Nice review . I have the 890R and have softened the suspension off for road use and it’s a brilliant little machine . Love it . The one thing I wish KTM would allow you to do is to permanently disable the TFT screen from changing from day to night mode , but hey , if that’s all I’ve got to moan about …….as a 56 year young’un , my KTM makes me feel a lot younger 😁
If you're happy with it being on night mode all the time then simply cover the light sensor with a little bit of thick black tape (the sensor is top middle of the dash screen) .. that will disable the daytime running light on the headlight though (it'll be in normal dip mode instead) ...... but yeah, a simple selection in the menu would be nice ... I wonder if permanently setting it one way or the other (disabling the sensor) is possible during an ECU flash .. 🤔
Great review, I love my 890 Duke. I have about 4k miles on mine and totally agree on your assessment. I added a quick shifter, heated grips, Cruise control and a touring screen to ride into the late fall and early spring here in New England . The engine is so flexible and responsive and fueling is near perfect for putting through town and opens up and screams on the open road. For me its a keeper...
12 months and 15000 km later , best motorcycle I have owned in 30 years and dozens of bikes of ownership. It wasn’t built as a tourer , but strangely enough, with side and rear bags , windscreen, heated grips and cruise control, that’s exactly what I converted my 890 Duke into. It will do anything you want , I’ve even done some fire trails and plenty of gravel and dirt. Rain mode comes in very handy for this also. 👍👍👍
It was Chris Northover Michael Neeves and many more reviewers who convinced me to part exchange my KTM 390 Duke for the 890 Duke R. All what you said in your excellent review is spot on. Fantastic bike rides beautifully slow or fast an absolute gem!
Nice review, I too watch all the wheelie reviews and love them, but your presentation is well balanced without the drama and more useful to a lot of potential buyers. Keep it up! I have the 890R and after 4K miles it still surprises me how much of an all rounder it is.
I think it's interesting that you would spend so much money on the seat and exhaust but you wouldn't put a windscreen on so you could ride it for longer distances? I like the bike but I'm not sure I would ever buy a motorcycle with an engine made in China. I'll bet there's reliability issues. I'll stick with my Japanese manufactured motorcycles.
I can ride it fine for longer distances, but its not a bike to really go touring on. The engines are made both in Austria and China the latter being a joint venture with CF Moto. I see no reason why it would be a problem, it’s exactly the same process. Honda and Suzuki both have manufacturing plants In China.
I'm watching this after selling my 390 duke for an 890 R. I too have only watched those wheelie and hooligan reviews. Comparison videos were always vs a street triple indeed, but that never really caught my eyes. After riding it for 1200km i have to say that your review is spot on! Power everywhere, rides nice and easy when you want it to, but is also a huge hooligan bike when you also want it to. The confidence it gives while in corners is great! It also outbrakes an average car whilst having a passenger on the back without hitting the ABS. Still thinking about the ergo seat and some titanium exhaust headers. Thanks for the great review! p.s. Sorry for my English, i'm no native speaker.
Good review. Nice to see the bike being ridden like people would ride normally. How many people ride flat out doing wheelies and skids all of the time?
Love this bike. KTM has bested the competition with light weight. I’m not fond of KTM styling in general and I HATE Orange. When KTM runs out of their oversupply of Orange paint sales will skyrocket!😎 The 890 standard Duke will likely be my next bike.😘
Great review. I'm late to it, but better late than never! I have the 790. I've put 14,000 miles on it in 18 months. It's even been good for touring. Just looking at changing to the 890 now. BTW, I've changed back from the tail tidy to standard rear this winter as I was getting everything chucked up my back on country roads in Norfolk and Suffolk. Ktm bar end mirrors are much better than standard ons too IMHO.
Nice bike. People who buy this KTM won’t go wrong. I am trading my T120 for the 2022 Matt Black / Graphite. Have you test ridden the 2021-22 model as yet ?As I am keen on your thoughts. NZ regards.
I stayed away from the Akra exhaust. It’s too big imo and interferes with the tail tidy I wanted, not to mention the sound wasn’t that much different than stock. I went Arrow Race Pro and EvoTech on all other accessories.
[two years on] - I've gotten interested in this machine.. Big Question: How is it on the highway? I understand it needs a windscreen, but is it too small/light for Big roads, with trucks and fast traffic?
Great video!!!! Only one constructive comment. Weight savings by removing the passenger foot pegs? Why remove??? This is a street bike not a track bike, that is the "R". I get a kick out of big riders (tall and/or wide) talking about weight savings......
Great video and review. I really like the real world riding you bring to the reviews. Not bashing wheelie and skid people. Sounds like a great all rounder bike. Looks are devisive but I find that with most modern bikes now just look at the mt range!
The last review I watched was of a cb650r & the youtuber said 4cylinder bikes are Mens bikes, but as you say its all down to personal preference. Good review 👍
@@mancavemoto It was on a clan ride two years ago, I'm sure he did a little vid about it. A pheasant ran out into the road infront of a guy who was not with our group that we were following at the time just as Bruce was lining up for an overtake and he just slammed the anchor on hard. Lets just say not everyone pulled up in time.
This review did not help my Need-A-New-Bike disease. I’ve been happy with my third gen SV650 but the option of greater power on a diet is very enticing. I’ve been hoping for a Husqvarna 901 -pilen version but it seems their attention is focused only on the Norden. Guess I’ll be saving my pennies for a black 890
Great review, with 5.000km on this bike I have to agree with your conclusions. After completing the break in period and the maintenance of the first 1000 km, I installed the Tech Pack. I really enjoy the Quickshifter+ and the Track Mode, it definitely worth the money. In Track Mode with anti-wheelie off, slip control in 3 or less and braking set in Super Moto Mode the bike transforms into a beast. I use the bike mainly for commuting and occasionally a weekend sporty ride. I'm not really into track days and track competition but I enjoy sport performance and sporty driving. I don't feel the need of the R's better brakes and suspension for the use I give to the bike. But now I’m thinking about an exhaust, sliders or crash bars and a small windshield. Love this bike!
Great review!! I had a 790 Duke that I loved but it got stolen. I took that bike from California to Denver and then through Yellowstone and it was a great long distance bike. No discomfort at all after days on the bike. I ended up getting a 1290 GT and I love the power but the extra weight is annoying at slow speeds. The 890 seems like the perfect balance between the two.
Looking to upgrade to this bike from a CB500F. Question, do you know if this bike requires valve adjustments or any major maintenance tuneup within certain miles?
If you're not ready to race buy a Honda. For commuting I would add a black fairing if possible and a top box to hold helmet, wet weather gear, shopping, puncture kit. I find top boxes indispensable. Quickshifter good Idea. Centre Stand an option? You need one if it has chain. Bang on review. Like you I don't have the ability to push one of these to the limit though it's nice to have the 'option' pack on the basic 890. How do you think it compares to the Fat Bob as a commuter, general fun bike.
Hallelujah, Tony - a real world review of the 890 Duke at last! I don't have an ounce of Chris from Bike World's talent & I gave up thinking I did about the time Barry Sheene retired. But I did ride a 790 Duke when they came out & it was *light years* ahead of my SV650 & the 890 is even more so. I'd put a screen on it as well, but KTM (I've had two) are masters at spending your money in the Power Parts catalogue.
I would not spend £900 on that Akrapovic exhaust. Get the optional quickshifter and a cheaper end can. Black widow make great value exhausts for a fraction of the price.... Great review Tony, it's good to see a review of the non-R version. Many people (like me) are caught between which model to go for.
Me neither, I actually think the stock exhaust is fine and it looks better too. The R just looks a bit too 'lairy' for me and the performance of this is more than enough
Thank you this was the review that I needed. I narrowed it down to this bike the mto9 or the street triple. Yes about 99.9% of us actually use the bike to get to point A to point B or just right around it's not all about the wheelies and every other crazy thing. You fill that Gap. I want to bike that I can just hop on easily and go for a ride and I do ride to work about 75% of the time on a motorcycle. Thank you again
Love it, brilliant review. For me, as an ex-BMW owner 30 years ago, on Dorset B-roads and now American streets, this is about a perfect bike. Or an Aprilia Tuono 660.
What a brilliant review , KTM should get more sales from your video ! I think if I didn’t do trips and tours I’d have one !Adventure bikes are so good at everything though . Nice if you can warrant owning two bikes and still have a wife 😁
Really enjoyed the real world review. I just like riding bikes and the freedom they bring. I'm not skilled enough these days to throw down a wheelie or go knee down on a public road. As someone already mentioned, thank you for doing a nice thorough review on the standard 890. Just checking on my understanding of the bike's weight. I was under the impression that dry weight meant no fuel, water, oil, brake fluid etc So the wet weight would be more than just adding the fuel on?
Man o man I could not agree more with your thoughts on the bike. I feel KTM always loses a bunch of potential buyers with their color choices. Less is more and what you created is exactly what they need to start/keep doing. Always offer a black option with the orange frame/subtle accents with (optional) orange wheels. I do not know WHAT they were thinking this year mixing that blue color with the orange... Am I the only one?
Thanks for the review, was looking for this one to compare it to the R version, it made me realize what I need is not necessarily what I want. From an everyday regular folk to another. My thanks.
Nice review, Sir ... very comprehensive 🙂 I love my 790 Duke .. whilst the 890 is no doubt slightly better I don't think it's the worth the cost of the upgrade for me. With a little bit of fuelling tweaking the 790 will run in 4th at 30mph no worries .. but at stock the light engine internals and euro 4 castration can make it a bit grumpy at low revs for sure, thankfully it's fairly easy to fix. Wonder what KTM will be announcing on the 23rd Nov ..... 990 Duke? RC890? RC990? (just go check out this year spy shots online) ... or maybe just the 490 range?
I wonder how much better this is than the 790 Duke. And do you prefer it to the Adventure? A welcome review which isn't about riding fast. Good one, Tony.
Hiya Buddy, I like the extra weight in the crank, it just seems to help with a smoother ride. BUT i don't know if its enough to make me switch. The problem is that I do still like to explore the countryside, so the adventure helps with that. (plus i'm broke!)
@@mancavemoto It is the 790 models which are on sale in Thailand. The Adventure R does it for me visually over the Duke [and the basic adventure]. Although only Euro 4 compliant, they are still being made in the Philippines. So are available in SE Asia with no import duty. I don't think well get the 890 models.
Great review :) How is the bike when commuting? slow speed? riding in town... through traffic? (Im very happy for this video.... because...other reviews are like wheelies, drifts...i dont do this shit...)
1 hour Test ride last Friday from the guys at gear4. Picking up a black one on the 16th! Really nice and benign under 4000 rpm - so your review is spot on. A perfect bike hopefully to grow into. Thanks a million again
2 questions. How is it for the taller rider? I’m 6’3”. And… would you pay for the Acra exhaust if you were specking and paying for the bike? Great video as always. Thanks 👍
Hi John, yes I think it would be OK, unless you have really long legs. They do offer a taller ergo seat. I don’t think I would, I think the stock exhaust is pretty decent.
Im almost 6'3" and the 890 is one of the few bikes that really feels comfortable to ride. Additionally I could experience it with the stock and the akra exhaust and in my opinion the original sounds even better. If you get the slip on you would only get it for aesthetics
Excellent review and far more relevant to me than the balls out nutter tests. I want to know about things like comfort and practicality as well as the fun aspects and You covered those very well. My only suggestion is that you mention your height as I find a lot of modern bikes to be too dinky for my 6ft frame.
Nice review . I have the 890R and have softened the suspension off for road use and it’s a brilliant little machine . Love it . The one thing I wish KTM would allow you to do is to permanently disable the TFT screen from changing from day to night mode , but hey , if that’s all I’ve got to moan about …….as a 56 year young’un , my KTM makes me feel a lot younger 😁
Cheers, being able to tune the suspension is a big plus with the R. Yep
It’s a bit annoying, but as you say there’s not much else to moan about.
If you're happy with it being on night mode all the time then simply cover the light sensor with a little bit of thick black tape (the sensor is top middle of the dash screen) .. that will disable the daytime running light on the headlight though (it'll be in normal dip mode instead) ...... but yeah, a simple selection in the menu would be nice ... I wonder if permanently setting it one way or the other (disabling the sensor) is possible during an ECU flash .. 🤔
@@MotoGoato hoping they may do it in a software update ! 🤞
I’m 21 and looking for a suicide machine to keep me off the dirt, I’ve crashed and totaled my brand new ssr enduro 250 twice
Great review, I love my 890 Duke. I have about 4k miles on mine and totally agree on your assessment. I added a quick shifter, heated grips, Cruise control and a touring screen to ride into the late fall and early spring here in New England . The engine is so flexible and responsive and fueling is near perfect for putting through town and opens up and screams on the open road. For me its a keeper...
Did the dealer need to turn on the cruise control? Or did you just add the instrument cluster? I’m wanting to add it.
I'm trying hard not to place an order, i loved riding this bike!
Thanks for this. Most reviews are of the R version, this is the most comprehensive and informative review of the 890. It’s on my list.
Glad it was helpful!
12 months and 15000 km later , best motorcycle I have owned in 30 years and dozens of bikes of ownership.
It wasn’t built as a tourer , but strangely enough, with side and rear bags , windscreen, heated grips and cruise control, that’s exactly what I converted my 890 Duke into. It will do anything you want , I’ve even done some fire trails and plenty of gravel and dirt. Rain mode comes in very handy for this also. 👍👍👍
Yes, this is secret adventure. Goes practically same places than Adv model, but not so fast.
@@790duke8 Duke 890 not so fast?
on public roads, what matters is that you don't have a loser in an SUV slowing the traffic down
I'm considering this option, what I'm trying to figure out is the tank range when touring.. ie. Not hammering it
@@jammydoughnut Average 280km easily. My best is 340km , that was mainly highways. Very economical machines
It was Chris Northover Michael Neeves and many more reviewers who convinced me to part exchange my KTM 390 Duke for the 890 Duke R. All what you said in your excellent review is spot on. Fantastic bike rides beautifully slow or fast an absolute gem!
I’ve not heard anyone offer even a neutral review of the 890 Duke!
Good review. Thank you. I would sooner replace the stock mirrors than the exhaust, but each to his own.
Nice review, I too watch all the wheelie reviews and love them, but your presentation is well balanced without the drama and more useful to a lot of potential buyers. Keep it up! I have the 890R and after 4K miles it still surprises me how much of an all rounder it is.
Thanks, I'm just trying to keep it real. But i'm also trying to stop myself from buying one! I love it
Thanks for a very thorough and realistic review, Tony. I found that very helpful. Cheers!
Cheers Keith
Those mirrors would have been replaced straight away for bar end ones (did that on my 790)
yep, that should have been a box I ticked
All ktms in past were the best looking bikes! This ktm is by far the ugliest one they ever made!
I think it's interesting that you would spend so much money on the seat and exhaust but you wouldn't put a windscreen on so you could ride it for longer distances? I like the bike but I'm not sure I would ever buy a motorcycle with an engine made in China. I'll bet there's reliability issues. I'll stick with my Japanese manufactured motorcycles.
I can ride it fine for longer distances, but its not a bike to really go touring on. The engines are made both in Austria and China the latter being a joint venture with CF Moto. I see no reason why it would be a problem, it’s exactly the same process. Honda and Suzuki both have manufacturing plants In China.
A real review giving what it is like for the real world every day riding, ticked all the boxes. We need more reviews like this. THANK YOU !
Thanks Gary, glad you liked it
I'm watching this after selling my 390 duke for an 890 R. I too have only watched those wheelie and hooligan reviews. Comparison videos were always vs a street triple indeed, but that never really caught my eyes. After riding it for 1200km i have to say that your review is spot on! Power everywhere, rides nice and easy when you want it to, but is also a huge hooligan bike when you also want it to. The confidence it gives while in corners is great! It also outbrakes an average car whilst having a passenger on the back without hitting the ABS. Still thinking about the ergo seat and some titanium exhaust headers. Thanks for the great review!
p.s. Sorry for my English, i'm no native speaker.
It’s possibly still my favourite naked bike, and your English is excellent!
Good review. Nice to see the bike being ridden like people would ride normally. How many people ride flat out doing wheelies and skids all of the time?
Cheers
We do!
Love this bike. KTM has bested the competition with light weight. I’m not fond of KTM styling in general and I HATE Orange. When KTM runs out of their oversupply of Orange paint sales will skyrocket!😎 The 890 standard Duke will likely be my next bike.😘
Me too Jerry, I loved riding this bike, and i'm having to stop myself from ordering one!
You can put a skin on it...or wrap it
Great review. I'm late to it, but better late than never! I have the 790. I've put 14,000 miles on it in 18 months. It's even been good for touring. Just looking at changing to the 890 now. BTW, I've changed back from the tail tidy to standard rear this winter as I was getting everything chucked up my back on country roads in Norfolk and Suffolk. Ktm bar end mirrors are much better than standard ons too IMHO.
Thanks Ross and thanks for the info. I would have liked the bar end mirrors, but KTM didn't have any in stock!
Nice bike. People who buy this KTM won’t go wrong. I am trading my T120 for the 2022 Matt Black / Graphite. Have you test ridden the 2021-22 model as yet ?As I am keen on your thoughts.
NZ regards.
I haven’t John no, not yet
Thank you for a great review I own an 890 duke and love it .
No worries, don’t blame you it’s a cracking bike!
I stayed away from the Akra exhaust. It’s too big imo and interferes with the tail tidy I wanted, not to mention the sound wasn’t that much different than stock. I went Arrow Race Pro and EvoTech on all other accessories.
If it were mine, i'd be happy with the stock exhaust
5:54 That pheasant was like "Dope looking bike, mind if I check it out real quick?"
I think it left a lasting impression....literally ;)
[two years on] - I've gotten interested in this machine.. Big Question: How is it on the highway? I understand it needs a windscreen, but is it too small/light for Big roads, with trucks and fast traffic?
Not at all! It will be the fast traffic 😉
Great video!!!! Only one constructive comment. Weight savings by removing the passenger foot pegs? Why remove??? This is a street bike not a track bike, that is the "R". I get a kick out of big riders (tall and/or wide) talking about weight savings......
and I have a 21, I added a tail tidy, side mount mirrors, and ergo seat. Needs nothing else.
It’s not really a bike for pillions, and if you never take ine why have them on? For me it was more about looks than the weight savings.
Love my 890 Duke. Got a Streetfighter V2 but just can't bring myself to sell the Duke yet. The scalpel is so crisp and precise
Great video and review. I really like the real world riding you bring to the reviews. Not bashing wheelie and skid people. Sounds like a great all rounder bike. Looks are devisive but I find that with most modern bikes now just look at the mt range!
Thanks Joe, much appreciated
Mine has been an absolute dream to own/ ride.
The last review I watched was of a cb650r & the youtuber said 4cylinder bikes are Mens bikes, but as you say its all down to personal preference.
Good review 👍
Excellent review I am 59 years of age not looking to race this motorcycle just looking for an upright standard motorcycle
Change it up with the official KTM Configurator (tm, reg'd).
Ok, 7" round headlight on from Ebay for a fiver.
Job done.
Nice bike... But in the end it still sounds like a Lawn Mower. Sorry.
I love that ktm’s seats are flat……. No crushing your junk into the gas tank lol
Duke 890 more raw and hooligan then the smoth Street triple rs✊🔥
I know this is an older video, but I own one and would like the grab handle removed. What kind of bolts do I need? The bike is amazing indeed haha.
/Just unbolt it, and put the original bolts back in from memory. If not any correct length M10 should do it
@@mancavemoto Thanks for the reply will look at it.
I'm about to trade in heavily modded 790 so have to strip a bunch of parts to go on my 890 Duke R, watch this space lol
Nice!
You're in the pheasant club now, you and Teapotone! But you came out of it much better. lol
It wasn’t my first 😂, occupational hazard around these parts
@@mancavemoto I'm up in Shropshire and we're over run with them, but this year its been the squirrels I just can't avoid the dam things! lol
What happened to Bruce? I’ve not seen that
@@mancavemoto It was on a clan ride two years ago, I'm sure he did a little vid about it. A pheasant ran out into the road infront of a guy who was not with our group that we were following at the time just as Bruce was lining up for an overtake and he just slammed the anchor on hard. Lets just say not everyone pulled up in time.
This review did not help my Need-A-New-Bike disease. I’ve been happy with my third gen SV650 but the option of greater power on a diet is very enticing. I’ve been hoping for a Husqvarna 901 -pilen version but it seems their attention is focused only on the Norden. Guess I’ll be saving my pennies for a black 890
Its a lovely bike and one I'd have in my garage all day long
Great review, with 5.000km on this bike I have to agree with your conclusions. After completing the break in period and the maintenance of the first 1000 km, I installed the Tech Pack. I really enjoy the Quickshifter+ and the Track Mode, it definitely worth the money. In Track Mode with anti-wheelie off, slip control in 3 or less and braking set in Super Moto Mode the bike transforms into a beast. I use the bike mainly for commuting and occasionally a weekend sporty ride. I'm not really into track days and track competition but I enjoy sport performance and sporty driving. I don't feel the need of the R's better brakes and suspension for the use I give to the bike. But now I’m thinking about an exhaust, sliders or crash bars and a small windshield. Love this bike!
Thanks for commenting, it is a hell of a bike!
Great review, exactly what I was looking for. I think I’ll pick up an R as a companion for my 890 ADV. Thanks!
No problem, glad it was useful!
Great review!! I had a 790 Duke that I loved but it got stolen. I took that bike from California to Denver and then through Yellowstone and it was a great long distance bike. No discomfort at all after days on the bike. I ended up getting a 1290 GT and I love the power but the extra weight is annoying at slow speeds. The 890 seems like the perfect balance between the two.
I think it’s my favourite naked bike to ride
Looking to upgrade to this bike from a CB500F. Question, do you know if this bike requires valve adjustments or any major maintenance tuneup within certain miles?
I’m pretty sure it’s the same as the 790/890 adventure which is a valve check at 18,0000km
If you're not ready to race buy a Honda. For commuting I would add a black fairing if possible and a top box to hold helmet, wet weather gear, shopping, puncture kit. I find top boxes indispensable. Quickshifter good Idea. Centre Stand an option? You need one if it has chain.
Bang on review. Like you I don't have the ability to push one of these to the limit though it's nice to have the 'option' pack on the basic 890. How do you think it compares to the Fat Bob as a commuter, general fun bike.
Cheers, for me i'd pick this over the Fat Bob, I think its more fun, and its much cheaper too!
I just wish I could get over the looks. Ah well, can't expect to like everything. 😁
They might grow on you, but you can't look at the bike when you're riding it ;)
Great video, TY!! Got me sold! Now to find one! the 2023's are pricey anymore.
Glad I could help!
Hallelujah, Tony - a real world review of the 890 Duke at last! I don't have an ounce of Chris from Bike World's talent & I gave up thinking I did about the time Barry Sheene retired. But I did ride a 790 Duke when they came out & it was *light years* ahead of my SV650 & the 890 is even more so. I'd put a screen on it as well, but KTM (I've had two) are masters at spending your money in the Power Parts catalogue.
Thanks Hugh, its a fantastic bike and yep KTM know how to charge for accessories, But I must admit they are good quality.
I would not spend £900 on that Akrapovic exhaust. Get the optional quickshifter and a cheaper end can. Black widow make great value exhausts for a fraction of the price.... Great review Tony, it's good to see a review of the non-R version. Many people (like me) are caught between which model to go for.
Me neither, I actually think the stock exhaust is fine and it looks better too. The R just looks a bit too 'lairy' for me and the performance of this is more than enough
I just put 500 miles on my new 890R. It is a very fast and cool bike, but man I miss my 690 SMC R so much.
Nice but understandable. My friend has a very well sorted 690 Duke R and he's in tow minds as to if he should switch or not!
Thank you this was the review that I needed. I narrowed it down to this bike the mto9 or the street triple. Yes about 99.9% of us actually use the bike to get to point A to point B or just right around it's not all about the wheelies and every other crazy thing. You fill that Gap. I want to bike that I can just hop on easily and go for a ride and I do ride to work about 75% of the time on a motorcycle. Thank you again
No problem, it has seemed to resonate with a lot of people, and i'd still love to have one in my garage
Great review, I'm buying a GP model, do you still have yours?
This was a KTM Press bike, not a bike that I owned
168 + 14 not equal 179
That is correct. BUT 14 litres of petrol weighs approx 11kg and 168+11 does equal 179
Love it, brilliant review. For me, as an ex-BMW owner 30 years ago, on Dorset B-roads and now American streets, this is about a perfect bike. Or an Aprilia Tuono 660.
Thanks, yep it’s great. I’ve been trying to get hold of a Tuono 660 for a while
Do you think you will trade your 790 for this model Man Cave ?
I’m tempted, but I don’t think I could have this as my only bike. I do like the odd bit of exploring on dirt. So maybe an 890 adventure R 🤔
@@mancavemoto Why couldn't you have it as your only bike?
@@Somchai007 As I mentioned I like to ride some trails and green lanes too, and the Duke wouldn’t work in those scenarios.
@@mancavemoto Oh silly me, I didn't read it properly. You would choose the duke 890 over the z900? Are they similar comfort wise?
I would yes, personally I prefer twins to in-line fours and the KTM weighs 169kg against the Z900 at 212kg!
So KTM allowed you to spec the bike your own way. Just for the review? Lucky boy
Yes, very cool of them, I am a lucky boy!
pity you couldn,t change head lights
What a brilliant review , KTM should get more sales from your video ! I think if I didn’t do trips and tours I’d have one !Adventure bikes are so good at everything though . Nice if you can warrant owning two bikes and still have a wife 😁
Thank you, yep adventure bikes are hard to beat for me too. Maybe an 890 Adventure R is the perfect mix for me?
Really enjoyed the real world review. I just like riding bikes and the freedom they bring. I'm not skilled enough these days to throw down a wheelie or go knee down on a public road. As someone already mentioned, thank you for doing a nice thorough review on the standard 890.
Just checking on my understanding of the bike's weight. I was under the impression that dry weight meant no fuel, water, oil, brake fluid etc So the wet weight would be more than just adding the fuel on?
Glad you enjoyed it! and yes wet weight includes all fluids.
Great review ! Thank you very much, this is exactly what I was looking for.
Glad it was helpful!
Man o man I could not agree more with your thoughts on the bike. I feel KTM always loses a bunch of potential buyers with their color choices. Less is more and what you created is exactly what they need to start/keep doing. Always offer a black option with the orange frame/subtle accents with (optional) orange wheels. I do not know WHAT they were thinking this year mixing that blue color with the orange... Am I the only one?
I think so, the bikes are great but not everyone is 'Ready to Race'
Orange frame and other parts are horrible. I have black/silver 790.
Thanks for the review, was looking for this one to compare it to the R version, it made me realize what I need is not necessarily what I want. From an everyday regular folk to another. My thanks.
Cheers Robbie, yep its easy to get sucked in by the R version, but this is more than enough for me and no orange wheels which is a bonus
From a fellow mortal thank you for a review I can relate too, does the non R have cruise control? Or is it an option?
No problem, it doesn’t come as standard but is an option
i have this exact bike, so far so good. it's a fine daily driver.
Its a beauty, probably my favourite naked bike
Nice review, Sir ... very comprehensive 🙂 I love my 790 Duke .. whilst the 890 is no doubt slightly better I don't think it's the worth the cost of the upgrade for me. With a little bit of fuelling tweaking the 790 will run in 4th at 30mph no worries .. but at stock the light engine internals and euro 4 castration can make it a bit grumpy at low revs for sure, thankfully it's fairly easy to fix. Wonder what KTM will be announcing on the 23rd Nov ..... 990 Duke? RC890? RC990? (just go check out this year spy shots online) ... or maybe just the 490 range?
Thanks, yes I’m not sure it worth taking the hit to trade in a 790 but it is a more flexible motor
@Thomas B is the track pack and auto blipper/quickshifter at extra cost on 890? Or does it come standard like the 790?
Amazing review! stay awesome
Pheasant hunting
Great review of a great bike i totally agree with your assessment of the 890 Duke it’s the best all round bike I’ve ever owned 👍👍
Thanks! 👍
Oh what a nice bike
The big difference is the duke leaks oil and the street triple doesn't 😂
In reality neither of them do 👍
but review is great as is the bike
Your set up is really nice! Beautiful but still mean!
Thanks!
What is it like around town is it snatchy on the throttle in low gears
No, not al all
IF KTM GOES INTO DCT? I'M BUYING 2💯👍👍👍
That would be interesting
I wonder how much better this is than the 790 Duke. And do you prefer it to the Adventure?
A welcome review which isn't about riding fast. Good one, Tony.
Hiya Buddy, I like the extra weight in the crank, it just seems to help with a smoother ride. BUT i don't know if its enough to make me switch. The problem is that I do still like to explore the countryside, so the adventure helps with that. (plus i'm broke!)
@@mancavemoto It is the 790 models which are on sale in Thailand. The Adventure R does it for me visually over the Duke [and the basic adventure]. Although only Euro 4 compliant, they are still being made in the Philippines. So are available in SE Asia with no import duty. I don't think well get the 890 models.
Great review :) How is the bike when commuting? slow speed? riding in town... through traffic? (Im very happy for this video.... because...other reviews are like wheelies, drifts...i dont do this shit...)
Perfect, for me its a great all round naked bike. Happy commuting and riding slow in town, as well as faster riding
@@mancavemoto great, thank you :)
@@mancavemoto when town riding? its smooth? low speeds like 10miles, 20miles/mph ?
Great vlog, really enjoyed it made perfect sense to me!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Does the powerparts comfort seat add any extra height, or is it just same as stock? Thanks!
Sorry I missed this message, it doesnt change the seat height
@@mancavemoto it’s okay, thanks for the reply
Great review Tony. Mod 2 in 7 days. A potential candidate I wonder??
Thanks, good luck with the mod 2 and I think would make an ideal candidate!
1 hour Test ride last Friday from the guys at gear4. Picking up a black one on the 16th! Really nice and benign under 4000 rpm - so your review is spot on. A perfect bike hopefully to grow into. Thanks a million again
Good review sounds like ktm have hit the sweet spot with the 890
I think they certainly have
2 questions. How is it for the taller rider? I’m 6’3”. And… would you pay for the Acra exhaust if you were specking and paying for the bike?
Great video as always. Thanks 👍
Hi John, yes I think it would be OK, unless you have really long legs. They do offer a taller ergo seat. I don’t think I would, I think the stock exhaust is pretty decent.
@@mancavemoto Thank you. I will take one out for a test ride. 👍
Im almost 6'3" and the 890 is one of the few bikes that really feels comfortable to ride. Additionally I could experience it with the stock and the akra exhaust and in my opinion the original sounds even better. If you get the slip on you would only get it for aesthetics
I have the 790 Duke.
6 ft 4 and have the taller seat and it is fantastic for comfort which is amazing as I am 74 and not that bendy anymore
rip little pheasant ..
😢
How much for the pheasant?
It’s yours if you can find all the bits!
I do hate the tail tidy.. and you will to if it rains when your out, it'll be up your back 😂
It’s not for you and that’s OK. But I did ride it in the wet and it was fine…
@@mancavemoto I've been wanting a 790 or 890 for a while now but concerned about reliability & if you've got £7 or £8k there's a lot of choice.
@@mancavemoto to be fair its not the teeny weeny one, so not bad 👍
@@johnboy5156 yeah I wouldn’t go smaller than this one for sure!
Great review✊🔥🔥
Thanks 💯
Recommend a Wheelie school for you mate 😂😂 ❤️
Funny you should say that. Problem is I’m worried that if I learn to do proper ones I want be able to stop myself!
@@mancavemoto 😂😂 great watch anyway buddy, real world reviews, you literally kept me from going insane during lockdown, thanks for that ❤️
Nice review bra !
Cheers
Excellent review and far more relevant to me than the balls out nutter tests. I want to know about things like comfort and practicality as well as the fun aspects and You covered those very well. My only suggestion is that you mention your height as I find a lot of modern bikes to be too dinky for my 6ft frame.
Thanks! I usually do mention my height, but obviously forgot on this one. i'm 5ft 10