Ktm 890 Duke R Review

Used Buyer Review

The 890 Duke R is what happens when KTM's engineers actually get a budget to play with. That LC8c parallel-twin pulls hard from 4,000rpm and absolutely screams past 8,000 — it's genuinely exciting in a way most naked bikes aren't. The WP Apex suspension is properly adjustable and rewards riders who know what they're doing with it. This isn't a bike you set up once and forget. Buying used, you need to check a few things religiously. The throttle bodies are notorious for needing sync after hard use, and neglected examples feel notchy and hesitant below 3,000rpm. Check service history for the 15,000km valve clearance check — it's not cheap if it's been skipped. Also inspect the clutch slave cylinder for weeping seals, particularly on 2020-2021 models. Pricing has softened nicely since launch, which means a well-specced example with WP suspension and Supermoto mode is genuinely attainable. It's not the easiest bike to live with daily — firm, loud, and demanding — but nothing else at this price point is as alive.