KTM Duke 890 R India Launch Under Consideration: The KTM Duke 890 R was initially unveiled by the brand back at the EICMA auto show in November 2019 while the highly powerful sports machine from the Austrian manufacturer is now ready to be launched in the international markets. The brand has not yet announced any plans for its launch in the Indian markets though, the reports suggest that the possibility is under consideration.
If the brand plans on bringing out the 890 Duke R in the Indian market, one can expect it to be launched sometime by third or last quarter of the year 2021. Though the KTM Duke 790 is one of the most feature-rich motorcycles from the brand, it has not been able to sell in good numbers, so there isn’t any guarantee if the customers will be pleased with the launch of the Duke 890 R in India.
As per the details available, the motorcycle will also be brought to the country via the CKD route and one can expect even more hefty price tag when compared to the 790 Duke though the noteworthy feature list might prove useful in getting the maximum sales.
To jog your memory, powering the KTM Duke 890 R is an 890cc, parallel-twin, liquid-cooled, DOHC engine that is capable of churning out a maximum power of 121HP @ 9250 rpm and a peak torque of 99Nm @ 7750 rpm. The engine comes mated to a 6-speed gearbox assisted by a slipper clutch. The suspension duties are handled by fully-adjustable WP APEX 43 mm upside-down forks at the front while the rear has been mated to a WP Apex monoshock absorber.
The brand has also equipped the motorcycle with traction control as well as lean angle sensitivity. The rider will be able to operate the motorcycle in three riding modes similar to the one available in the 790 Duke. KTM has equipped the 890 Duke R with a 2-channel cornering ABS unit for additional safety.
Once launched in India, one can expect the Duke 890 R to get a premium of around INR 1.50 lakh when compared to the price tag of KTM Duke 790. The official price tag of around INR 10 to INR 11 lakh is expected to put the motorcycle in close competition with the 2020 Triumph Street Triple RS.
