiest evolutionary stage of the 890 Duke. More power, firmer chassis, sharper brakes - these ingredients, together with the already low vehicle weight, make it a real precision machine. A fast and cool bike for riding fun fetishists, ambitious home track heaters and, last but not least, a real recommendation for trackday visitors. However, the sporty positioning of the upper body and the somewhat more acute knee angle come at the expense of comfort. Last but not least, the adjustable suspension in the basic setup is really crisply tuned. If you want to enjoy the powerful 890 engine and the high-quality electronics a little more comfortably, you can still go for the basic model with a clear conscience.
Price Comparison Avarage Market Price Yamaha MT-09 SP vs KTM 890 Duke R
There are a few key differences between a Yamaha MT-09 SP 2023 and a KTM 890 Duke R 2023. In terms of price, the actual average price of a KTM 890 Duke R 2023 is about 5% higher. Compared to KTM 890 Duke R 2023 there are less Yamaha MT-09 SP 2023 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 29 compared to 38. It takes less time to sell a KTM 890 Duke R with 84 days compared to 96 days for the Yamaha MT-09 SP. Since model year 2018 1000PS.de editors have written 29 reviews for the Yamaha MT-09 SP and 15 reviews for the KTM 890 Duke R since model year 2020. The first review for the Yamaha MT-09 SP was published on 11/6/2017 and now has more than 49,000 views. This compares to more than 126,600 views for the first review on KTM 890 Duke R published on 11/5/2019.