KTM declared February, 2022, the “month of Middleweight Nakeds” when it teased the revised 2022 890 Duke R and all-new 890 Duke GP. While Mattighofen described the latter as “a Grand Prix-inspired entry into Dukedom”, it also positioned the updated R variant as “an even sharper iteration of The Super Scalpel.”
Given KTM’s performance-oriented background, we assumed that meant an even nimbler Duke, but the brand had a different definition of “sharp” in mind. In 2022, the 890 Duke R retains much of its class-leading equipment. Brembo Sylema calipers still clamp down on 320mm discs at the front while a Brembo MCS master cylinder provides all the feel and feedback one could desire. The aggressive geometry, WP APEX suspension, and Michelin Power Cup 2 tires also live up to the Super Scalpel nickname, making the Duke R a weapon on both the street and track.
