Following the release of the 2022 KTM 890 Duke R a couple of weeks ago, comes news of the 890 Duke GP. However, like the Duke R, it seems the only updates are to the paint job
2022 KTM 890 Duke GP Revealed
If the reveal of the 2022 KTM 890 Duke R was a little disappointing in that all that had changed was adding a splash of blue to the colour scheme, then be prepared to be slightly underwhelmed by the reveal of the 890 Duke GP.
Adding 'GP' to a bike's name has huge potential, especially given KTM's involvement in Moto3, Moto2 and MotoGP: images of racing-developed technology flashed before our eyes but KTM seems content to give us the bare minimum to go with the name.
As with the 'R', the GP makes do with a MotoGP-inspired livery, comprising orange and black, with KTM's 'Ready to Race' motto and the logos for partners Motorex, Pankl and WP placed around the now-predominantly orange panels covering the subframe.
There's an orange pillion-seat cover and orange powder-coated wheels, along with orange highlights on the front fender and headlight mounting.
If you were hoping for mechanical upgrades, you'll be disappointed. Not that the 890 Duke as it stood was disappointing - it wasn't called the Super Scalpel for nothing (meaning it carved new lines through the turns) - but this mid-life refresh does seem a bit lazy.
So, the 890 Duke GP gets adjustable WP Apex suspension, a PASC slip/assist clutch, Continental ContiRoad tires, and a state-of-the-art electronics package that includes cornering ABS with Supermoto mode, lean-angle-sensitive Motorcycle Traction Control, and selectable ride modes (Sport, Street, and Rain). An optional Track mode adds sharper throttle response along with on-the-fly TC adjustability over nine levels.
The engine is an 889cc parallel twin, with DOHC and four valves per cylinder. KTM claims 114bhp and 67 lb-ft of torque at 7,000 rpm.
So, the 890 Duke remains sharp for 2022, but could it have been sharper? No prices have been announced as yet. More information on the official KTM website here
