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2021 KTM 890 Duke R Overview
For 2021, KTM offers the 890 Duke R as a sport motorcycle with 889 cc on tap. The 2021 KTM 890 Duke R is built around a Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder engine, a compression ratio of 13.5:1. Out on the road, the 890 Duke R delivers 121 hp @ 9250 rpm of peak power and 99 Nm @ 7750 rpm of torque. In everyday use, the 2021 890 Duke R tips the scales at 166 kg, carries a 14-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 834 mm and spans a 1481 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 36.7 kg lighter than the average sport motorcycle in our database. Every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes, is covered in the full 2021 KTM 890 Duke R spec sheet below.
2021 890 Duke R - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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Strong power output: Peak output on the 890 Duke R is 121 hp @ 9250 rpm and 99 Nm @ 7750 rpm of torque - strong numbers for what it is.
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Fuel injection: No choke, no jetting, no altitude compensation to think about - fuel injection just works across a wider range of conditions than carburetion.
Considerations
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Tall seat height: A 834 mm seat puts flat-footing out of reach for a lot of riders - sit on it in person before committing.
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Chain final drive upkeep: A chain drivetrain is the most common setup in its class, but it's also the one that demands the most regular hands-on maintenance.
Wear Points & Servicing Notes
Cooling system servicing
With Liquid cooled with water/oil heat exchanger, thermal management is largely automatic, but the coolant has a service life of its own - replace it on the manufacturer's interval to protect the water passages and thermostat.
Fuelling & injector care
Fuelling on the 890 Duke R comes from DKK Dell'Orto fuel-Injection throttle body 46mm. Cold starts and throttle response stay consistent across altitude and temperature, the main practical edge over a carbureted equivalent.
Brake disc and pad wear
2x 320mm discs, Brembo Stylema monobloc 4 piston, radially mounted caliper up front provides the primary stopping power; inspect disc thickness and pad wear at each tyre change to catch scoring before it becomes a rotor replacement.
Suspension condition on used examples
Suspension duties are handled by 43mm WP APEX upside-down forks up front and WP APEX Monoshock at the rear. Weeping fork seals aren't a dealbreaker on a used bike, but they're a fair basis for negotiating price.
Final drive maintenance
Chain final drive on the 890 Duke R means routine lubing and tension checks are part of ownership - skip them and sprocket wear accelerates noticeably.
Frame & chassis check
The Chromium-Molybdenum-Steel frame using the engine as stressed element, powder coated chassis holds up well with normal use; on a used bike it's still worth checking the head-stock and swingarm pivot area for impact damage or corrosion.
890 Duke R - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
A pre-purchase check on the 2021 KTM 890 Duke R should cover the same ground every time: service history, chain and sprocket condition, and any oil seepage around the casings. Start it from cold if you can - a well-kept 890 Duke R settles to a smooth idle within seconds.
Oil and filter changes
Oil changes are the cheapest insurance you can buy for a 890 Duke R's engine - keep to the manufacturer's interval rather than stretching it. Use the viscosity grade the manual specifies, not whatever's on sale.
Fuel system care
Injector systems like the 890 Duke R's hold up well with basic care - decent fuel, an occasional cleaner additive, and draining old fuel before any layup longer than three months.
2021 KTM 890 Duke R - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2021 KTM 890 Duke R have?
The 2021 KTM 890 Duke R uses a Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder engine with 889 cc of displacement. It is liquid cooled with water/oil heat exchanger.
How much does the 2021 KTM 890 Duke R weigh?
The 2021 KTM 890 Duke R weighs 166 kg. This is the manufacturer's dry figure.
How much power does the 2021 KTM 890 Duke R make?
The 2021 KTM 890 Duke R produces 121 hp @ 9250 rpm of power and 99 Nm @ 7750 rpm of torque. These are peak figures.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2021 KTM 890 Duke R?
The 2021 KTM 890 Duke R has a 14-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 233-280 km between stops.
Is the 2021 KTM 890 Duke R suitable for shorter riders?
The 2021 KTM 890 Duke R has a seat height of 834 mm. This is towards the tall end of the spectrum and will require most riders under 175 cm to tiptoe at stops.
What brakes does the 2021 KTM 890 Duke R have?
The 2021 KTM 890 Duke R uses 2x 320mm discs, Brembo Stylema monobloc 4 piston, radially mounted caliper at the front and Single 240mm disc, Brembo 1 piston floating calliper at the rear.
What tyre sizes does the 2021 KTM 890 Duke R use?
The 2021 KTM 890 Duke R runs 120/70 ZR 17 front and 180/55 ZR 17 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.
What gearbox does the 2021 KTM 890 Duke R have?
The 2021 KTM 890 Duke R is fitted with a 6 Speed transmission.
KTM 890 Duke R Spec Evolution
The KTM 890 Duke R was produced across 3 model years (2020-2022). The table below highlights the key specifications that changed across the production run - useful whether you are comparing years or tracking down a specific variant.
| Specification |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
| Max Power |
89 kW / 119 hp @ 9250 rpm |
121 hp / 89 kW @ 9250 rpm |
121 hp / 89 kW @ 9250 rpm |
| Displacement |
890 cc / 54.3 cu-in |
889 cc / 54.2 cu-in |
889 cc / 54.2 cu-in |
| Brakes - Front |
2x 320mm discs, Brembo Stylema Monobloc four piston, radially mounted caliper |
2x 320mm discs, Brembo Stylema monobloc 4 piston, radially mounted caliper |
2x 320mm discs, Brembo Stylema monobloc 4 piston, radially mounted caliper |
| Wheelbase |
1482 mm ± 15 mm |
1481 mm / 58.3 in |
1481 mm / 58.3 in |
| Brakes - Rear |
Single 240mm disc, Brembo single-piston floating calliper |
Single 240mm disc, Brembo 1 piston floating calliper |
Single 240mm disc, Brembo 1 piston floating calliper |
| Suspension - Rear |
WP APEX shock absorber with preload adjuster |
WP APEX Monoshock |
WP APEX Monoshock |
| ABS |
Two-channel Bosch 9.1 MP ABS (incl. Cornering ABS and Supermoto mode Disengegable) |
Bosch 9.1 MP (incl. Cornering ABS and Supermoto mode) |
Bosch 9.1 MP (incl. Cornering ABS and Supermoto mode) |
| Rake |
24° |
24.3° |
24.3° |
Key Specifications
Engine
Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder
Power
121 hp / 89 kW @ 9250 rpm
Torque
99 Nm / 73 lb-ft @ 7750 rpm
Top Speed
Not published by manufacturer
Fuel Capacity
14 Litres / 3.7 US gal
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Full 2021 KTM 890 Duke R Specifications
Year
2021
Make Model
KTM 890 Duke R
Seat Height
834 mm / 32.8 in
Wheelbase
1481 mm / 58.3 in
Ground Clearance
206 mm / 8.1 in
Dry Weight
166 kg / 366 lbs
Fuel Capacity
14 Litres / 3.7 US gal
Displacement
889 cc / 54.2 cu-in
Engine Detail
Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder
Bore x Stroke
90.7 x 68.8 mm
Compression Ratio
13.5:1
Cooling System
Liquid cooled with water/oil heat exchanger
Emissions
EURO5
Engine Management
Bosch EMS with RBW
Exhaust
Stainless steel primary and secondary silencer
Fuel Induction
DKK Dell'Orto fuel-Injection throttle body 46mm
Lubrication
Forced oil lubrication with 2 oil pumps
Starter
Electric
Clutch
PASC antihopping clutch, mechanically operated
Final Drive
Chain 520 X-Ring
Transmission / Drive
6 Speed
Frame Type
Chromium-Molybdenum-Steel frame using the engine as stressed element, powder coated
Suspension - Front
43mm WP APEX upside-down forks
Suspension - Rear
WP APEX Monoshock
Rake
24.3°
Steering Head Angle
65.7°
Trail
99.7 mm / 3.9 in
Wheel Travel - Front
140 mm / 5.5 in
Wheel Travel - Rear
150 mm / 5.9 in
Brakes - Front
2x 320mm discs, Brembo Stylema monobloc 4 piston, radially mounted caliper
Brakes - Rear
Single 240mm disc, Brembo 1 piston floating calliper
ABS
Bosch 9.1 MP (incl. Cornering ABS and Supermoto mode)
Tyres - Front
120/70 ZR 17
Tyres - Rear
180/55 ZR 17
Wheels - Front
Cast aluminium wheels 3.50 X 17
Wheels - Rear
Cast aluminium wheels 5.50 X 17
Specifications are compiled from manufacturer documentation and cross-referenced
technical sources, and corrected on an ongoing basis.
Spot an error? Let us know.
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