In real-world riding, how does the KTM Duke 890 compare to its rivals?
The middleweight naked bike segment is a bloody battleground, with a number of manufacturers competing for the top spot. Spec sheets and magazine reviews are great, but many riders are curious how the KTM Duke 890 compares to the competition on a day-to-day riding basis. It includes everything from the comfort on longer rides to riding behavior in traffic, fuel efficiency in mixed riding conditions, and general user friendliness. Having heard all the press releases and watched the videos, the actual owners are keen to tell potential buyers how the Duke 890 performs in real-world situations, compared to the likes of the Yamaha MT09, Triumph Street Triple, Kawasaki Z900, etc. Knowing these practical aspects may be very important for riders that want to figure out which bike best fits their needs and style of riding.
The Duke 890 is a scalpel compared to its rivals. It's incredibly nimble and precise in the twisties and makes the others feel like blunt instruments.
I have ridden the 890 and the MT-09. The point there is that the KTM feels more refined, more planted, but less wild than the Yamaha.
If you’re just looking for pure commuting, I’d honestly give the edge to something like the Z900. The 890 is amazing, but it seems too much to use in stop-and-go traffic.
Although the Street Triple is marginally more polished overall, the 890 just feels more special. It has that X-factor; you want to ride it every day.
I believe the 890 finds the right balance. It's happy for longer rides, but it's still an absolute weapon if you want to have some fun.
Surprisingly, the 890 is good on fuel efficiency, better than my old MT-09. It isn't Honda frugal, but it isn't going to cost the bank either.
The quick shifter on the 890 is a real game changer for everyday riding. After you’ve gotten used to it, other bikes feel clunky in comparison.
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Discussions and Questions In Real World Riding How Does The Ktm Duke 890 Compare To Its Rivals
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