Results 1 to 11 of 11

Thread: KTM 890 Duke

  1. #1
    Join Date
    2nd March 2018 - 15:32
    Bike
    1998 Yamaha R1
    Location
    Auckland
    Posts
    1,178

    KTM 890 Duke

    Anyone here own an 890, or had a decent ride on one? I'd be interested in your opinion of the bike.

    Sent from my SM-G980F using Tapatalk

  2. #2
    Join Date
    22nd October 2002 - 11:00
    Bike
    Sold
    Location
    Coromandel Town
    Posts
    4,407
    Try 790dukeforum.com . It includes the 890 too and has a fair bit of practical info from owners, as well as comparisons with the 790.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    2nd March 2018 - 15:32
    Bike
    1998 Yamaha R1
    Location
    Auckland
    Posts
    1,178
    Thanks, some good info there. I was all set to buy a Tuono back in August before lockdown, but have been thinking that something with less power and weight would be better for the riding I do.

    Sent from my SM-G980F using Tapatalk

  4. #4
    Join Date
    3rd October 2006 - 21:21
    Bike
    Breaking rocks
    Location
    in the hot sun
    Posts
    4,213
    Blog Entries
    1
    Slightly off topic but my mate test rode the 890adv and now wants to ditch his dl650 and bmw s1000xr for one...
    Only a Rat can win a Rat Race!

  5. #5
    Join Date
    9th May 2008 - 21:23
    Bike
    A
    Location
    B
    Posts
    2,547
    The old "what bike I want next" is perpetual isn't it?

    I've got two bikes in my garage, neither are particularly exciting (to me anyway) yet when I ask myself what bike next...I end up a tad stumped

    The KTM 790/890 seems like a neat combo of power/weight, with some of us who run serious distance asking ourselves the KTM reliability question, right or wrong.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    25th March 2004 - 17:22
    Bike
    RZ496/Street 765RS/GasGas/ etc etc
    Location
    Wellington. . ok the hutt
    Posts
    20,500
    Blog Entries
    2
    I rode the 890Duke and the 765RS back to back. The 890 in many ways was a better bike. Exciting to ride. If I was the sort to replace every couple of years I'd have likely got it to have a change. . . . and be in warranty, some of the reports are a little scary.

    In the end the triple felt like home and I just loved the engine. I'm more a triple than twin kinda guy. As it turned out the 765 handling is my favorite part after a few months.

    The 890 is quite tall, but you have to ride one. They are fun.
    Don't you look at my accountant.
    He's the only one I've got.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    25th June 2012 - 11:56
    Bike
    Daelim VL250 Daystar
    Location
    Pyongyang
    Posts
    2,489
    I took the 790 ADV R out for a ride.... and returned it early!

    It was FAST, the power is there but a very boring characterless linear delivery which is prob nice if your doing serious adv riding in slippery terrain. It was also very vibey like something’s about to break type vibrations but since been told by respected riders that’s what all KTM’s feel like.
    The riding positions/ergonomics excellent (6ft) but the helmet buffeting off screen was as awful as described in ALL of the roadtests at normal highway cruising speed. Gearshift didn’t feel sturdy, overall it didn’t feel like a $24k bike to me.....
    Will have to try the 890 though and see if that extra cc has given it any feeling of torque along with the heavier crank.
    Govt gives you nothing because it creates nothing - Javier Milei

  8. #8
    Join Date
    2nd March 2018 - 15:32
    Bike
    1998 Yamaha R1
    Location
    Auckland
    Posts
    1,178
    Thanks for your replies, everyone. Unfortunately reliability seems to be an ongoing issue with KTM, and it seems it's luck whether you get a good one or have problems. I see that Boyds has a 790 with over 70,000 km, so someone had a good run with theirs!

    Sent from my SM-G980F using Tapatalk

  9. #9
    Join Date
    10th June 2008 - 15:44
    Bike
    ES XTZ
    Location
    CH-CH
    Posts
    1,365
    A fella i ride with has an 890R they both carve up the Akaroa GP rather well.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    3rd November 2007 - 07:46
    Bike
    KTM 1290 SDR
    Location
    Palmerston North
    Posts
    3,962
    Quote Originally Posted by SaferRides View Post
    Thanks for your replies, everyone. Unfortunately reliability seems to be an ongoing issue with KTM, and it seems it's luck whether you get a good one or have problems. I see that Boyds has a 790 with over 70,000 km, so someone had a good run with theirs!
    My 1290 SDR has over 132,000km on it. Of course it has now broken, but it's not too serious. Looking at replacing timing chains, tensioners and guides.
    Still uses no oil between changes and has been a fantastic bike overall. I'm glad I didn't listen to the nay-sayers that said "Don't buy a KTM".
    Nunquam Non Paratus

  11. #11
    Join Date
    22nd October 2002 - 11:00
    Bike
    Sold
    Location
    Coromandel Town
    Posts
    4,407
    Quote Originally Posted by Owl View Post
    I'm glad I didn't listen to the nay-sayers that said "Don't buy a KTM".
    Nearly 3 years of 790 ownership now. I probably wouldn't have bought one if there was regular commuting involved but as a fun machine, it's hard to beat. It's likely to be the last bike I own and from that perspective, it's great to finish on something that makes me laugh every time I ride it.

Thread Information

Users Browsing this Thread

There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •