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Duke 790 or 890: With the Duke 790 returning in 2023, which KTM Duke is better?


203 Duke 790 in a corner
KTM made a unusual decision with its 2023 lineup. In 2023, the company brought back the Duke 790 after a two-year absence. However, the company will leave the old replacement of the 790, the 890 Duke, in the lineup. That begs the question, is one Duke better than the other?

KTM launched the original Duke 790 in 2018 to great fanfare. The steel-tube mid-range naked bike comes with the brand’s first twin tandem engine producing an incredible 105 hp. Magazine reviewer and favorite owner Duke 790 because it can be a tracking weapon on a Sunday and a fast moving vehicle on a Monday.

KTM Duke 890 R at an angle.
Then KTM killed it. It ditched the 790 and replaced it with the Duke 890. Once again, testers of the new bike loved it. It has a more powerful engine, better suspension, and some even say it looks better than the 790.

Now, however, KTM has made things confusing again by re-introducing the 790.

KTM purists may scoff at the 2023 790 as its 799cc LC8c engine now comes from Chinese manufacturer CFMoto. But it has the same reported strength rating and warranty as the old factory. Crucially, however, the new 790 Duke comes with a new traction control computer that has more modes (Sport, Street, Rain and now Track) and an independent anti-slip mode, if you like that style. It also has a trick Supermoto mode that lets you turn off the rear ABS so you can slide back around with a stomp of the pedal.

KTM 890 Duke R on a white background.
Then we have the 2023 890 Duke 114 hp. It comes in three versions this year, from the regular Duke 890 to the 890 Duke R and 890 Duke GP. The Duke R comes with adjustable WP Apex suspension, Brembo brakes, and Michelin Power Cup II tires to help keep the car on edge. It also has slightly more horsepower, though KTM hasn’t released figures yet.

Duke GP is the all-in-one package for Duke. It includes the same ride modes and throttle control system as the 890 R, but adds a 6D tilt sensor and fully adjustable dampers. The new sensor detects side-to-side movement, as well as pitch and drift positioning. The optional track mode and quick-shifter will also make it a formidable track-day toy.

KTM 890 Duke R GP on white background.
While the KTM 890 Duke R 2023 starts at $12,949 in the US, the 790 retails for just $9,199, which is lower than the older model that sold for new. With the new power modes and better computers on the 790, it’s possible that KTM dealers will ask buyers to upgrade to the 890, even if it has more capacity.

KTM | Instagram

KTM 890 Duke R on the track

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