A track day is not a 'race' day as there are no winners/losers...pretty much any 'sporty' bike can be ridden on a track day, regardless of HP and still be thoroughly enjoyed. This bike looks like it would be great fun during a track day.
I agree, I don't understand the argument the bike being "too slow" it has 121hp... the 600s have what around 128hp? I used to go on track with Aprilia Shiver that has around a 100hp and eventually there would be a guy on a 1000cc superbike that I would be keeping up with. Yes, he would be faster on the straights but everywhere else no... In the same way I am sure someone on the 890 duke would be faster than me on a 1000. At least over here the slow group is not that much about the bike. I can imagine the duke being awesome road/eventual track day bike
@@Tefloncoated no he’s not grow up he literally said on smaller tracks it’s THE bike but he has a point you’re never going to compete on the straights on big tracks with proper 600’s and 1000’s
These do actually come with a pillion seat, rests and grab rail and after doing 300 miles on one already I can’t see how it would be any less practical than any other middle weight naked.
Agree. I don't go to track for the straights. Going around bigger bikes on my Ninja 400 is one of the great joys at a track day. Imagine this bike would be a blast!
Don't really understand your comments about this not being appropriate for the track. I've taken an MT-07 on stock suspension to the track many times and have had an absolute blast every time. And this 890 is way more capable.
I've done 46,000km's on my 790 commuting to work and playing on the weekends, ridden my 1290 4 times since owning the 790..... KTM know how to make a bike feel really nice and fun to ride.
Any big issues? I only have 3000klms on my 790 so far. Had the standard valve cover gasket, leaking front brake res, dash replaced because of white marks and steering lock not working. I knew of these issues going in but still love the bike
If you don't ever go out when it's raining, then I can agree, but in other cases TC is such a life saver where I live, super oily roads in the city with a lot of rain in april/may which saved me so many times even when you know the road and ride through it daily. Other then that I can agree with the "use case" but lets be honest, this use case is a lot bigger then Neevesy projects, less and less people ride in two, motorways and more and more people commute/take short trips to favorite twisties/have one bike to ride it casually but passionately on the track, to me and almost every person that bought 790/890 this is the perfect bike overall. This bike screams hey I'M HAVING SO MUCH FUN!
Agree, I have space for one bike and it's an s1000r, for road, track, tour, commute, all weathers. Same point with the 890R, it'll have a good crack at all of it and be lots of fun. I'm interested for next bike.
for god's sake - there are too many awesome bikes around !!!! hahaha.....yes, great to see reviews by a mature, knowledgeable, nothin-to-prove hombre. Gold.
@@frankeichhorn7979 Aprilia Tuono will be better on the highway or cold weather as it has fairings. it will be way more comfortable. The KTM is cheaper, smaller, lighter. this makes it more fun in the summer doing B road trip. if you want a fun middle weight bike thats easy to have fun with, KTM. The Aprilia Tuono will give you a much better all year around bike if you want an everything bike.
Agree. Remember these guys have the bikes for ten minutes and then do the speel, which of course is influenced by the manufacturers and their own agenda. In short I dont trust them as far as i could throw them. In saying that, i look at reviews for a “gauge” and thats about it. Enjoy the reviews you see with what I said above in mind and you can find out for yourself as an owner the true character of the bike if you decide to road or track the bike which it would do well👍
If you're going to go to a track you don't take a naked KTM. You got with a s1000RR, panigale v4, yzf-r1, and probably about 20 other choices before wasting your time on a naked KTM 890 lol
@@Chris-bd6uc you are clearly a race bike fan boi. That’s absolutely fine. Though I think you are looking down your nose at the fun you could have on a naked bike on the track. I’d have a Superduke R on track over a sport bike any day. That would be my choice. Not everyone wants to try and be Rossi on track. Sometimes folk just want the most fun and engaging ride they can have. I find in-line 4 engines boring and a bit lack lustre where I want the power, but that’s just me.
"Best of the best suspension components" But the forks have to make do without preload adjustment though? So if you're a little lighter or heavier than the intended rider... Off to the suspension shop you must go.
Preload is the only « non-setting » adjustment. But it’s not tweaking the suspension, it’s only adjusting the length of it. That’s why there isn’t any « preload adjustable » forks. Because you just have to slide the tubes up or down in the triple clamp and here you go. On a rear shock, adjustable preload is just a way to raise or lower the whole bike, to adjust the sitting of the bike and keep the geometry of the bike straight and true. It doesn’t have any impact on the hydraulic settings, and neither on the spring too.
@@MB3Drift not sure I followed this but I'm no suspension expert! My bike has pre load adjustment on the fork and I thought many other premium setups also have it. I also thought adjusting the fork position in the triple clamp was more about handling / turn in / stability, rather than just adjusting ride height / travel.
Rode one of these Friday in San Francisco,California and right away had to put it in rain mode lmao my buddy told me sport was toooo brutal 😂 this bike is amazing,light and very easy to use, hats off to Ktm but in the same day I rode a 2019 Triumph Street Triple RS & absolutely loved that bike too (the arrow slip on was magnificent) both bikes make the same HP and either bike would be an amazing purchase seriously
KTM fit and finish is shite compared to the Triumph. Triumph also has a better warranty, better suspension, front forks that you can actually adjust the preload, and it is just a better bike through and through. I have no idea why anyone would buy this shite bike over a Street Triple.
@@Lex-Rex What makes the KTM 'shite' in your opinion give the reviews that don't agree? Have you actually ridden this? How much preload have you adjusted on your bikes? I get it would be better to have but it doesn't make it 'shite' does it? Genuine question
Youve got that review completly wrong. Ive done everything on my 790. 2 up, inter track days, touring, commuting etc. I reckon youve not had enough time on it.
You're completely right, Pieter, it will do all those things, but then so will most bikes. You can take a GS on trackday, go two-up on a supermoto and take a Panigale touring...
I own a 790 and love it. I have 3 other bikes (RC8, MT-01 and XB12) and the 790 puts the biggest smile on my face and is usually the one that gets taken out of the garage first. It is hard to believe the 890 is that much better again. How could it be???
These are the two bikes that interest me. I would like to go to the Pico mountains in Northern Spain, and rat around on either one for a good while. I'm totally prepared to sacrifice touring ability for fun in the tight twisties once there.
Neevesy, I believe your the best bike reviewer I have ever had the pleasure of listening to. Your take on bikes that we have both ridden seems to always capture the subtle nuances that I too have noticed with even a more thorough insight. Therefore you're now my favorite go-to reviewer before I buy. Thank you!!
I went on my 2014 Triumph Street triple 675 to test ride a duke 790 in January. I am 5'8 tall 62 kg , tall seat height on the 790. 890 is taller! The 790 felt awkwardly long while riding. Light and agile but the engine on the 790 felt too eager and very tiring. The ergonomics were also weird, neither proper super motard, nor proper street. Apparently this new duke 890 has slightly more of everything from the 790. And for that reason I am out, If it ever comes here 😁
Triumph need to make more use of that 765 triple - think of the vast array of Bonnies in 900 or 1200. Yet just 3 (?) very similar STs. They need something more upright, prettier styled, more every day with that 765 - even if that takes away sales from the speed twin.
thanks for your reviews!...like how detailed you are and your experience speaks for itself....i just bought one as my first streetbike and liked how riding position was more similar to my motocross bikes.....took it today for first long ride and although i dont have experience with streetbikes what a friggen blast to ride.....i didnt like rear abs as it cuts in pretty quickly i thought and i didnt really push it to use front too aggressively but jeez what a front brake it is.....super fun and feels glued to surface..... didnt care for street mode, used it for 3 or 4 days to just get used to street on quick trips......today a 40 mile ride thru some small canyons lots of hills and sport mode felt alot better.... easy bike to ride.....just beginning street bike and pretty happy with this bike........shifting a lil notchy wouldnt go into 1st gear and neutral bit tough to find but motor is tight and new......quickshifter is awesome and will use trackmode as i get more experience and better........my friend had a 1974 norton roadster he restored and what a beautiful sounding machine that is....
To me it’s strange that you say it will be passed by many bikes. The 790 even has a pikes peak record. I bet this one would demolish that one... Am i missing something here?
i'm confiused - its a one trick pony that is great round town, easy to ride too slow for a track day but as quick as a duke 1290. i love Neavesy's reviews but this didn't make sense to me. This is a 900CC 120 bhp naked loaded with electronics - id rather ride this than my old ZX7R and wouldn't hesitate to take that on a track. it actually seems like its a great bike for everything except touring and as has been said before - you can tour on anything,
Hi Paul, yes you can tour and trackway on absolutely anything, but if you;'re going to either regularly there are better bikes for the job. Here's the thing with trackdays. If you're in a group with lots of fast 600s and 1000s they're going to blast you on the straights and hold you up in the corners. On a clear lap, it's not a problem and you can enjoy the 890 to the full, but the rest of the time it'll be frustrating and any overtake you make will be the mother of all lunges, which isn't ideal.
@@neevesybikes Not everyone can afford a dedicated bike for track days, another for touring - and this naked KTM seems a great one street/track bike for many riders, with an occasional longer trip if equipped with a luggage rack...
Not the best review from MCN. Really don’t think the comments are accurate. No track days, no light touring, only works in certain speed ranges, no electronics needed (yet in other reviews they’ll moan when bikes don’t have them).... etc.
Does it make sense to go from a Duke 390 to a Duke 890 or should I look at something in the middle? I'm 6ft4", 100+kg, 34 years old. A bit apprehensive about getting such a powerful bike. I'm sure I can handle it and get used to it but just dunno if I am setting myself up for danger. Maybe I should just stick to the Duke 390. I mainly just use it for commuting anyway and the 390 is fantastic for that.
I asked during your live chat if you’d reviewed the KTM 890 Duke yet as I had a deposit on one. Great review as always but unfortunately I got impatient waiting and bought a 2020 1290 Superduke R and so pleased I did... What a bike!!
Coming back to this review after owning the same for a few months. I think u nailed it. Yes quality can be better here and there, bolts may need some attention now and again, for ppl using this also to commute or in traffic note there are no hazard lights (anyone please correct me if wrong) and the thing keeps on asking you to go for it. So poor self control and skills is a bad combo with this one 😊. Worst item I kept for last, u need to pay for everything extra (track mode, heated grips, cruise control, quick shifter.. surprised neutral came included in the price). So far loving it.
I've watched about 4 reviews of this bike already and Neevsy does the best take on it. He really nailed the "use case" for the bike. It's not so much a practical bike, or for the single bike owner, it's really the *best plaything* and most fun that can be had in this class. I'm tempted. Is it the *"Son of the 950SM"* ... perhaps?
Umm yeah not really, could easily tour on this bike and take it to the track. Of course there are better touring bikes and faster tracks bike but I don't agree its a one trick pony. I own a 790 Duke by the way
I have a 950sm and i think you would be quite right. Torque is in the same ballpark, more horsepower and better suspension. What’s not to like? Well, it’s smaller. But lighter. And Bazza, ofc you can tour on a 790/890 but would you buy one with touring in mind?
@@HeyAddieImTojo No I wouldn't and certainly didn't when buying my 790. The thought came afterwards. Also, I'm not saying this is a perfect touring bike either, I also own a R1200GS! It's just not as narrow minded as he is saying, in my opinion of course
haven't tried a 950sm but I own a 2013 990smr and the combination of tiny radiator / awful seat makes it entirely unusable for anything but short fun rides out of town and, if I was interested in them, track days. It also seems to burn oil a lot faster than it should
I’ve taken this bike to Laguna Seca many of times, and always leave with a smile. In the canyons, it’s just as incredible. May not be the bike for you, but I’ll keep this one for awhile because it’s “turn key” to having a great time.
He didn't say you couldn't take it to the track, in fact he said it would probably do just fine on a smaller track. The point was, if you like going to track there are better bikes for that. Even though it a impressive high performance bike, it's not going to be in it's not going to be all that impressive on a track.
Your what a trick pony made me think of Bruce Lee..."Dont fear the man who practices 10,000 blows ...fear the man who practices one blow 10,000 times" ...something like that ... Thanks for yet another great review
Lots of people butt hurt about the track comment. Why would you expect to beat a Sportsbike on a parrallel twin naked? Do they know why clip ons were invented?
Did the TFT dash fog? Reports abound on TFT problems on many models, going back as far as 2012 that I've seen, and KTM continue to do nothing about it, unless you count selling unimproved replacements for $1153.00USD
Minor issues in reality. The oil leaks were either the valve cover gasket or countershaft seal. The coolant leak was just jubilee clip that needed to be tightened.
Let's be real though. Put decent suspension and a good tune on the MT-09 and you've a better bike by virtually every metric. You'll spend the same amount of money or less and end up with an overall better machine.
wow, very high praise indeed. basically the best , most fun, agile sporty supermoto road bike that money can buy. wouldn't keep up in the straights in the TT tho
I do not understand these comments. Take what u want for a track day. It can even be a jet powered barrow. You are focused around the statement itself, instead of focusing why he made that statement. He said, that this bike as 890 doesn't have the power and is heavier then 600 bikes. How? He literally said, you'll get kicked on straights and in corners by smaller bike, when you get comparable drivers on both. Then he proceeds to say how good it is on roads. You should be more open minded Lads.
These are as quick as the new ZX636 50-200kph on the track.....infact they outdrive the 636 from the corners. So unless the tracks you ride are 250kph then it will do you fine.........
The 890 is 10000£. The Z900 is about 9000£, a Supermoto is about 10000£. I'm not brilliant at math but there's a problem here haha Not praising the KTM, it's very expensive for sure but for a good reason. A Z900 would get absolutely destroyed by a 890 when it comes to thrills, character, speed and all around components/performance. A supermoto is about 10000£ and it's a pain to ride more than 100kms at a time + maintenance.
@@dedelabinouze5110 Not really. The Z900 is a lot cheaper, has a better TFT dash, better build quality and is more practical and smoother as well as being more refined and reliable. It also makes similar power and torque although it is a bit heavier. You could spend the extra money saved with a big upgrade to the suspension and brakes and that would put it in the ball park big time. The 890 is a highly tuned[stressed] parallel twin while the Z900 is a very mild understressed unit with far more potential to unleash gob loads of power.
Boz: I admire your enthusiasm and wallet for working to upgrade stock. Kawasaki: Reliability, reliability a more appealing heritage style. KTM: Warranty, warranty, warranty. More power and ability than 95% of the population could use. And with 58° of lean the only time I’ve had a bike reach that is when I had to pick my FS1-E up from the dirt after I rode it into the bushes.......
Yes single minded.... dahhhh.... if you want to go touring buy a touring bike. If you want a 190 hp bike buy a r1.... if you want the funnest bike you can ride buy the duke
He’s right actually. The fork doesn’t have preload adjustability. Very odd omission. As a track rider, preload is the first thing you adjust to set the base of the bike up.
@@Michael-y2x7o I just sold my KTM 690 SM so I like those supermoto-naked hybrids, but I especially like low weight. I guess a KTM 890 SM would be my bike but I will still have to wait for it. Spend the time until then on a 890 Duke or a Hypermotard or even a Dorsoduro (too heavy). That is the question : )
I think we have rode/own 2 different bikes here ! where are you getting it has no pillion seat ! when you buy it you get a choice of pillion seat or single seat cowl ! and i can assure you my mrs loves riding it and being on the back so pillion wise no problems at all, you say these 890 wont see the track lmao you dont goto the same tracks i go to then ! theres orange everywhere ! and this 890 takes the piss out of superbikes thru thru the twisties ! i agree the brembo's on the 890 are a tad better than the 790 as the mrs has the 790, all in all the 890 is a wicked all round bike does everything i want it to. Problems wise on both the 790/890 we have had none and name 1 bike manufacturer that has a perfect bike that has never had problems ! keep an eye out for big discounts on these aswell, the mrs got a new 2020 790 for £6249 ! hard to say no at that price.
1. It comes with pillion seat and pegs that can be installed if needed 2. Not a track day bike? Plenty of people are running these on track days. Lots of videos out there as well. Perfectly fine for a track day...
I am looking to buy my first bike. I hear a lot about first bikes and too much power. But i just can't get around this bike.. the looks, weight, specz.. i love it. Do you reckon it's top much to start out on or is it possible? This one and the hypermotard 950 look too good..
do yourself, your life and your licence a favour and don't get this as a first bike, not that its vicious or hard to ride, quite the opposite.You will be paying a lot of money for a lot of bike you won't use and if you try and use what its got you will be caught out by your inexperience. A 390 or 690 duke or 690 smc would be a much better first bike, but still a lot of fun.
@@michaelkurdelski5317 thanks for the honest reply. Appreciate it. I know i will never that much bike and it costs a lot. But i just like the looks a lot. Same for the ducati hypermotard 950. I've got expensive taste 😅
Hahaha, what? How can you say this bike won't be seen on the track or can't go to the track? You also compared its power to a Ducati 916, so is the Ducati also too slow for the track then? Also, would you then say the MT-09, Z900, Street Triple RS, gsr750, etc... Are not fast enough for the track? Unless you've got a 300km/h+ straight, you're not gonna care because it's about the corners.
The price in united states is It is about 13k after some add on configuration. For same price I can buy a 2018 brand new aprilia tuono 1100 rr at the same dealer.
Loved the review! I would happily tour on my 790 Duke to be honest although I wish it had cruise control. The forks on the 890 are much better than the 790 forks but they also don't have preload adjustment
We’ve been looking at this for an all “rounder” including some light sport touring duty. You can purchase factory cruise control as an accessory and also luggage and a windscreen albeit a small one. KTM actually has some nice kit available (heated grips) but the price definitely goes up as you start adding. But at least They have the options if you want them. We’ve had a street triple for years but this might be our next ride.
I was cautioned by the dealer that the stock tires would probably be worn out after 3000 kilometers, and they were. A third of the life of these wonderful tires was expended during break-in when I couldn't push the machine to its limits. Thousand dollar replacement cost. I live in the real world , not on a racing team , and this was a real shock. Great bike but KTM has a lot to learn about customer service.
I loved my 990 SD but I always felt it was a bit heavy for back roads, and too exposed for fast 'A' roads, I think this bike may be the answer, this or a Husqvarna 701 SM. 🙂
Nice review but I think Chris Fillmore would disagree after winning 2018 Pikes Peak mid class on a 790.These are build for tracks where there are lots of corners and short straights. Be hard to find a bike in this range that could keep up and with some mods ang a good rider👍Those twisters would leave a lot behind
You're right. It'll be brilliant on a circuit in isolation, but when you're buried deep in a fast group trackway with race bikes and fast 1000s and 600s around you, you're going to be a mobile chicane and that's when things can go wrong...
Didn’t they used to race CB500’s? Not everyone is obsessed with insane top speed. I’m sure round a shorter circuit, a good rider would blitz most guys on their litre machines.
They sure did. If everyone's going similar speeds it's huge fun. But mixing a relatively low powered naked with fast 600s and 1000s is a different story. If they had a 890 Duke R trackday group I'd be the first with my name down!
A track day is not a 'race' day as there are no winners/losers...pretty much any 'sporty' bike can be ridden on a track day, regardless of HP and still be thoroughly enjoyed.
This bike looks like it would be great fun during a track day.
I agree, I don't understand the argument the bike being "too slow" it has 121hp... the 600s have what around 128hp? I used to go on track with Aprilia Shiver that has around a 100hp and eventually there would be a guy on a 1000cc superbike that I would be keeping up with. Yes, he would be faster on the straights but everywhere else no... In the same way I am sure someone on the 890 duke would be faster than me on a 1000. At least over here the slow group is not that much about the bike. I can imagine the duke being awesome road/eventual track day bike
Another in agreement. Take whatever the hell you want to a track day, it’s not a race it’s just fun
Exactly. I’ve been lucky enough to ride a ton of random baskets on track (including a chopper), and some of them (not the chopper) were tons of fun.
What a load of old crap, go on any track day and lads and lasses on CB500 blow riders away on their 170+ bhp bikes round the bends.
@@vinceconn1935 I have personally been humbled by a teenager on a cb500!
It sounds like this bike would give others a fit on track. Not sure why you wouldn't take it there.
My duke 790 got purchased because it’s gonna suit the roads and the track I live near (Cadwell)
It would be an amazing track bike.
On a small track I heard it will be as fas as the Superduke
I know. Hes talking shite!
@@Tefloncoated no he’s not grow up he literally said on smaller tracks it’s THE bike but he has a point you’re never going to compete on the straights on big tracks with proper 600’s and 1000’s
These do actually come with a pillion seat, rests and grab rail and after doing 300 miles on one already I can’t see how it would be any less practical than any other middle weight naked.
Agree, pillion seat and pegs relatively comfy as well for short/medium rides.
Glad to know. No pillion seat is a deal breaker for me.
The 890 R comes with one? I have never seen that. Might be thinking of the 790
@@f4t4lity0r4 I own an 890, they come with a seat, grad rail and pillion pegs in a box to fit if needed.
@@dav1df0rster that’s cool actually
I love ya neevsey but you could totally take that to the track for a great time
Couldn't agree more. My 2014 Triumph Street Triple R leaves many superbikes in its wake on track. I suspect this KTM would be better.
That was a really weird thing for him to say.
Agree. I don't go to track for the straights. Going around bigger bikes on my Ninja 400 is one of the great joys at a track day. Imagine this bike would be a blast!
Don't really understand your comments about this not being appropriate for the track. I've taken an MT-07 on stock suspension to the track many times and have had an absolute blast every time. And this 890 is way more capable.
Probably because he rides even more capable 200bhp+ bikes on the regular.
Right. Most of us do track days, not race per say so why does it matter?
I've done 46,000km's on my 790 commuting to work and playing on the weekends, ridden my 1290 4 times since owning the 790..... KTM know how to make a bike feel really nice and fun to ride.
Any big issues? I only have 3000klms on my 790 so far. Had the standard valve cover gasket, leaking front brake res, dash replaced because of white marks and steering lock not working. I knew of these issues going in but still love the bike
If you don't ever go out when it's raining, then I can agree, but in other cases TC is such a life saver where I live, super oily roads in the city with a lot of rain in april/may which saved me so many times even when you know the road and ride through it daily. Other then that I can agree with the "use case" but lets be honest, this use case is a lot bigger then Neevesy projects, less and less people ride in two, motorways and more and more people commute/take short trips to favorite twisties/have one bike to ride it casually but passionately on the track, to me and almost every person that bought 790/890 this is the perfect bike overall. This bike screams hey I'M HAVING SO MUCH FUN!
Agree, I have space for one bike and it's an s1000r, for road, track, tour, commute, all weathers. Same point with the 890R, it'll have a good crack at all of it and be lots of fun. I'm interested for next bike.
How has the reliability been ?
I am hearing that pillion seat and passenger foot pegs come with the bike and you can install them if you want.
yep they come in the box
for god's sake - there are too many awesome bikes around !!!! hahaha.....yes, great to see reviews by a mature, knowledgeable, nothin-to-prove hombre. Gold.
Find myself riding my 790 over my 1100tuono lately it’s so much FUN! B road king so light and Agile
I am going to pick up a tuono 1100 on friday..i can still cancel my purchase. Should i buy a 890 instead?
@@frankeichhorn7979 Aprilia Tuono will be better on the highway or cold weather as it has fairings. it will be way more comfortable. The KTM is cheaper, smaller, lighter. this makes it more fun in the summer doing B road trip. if you want a fun middle weight bike thats easy to have fun with, KTM. The Aprilia Tuono will give you a much better all year around bike if you want an everything bike.
Just picked up an 890 and i have a 2016 tuono factory since new... i can see the tuono getting less time spent with her daily...
It is so funny that you said that you can’t bring this on track when it was made for the the track. KTMs are sensible bikes for the track and road.
Agree. Remember these guys have the bikes for ten minutes and then do the speel, which of course is influenced by the manufacturers and their own agenda. In short I dont trust them as far as i could throw them. In saying that, i look at reviews for a “gauge” and thats about it. Enjoy the reviews you see with what I said above in mind and you can find out for yourself as an owner the true character of the bike if you decide to road or track the bike which it would do well👍
No fairing bro
If you're going to go to a track you don't take a naked KTM.
You got with a s1000RR, panigale v4, yzf-r1, and probably about 20 other choices before wasting your time on a naked KTM 890 lol
@@Chris-bd6uc you are clearly a race bike fan boi. That’s absolutely fine. Though I think you are looking down your nose at the fun you could have on a naked bike on the track. I’d have a Superduke R on track over a sport bike any day. That would be my choice. Not everyone wants to try and be Rossi on track. Sometimes folk just want the most fun and engaging ride they can have. I find in-line 4 engines boring and a bit lack lustre where I want the power, but that’s just me.
@@VFactory-vl5fi I own a 2021 890duke R and it's the most fun bike I've been on. I still wouldn't waste a track day on it.
"Best of the best suspension components" But the forks have to make do without preload adjustment though? So if you're a little lighter or heavier than the intended rider... Off to the suspension shop you must go.
Exactly! Why do the reviews always say “fully adjustable “... when they are not for pre-load?
Preload is the only « non-setting » adjustment. But it’s not tweaking the suspension, it’s only adjusting the length of it. That’s why there isn’t any « preload adjustable » forks. Because you just have to slide the tubes up or down in the triple clamp and here you go.
On a rear shock, adjustable preload is just a way to raise or lower the whole bike, to adjust the sitting of the bike and keep the geometry of the bike straight and true. It doesn’t have any impact on the hydraulic settings, and neither on the spring too.
@@MB3Drift not sure I followed this but I'm no suspension expert! My bike has pre load adjustment on the fork and I thought many other premium setups also have it. I also thought adjusting the fork position in the triple clamp was more about handling / turn in / stability, rather than just adjusting ride height / travel.
Rode one of these Friday in San Francisco,California and right away had to put it in rain mode lmao my buddy told me sport was toooo brutal 😂 this bike is amazing,light and very easy to use, hats off to Ktm but in the same day I rode a 2019 Triumph Street Triple RS & absolutely loved that bike too (the arrow slip on was magnificent) both bikes make the same HP and either bike would be an amazing purchase seriously
KTM fit and finish is shite compared to the Triumph. Triumph also has a better warranty, better suspension, front forks that you can actually adjust the preload, and it is just a better bike through and through. I have no idea why anyone would buy this shite bike over a Street Triple.
@@Lex-Rex GTFO with your "shite bike" comments mate. I get it you don't like KTM...
@@Lex-Rex What makes the KTM 'shite' in your opinion give the reviews that don't agree? Have you actually ridden this? How much preload have you adjusted on your bikes? I get it would be better to have but it doesn't make it 'shite' does it? Genuine question
Youve got that review completly wrong. Ive done everything on my 790. 2 up, inter track days, touring, commuting etc.
I reckon youve not had enough time on it.
You're completely right, Pieter, it will do all those things, but then so will most bikes. You can take a GS on trackday, go two-up on a supermoto and take a Panigale touring...
It’s all possible but it’s not optimised for those pursuits.
I bought 790 to powerdrift on gravel roads. I have ridden more off pavement than on pavement.
KTM 890 Duke R or Ducati Hypermotard 950SP?
How much do KTM spend on advertising with MCN/Bauer Media? That is all.
I really want one of these..I see lots of KTM's in Berlin
I own a 790 and love it. I have 3 other bikes (RC8, MT-01 and XB12) and the 790 puts the biggest smile on my face and is usually the one that gets taken out of the garage first. It is hard to believe the 890 is that much better again. How could it be???
Can’t bring it on the track? It’s a track bike? 🤣
How does it compare to the Ducati Hypermotard?
That's actually a good comparison I hadn't thought of that :o
These are the two bikes that interest me. I would like to go to the Pico mountains in Northern Spain, and rat around on either one for a good while. I'm totally prepared to sacrifice touring ability for fun in the tight twisties once there.
Neevesy, I believe your the best bike reviewer I have ever had the pleasure of listening to. Your take on bikes that we have both ridden seems to always capture the subtle nuances that I too have noticed with even a more thorough insight. Therefore you're now my favorite go-to reviewer before I buy. Thank you!!
I went on my 2014 Triumph Street triple 675 to test ride a duke 790 in January.
I am 5'8 tall 62 kg , tall seat height on the 790. 890 is taller!
The 790 felt awkwardly long while riding.
Light and agile but the engine on the 790 felt too eager and very tiring.
The ergonomics were also weird, neither proper super motard, nor proper street.
Apparently this new duke 890 has slightly more of everything from the 790.
And for that reason I am out,
If it ever comes here 😁
Ur featherweight
Just can't do a twin over a triple. The world needs more triples
Triumph need to make more use of that 765 triple - think of the vast array of Bonnies in 900 or 1200. Yet just 3 (?) very similar STs. They need something more upright, prettier styled, more every day with that 765 - even if that takes away sales from the speed twin.
@@GaryJohnWalker1 isn't that where the tiger 900 comes in?
Had a 765 rs and have a 890R now. 890 motor is waaaaay more fun and generally feels more powerful.
@@jerichom11xThanks for your insight I own a STR 675
Another great review 👍🏼 would you say it handles better than the 1290SDR on the road?
MT09SP, Z900, Triple-RS or Duke890R?
Yes.
Stephen Pierce correct.
Don't think you can make a bad choice tbh
I have some concerns about those tires in the uk.
thanks for your reviews!...like how detailed you are and your experience speaks for itself....i just bought one as my first streetbike and liked how riding position was more similar to my motocross bikes.....took it today for first long ride and although i dont have experience with streetbikes what a friggen blast to ride.....i didnt like rear abs as it cuts in pretty quickly i thought and i didnt really push it to use front too aggressively but jeez what a front brake it is.....super fun and feels glued to surface..... didnt care for street mode, used it for 3 or 4 days to just get used to street on quick trips......today a 40 mile ride thru some small canyons lots of hills and sport mode felt alot better.... easy bike to ride.....just beginning street bike and pretty happy with this bike........shifting a lil notchy wouldnt go into 1st gear and neutral bit tough to find but motor is tight and new......quickshifter is awesome and will use trackmode as i get more experience and better........my friend had a 1974 norton roadster he restored and what a beautiful sounding machine that is....
Love a new Neevsey review
To me it’s strange that you say it will be passed by many bikes. The 790 even has a pikes peak record. I bet this one would demolish that one... Am i missing something here?
comparison to the Street Triple RS !?!?!
i'm confiused - its a one trick pony that is great round town, easy to ride too slow for a track day but as quick as a duke 1290. i love Neavesy's reviews but this didn't make sense to me.
This is a 900CC 120 bhp naked loaded with electronics - id rather ride this than my old ZX7R and wouldn't hesitate to take that on a track.
it actually seems like its a great bike for everything except touring and as has been said before - you can tour on anything,
Hi Paul, yes you can tour and trackway on absolutely anything, but if you;'re going to either regularly there are better bikes for the job. Here's the thing with trackdays. If you're in a group with lots of fast 600s and 1000s they're going to blast you on the straights and hold you up in the corners. On a clear lap, it's not a problem and you can enjoy the 890 to the full, but the rest of the time it'll be frustrating and any overtake you make will be the mother of all lunges, which isn't ideal.
@@neevesybikes Not everyone can afford a dedicated bike for track days, another for touring - and this naked KTM seems a great one street/track bike for many riders, with an occasional longer trip if equipped with a luggage rack...
@@neevesybikes thanks for replying Neevesy. All understood. Perhaps the bike it should have been compared too was the 790 duke for about 3k less
@@neevesybikes but doesn't this make more torque and power than the 600s?
Andrew Spooner it’s a bit down on a 600, but with no fairing will be a fair chunk slower down the straights.
Thinking seriously about getting this bike. Nice review mate.
Not the best review from MCN.
Really don’t think the comments are accurate. No track days, no light touring, only works in certain speed ranges, no electronics needed (yet in other reviews they’ll moan when bikes don’t have them).... etc.
Does it make sense to go from a Duke 390 to a Duke 890 or should I look at something in the middle? I'm 6ft4", 100+kg, 34 years old. A bit apprehensive about getting such a powerful bike. I'm sure I can handle it and get used to it but just dunno if I am setting myself up for danger. Maybe I should just stick to the Duke 390. I mainly just use it for commuting anyway and the 390 is fantastic for that.
I asked during your live chat if you’d reviewed the KTM 890 Duke yet as I had a deposit on one. Great review as always but unfortunately I got impatient waiting and bought a 2020 1290 Superduke R and so pleased I did... What a bike!!
Good choice!
Coming back to this review after owning the same for a few months. I think u nailed it. Yes quality can be better here and there, bolts may need some attention now and again, for ppl using this also to commute or in traffic note there are no hazard lights (anyone please correct me if wrong) and the thing keeps on asking you to go for it. So poor self control and skills is a bad combo with this one 😊. Worst item I kept for last, u need to pay for everything extra (track mode, heated grips, cruise control, quick shifter.. surprised neutral came included in the price). So far loving it.
A bike built specifically to compete with Triumph Street Triple RS.
The KTM 790 couldn't do it... The 890 just might.
Any comparison video I've seen between those 2 bikes the ktm always wins whether it's the lower trim triumph vs the 790 or top trim vs the 890 R
I've watched about 4 reviews of this bike already and Neevsy does the best take on it. He really nailed the "use case" for the bike. It's not so much a practical bike, or for the single bike owner, it's really the *best plaything* and most fun that can be had in this class. I'm tempted. Is it the *"Son of the 950SM"* ... perhaps?
Umm yeah not really, could easily tour on this bike and take it to the track. Of course there are better touring bikes and faster tracks bike but I don't agree its a one trick pony. I own a 790 Duke by the way
I have a 950sm and i think you would be quite right. Torque is in the same ballpark, more horsepower and better suspension. What’s not to like? Well, it’s smaller. But lighter. And Bazza, ofc you can tour on a 790/890 but would you buy one with touring in mind?
@@HeyAddieImTojo No I wouldn't and certainly didn't when buying my 790. The thought came afterwards. Also, I'm not saying this is a perfect touring bike either, I also own a R1200GS! It's just not as narrow minded as he is saying, in my opinion of course
haven't tried a 950sm but I own a 2013 990smr and the combination of tiny radiator / awful seat makes it entirely unusable for anything but short fun rides out of town and, if I was interested in them, track days. It also seems to burn oil a lot faster than it should
Bazza since i do not own one i couldn’t tell 😄 but i believe you
I’ve taken this bike to Laguna Seca many of times, and always leave with a smile. In the canyons, it’s just as incredible. May not be the bike for you, but I’ll keep this one for awhile because it’s “turn key” to having a great time.
He didn't say you couldn't take it to the track, in fact he said it would probably do just fine on a smaller track. The point was, if you like going to track there are better bikes for that. Even though it a impressive high performance bike, it's not going to be in it's not going to be all that impressive on a track.
Your what a trick pony made me think of Bruce Lee..."Dont fear the man who practices 10,000 blows ...fear the man who practices one blow 10,000 times" ...something like that ...
Thanks for yet another great review
Lots of people butt hurt about the track comment. Why would you expect to beat a Sportsbike on a parrallel twin naked? Do they know why clip ons were invented?
Why cant there be a husqvarna version of these bikes? The 790 and 890. Maybe they could bring back the Nuda?!?!
Reza Taghipour I’ve still got my Nuda😎👍🏼
There is a svartpilen 901 due apparently - likely 2021. And a Nord (?) adv type bike.
Gary Walker Yep the Nord is coming! I’ve got it on my radar rather than a BMW. I’ve got a few of those🤭
Looks crazy bike but didn’t really understand if it is city approved .
Did the TFT dash fog? Reports abound on TFT problems on many models, going back as far as 2012 that I've seen, and KTM continue to do nothing about it, unless you count selling unimproved replacements for $1153.00USD
Is it better than the 790 at leaking oil and coolant or worse? :D Reliability issues was the main reason I went for the MT-09 instead.
Minor issues in reality. The oil leaks were either the valve cover gasket or countershaft seal. The coolant leak was just jubilee clip that needed to be tightened.
Let's be real though. Put decent suspension and a good tune on the MT-09 and you've a better bike by virtually every metric. You'll spend the same amount of money or less and end up with an overall better machine.
@@remigusker6024 Electronics and brakes are in a completely different league on the KTM
I dont care if KTM is reliable or not, but on the saddle its the funnest bike on the road...period...
@Sérgio Gonçalves Resorted to childish comments already? What I said was accurate if you have half a clue
You can see why KTM is growing so fast and largest European manufacturer. KTM approaching number 3, Kawasaki
Sorry for my bad english, but if you compare it to the 950 Hypermotard SP, what would you say? Wich one is more powerful and wich one is more agile?
Sounds like this is a slightly more friendly version of my smcr 690.
Never once mentioned the tech pack? Doe the Duke 890 r have that as standard or do you need to pay to have it fitted/activated
My buddy just got his 890 in and let me take it for a spin.....I wouldn't trade my Versys for it.
Why not?
lol Versys....the Toyota Camry of the motorcycle world
Lol...I wouldn't trade a 390 for a Versys!
@@bearclaw5115 Not a everyday bike at all. At least not for me...I rode a KTM Duke 2 for years. Can't sacrifice comfort for fun anymore lol
@@bazza8947 Ol' trusty has never left me stranded....Kinda like my old CBR F4. My back like the Versys more lol
you couldnt take this to a track day? lmfao what kind of take is that haha
wow, very high praise indeed. basically the best , most fun, agile sporty supermoto road bike that money can buy. wouldn't keep up in the straights in the TT tho
this bike destroys 600 and 1000's on the race track in the right hands. Load of bullshit Nevs
See u tube channel Andy DiBrino for race-track capability
Idk if you can say it’s not good for the track when you didn’t even take it to the track. Kind of a silly statement.
Your the best. I really like your facts on bikes. So this is not for me i learned 👍👍
And who are you?? Has MCN reviews gone so bad
Nice machine! Looks good too! 😄
Would this bike cope with long distance runs?
This or 1290 superduke???
I do not understand these comments. Take what u want for a track day. It can even be a jet powered barrow. You are focused around the statement itself, instead of focusing why he made that statement. He said, that this bike as 890 doesn't have the power and is heavier then 600 bikes. How? He literally said, you'll get kicked on straights and in corners by smaller bike, when you get comparable drivers on both. Then he proceeds to say how good it is on roads. You should be more open minded Lads.
Love to see a load of real rider, durability reviews..
This has to be the worst take on a review I’ve ever heard.
Would you call the torque too much for less experienced riders? Because i'm absolute head over heels for this thing 😁
Just dont twist the throttle so far until you get use to it.
“You couldn’t take it to a track day.” Are you crazy? With 119 BHP? I smoke people on my built MT 07.
These are as quick as the new ZX636 50-200kph on the track.....infact they outdrive the 636 from the corners. So unless the tracks you ride are 250kph then it will do you fine.........
I could get a z900 and a supermoto for the price of one 890🤔 hmmm
The 890 is 10000£. The Z900 is about 9000£, a Supermoto is about 10000£. I'm not brilliant at math but there's a problem here haha
Not praising the KTM, it's very expensive for sure but for a good reason. A Z900 would get absolutely destroyed by a 890 when it comes to thrills, character, speed and all around components/performance.
A supermoto is about 10000£ and it's a pain to ride more than 100kms at a time + maintenance.
@@dedelabinouze5110 did 268km/h on my z900 stock. How fast do you think an 890 will go?
E-jad like anybody cares about top speeds over 200km/h on a naked, Its about torque. Buy a racer for that sort of speed✌️
@@dedelabinouze5110 Not really. The Z900 is a lot cheaper, has a better TFT dash, better build quality and is more practical and smoother as well as being more refined and reliable. It also makes similar power and torque although it is a bit heavier. You could spend the extra money saved with a big upgrade to the suspension and brakes and that would put it in the ball park big time. The 890 is a highly tuned[stressed] parallel twin while the Z900 is a very mild understressed unit with far more potential to unleash gob loads of power.
Boz: I admire your enthusiasm and wallet for working to upgrade stock.
Kawasaki: Reliability, reliability a more appealing heritage style.
KTM: Warranty, warranty, warranty. More power and ability than 95% of the population could use. And with 58° of lean the only time I’ve had a bike reach that is when I had to pick my FS1-E up from the dirt after I rode it into the bushes.......
Ktm 690 supermoto smcr or this 890 ?
Yes single minded.... dahhhh.... if you want to go touring buy a touring bike. If you want a 190 hp bike buy a r1.... if you want the funnest bike you can ride buy the duke
will you consider Hyper950 a competitor as well?
Not really unless you’ve got another £4000, in which case you’re now in very lightly used Tuono 1100 v4 territory.
It hasn't got fully adjustable forks ... they have no preload adjusters 😕
its not for pillions, touring or fatties then :D
Yes it does, wtf the 790 has no adjustability
@@NudaMan Actually it doesn't, test rode one the other day.
He’s right actually. The fork doesn’t have preload adjustability. Very odd omission. As a track rider, preload is the first thing you adjust to set the base of the bike up.
Not sure why WP/KTM drop preload adjustment. Even if it's just to differentiate between their different levels of offering, it's a weird choice.
I think it would be a great middle weight sport tourer with a small windscreen and saddle bags
Buffalo leather saddlebags? JJ😄
Best review I've seen of this bike...hat off to you sir... Might be to short for me as I am 6.4... 👍
I'm 6,4 also, no problems on that bike
We don’t get the Mt-09 SP in the US. And the Ktm is over $12000.00 here? What would you get instead? The Triumpd RS is expensive also.
How do you compare it to the Hypermotards? You had a 821 Hyperstrada for some time and I'm sure you've ridden a 939 (SP).
Hyper is more of a supermoto, this is more street oriented. Comparison videos prefer the 890 over the hyper
@@Michael-y2x7o I just sold my KTM 690 SM so I like those supermoto-naked hybrids, but I especially like low weight. I guess a KTM 890 SM would be my bike but I will still have to wait for it. Spend the time until then on a 890 Duke or a Hypermotard or even a Dorsoduro (too heavy). That is the question : )
Looks like a cool, fun machine. Great review as usual @neevseybikes, keep up the good work!!!
Great report, very enlightening. PS - People might want to know that KTM twin motors, (including this one), are now being produced in CHINA .
I think we have rode/own 2 different bikes here ! where are you getting it has no pillion seat ! when you buy it you get a choice of pillion seat or single seat cowl ! and i can assure you my mrs loves riding it and being on the back so pillion wise no problems at all, you say these 890 wont see the track lmao you dont goto the same tracks i go to then ! theres orange everywhere ! and this 890 takes the piss out of superbikes thru thru the twisties ! i agree the brembo's on the 890 are a tad better than the 790 as the mrs has the 790, all in all the 890 is a wicked all round bike does everything i want it to. Problems wise on both the 790/890 we have had none and name 1 bike manufacturer that has a perfect bike that has never had problems ! keep an eye out for big discounts on these aswell, the mrs got a new 2020 790 for £6249 ! hard to say no at that price.
1. It comes with pillion seat and pegs that can be installed if needed
2. Not a track day bike? Plenty of people are running these on track days. Lots of videos out there as well. Perfectly fine for a track day...
These things are kicking ass in the Roland Sands Super Hooligan class... Just sayin : )
So it’s not good for a track day but it’s as fast as a Superduke and has a factory-like racing suspension? Sounds like it’s meant for the track lol
I want a GT version.
Guess they added a pillion & footrest for the 2021. Picked mine up Saturday and Love It!
I am looking to buy my first bike. I hear a lot about first bikes and too much power. But i just can't get around this bike.. the looks, weight, specz.. i love it. Do you reckon it's top much to start out on or is it possible? This one and the hypermotard 950 look too good..
do yourself, your life and your licence a favour and don't get this as a first bike, not that its vicious or hard to ride, quite the opposite.You will be paying a lot of money for a lot of bike you won't use and if you try and use what its got you will be caught out by your inexperience. A 390 or 690 duke or 690 smc would be a much better first bike, but still a lot of fun.
@@michaelkurdelski5317 thanks for the honest reply. Appreciate it. I know i will never that much bike and it costs a lot. But i just like the looks a lot. Same for the ducati hypermotard 950. I've got expensive taste 😅
just get a 390 duke looks just as good amd is the perfect starter
For a "motorcycle guy" to say you can only have fun on track with a litre bike is strange. Not true at all.
890 or 790? Want to move on from my 690 (which I love and do trackdays on!). But need more poke. I've had 600s etc.
Hahaha, what? How can you say this bike won't be seen on the track or can't go to the track? You also compared its power to a Ducati 916, so is the Ducati also too slow for the track then? Also, would you then say the MT-09, Z900, Street Triple RS, gsr750, etc... Are not fast enough for the track? Unless you've got a 300km/h+ straight, you're not gonna care because it's about the corners.
I didn't really understand that either after years of tracking bikes like the RGV250 and VFR400R
All the talk about it being tested faster than the 1290 on a couple of tracks...wtf is this bloke on about?!
This or the MT-09???
What the world needs right now is a middle weight naked round up review, headed up by the best motorcycle reviewer in the business -Michael Neeves!
The price in united states is It is about 13k after some add on configuration. For same price I can buy a 2018 brand new aprilia tuono 1100 rr at the same dealer.
How is 2018 brand new?
@@_rubberbandit3697 overstock
2018 is 3 years old
@@jimbojonesporfavor don't matter as long as it's new
@@xcg1234 but 3 years old product..
Loved the review! I would happily tour on my 790 Duke to be honest although I wish it had cruise control. The forks on the 890 are much better than the 790 forks but they also don't have preload adjustment
Didn't he just say that they are fully adjustable now?
We’ve been looking at this for an all “rounder” including some light sport touring duty. You can purchase factory cruise control as an accessory and also luggage and a windscreen albeit a small one. KTM actually has some nice kit available (heated grips) but the price definitely goes up as you start adding. But at least They have the options if you want them. We’ve had a street triple for years but this might be our next ride.
@@pankinyek He did but he is wrong
@@scottyspeedoo5885 Worth a look at and a very fun bike.
@@scottyspeedoo5885 I had a STR 675 .I now have a KTM 790 and it is my only Motorcycle,can only afford one at a time so it will be doing all duties.
Wonder how this would be in RC form, with fairing and wind protection
Check out Kramer motorcycles, they make race chassis for 790 and 890 with all fairing kit.
Exactly
I was cautioned by the dealer that the stock tires would probably be worn out after 3000 kilometers, and they were. A third of the life of these wonderful tires was expended during break-in when I couldn't push the machine to its limits. Thousand dollar replacement cost. I live in the real world , not on a racing team , and this was a real shock. Great bike but KTM has a lot to learn about customer service.
Where do you live if the rear tire costs 1000 dollars? 😮😮
I loved my 990 SD but I always felt it was a bit heavy for back roads, and too exposed for fast 'A' roads, I think this bike may be the answer, this or a Husqvarna 701 SM. 🙂
Which Alpinestars jacket were you wearing on the bike?
Nice review but I think Chris Fillmore would disagree after winning 2018 Pikes Peak mid class on a 790.These are build for tracks where there are lots of corners and short straights. Be hard to find a bike in this range that could keep up and with some mods ang a good rider👍Those twisters would leave a lot behind
You're right. It'll be brilliant on a circuit in isolation, but when you're buried deep in a fast group trackway with race bikes and fast 1000s and 600s around you, you're going to be a mobile chicane and that's when things can go wrong...
Could you fit a kreiga bag on the back if you wanted to ??
Didn’t they used to race CB500’s? Not everyone is obsessed with insane top speed. I’m sure round a shorter circuit, a good rider would blitz most guys on their litre machines.
They sure did. If everyone's going similar speeds it's huge fun. But mixing a relatively low powered naked with fast 600s and 1000s is a different story. If they had a 890 Duke R trackday group I'd be the first with my name down!
Mt 09!feels much softer and smaller👎