Yamaha MT-09 2020 vs. KTM 890 Duke R 2021

The 2020 Yamaha MT-09 and the 2021 KTM 890 Duke R are both naked bikes that offer powerful performance and advanced features.

Starting with the Yamaha MT-09, it is equipped with an inline three-cylinder engine that delivers 115 horsepower and 87.5 Nm of torque. The fuel system is fuel injection and it has a displacement of 847cc. The bike features a liquid-cooled engine and a double tube frame chassis made of aluminum. It has a telescopic upside-down front suspension and a swingarm rear suspension with a monoshock. The front brakes are dual discs with a diameter of 298mm. The bike also comes with advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, quick shift, and traction control. It has a 120mm wide front tire and a 180mm wide rear tire. The wheelbase is 1440mm and the seat height is 815mm. The fuel tank capacity is 14 liters.

Yamaha MT-09 2020

On the other hand, the KTM 890 Duke R is equipped with an inline two-cylinder engine that delivers 121 horsepower and 99 Nm of torque. The fuel system is also fuel injection and it has a displacement of 890cc. The bike features a liquid-cooled engine and a tubular frame chassis made of chromium-molybdenum. It has a telescopic upside-down front suspension and a swingarm rear suspension with a monoshock. The front brakes are dual discs with a larger diameter of 320mm. The bike also comes with advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, riding modes, and traction control. It has the same tire dimensions as the Yamaha MT-09, with a 120mm wide front tire and a 180mm wide rear tire. The wheelbase is slightly longer at 1482mm and the seat height is slightly higher at 834mm. The fuel tank capacity is also 14 liters.

In terms of strengths, the Yamaha MT-09 has a powerful engine with ample torque and fine control over the traction. On the other hand, the KTM 890 Duke R has a sporty and high-revving engine, excellent quick-shifting gearbox, advanced electronic package, excellent brakes, good chassis, and easy handling due to its lightweight.

KTM 890 Duke R 2021

However, the Yamaha MT-09 has some weaknesses such as the lack of a blipper function, a high handlebar that provides little feedback, a rough throttle response, and early regulation of the ABS. On the other hand, the KTM 890 Duke R has some weaknesses such as cheap buttons and switches, and slightly nervous geometry.

In conclusion, both the Yamaha MT-09 2020 and the KTM 890 Duke R 2021 are powerful naked bikes with advanced features. The Yamaha offers a strong engine and fine control over traction, while the KTM provides a sporty engine, excellent gearbox, advanced electronics, and great handling. However, the Yamaha has some drawbacks in terms of its throttle response and ABS regulation, while the KTM has some minor issues with its buttons and switches.