BMW R nineT Urban G/S versus KTM 890 Duke R

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
BMW

BMW R nineT Urban G/S

Retro
KTM

KTM 890 Duke R

Naked

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2017 bis 2023
Built von 2020 bis 2023
RRP 14.750 €
RRP 13.049 €
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Pros:
  • Engine
  • Handling
  • Brake
  • Chassis
  • Impression of quality
  • Optics
Pros:
  • Power
  • Precise chassis
  • Brakes very powerful
  • Fast Quickshifter
Cons:
  • missing indicators for fuel level, engine speed and gear
  • Travel possibilities and wind protection not at GS level
Cons:
  • Suitability for touring

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.527 mm
Length :
2.175 mm Height : 1.105 mm
Seat :
850 mm
Weight :
221 (max: 430 ) kg
Wheelbase: 1.482 mm
Seat :
834 mm
Weight :
185 kg

Engine

Motor design: Boxer 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.170 ccm
Hub: 73 mm
Hole: 101 mm
Cooling: Öl-Luft
Drive: Kardan
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: 220 km/h
Performance: 110 HP at 7.750 U/Min
Torque: 116 NM bei 6.000 U/Min
Tank contents: 17 Litre
Consumption:
5 l
Reach:
321 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:
Lattice tube (steel)
Front suspension:
Telescopic fork 43 mm (travel 125 mm)
Rear suspension:
Mono strut (travel 140 mm)
Rear suspension:
Paralever
Tyres at the front: ZR
Rear tyres: ZR
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 ( 320 mm) Rear brake
Disc ( 265 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 sticks

Without question, Urban G/S is beguiling. Our tester Markus let himself be carried away to the remark that in his eyes it is currently the most beautiful motorcycle on the market. It is also a typical boxer child and high-quality workmanship from front to back. For those who do not constantly commute between Germany and Mongolia, the Urban G/S may even be better suited than a normal GS, because the Urban G/S is handier and weighs significantly less.
 
The test bike was provided to us by Bergmann & Söhne in Pinneberg for this test. There is exactly this bike as a demonstrator and is looking forward to a lot of test riders. So, let's go to Pinneberg near Hamburg!

Price/availability/colours/years of construction

  • Price: 14.320€
  • Used (3 years old): 12.000€
  • Years of construction: since 2017
  • Colours: black-red, blue, white

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