2022 KTM 890 Duke R | First Look Review

The KTM 1290 Super Duke R Evo is known as “The Beast,” and its little brother – the KTM 890 Duke R – is known as “The Super Scalpel.” For 2022, both are offered in an all-new Atlantic Blue colorway inspired by the KTM RC16 GP racebike. KTM’s trademark orange is powercoated on the chromoly-steel trellis frame for contrast.

The KTM 890 Duke R debuted in 2020, with the “R” designation reserved for high-performance “Ready to Race” models. It features fully adjustable WP Apex suspension, a WP steering damper, Brembo Stylema monoblock front calipers, a Brembo MCS front master cylinder, a PASC slip/assist clutch, Michelin Power Cup tires, and a state-of-the-art electronics package that includes cornering ABS with Supermoto mode, lean-angle-sensitive Motorcycle Traction Control, and selectable ride modes (Sport, Street, and Rain). An optional Track mode adds sharper throttle response along with on-the-fly TC adjustability over nine levels.

The 890 Duke R’s 889cc parallel-Twin engine has DOHC with four valves per cylinder, and it is tuned to deliver an additional 6 horsepower over the standard 890 Duke. When we tested the 2020 KTM 890 Duke R, it sent 111 horsepower at 9,500 rpm and 67 lb-ft of torque at 7,000 rpm to the rear wheel.

Riders can dial in suspension settings to suit their tastes. The fully adjustable 43mm inverted WP Apex for has separate compression and rebound functions in each leg. The fully adjustable WP Apex shock offers high and low speed compression adjustability along with adjustable rebound and a remote preload adjuster.

A full-color TFT display provides a wealth of information for the rider, and it allows for convenient navigation of the various menus and settings. An LED headlight is paired with an LED daytime running light for eye-catching visibility and excellent illumination. The flat, tapered aluminum handlebar can be adjusted to four positions within the triple clamp and rotated among three positions. Seat height is 32.8 inches, fuel capacity is 3.7 gallons, and dry weight is 366 pounds (curb weight with all fluids was 405 pounds for our 2020 test bike).

Pricing and availability for the 2022 KTM 890 Duke R have not yet been announced. For more information or to find a KTM dealer near you, visit ktm.com.

2022 KTM 890 Duke R Specifications

Engine Type: Parallel Twin, 4-Stroke, DOHC
Displacement: 889cc
Bore/Stroke: 90.7/68.8mm
Starter: Electric; 12V 10Ah
Transmission: 6 Gears
Fuel System: DKK Dell’Orto, 46 mm Throttle Body
Lubrication: Pressure Lubrication with 2 Oil Pumps
Cooling: Liquid Cooling with Water/Oil Heat Exchanger
Clutch: PASC (Power Assisted Slipper Clutch), Mechanically Operated
Ignition: Bosch EMS with Ride-By-Wire
Frame: CroMoly Tubular Steel, Engine as Stressed Member
Subframe: Cast Aluminum
Handlebar: Aluminum, Tapered, Ø 26/22 mm
Front Suspension: WP APEX USD Ø 43 mm
Rear Suspension: WP APEX Monoshock
Suspension Travel Front/Rear: 140 mm/5.5 in; 150 mm/5.9 in
Front/Rear Brakes: Disc Brake 320 mm/240 mm
Front/Rear Wheels: 3.50 x 17”, 5.50 x 17”
Front/Rear Tires: 120/70ZR17”; 180/55ZR17”
Steering Head Angle: 24.3º
Wheelbase: 1,482mm ± 15mm / 58.3 ± 0.6 in.
Ground Clearance: 206mm / 8.1 in
Seat Height: 834mm / 32.8 in
Tank Capacity: 14 L / 3.7 gal
Weight (without fuel), Approx: 166 kg / 365.9 lbs