Earlier this year, KTM CEO Stefan Pierer spoke about a new parallel-twin cylinder engine (890) that will power the brand’s middleweight portfolio. Since then, several variants of the 890 series have been claimed to be spotted by international media. Indian Autos Blog recently learnt that the KTM 890 model line is a go, and we could hear some interesting details at the 2019 EICMA motorcycle show.
Also Read: From Duke 490 to RC 490, KTM to launch 5 twin-cylinder ‘490’ models
The added displacement will come with higher performance figures. The current 799 cc parallel-twin cylinder engine, for reference, makes 105 hp of peak power and 87 Nm of max torque.
But does it mean an end to the 790 series? Probably not. The 799 cc parallel-twin engine is less than two years old, so replacing it with a new motor may not be the best idea. The motor is currently used on the 790 Duke and the 790 Adventure series. KTM India officials confirmed at the launch event of the 790 Duke that the middleweight roadster’s BS-VI iteration will retain the displacement capacity.
The most logical explanation is that both engines will co-exist. It should not come as a surprise as KTM already has several products that sit very close to each other in terms of displacement but are distinguished by their features. The company’s India portfolio, for example, has seven products in the 125 cc to 400 cc segment – 125 Duke, 200 Duke, 250 Duke, 390 Duke, RC 125, RC 200 and RC 390.
So what can we expect to see from the Austrian brand?
890 Duke
The 790 Duke comes with a comprehensive electronics package but the hardware specifications have scope for an upgrade. The suspension setup, for example, features non-adjustable front forks and just preload-adjustable rear monoshock. The braking setup has been co-developed with Spanish brand, J.Juan.
International websites such as MoreBikes have published photographs of a mysterious test mule of the Austrian brand’s middleweight roadster (with 790 Duke stickers) equipped with several testing hardware. Closer inspection revealed adjustable front forks and Brembo brake lever assembly, which indicates that the upcoming motorcycle will pack premium hardware than the 790 Duke.
The 790 Duke is a fairly new design, and the 890 Duke is expected to carry similar styling cues. So expect the feature list to retain full-LED lighting, full-colour TFT-display with optional KTM MyRide function, and a comprehensive electronics package (ABS, Cornering ABS, Traction Control, Motor Slip Regulation, Wheelie Control and Launch Control).
890 Adventure / 890 Adventure R
The relatively bigger middleweight adventure product from the Austrian brand will compete against the upcoming Triumph Tiger 900 and the Ducati Multistrada 950. The 790 Adventure R already gets adjustable front and rear suspension, and that setup is not likely to receive any major change. Thus, the motorcycle will feature full-LED lighting, windblast protection and a full-colour TFT-display.
Do note that the upcoming Tiger 900 XC series will get cross-spoke design – a feature already seen on the Ducati Multistrada 950 with Enduro Pack and the BMW F 850 GS. The cross-spoke design enables the installation of tubeless tyres that are far easier to fix in case of a puncture than the tube units. KTM may offer this feature on the 890 Adventure range. The 790 Adventure and the 790 Adventure R, for reference, come with tube tyres.
890 Supermoto (890 SMC R?)
KTM’s current Supermoto range comprises just one product, the 690 SMC R. The 890 Supermoto, which could carry an 890 SMC R name tag, will expand the supermoto line-up of the brand and compete against the likes of Ducati Hypermotard.
Similar to the 690 SMC R, the 890 will feature 17-inch wheels on both ends. It will be interesting to see if KTM uses conventional wire-spokes, cross-spokes or alloy wheels on the 890. The Supermoto product will not get any kind of windblast protection or luggage carrying hardware. Those features will be reserved for an 890 SMT/GT (Supermoto Tourer/Grand Tourer).
890 SMT/GT
Motoring website RideApart published the photographs of the 890 SMT/GT in August this year. The motorcycle was seen with some windblast protection, saddlebag stays/pannier mounts and a top-box mount, thus enhancing its touring capabilities. The motorcycle also featured 790 Adventure-style, low-slung fuel tank. The 890 SMT/GT will be road-biased tourer, and thus it will come equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels on both ends. The suspension and braking setup will most likely be identical on the 890 SMC and the 890 SMT/GT.
Also Read: KTM 790 Duke - Where and how you can buy one
We expect to hear more details at this year’s EICMA motorcycle show that will take place from 5-10 November.
[KTM 890 Duke source: morebikes.co.uk]
[KTM 890 SMT/GT source: rideapart.com]
Images used in the post are for representation only
