KTM 790 Duke 2018 vs. KTM 890 Duke R 2021

KTM 790 Duke 2018

KTM 790 Duke 2018

KTM 890 Duke R 2021

KTM 890 Duke R 2021

Loading...

Overview - KTM 790 Duke 2018 vs KTM 890 Duke R 2021

The KTM 790 Duke 2018 and the KTM 890 Duke R 2021 are both naked bikes with similar technical specifications. However, there are some notable differences between the two models.

In terms of engine power, the KTM 890 Duke R 2021 has a slight advantage with 121 HP compared to the 105 HP of the KTM 790 Duke 2018. This results in a more high-revving and sporty engine on the 890 Duke R, providing powerful acceleration and a thrilling riding experience.

Both bikes feature a 2-cylinder engine with liquid cooling and fuel injection systems. The engine displacement is also different, with the KTM 890 Duke R having a larger 890ccm engine compared to the 799ccm engine of the KTM 790 Duke.

When it comes to suspension, both models have upside-down telescopic forks at the front and swing arm suspension with a monoshock at the rear. The suspension components are provided by WP for both bikes, ensuring high-quality performance. The rear suspension also offers preload adjustment and is made of aluminum.

KTM 790 Duke 2018

KTM 790 Duke 2018

In terms of chassis, both models feature a chromium-molybdenum frame with a tubular design. This provides a sturdy and lightweight structure for optimal handling and maneuverability.

Braking systems on both bikes consist of double disk brakes at the front with a diameter of 300mm for the KTM 790 Duke and 320mm for the KTM 890 Duke R. Both bikes also have four-piston calipers and radial technology for improved braking performance.

Both models come equipped with advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, riding modes, and traction control. These features enhance safety and provide a customizable riding experience.

In terms of dimensions and weights, there are minor differences between the two models. The KTM 890 Duke R has a slightly longer wheelbase of 1482mm compared to the 1475mm of the KTM 790 Duke. The seat height is also slightly higher on the 890 Duke R at 834mm compared to 825mm on the 790 Duke. However, the dry weight with ABS is slightly lower on the 890 Duke R at 166kg compared to 169kg on the 790 Duke.

In terms of strengths, the KTM 790 Duke 2018 is praised for its lively and high-revving engine, powerful acceleration, and optimally tuned chassis for sporty riding. It also offers an awesome sound even with the series muffler and has many electronic gimmicks and functions. The precise quickshifter makes fast riding easier, and the comfortable seating position adds to the overall riding experience.

KTM 890 Duke R 2021

KTM 890 Duke R 2021

On the other hand, the KTM 890 Duke R 2021 is commended for its high-revving and sporty engine, excellent quickshifter, great electronics package, and great brakes. It also has a good chassis and driving-friendly handling, with the low weight being noticeable.

In terms of weaknesses, the KTM 790 Duke 2018 is criticized for its rough handling at low revs, making it less suitable for city traffic. Some riders also find the switches on the handlebars to be fiddly-looking, and there have been reports of oil leaks at the engine block on many 790 Dukes.

The KTM 890 Duke R 2021 has been noted to have cheap buttons and switches, such as the indicator switch. Additionally, some riders find the geometry to be slightly nervous, affecting the overall handling.

In conclusion, while both the KTM 790 Duke 2018 and the KTM 890 Duke R 2021 have their strengths and weaknesses, the 890 Duke R offers some improvements in terms of engine power, brakes, and electronics package. However, riders should consider their specific preferences and riding style when choosing between the two models.

Technical Specifications KTM 790 Duke 2018 compared to KTM 890 Duke R 2021

KTM 790 Duke 2018
KTM 890 Duke R 2021

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeIn line
BoreBore88 mmBore90.7 mm
StrokeStroke65.7 mmStroke68.8 mm
Engine powerEngine power105 HPEngine power121 HP
Fuel systemFuel systemInjectionFuel systemInjection
StarterStarterElectricStarterElectric
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
Transmission TypeTransmission TypeGearshiftTransmission TypeGearshift
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
Valves per cylinderValves per cylinder4Valves per cylinder4
ValvesValvesDOHCValvesDOHC
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid
LubricationLubricationForcedLubricationForced
DisplacementDisplacement799 ccmDisplacement890 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
BrandBrandWPBrandWP
DiameterDiameter43 mmDiameter43 mm
TravelTravel140 mmTravel140 mm

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
Shock mountShock mountDeflectionShock mountDeflection
BrandBrandWPBrandWP
TravelTravel150 mmTravel150 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreloadAdjustmentPreload
MaterialMaterialAluminiumMaterialAluminium

Chassis

FrameFrameChromium-molybdenumFrameChromium-molybdenum
Frame typeFrame typeTubularFrame typeTubular
RakeRake66 degreeRake65.7 degree

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter300 mmDiameter320 mm
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
ActuationActuationHydraulicActuationHydraulic
TechnologyTechnologyradialTechnologyradial

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter240 mmDiameter240 mm
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonDouble piston

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Riding modes, Traction controlAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Riding modes, Traction control

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width120 mmFront tyre width120 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height70 %Front tyre height70 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter17 inchFront tyre diameter17 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width180 mmRear tyre width180 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height55 %Rear tyre height55 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
WheelbaseWheelbase1,475 mmWheelbase1,482 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height825 mmSeat Height834 mm
Dry Weight (with ABS)Dry Weight (with ABS)169 kgDry Weight (with ABS)166 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity14 lFuel Tank Capacity14 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

KTM 790 Duke 2018

KTM 790 Duke 2018

A sporty naked bike that not only has enough power, but also playful handling and high-quality equipment - the KTM 790 Duke ticks all the boxes. If the looks don't bother you, it's hard to find anything the 790 can't do well, because in its hunting ground - the country road - it forms a wonderfully rounded package that doesn't really leave anything to be desired. Initial teething troubles have also been solved, which is why the KTM 790 Duke is still a real recommendation!

high-revving two-cylinder

quickshifter + as standard

great chassis set-up

playful handling

high-quality electronics package

TFT display

good price/performance ratio

Suspension spring preload adjustable at the rear only

KTM 890 Duke R 2021

KTM 890 Duke R 2021

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.

powerful and rev-happy engine

finely controllable response

good (optional) quickshifter

sporty seating position ensures great front-wheel feel

high-quality adjustable suspension

powerful Brembo brakes

low vehicle weight

extensive (partly optional) electronics

Sitting position more demanding than on the basic model

tight basic set-up not to everyone's taste

Price Comparison Average Market Price KTM 790 Duke vs KTM 890 Duke R

There are a few key differences between a KTM 790 Duke 2018 and a KTM 890 Duke R 2021. In terms of price, the actual average price of a KTM 890 Duke R 2021 is about 35% higher. Compared to KTM 890 Duke R 2021 there are more KTM 790 Duke 2018 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 24 compared to 14. It takes less time to sell a KTM 790 Duke with 58 days compared to 99 days for a KTM 890 Duke R. Since model year 2018 1000PS.de editors have written 35 reviews for the KTM 790 Duke and 15 reviews for the KTM 890 Duke R since model year 2020. The first review for the KTM 790 Duke was published on 11/9/2016 and now has more than 160,600 views. This compares to more than 126,600 views for the first review on KTM 890 Duke R published on 11/5/2019.

Price KTM 790 Duke

Model year
Current average market prices

Price KTM 890 Duke R

Model year
Current average market prices

Alternative Comparisons