2021 KTM 890 Duke

This latest Duke is still among the lightest and most compact naked sportbikes anywhere

KTM juiced up its 790 Duke platform with a more powerful engine, beefed up electronics, and improved suspension for its 2021 release of the 890 Duke.

The bifurcated front headlight housing is unlike any other in the world, and is part of the Duke's signature look.

With the same liquid-cooled 889 cc parallel twin engine as the 890 Adventure models, it carries the same enhancements first seen in the 890 Duke R so you know it's punchy and gutsy.

You can count on 115 horsepower backed up by 67.9 pound-feet of torque in a very nimble and responsive package sure to please.

KTM relied on the strength and rigidity of tubular, chromium-molybdenum steel members for the forward frame element on the 890 Duke.

It establishes a 24-degree rake angle to put it deep in the nimble end of the spectrum.

WP provides all of the suspension products on the 890 Duke,

plus the steering damper that soaks up the brunt of the energy from the nastiest of kickbacks.

The 890 Duke rocks the corner-sensitive, Bosch 9.1 MP system with a fancy SuperMoto Mode that let's you lock up the rear wheel to unlock your fancy SuperMoto moves.

This is just one component of the overarching Motorcycle Stability Control (MSC) package.

Even the traction control is of the lean-sensitive variety, so you can count on that extra security when rolling on in a curve,

and it comes with an “Off” setting if you really want to unleash the beast and rely on skill instead.

The Ride Modes feature comes stock with a Sport Mode, Street Mode, and Rain Mode,

with the apex-predator, tuneable Track Mode as optional equipment.

Wheelie Control also comes stock,

but it's unfortunate that the factory held the Quickshifter-Plus item in reserve as part of the optional equipment list.

MSRP is kept at a reasonable $11k in spite of carrying equipment from its premium paddock mate.

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