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#41 ·
Blwnbyu said:
Got my bike back. The water pump was fine. They Original Thermostat was installed correctly, but seemed to be alot stickier than the new one. It appears that took care of the problem. I've been snowmobiling and riding my dirtbikes this weekend so I will continue testing on Monday. I do have some more parts for the 890R.
Rottweiler showed the Evotech Radiator Guard fit both the 790 and 890R.. THAT IS NOT CORRECT.. THE 890R RADIATOR IS AN INCH WIDER! So I guess I'll install it on my 790..

Another note. The KTM MYRIDE IS A PIECE OF ****. My dealer installed the module for me. There is no issue in the install, but the APP is a joke and the module does not work properly with the App. The bike shows the BLUETOOTH icon saying my phone is connected, but the MYRIDE part of the display, and the APP both say phone not connected.. If you read the reviews on the google play store, you will see most people have the same issue with the APP. If it worked, it would be amazing.. So right now, I've wasted another $280 on an ill prepared KTM part. Starting to get a little pissy.

I'm installing the heated grips today, as well as adding paint protection film to the entire front end, and 3D carbon fiber to some of the trim pieces.

I also installed an NRC tail tidy on my 790. I made a review on Facebook comparing it to the MNNTHBX.. I can add that info here.
Click to expand...
Please do show NRC vs MNNTHBX, they seem to be the best tail tidies/cleanest ones (mnnthbx wins over I think)
 
#43 ·
I am not surprised honestly, even the 790 overheats on some really hot days in bad traffic. Look at the compression ratio on that baby, its insane(i mean the 890) !

It will be 1 hot machine, if you are into track riding or live in a cold country great, otherwise in any hot ish place its gonna be a pain in the ***.

790 = 12.7:1
890 = 13.5:1
 
Discussion starter · #44 ·
ghost_z said:
I am not surprised honestly, even the 790 overheats on some really hot days in bad traffic. Look at the compression ratio on that baby, its insane(i mean the 890) !

It will be 1 hot machine, if you are into track riding or live in a cold country great, otherwise in any hot ish place its gonna be a pain in the ***.

790 = 12.7:1
890 = 13.5:1
Click to expand...
It has a bigger radiator. It overheated because the thermostat stuck.
 
Discussion starter · #46 ·
I did do some work on my 790. Dropped a tooth up front, tightened the chain, and added my rokbagoros graphics that I ordered months ago. Seriously thinking about throwing real tires on this bike and riding it all summer. I have a fake akro exhaust coming for it and I may decat on one or both bikes since I can get the Akro maps for free.


4272
 
#48 ·
Blwnbyu said:
Spent the day riding my new 890R. Picked it up this morning and transfered the exhaust, mirrors and tail tidy off of my 790.. I have to say, the difference between the two bikes is NIGHT AND DAY. Unfortunately, KTM seems to be having an issue and pulled the tech pack from being available for download, so I don't have the quickshifter or other goodies yet. On a plus note, I did find the Akro EVO map in the options on my dealers tablet, so that is available for cat deletes. The biggest difference between the two bikes comes from the tires IMO.. The turn in on the 890 is incredible. It WANTS to corner. It lays down so easily it's insane. Also, there is a BIG torque difference from Idle to redline. Peak horsepower on the top end isn't that noticeable, which is fine, but you feel the the torque through the whole rev range. The suspension is more controlled and firm, and the brakes are outstanding. I was head over heals in love with this bike until it overheated. I had to pull over and let it cool down on a 45 mph road at around 55* F. I don't know if the cooling system was not burped properly or what. This happened at around 100 miles on the ODO after a morning of faster riding. I checked and noticed the fan wasn't coming on, so I checked all the fuses, which were ok, and wiggled the relays. Wiggling the relays seemed to do the job. But, the 890 still heats up idling, even with the fan on, while my 790 can Idle all day long and never get above 4 bars.. I don't know what the issue is here yet, but I have an incredible dealer and we will get it figured out..

*Update Today.
Since I have both bikes, I can do some testing. It's currently only about 35 degrees out, so I fired both bikes up in the driveway and let them idle. The 890R got to 4 bars in half the time that the 790 did. I video'd the whole warmup process. Both fans turned on at the top of 4 bars but the 890R kept climbing in termperature, eventually hitting 7 bars while the 790 was still at 4. I ended up shutting the 890 Down at 7 bars and let the 790 run for another few minutes, FINALLY hitting 5 bars with the fan running constantly. I will be taking the 890 back to the dealer on Monday. It has 130 miles on it, and the 790 is at 740. I've never seen the 790 above 5 bars.


Noticeable Differences between 790 and 890R
Mirrors.. The 890 factory mirrors look alot better.
Front Turn Signals are slightly revised.
TFT display is slightly different with different menus and displays. Size is still the same.
Black Tank
Tires. If you put these tires on the 790 It will turn it into a different kind of monster
Handle Bars on the 890 have alot less rise. I can post pictures of the two if you guys wish.
The daytime running light uses a different part of the LED headlight.
The 890 is SLIGHTLY louder with my SC exhaust than the 790 was.
890 owners packet is now a cheap chinese zipper bag instead of the traditional KTM hard zippered pouch.




890r by BLWNBYU, on Flickr
Click to expand...
Let me began by stating your post bears a lot of responsibility and you have handled that duty with flying colors. What responsibility? As you are aware,there are many who have the 790 and pondering if they should lose money on trade in and fork out the difference. That is a tough decision. You have been kind enough to take your time uploading pictures of comparisons because of the inquiries of others.--not once but several times on this thread. I replied with a quote of your initial post because you went to the heart of the matter---to the main question other riders would want to know---- Is the torque andHP difference noticeable? This was based on your first day of riding then you unfortunately had the overheating issue and thermostat. However, now that you have likely gotten more miles on the 890R, tell those of us, who are stuck in the quandry about switching bikes, 1) how do you feel now about the difference in torque now-- would you pay for that difference alone? If not track riding, would you have gotten the 890R? Why keep the 790--- is there a feeling or experience you get from it not present on the 890R? You mentioned the tires, suspension and brakes, and that great, but I think the more you could expand upon the torque and would you recommend the upgrade would be of great additional value and , of course, discuss why you would ride one bike vs the other if you went to your garage and could pick only one for ride . Lastly, and again, it is unique having both 790 and 890 R still in your possession so early in the release of the new bike. Hence, I would really encourage you to post a youtube video about your experience-----you would get tons of views -- and really help the first time buyer chose since its not easy to test ride both bikes. You have been invaluable to many and I hope you are rewarded with a bike that is trouble free and makes you happy many times over. Any hey, What dealership are you raving about? Regards
 
#50 ·
Tellem'Ed said:
Let me began by stating your post bears a lot of responsibility and you have handled that duty with flying colors. What responsibility? As you are aware,there are many who have the 790 and pondering if they should lose money on trade in and fork out the difference. That is a tough decision. You have been kind enough to take your time uploading pictures of comparisons because of the inquiries of others.--not once but several times on this thread. I replied with a quote of your initial post because you went to the heart of the matter---to the main question other riders would want to know---- Is the torque andHP difference noticeable? This was based on your first day of riding then you unfortunately had the overheating issue and thermostat. However, now that you have likely gotten more miles on the 890R, tell those of us, who are stuck in the quandry about switching bikes, 1) how do you feel now about the difference in torque now-- would you pay for that difference alone? If not track riding, would you have gotten the 890R? Why keep the 790--- is there a feeling or experience you get from it not present on the 890R? You mentioned the tires, suspension and brakes, and that great, but I think the more you could expand upon the torque and would you recommend the upgrade would be of great additional value and , of course, discuss why you would ride one bike vs the other if you went to your garage and could pick only one for ride . Lastly, and again, it is unique having both 790 and 890 R still in your possession so early in the release of the new bike. Hence, I would really encourage you to post a youtube video about your experience-----you would get tons of views -- and really help the first time buyer chose since its not easy to test ride both bikes. You have been invaluable to many and I hope you are rewarded with a bike that is trouble free and makes you happy many times over. Any hey, What dealership are you raving about? Regards
Click to expand...
THIS!!! All of this above!!!!
 
Discussion starter · #52 · (Edited by Moderator)
Ok. Now that my 890 is no longer overheating and the weather has cooperated, I can give you guys a proper review. I rode all day and never got over 4 bars. The radiator is the same temp top and bottom. My Dealer's KTM rep is an idiot though. I can elaborate more later lol.

Today, I was able to ride both bikes back to back to back to back.

I'll list the mods first so you know what I've done.

Rider: 6'1" 250 LB

2020 890R 130 Miles ODO.
KTM Tech Pack which includes ALL electronics the 790 has.
SC Project SC1 Slip On
Power Parts Mirrors
Rizoma Corsa S Front Turn Signals
MNNTHBX Tail Tidy
(Competition Werkes Link Pipe and Akra Evo Map to be installed at 600 mile service next week)

2019 Duke 790 740 Miles ODO
15 Tooth Front Sprocket.
EBC Front Brake Pads
Powerparts Exhaust Hanger/Rear Peg Delete
Stock Exhaust until my Chinese Knockoff Akrapovic Slip-on arrives
NRC Tail Tidy
890R Mirrors


I rode the 790 first this morning after not riding it since I got the 890. Even after dropping the front sprocket down a tooth last night, the 790 felt so underwhelming that I almost thought something was wrong with it. Early morning riding was just casual until the roads warmed up. ( I live in the mountains in Montana). After returning from the first ride, I had my buddy who rode my 790 alot last week (mainly on one tire) hop on the 890. He has never ridden it to this point. Even after a quick spin around the neighborhood and up to about 70 on a back road, he COULD NOT BELIEVE the difference between the two bikes, which is my same sentiment. The 890R is impressive on paper, but is even MORE impressive than it sounds.

890 Improvements versus the 790.

1. Low RPM. The 890 is MUCH smoother below 3500 rpm. You can cruise at low speed without the surging and bucking that you get on the 790.

2. Ergonomics. This one is much harder to explain. The 890R is quite a bit taller than the 790, but I can't really tell why. Regardless, for me, it just FEELS better. The handlebars are much flatter, the pegs higher and more aggressively angled down, but the bike just feels better. It does seem to be more stable above 80 mph as well. It definitely climbs over 100 alot faster and I don't feel as much wind turbulence at speed.

3. Brakes. I will say the EBC pads on the 790 are a MUST. The difference in initial bite and confidence is substantial. The lack of bite with the stock pads was downright scary. I added the EBC pads after the first day of ownership. With that being said, the Brembos on the 890 are simply phenomenal. They probably have less initial bite than the EBC's on the 790, but you know with just a hair more pull you have all the stopping power you could wish for at the tip of your fingers. The hotter you get them, the better they work. With a brake that powerful, I can't imagine wanting any more initial bite than what they already have.

4. Engine. I cannot overstate this enough. These engines do not feel like they are only 91cc apart. The 890 is more responsive, snappier, and has GOBS more torque.
This bike is the PERFECT wheelie machine for my weight. (250#) If I just roll aggressively into the throttle in first (AWM off), the front end climbs to the sky without any pull on the bars. As a matter of fact, Anti Wheelie Mode is REQUIRED to keep the front end down if you want to accelerate quickly. (I'll grab my gopro tomorrow and video for you guys). The quickshifter is smooth and fast. As a matter of fact, I ripped multiple high angle wheelies starting in first and quickshifting mid wheelie all the way through 4th gear before dropping down. The engine in the 890 is everything that the 790 is not. It pulls much harder up top, and mostly felt, is the MASSIVE amount of torque gained, from idle to redline. You feel it in every gear, at every speed. This engine reminds me of my 01 R1 ( the torquey R1's). That bike was a wheelie machine as well.

5. Suspension. The WP forks on the 890 are definitely more plush on large bumps at high speed or even setting the front end down from a wheelie. I found the suspension on my 790 to be quite harsh on big hits. The 890 is definitely smoother, and you feel a little more control from it. I have yet to play with it too much as this is technically day 2 of having the bike. I will start tuning it when I can start hitting corners hard.

6. TIRES TIRES TIRES. I've always been a michelin fan, on both bikes and cars. I remember adding Pilot Powers on my R1 and it completely changed the handling characteristics of the bike. I am very tempted to swap wheels and tires between the two bikes to see how much of the better handling comes from the Michelins (I'm guessing 90%). No one will argue that the stock tires on the 790 are not confidence inspiring. The Power Cup 2's are INCREDIBLE. The bike lays down so easily. It WANTS to corner. I literally feel bad riding on straight sections of rode just due to the tire wear on these masterpieces. Even though I'll be selling my 790 shortly once I get the title, I'm super tempted to order some new tires for it just to see how much more fun it will make it through the canyons (I have INCREDIBLE curvy 2 lane mountain roads in all directions from me)

Faults. The ONLY thing I can really complain about on the 890 is the lack of preparation on KTM's behalf with the release of the bike. KTM added heated grips to the menus AND a physical plug behind the headlight just like the 1290's have, YET, they say only the heated grips for the 790 that includes the switch will work for now. This is irritating. Just on a hunch, I borrowed the 1290 grip set and plugged them in to the plug, turned on the option in the menus, and then turned on the grips, but they didn't work. There either needs an additional control box or an update to the bikes firmware to make this work. Also, the KTM MYRIDE is a piece of **** and will not work with my Galaxy S10+ so far. The phone actually connects to the bike, I get the bluetooth Icon on the screen lit up, but go to MYRIDE and it says phone not connected. If you go to the google play store and find the MYRIDE APP, you will see hundreds of reviews complaining of the same issue. So far, that was a waste of $300...

Here is a picture of the MNNTHBX Tail Tidy next to the NRC Tidy with the brake on. The NRC tail tidy is VERY Dim compared to the RIZOMA LED's in the MNNTHBX.
Even though the NRC is plug and play with the stock harness, it still throws the error code on the dash with stock front signals or LED's, defeating the point of plug and play. I does look decent, but is a poor design in general and a pain in the ass to mount. Overall, I would not buy again.

As for the MNNTHBX, you are getting two Rizoma indicators which are about $160, and a CNC chunk of plastic. Is it overpriced? Yes, but all in all, a gorgeous piece that is well designed and functional. Also, the Brake Lights are mind blowing bright. I was worried with how small they were that you could not see them. That is far from the truth. I would say the Rizomas are far brighter than the large, factory light.


4275


Heated Grips..The 890 has heated grips in the menu just like the 1290's as shown here..
The 790 and 1290 heated grip sets are actually the same. The 790 set just adds the control box/switch which has it's own electrical pigtail to plug into the ACC2 for power. You could interchange this set on a 1290 by just unplugging the switch and plugging the grips directly into the plug on the bike. The 790 DOES NOT have the white plug for the grips while the 890 DOES. Common sense will tell you that eventually we will be able to add the grips without the switch, but KTM doesn't have their **** together enough now to do this..



4276
4277
4278
4279


Heated grip plug on the 890.
790 does not have this..


4280


Rizoma corsa front signals with Rizoma plug and play adapters.


4281


And Finally. I installed the Rokbagoros graphics I ordered months ago since we can't get motoproworks in the U.S. They look better in person. Quality is top notch.


4282
 
#53 ·
I'm shocked at how much larger/taller the 890R is over the 790 - wow the tail, tank, bars all tower over the 790 - crazy.

Blwnbyu - gotta say - I kinda hate you right now, so jealous. :p
 
#54 ·
YoungLion said:
I'm shocked at how much larger/taller the 890R is over the 790 - wow the tail, tank, bars all tower over the 790 - crazy.

Blwnbyu - gotta say - I kinda hate you right now, so jealous. :p
Click to expand...
Indeed, in fact for someone like me who bought the 790 2 months ago(was going on discount) i am bittersweet about not waiting even though i would have ended up shelling out more for it !
 
#60 ·
Nice review, I'm supposed to pickup mine tomorrow. Originally it was supposed to be today, but they are having issues getting the heated grips to work, new ones to be installed today. I ordered my 890 Duke R with the Tech Pack and no one said anything about issues getting it to download on to the bike. Like you I'm taking the carbon fiber pieces plus my Acro coming off my 790 Duke and they are going directly on to the 890 Duke R as soon as I get it here.

More later after I ride the new bike...
 
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