Yamaha MT-09 SP versus KTM 890 Duke R

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
Yamaha

Yamaha MT-09 SP

Naked
KTM

KTM 890 Duke R

Naked
What can the SP do better than the standard MT-09?
What can the Yamaha MT-09 SP do better than the 1,800 Euro cheaper Standard MT-09? What are the differences and is it worth spending the extra price on the nobler SP variant? Our test editor Dietmar makes a trip on the SP... weiter
Yamaha MT-09 SP im Test
Gallery
Small, but powerful!
It's a scalpel on two wheels, says KTM about its new mid-range bike 890 Duke R. Hm. Do you want to sit on a scalpel? We did it anyway and clarified in the test what she can really do.... weiter
KTM 890 Duke R
Gallery

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2018 bis 2024~
Built von 2020 bis 2023
RRP 13.199 €
RRP 13.049 €
Ausführliches Test-Video von Motorradtest.de
Ausführliches Test-Video von Motorradtest.de
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Competitors

Pros:
Pros:
  • Power
  • Precise chassis
  • Brakes very powerful
  • Fast Quickshifter
Cons:
Cons:
  • Suitability for touring

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.440 mm
Length : 2.090 mm Height : 1.190 mm
Seat : 825 mm
Weight : 190 kg
Wheelbase: 1.482 mm
Seat : 834 mm
Weight : 185 kg

Engine

Motor design: 3-cylinder, 4-stroke 3 Cylinder
Displacement: 890 ccm
Hub: 62 mm
Hole: 78 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6
Motor design: 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, in-line engine 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 890 ccm
Hub: 69 mm
Hole: 91 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6

Performance

Maximum speed: 225 km/h
Performance: 119 HP at 10.000 U/Min
Torque: 93 NM bei 7.000 U/Min
Tank contents: 14 Litre
Consumption: 5 l
Reach: 254 km
Maximum speed: 240 km/h
Performance: 121 HP at 9.250 U/Min
Torque: 99 NM bei 7.750 U/Min
Tank contents: 14 Litre
Consumption: 5 l
Reach: 295 km

Chassis

Frame type:
 Bridge tube frame (aluminum)
Front suspension:
 USD 41mm, fully adjustable (travel 130mm)
Rear suspension:
 Coil spring/Gas-hydraulic damper (travel 122 mm)
Rear suspension:
 Two-arm swingarm
Tyres at the front: 120/70ZR17M/C (58W) (Tubeless)
Rear tyres: 180/55ZR17M/C (73W) (Tubeless)
Frame type:
 Chrome-molybdenum steel frame, motor is structural component, powder coated (steel)
Front suspension:
 WP Apex 43 USD fork (travel 140 mm)
Rear suspension:
 WP central strut (travel 150 mm)
Rear suspension:
 Alu two-arm swingarm
Tyres at the front: 120/70-17
Rear tyres: 180/55-17

Brakes

Front brake
 Double disc (∅ 298 mm) Rear brake
 Single disc (∅ 245 mm)
Front brake
 Double disc, Brembo Stylema Monoblock four-piston radial fixed caliper (∅ 320 mm) Rear brake
 Single disc, Brembo single-piston floating caliper (∅ 240 mm)

Conclusion - what gets stuck

Back to the exit question: Is the 1,800 Euro surcharge for the SP worthwhile? Jein, one might say. The SP is the slightly more noble and chassis-technically better machine, but if you don't have it so thick, we think you can also use the standard MT-09.
 
However, the competition for the naked bikes of the upper middle class is tough: KTM 890 Duke R, Kawasaki Z900, Ducati Monster, Aprilia Tuono 660, Triumph Speed Triple RS - these are all also great machines. In the end, many potential buyers will probably depend on the engine: it's just a character question whether you're on Twin, Triple or In-line fours.
 
In any case, the MT-09 SP does quite a lot of right and actually nothing wrong - except for the company operation, which is, however, similarly murky among the competitors. But as a couple you don't really want to ride these bikes, don't you?
 
The test bike was provided to us by Tecius & Reimers in Hamburg Eidelstedt - thank you.

Price/Availability/Colours/Years of Construction

  • Price: 11,599
  • Used (3 years old): 10,000€
  • Years of construction: from 2018
  • Colours: blue-black

Character-strong machine

At the end of the day it is clear that the KTM 890 Duke R is the most sporty model on offer of the Austrians, only the 1290 Super Duke R can compete. But even this model, which is superior in performance, has to be plugged in when it comes to pure curveability.

The new one is thus clearly positioned: If you want to drive corners, then drive corners and plan to push a bend later, there is hardly anything better. For anyone who is looking for a more versatile model, which should be more suitable for touring, for example, the 790 remains the first choice. It's not a scalpel from a marketing point of view, but it doesn't bother.

The test bike was provided to us by Bergmann and Söhne in Hamburg-Harburg.

Price / Availability / Colours / Years of Construction

  • Price: 11.693€
  • Years of construction: since 2020
  • Colours: white