[EvansB2]

On Wednesday, MO had the chance to ride the 890 Duke R for the day, and let's say that Troy was impressed. Because of the limited time, I didn't get a chance to throw a leg over it (hangs head in shame), but it's already given me ideas for what I'd like to do to my 790 next. We have lots more planned for the 890, including a naked bike shootout and a comparison with my modified 790.

The link below is to the text review, the video version will be dropped into the page later.

2020 KTM 890 Duke R – A First Ride Review Of KTM's Super Scalpel

KTM pulled out all the stops when upgrading its 790 Duke into the 890 Duke R, and now after riding it, we can confidently say it's one hell of a motorcycle.

www.motorcycle.com

This is a good time to be a motorcyclist.

And here is the video:

 

[watarski]

Boom! Thank you!

 

[YoungLion]

Pretty sure your crew photobombed the legendary (tongue in cheek) Max Wrist video a couple days ago where he loops his S1000RR - up at the lookout of some twisty Cali road - 3 890's with various cameras and tripods set up.

Oh, LOVE their ball-bustin' of Evans AND, simultaneously HATE that it's like they are speaking to me - "DO NOT RIDE THE 890!!!" LOLOL...

 

[EvansB2]

I hauled him and his bike into town in my truck.

 

[YoungLion]

I hauled him and his bike into town in my truck.

Wow - didn't take you for the type to associate with known felines, Evans!

But of course kudo's for keeping the motorcyclist stereotype alive and well - helping a brother or sister in need.

 

[pookguy88]

@EvansB2 are you going to upgrade to the 890?

 

[EvansB2]

@EvansB2 are you going to upgrade to the 890?

No, as nice as it appears to be, the 890 can’t replace my 790. I’ve gotten as close as I can with my mods, and in the process, I’ve built a relationship with it. I will be keeping this bike for years, I think.

 

[L8-apex]

I’ve built a relationship with it. I will be keeping this bike for years, I think.

I know exactly what you mean. This doesn't happen with a lot of bikes. For me, only 2 other bikes; a 99 R6 that I raced for several years (WSMC and AFM), and a 2003 Mille R. I've always regretted letting go of those bikes.

 

[EvansB2]

I know exactly what you mean. This doesn't happen with a lot of bikes. For me, only 2 other bikes; a 99 R6 that I raced for several years (WSMC and AFM), and a 2003 Mille R. I've always regretted letting go of those bikes.

I raced WSMC, too! But on a slow Parallel-Twin, an EX-500. I sold my beloved 2003 R6 to find the 790 purchase.

 

[YoungLion]

The MO first impressions video is up on Youtube right now and Troy doesn't hold back on the jabs towards Evans and his praise for the 890 - both well warranted I'm sure!

 

[pookguy88]

No, as nice as it appears to be, the 890 can’t replace my 790. I’ve gotten as close as I can with my mods, and in the process, I’ve built a relationship with it. I will be keeping this bike for years, I think.

good to hear, I really want to upgrade to the 890 but just can't justify selling my 790, which I barely just hit the first break-in period.

Also hearing initial reports that the 890 runs a lot hotter than the 790 which is a big concern of mine, I hate bikes that run hot (i.e. Ducatis) and I know KTM's have a reputation for running hot too but ironically the 790 has been one of the cooler running bikes I've owned.

 

[Lonster]

I have not seen ANY indication of hot running. Extended idle nets 4 bars on the gauge. Extended HARD riding nets 4 bars on the gauge. Other than 1 person with a potential defective thermostat, I have not read anything about hot running either.

 

[J D]

Whoa!

that video following the review (in Evans first post), really puts the hook in you..

 

[J D]

His lid graphic looks almost 3D!

 

[Ripkarl3]

good to hear, I really want to upgrade to the 890 but just can't justify selling my 790, which I barely just hit the first break-in period.

Also hearing initial reports that the 890 runs a lot hotter than the 790 which is a big concern of mine, I hate bikes that run hot (i.e. Ducatis) and I know KTM's have a reputation for running hot too but ironically the 790 has been one of the cooler running bikes I've owned.

Do they still run hot when running specific low temp coolant? there are some on the market just not sure if they are worth the elevated cost.?? Any thoughts. . .