KTM 890 Duke R 2021 vs. Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS 2021

The KTM 890 Duke R 2021 and Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS 2021 are both naked bikes with powerful engines and advanced features.

In terms of engine performance, the Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS takes the lead with a higher power output of 180 HP compared to the KTM 890 Duke R's 121 HP. The Speed Triple also has a higher torque of 125 Nm compared to the Duke R's 99 Nm. Both bikes have fuel injection systems and liquid cooling.

When it comes to suspension, both bikes feature upside-down telescopic forks at the front. The KTM 890 Duke R is equipped with WP suspension, while the Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS comes with Öhlins suspension. Both bikes have a monoshock rear suspension, with the KTM offering pre-load adjustment and the Triumph providing compression, pre-load, and recovery adjustment. The suspension components are made of aluminum in both bikes.

KTM 890 Duke R 2021

In terms of chassis, the KTM 890 Duke R features a chromium-molybdenum frame, while the Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS has an aluminum frame. Both bikes have tubular frame types.

Both bikes have dual disc front brakes with a diameter of 320 mm and four-piston calipers. The Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS has radial and monobloc technology for its front brakes, while the KTM 890 Duke R has radial technology. Both bikes come with advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, riding modes, and traction control.

Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS 2021

In terms of dimensions and weights, the KTM 890 Duke R has a wider front tire of 120 mm compared to the Speed Triple's 120 mm. The Speed Triple has a wider rear tire of 190 mm compared to the Duke R's 180 mm. The Duke R has a longer wheelbase of 1482 mm compared to the Speed Triple's 1445 mm. The seat height is slightly higher on the Duke R at 834 mm compared to the Speed Triple's 830 mm. The Speed Triple has a larger fuel tank capacity of 15.5 liters compared to the Duke R's 14 liters. The Duke R has a longer range of 295 km compared to the Speed Triple's 276 km. The Duke R also has a lower combined fuel consumption of 4.74 l/100km compared to the Speed Triple's 5.6 l/100km.

In terms of strengths, the KTM 890 Duke R is praised for its sporty and high-revving engine, excellent quick-shifting gearbox, advanced electronic package, excellent brakes, good chassis, and easy-to-ride handling. The Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS is praised for its versatility, being easy to ride in city traffic but also capable of high-speed performance. It has a powerful and rev-happy engine, top-notch gearbox, quiet operation when needed, light and compact handling, stable behavior in fast corners, strong brakes, and precise handling.

However, both bikes have their weaknesses. The KTM 890 Duke R is criticized for its cheap buttons and switches and slightly nervous geometry. The Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS is criticized for its load change reactions at low speeds, slightly low steering angle, narrow knee angle for tall riders, stubborn phone connectivity, squeaky brakes, overly defensive traction control even in track mode, handlebar vibrations, and insufficiently sensitive suspension response with a too-tight basic setup.