The Triumph Street Triple has always been the go-to motorcycle for those wanting a street naked with all the bells and whistles while offering the best performance. In the international markets, the KTM 890 Duke R has always been a thorn for Triumph, and that has now made its way to India to disturb the British motorcycle maker even more.
The KTM 890 Duke R was launched a few days ago, priced at Rs 14.50 lakh. Sold in India as CBUs, the 890 Duke R is a potent street naked and is an alternative to the Triumph Street Triple. Here’s how the two compare against each other in terms of specifications.
The 890 Duke R has been on sale in the global markets for a while now and has earned a fan following for its potent twin-cylinder engine, its sharp looks, and its razor-sharp handling. The motorcycle features aggressive tank shrouds and gets an upswept exhaust that tucks below the pillion seat. The overall design looks similar to the 790 Duke that was briefly on sale in India.
The motorcycle gets fully adjustable suspension at both ends, LED lighting, 17-inch wheels, a TFT instrument console, and a host of electronic aids including traction control, wheelie control, slide control, cornering ABS, ride modes, and more. The TFT dash allows phone connectivity and the motorcycle itself is based on a tubular steel frame.
The Triumph Street Triple has always been known for its sweet inline-triple engine and its handling. The Street Triple is available in two variants in India – R and RS – with prices starting from Rs 10.43 lakh, ex-showroom. The Street Triple has been on sale in India in various generations, including the 675.
The top-spec Street Triple also gets fully adjustable suspension at both ends, disc brakes, 17-inch wheels, a TFT console, and a host of similar electronic aids to that of the KTM 890 Duke R. The Street Triple has a massive price advantage over the KTM, but that shouldn’t stop enthusiasts from shelling out that extra money.
Both motorcycles have different engine layouts — the 890 Duke R is powered by a twin-cylinder engine while the Street Triple gets an inline three-cylinder engine. Both motorcycles get a six-speed gearbox with a quick shifter. On paper, the Street Triple RS makes more power than the KTM 890 Duke R while the Austrian motorcycle makes more power than the Street Triple R — it sits right in the middle.
