KTM 890 Duke vs Triumph Street Triple R Comparison: Photo Gallery

KTM’s latest affordable scalpel compared against Triumph’s street brawler in detailed images

KTM recently unveiled the 890 Duke, the more affordable cousin of the KTM 890 Duke R. It goes directly against the Triumph Street Triple R, which was launched in India back in August last year. Here’s a side-by-side image comparison to explore what these bikes are all about:

The KTM 890 Duke looks the part of an aggressive streetfighter, thanks to Kiska’s Super Duke R-inspired design. On the other hand, the Street Triple R seems relatively tame, but the sharp split headlamp and coloured frame give the bike a much-needed sporty appeal.

The 890 Duke gets a modern full-colour TFT instrument cluster, whereas the Street Triple R has to make do with an old-school analogue-digital combo cluster. Only the higher-end RS variant gets a TFT dash.

Powering the KTM 890 Duke is an 889cc parallel-twin liquid-cooled engine, churning out 115.5PS and 92Nm. On the other hand, the Street Triple R’s inline three-cylinder 765cc motor produces 118PS and 79Nm. That’s commendable for a bike of its segment.

The KTM 890 Duke is loaded to the brim with electronics -- cornering traction-control, cornering ABS with Supermoto mode, engine brake control, and an optional quickshifter. The modes on offer here are Sport, Street, Rain, and the optional Track. Triumph has equipped the Street Triple R with four standard riding modes: Rain, Road, Sport, and a Rider customisable mode. Additionally, it also gets a bidirectional quickshifter as standard.

While the WP Apex 43mm inverted front fork still isn’t adjustable, it should offer much more sophisticated damping compared to the one in the 790 Duke. The bike gets a pair of 300mm discs with radial caliper up front. The Triumph gets fully adjustable 41mm Showa front fork and twin 310mm discs with premium Brembo M4.32 radial calipers.

While the KTM 890 Duke comes with a 240mm disc, the Street Triple R manages with a smaller 220mm disc (albeit with a Brembo single-piston caliper). The new Continental ContiRoads on the KTM is said to offer better wet-weather grip than the 790 Duke’s shoes. While the Street Triple R’s Pirelli Diablo Rosso 3 is great for commuting, touring, and even sport riding, it isn't half as good on wet roads.