One short year after the 790 Duke?s release, the 2020 KTM 890 Duke R took everyone by surprise when it was unveiled at the EICMA show. The Austrian firm promised that the 890 Duke R would remedy a few performance shortcomings in the original ?Scalpel?s? non-adjustable WP suspension and J-Juan brakes. The verdict: it does, and it does so in spades.

Dubbed the ?Super Scalpel? by KTM, the 890 Duke R is the sharpest tool in the middleweight naked sportbike shed, thanks to its impressive agility, raucously fun powerplant, quality components and top-spec electronics package.

Ergonomics edge toward a more sporting rider triangle on the 890 Duke R, and luckily, it hasn?t detracted from comfort.

Based on the 790 powerplant, the 889cc DOHC parallel-twin engine has gone under the knife and come out ready for the limelight. Bore and stroke grow to 90.7 x 68.8mm, creating a 91cc displacement increase along with a significantly higher 13.5:1 compression ratio. A new cylinder head accommodates one-millimeter larger intake and exhaust valves, paired with a more aggressive camshaft profile to increase lift. The 890?s mill also gets lightened forged pistons and connecting rods, which decrease rotating mass. In contrast, a 20-percent heavier crank is employed to improve low-rev manners. Of course, the redline is raised by 1,000 rpm for good measure.
All of these changes add up to more power at the rear wheel, and on the Jett Tuning dyno, the 890 Duke R put out 111.0 horsepower...