Discussion
I'm intrigued by these and the reviews on them by LCR, 44 Teeth etc on Youtube seem very positive, although the chance of a R version coming out with the full 890R motor is making me sit back as it would be a little irritating to miss out by jumping in too early!
So, has anyone on here bought one or used one for any length of time, I was due a demo this week but the weather isn't really helping much at the moment.
I did fancy a Duke 890R after chasing one all over the Pyrenees a few weeks back but alas too tall and possibly too creaky (old).
The reliability has been good on my mate's KTM's, 690R, RC8R and now 890R so I'm pretty confident this will be ok too, just need some real world feedback and then I can tell myself it's better looking than it really is!..cheers.
Current bike is a Hypermotard 939 SP and I don't want to let it go unless this is significantly better, which I'm not convinced it is?
So, has anyone on here bought one or used one for any length of time, I was due a demo this week but the weather isn't really helping much at the moment.
I did fancy a Duke 890R after chasing one all over the Pyrenees a few weeks back but alas too tall and possibly too creaky (old).
The reliability has been good on my mate's KTM's, 690R, RC8R and now 890R so I'm pretty confident this will be ok too, just need some real world feedback and then I can tell myself it's better looking than it really is!..cheers.
Current bike is a Hypermotard 939 SP and I don't want to let it go unless this is significantly better, which I'm not convinced it is?
990 parallel twin due soon apparently so 890 might only be around for a while longer. Tried the Husky 901 with with the same engine but still prefer a v twin. Had 9 KTMs since 2009 and wanted to like the new SMT but the mix of the parallel , cheap brakes and switchgear, costs of unlocking the packs etc I jumped ship and bought a new multistrada v2 when it popped up cheap. I doubt the SMT will be a better bike than your current Ducati.
It's an odd looking thing, think maybe lose the top mud guard, but still left with a cheap looking odd ball, which I could possibly overlook if the bike is absolutely brilliant but I'm now thinking they're will be a major change in 2024, engine, brakes, styling etc.
Oddly enough I thought I'd see a few flying round the Pyrenees but not one, are they even selling?
Oddly enough I thought I'd see a few flying round the Pyrenees but not one, are they even selling?
It's a great bike to ride, but feels cheap in places to me (switchgear, tank plastics). At a healthy KTM winter discount (say, £10.5k) I'd pick one up. I had a Hyper 950SP and the engine in that is more aggressive and has more instant shove than the 890 parallel twin – the Hyper's a more entertaining bike on B roads, but doesn't handle as fluidly and isn't as agile. Hyper will do more accidental wheelies too.
As others have said, the 890 engine's set to be replaced with a 990 next year (and 1290 with 1390), but as far as I know we're only getting new Dukes next year, I imagine adventures and other bikes will be in the years after that.
As others have said, the 890 engine's set to be replaced with a 990 next year (and 1290 with 1390), but as far as I know we're only getting new Dukes next year, I imagine adventures and other bikes will be in the years after that.
I know that by the replies above, there was an overwhelming response to the SMT. I know I said it was ugly, but after seeing a couple with graphics or slight mods, I could maybe overlook it for how good it may potentially be to ride. My local has one albeit seemingly overpriced compared to others but wonder if there's a deal to be had.
Did anyone buy one?
Did anyone buy one?
Well with looks only a mother could love, I finally bought one. My opinion about it's looks hasn't changed much but after riding one I was blown away with how fun it was to ride.
This is a 75 plate with few miles and most of KTMs 4 year warranty left (just in case)
Coming from a big 1050 Suzuki, it's definitely a rougher more agricultural engine but although it's a parallel, it reminds me of my old 950. It's got a really good punch to the midrange and accelerates much quicker than I was expecting it to for only 100bhp or thereabouts.
Brakes are really powerful given they're some Chinese KTM offering. I've yet to setup the suspension other than rear preload and expect there might be more to come from it but other than a bit of fork dive to be expected, they cope with poor surfaces well.
Handling is superb though. The 17" front makes it so quick to turn and after the last 2 being 19 and 21 (and both being top heavy) the difference is remarkable. I rode an MT09SP a couple of weeks back and for me, this just shows it a clean pair of heels on the road. I couldn't ride the MT09 anywhere near as quick as this one and it's perfect for those little back roads with questionable road surfaces.
I did about 180 miles of motorway yesterday to bring it back and it did it with no drama, the seat was really comfortable and cruise control on most of the way. The screen is minimal and lacks weather protection but the air was clean to chest and helmet so no buffeting and never felt like I just was hanging on.
I'm probably going to stick an exhaust on it, because I can barely hear it, experiment with a slightly higher windscreen of an 890 adventure and might mess about with the colour scheme. I want to get myself some more soft luggage for some overnights and it'll have heated grips for colder days. I don't think the Power GPs will last very long and I don't really need super sticky rubber so will look at my tyre options when the time comes.
Chicken Chaser said:
Well with looks only a mother could love, I finally bought one. My opinion about it's looks hasn't changed much but after riding one I was blown away with how fun it was to ride.
This is a 75 plate with few miles and most of KTMs 4 year warranty left (just in case)
Coming from a big 1050 Suzuki, it's definitely a rougher more agricultural engine but although it's a parallel, it reminds me of my old 950. It's got a really good punch to the midrange and accelerates much quicker than I was expecting it to for only 100bhp or thereabouts.
Brakes are really powerful given they're some Chinese KTM offering. I've yet to setup the suspension other than rear preload and expect there might be more to come from it but other than a bit of fork dive to be expected, they cope with poor surfaces well.
Handling is superb though. The 17" front makes it so quick to turn and after the last 2 being 19 and 21 (and both being top heavy) the difference is remarkable. I rode an MT09SP a couple of weeks back and for me, this just shows it a clean pair of heels on the road. I couldn't ride the MT09 anywhere near as quick as this one and it's perfect for those little back roads with questionable road surfaces.
I did about 180 miles of motorway yesterday to bring it back and it did it with no drama, the seat was really comfortable and cruise control on most of the way. The screen is minimal and lacks weather protection but the air was clean to chest and helmet so no buffeting and never felt like I just was hanging on.
I'm probably going to stick an exhaust on it, because I can barely hear it, experiment with a slightly higher windscreen of an 890 adventure and might mess about with the colour scheme. I want to get myself some more soft luggage for some overnights and it'll have heated grips for colder days. I don't think the Power GPs will last very long and I don't really need super sticky rubber so will look at my tyre options when the time comes.
I just need to get over the hideous looks and the KTM brand (always a niggling feeling that something will do wrong). Interesting to hear that it's quite sprightly despite its 'meagre' 100bhp output. It will probably suit me as I ride B-roads mainly but would prefer a step-change from my parallel twin MT07 but would like some playfulness!
Enjoy many happy miles on it! Apparently the wind buffeting is bad so defo get that screen on. Otherwise looks like a perfect B-road scratcher/mini tourer.
If you look at the user groups there seems to be a number of big mileage users with little problems. I've took it on that I've got 3 years of use with a manufacturer warranty provided it gets main dealer service.
The standard screen is fine for cruising over the speed limit but I just think cosmetically it lacks a bit of height so I'm going to try the mid 890adv R screen.
Had a mess about with AI and based on some available kits it came up with these options..
The standard screen is fine for cruising over the speed limit but I just think cosmetically it lacks a bit of height so I'm going to try the mid 890adv R screen.
Had a mess about with AI and based on some available kits it came up with these options..
Edited by Chicken Chaser on Monday 13th July 11:52
It's a funny old world! I never thought I'd get over the looks of these but a bit like the OP I had a demo and was hooked. Just a great bike, 100 bhp never felt so potent, the torque certainly helps and it's just great fun more of the time compared to any other bike I've owned.
Picked it up in early March, just back from Spain a few weeks ago and it was just brilliant. 4000 miles in and wish I'd been on one earlier. Way way better than the oil burning Hornet and it would leave my old Hyper 939SP for dust, I even like the styling now! It's a jack of all trades, but with no weak points, all day comfortable, motorways at legalish speeds are a doddle with the cruise and it's an absolute weapon on B roads. I genuinely couldn't be more pleased to have been wrong about this bike!
Picked it up in early March, just back from Spain a few weeks ago and it was just brilliant. 4000 miles in and wish I'd been on one earlier. Way way better than the oil burning Hornet and it would leave my old Hyper 939SP for dust, I even like the styling now! It's a jack of all trades, but with no weak points, all day comfortable, motorways at legalish speeds are a doddle with the cruise and it's an absolute weapon on B roads. I genuinely couldn't be more pleased to have been wrong about this bike!
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