BMW S 1000 R versus KTM 890 Duke R

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
BMW

BMW S 1000 R

Naked
KTM

KTM 890 Duke R

Naked

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2014 bis 2024~
Built von 2020 bis 2023
RRP 16.000 €
RRP 13.049 €
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Pros:
  • Full of performance ...
  • .. but still easy to control
  • high-quality workmanship
  • cool sound
Pros:
  • Power
  • Precise chassis
  • Brakes very powerful
  • Fast Quickshifter
Cons:
  • Pillion operation only for emergencies
  • Sitting position for some people probably too sporty
Cons:
  • Suitability for touring

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.450 mm
Length :
2.090 mm Height : 1.115 mm
Seat :
814 mm until : 830 mm
Weight :
199 (max: 407 ) kg
Wheelbase: 1.482 mm
Seat :
834 mm
Weight :
185 kg

Engine

Motor design: In-line four-cylinder 4-stroke 4 Cylinder
Displacement: 999 ccm
Hub: 50 mm
Hole: 80 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: 261 km/h
Performance: 165 HP at 11.000 U/Min
Torque: 114 NM bei 9.250 U/Min
Tank contents: 17 Litre
Consumption:
6 l
Reach:
266 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:
Aluminium composite bridge frame, motor supporting (aluminium)
Front suspension:
Telescopic fork (travel 120 mm)
Rear suspension:
Central strut (travel 117 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm
Tyres at the front: 120/70 ZR 17
Rear tyres: 190/55 ZR 17
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 ( 220 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

The S 1000 R is basically a double R, from which the fairing has been removed and the torque curve on country roads has been optimised. It is super sporty, which can be an disadvantage and a disadvantage at the same time. If you want to sit upright on your streetfighter, you are out of place here. If you are looking for proximity to the front wheel and asphalt, you will find it here!

In any case, we had tons of driving fun and did not feel overwhelmed despite the immense performance. This is exactly why you have to compliment BMW: Not all manufacturers succeed in putting such a grenade on the wheels for (almost) everyone. To anticipate misunderstandings: Of course, this motorcycle is not a beginner's machine!
 
The test machine was kindly provided by Bergmann & Söhne in Pinneberg - thank you!

Price/Availability/Colours/Years of construction

  • Price: from 14.740 €
  • Used (7 years old): 8.000€
  • Years of construction: since 2014
  • Colours: red, grey-yellow, white-blue-red

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