Anyone own a KTM 890 Duke R?
Discussion
So after deliberating on going to a litre super sport from my recently acquired ZX6R, I did a trackday and realised that there it would be pointless to get a litre bike as I’m at about 1/10th of what my 600 can do on track. I’ve made the decision to turn the ZX6R in to a track bike and buy a more suitable bike for the roads.
I was torn between a few bikes, Hypermotard 950, V2 Streetfighter, Tuono 1100, 1290 Superduke and 890 Duke R. I’m pretty set on an 890, seems to have the right amount of power, it’s very light and looks like a lot of fun without having to go straight to prison speeds. I really am not sold on the looks, but I can look past that.
Does anyone own one? I’m hearing a mixed bag on reliability and the dealer network is pretty rubbish around me, I think my closest dealer is in the midlands.
I was torn between a few bikes, Hypermotard 950, V2 Streetfighter, Tuono 1100, 1290 Superduke and 890 Duke R. I’m pretty set on an 890, seems to have the right amount of power, it’s very light and looks like a lot of fun without having to go straight to prison speeds. I really am not sold on the looks, but I can look past that.
Does anyone own one? I’m hearing a mixed bag on reliability and the dealer network is pretty rubbish around me, I think my closest dealer is in the midlands.
I have a 790, but due to the bag of nails it’s turned out to be I have had a 890 a fair few times as a courtesy bike.
Great bike, power handling and balance is perfect, for me a relatively new rider it made it easy for me to keep up with quicker riders without feeling like I was out of my comfort zone.
However reliability is an issue with these bikes, most are ok but if you get a lemon it never seems to end, and the dealer network is woeful unless it’s a main dealer and not a franchised dealer, even then KTM are, frankly, dicks with regard to warranty items.
Krise
Great bike, power handling and balance is perfect, for me a relatively new rider it made it easy for me to keep up with quicker riders without feeling like I was out of my comfort zone.
However reliability is an issue with these bikes, most are ok but if you get a lemon it never seems to end, and the dealer network is woeful unless it’s a main dealer and not a franchised dealer, even then KTM are, frankly, dicks with regard to warranty items.
Krise
I've one , had it since January after part exing my CCM spitfire .
Dealers been fine , but only used for purchase and first service at 620 miles.
Bikes brilliant, lots of useable power, doesn't sound too bad with a can on it, and no intention of decatting whilst in warranty.
Had a few issues with missed gear shifts using the quickshifter, but that's been vastly improved since it was calibrated at service time, and the more miles covered seems to improve the action still.
Reliability issues seem to center around silly oil and coolant leaks ,again not had that as yet.
Brakes and suspension are great, engine reminds me of my old 990 superduke, feels like a v twin rather than inline
Lightweight too.
Dealers been fine , but only used for purchase and first service at 620 miles.
Bikes brilliant, lots of useable power, doesn't sound too bad with a can on it, and no intention of decatting whilst in warranty.
Had a few issues with missed gear shifts using the quickshifter, but that's been vastly improved since it was calibrated at service time, and the more miles covered seems to improve the action still.
Reliability issues seem to center around silly oil and coolant leaks ,again not had that as yet.
Brakes and suspension are great, engine reminds me of my old 990 superduke, feels like a v twin rather than inline
Lightweight too.
rigga said:
I've one , had it since January after part exing my CCM spitfire .
Dealers been fine , but only used for purchase and first service at 620 miles.
Bikes brilliant, lots of useable power, doesn't sound too bad with a can on it, and no intention of decatting whilst in warranty.
Had a few issues with missed gear shifts using the quickshifter, but that's been vastly improved since it was calibrated at service time, and the more miles covered seems to improve the action still.
Reliability issues seem to center around silly oil and coolant leaks ,again not had that as yet.
Brakes and suspension are great, engine reminds me of my old 990 superduke, feels like a v twin rather than inline
Lightweight too.
Out of curiosity, do you prefer it over the 990? I love the 990s, such aggression and precision.Dealers been fine , but only used for purchase and first service at 620 miles.
Bikes brilliant, lots of useable power, doesn't sound too bad with a can on it, and no intention of decatting whilst in warranty.
Had a few issues with missed gear shifts using the quickshifter, but that's been vastly improved since it was calibrated at service time, and the more miles covered seems to improve the action still.
Reliability issues seem to center around silly oil and coolant leaks ,again not had that as yet.
Brakes and suspension are great, engine reminds me of my old 990 superduke, feels like a v twin rather than inline
Lightweight too.
I have an 890R - picked it up exactly 12 months ago.
I recognise all of the comments re how the bike rides.
Parallel twin but with offset firing order to effectively make it a 75 or 85 degree v-twin.
I actually took it to Silverstone for a track day last week and thought it gave a very good account of itself - really liked the engine delivery, great fun to flip it through the quick shifter for full throttle upshifts, can feel the lack of mass vs a litre bike, lots of torque - the bike just grunts itself out of the corners, lean it as far as you dare til your boots rub.
Re the reliability comments - there seem to have been quite a few issues raised re the 790 - I spend a decent amount of time on KTM forums and I haven’t really seen much negative re the 890 - which is obviously a later bike after KTM had a few years to sort the development. Some mention of oil seals being fixed at first service but have not seen much of this recently.
Mine is actually a 2020 bike (first year of 890 production) and I have not had any real issues to report - certainly nothing mechanical.
The quick shifter can be sensitive to chain tension so just make sure that is within tolerance per the manual (haven’t had any issues between services).
I had one warning light on the dash which hasn’t come back after a software update at the dealer.
Keep in mind that the bikes have a 2 year factory warranty - so if you’re buying new you’re covered and if you’re behind nearly new it would be a surprise if issues hadn’t been picked up in that time and fixed for free.
Just make sure you have the latest software when you do pop into the dealer.
Looks wise - check back to the 2017 790 concept that wowed the EICMA show - it’s the same bike, just a few things hide the shape - the tail tidy - reflectors on the forks, the mirrors. I think they look a bit different with these tweaks and I think they look better in the flesh than pics.
I know I sound like a bit of an evangelist but am trying to be as balanced as possible and generally don’t like it when people blindly overhype their own bike online.
Have a google / cruise through YouTube / take a test ride and make up your own mind.
I recognise all of the comments re how the bike rides.
Parallel twin but with offset firing order to effectively make it a 75 or 85 degree v-twin.
I actually took it to Silverstone for a track day last week and thought it gave a very good account of itself - really liked the engine delivery, great fun to flip it through the quick shifter for full throttle upshifts, can feel the lack of mass vs a litre bike, lots of torque - the bike just grunts itself out of the corners, lean it as far as you dare til your boots rub.
Re the reliability comments - there seem to have been quite a few issues raised re the 790 - I spend a decent amount of time on KTM forums and I haven’t really seen much negative re the 890 - which is obviously a later bike after KTM had a few years to sort the development. Some mention of oil seals being fixed at first service but have not seen much of this recently.
Mine is actually a 2020 bike (first year of 890 production) and I have not had any real issues to report - certainly nothing mechanical.
The quick shifter can be sensitive to chain tension so just make sure that is within tolerance per the manual (haven’t had any issues between services).
I had one warning light on the dash which hasn’t come back after a software update at the dealer.
Keep in mind that the bikes have a 2 year factory warranty - so if you’re buying new you’re covered and if you’re behind nearly new it would be a surprise if issues hadn’t been picked up in that time and fixed for free.
Just make sure you have the latest software when you do pop into the dealer.
Looks wise - check back to the 2017 790 concept that wowed the EICMA show - it’s the same bike, just a few things hide the shape - the tail tidy - reflectors on the forks, the mirrors. I think they look a bit different with these tweaks and I think they look better in the flesh than pics.
I know I sound like a bit of an evangelist but am trying to be as balanced as possible and generally don’t like it when people blindly overhype their own bike online.
Have a google / cruise through YouTube / take a test ride and make up your own mind.
Edited by five50 on Wednesday 20th July 21:45
One more thing - the tech pack - people love to moan about how this is extra - but look at every car manufacturer particularly BMW / Porsche / Ferrari etc who’s profit margins are basically the options.
If you want to experience the bike properly, get the pack - I have the full electrics - tech pack, cruise control, usb socket, heated grips - it’s a key part of the bike imho and it all works v well. This is the stuff you were only getting on what are now £20k top end super bikes a few years back.
You can obviously go bit by bit if you want to and decide what suits you - but do get a tech pack bike if you want the full 890 experience.
If you want to experience the bike properly, get the pack - I have the full electrics - tech pack, cruise control, usb socket, heated grips - it’s a key part of the bike imho and it all works v well. This is the stuff you were only getting on what are now £20k top end super bikes a few years back.
You can obviously go bit by bit if you want to and decide what suits you - but do get a tech pack bike if you want the full 890 experience.
Edited by five50 on Wednesday 20th July 21:55
raining_sulphur said:
rigga said:
I've one , had it since January after part exing my CCM spitfire .
Dealers been fine , but only used for purchase and first service at 620 miles.
Bikes brilliant, lots of useable power, doesn't sound too bad with a can on it, and no intention of decatting whilst in warranty.
Had a few issues with missed gear shifts using the quickshifter, but that's been vastly improved since it was calibrated at service time, and the more miles covered seems to improve the action still.
Reliability issues seem to center around silly oil and coolant leaks ,again not had that as yet.
Brakes and suspension are great, engine reminds me of my old 990 superduke, feels like a v twin rather than inline
Lightweight too.
Out of curiosity, do you prefer it over the 990? I love the 990s, such aggression and precision.Dealers been fine , but only used for purchase and first service at 620 miles.
Bikes brilliant, lots of useable power, doesn't sound too bad with a can on it, and no intention of decatting whilst in warranty.
Had a few issues with missed gear shifts using the quickshifter, but that's been vastly improved since it was calibrated at service time, and the more miles covered seems to improve the action still.
Reliability issues seem to center around silly oil and coolant leaks ,again not had that as yet.
Brakes and suspension are great, engine reminds me of my old 990 superduke, feels like a v twin rather than inline
Lightweight too.
five50 said:
I have an 890R - picked it up exactly 12 months ago.
Do you have any issues with the location of the exhuast in regards to heat and exhaust smell? I really fancy an 890 but have a Hornet at the moment and one thing that really annoys is coming home smelling like exhaust from the underseat pipes.2ndclasscitizen said:
Do you have any issues with the location of the exhuast in regards to heat and exhaust smell? I really fancy an 890 but have a Hornet at the moment and one thing that really annoys is coming home smelling like exhaust from the underseat pipes.
I've ridden three or four Duke 790 loaners and never noticed any exhaust smell on me or my clothing. I've only ever heard of it in relation to the Aprilia Shiver 750 and thought the exhaust on the Shiver 900 was changed to address that. Thanks for all the help guys.
I test road a 890 Duke R yesterday and absolutely loved it, probably the most fun I've had on two wheels on the roads. It didn't feel underpowered, it was just the right amount for the roads near me with plenty of low down grunt and a great mid range. It's was just so flickable, really enjoyed it.
The only thing putting me off is the quirky looks and the dealer network, but I think I can look past that.
The MT-09 I tried last week, really does not compare to the 890, brakes felt crap, suspension wasn't a patch on the 890, fit and finish was worse. Obviously it's much cheaper and it's still not a bad bike but it's definitely not for me. I know the SP has better suspension so potentially worth trying I guess.
I'm going to try a Hypermotard 950 and a Super Duke, but really loving the Duke R.
I test road a 890 Duke R yesterday and absolutely loved it, probably the most fun I've had on two wheels on the roads. It didn't feel underpowered, it was just the right amount for the roads near me with plenty of low down grunt and a great mid range. It's was just so flickable, really enjoyed it.
The only thing putting me off is the quirky looks and the dealer network, but I think I can look past that.
The MT-09 I tried last week, really does not compare to the 890, brakes felt crap, suspension wasn't a patch on the 890, fit and finish was worse. Obviously it's much cheaper and it's still not a bad bike but it's definitely not for me. I know the SP has better suspension so potentially worth trying I guess.
I'm going to try a Hypermotard 950 and a Super Duke, but really loving the Duke R.
Edited by samjlevy on Friday 22 July 13:15
samjlevy said:
Thanks for all the help guys.
I test road a 890 Duke R yesterday and absolutely loved it, probably the most fun I've had on two wheels on the roads. It didn't feel underpowered, it was just the right amount for the roads near me with plenty of low down grunt and a great mid range. It's was just so flickable, really enjoyed it.
The only thing putting me off is the quirky looks and the dealer network, but I think I can look past that.
The MT-09 I tried last week, really does not compare to the 890, brakes felt crap, suspension wasn't a patch on the 890, fit and finish was worse. Obviously it's much cheaper and it's still not a bad bike but it's definitely not for me. I know the SP has better suspension so potentially worth trying I guess.
I'm going to try a Hypermotard 950 and a Super Duke, but really loving the Duke R.
Be interested in your thoughts on the Hyper,considering one as my next bike..................I test road a 890 Duke R yesterday and absolutely loved it, probably the most fun I've had on two wheels on the roads. It didn't feel underpowered, it was just the right amount for the roads near me with plenty of low down grunt and a great mid range. It's was just so flickable, really enjoyed it.
The only thing putting me off is the quirky looks and the dealer network, but I think I can look past that.
The MT-09 I tried last week, really does not compare to the 890, brakes felt crap, suspension wasn't a patch on the 890, fit and finish was worse. Obviously it's much cheaper and it's still not a bad bike but it's definitely not for me. I know the SP has better suspension so potentially worth trying I guess.
I'm going to try a Hypermotard 950 and a Super Duke, but really loving the Duke R.
Edited by samjlevy on Friday 22 July 13:15
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