KTM Motorcycles
Published: March 30th, 2023
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Updated March 2021
The KTM motorcycle range includes off-road competition machines of the 2 and 4-stroke variety, dual-sport motorcycles ranging from 350 to 500cc, dirt-worthy adventure tourers of all sizes, and aggressive, bold naked bikes called Dukes, ranging from 200 cc all the way up to 1290 cc.
KTM takes motorcycle racing very seriously and its consumer models are all built to win. The Austrian manufacturer is best known for producing race-winning and class-dominating off-road motorcycles. So serious is KTM about off-road racing that it offers motorcycles designed specifically for several different off-road disciplines, including motocross, cross-country, enduro, and dual-sport. Also, while the other manufacturers have all but ignored two-stroke technology in recent years, KTM sees the importance of these motorcycles, particularly in hard enduros, and continues to churn out new models with ground-breaking technology to keep the 2-stroke in play. Simply put, nobody does off-road like KTM. However, in more recent years KTM has become a serious player in the street categories it has entered with bikes like the 1290 Super Duke R, 890 Adventure R, and 390 Dukes and Adventurers.
1290 Super Duke R
The KTM motorcycle range includes off-road competition machines of the 2 and 4-stroke variety, dual-sport motorcycles ranging from 350 to 500cc, dirt-worthy adventure tourers of all sizes, and aggressive, bold naked bikes called Dukes, ranging from 200 cc all the way up to 1290 cc.
KTM takes motorcycle racing very seriously and its consumer models are all built to win. The Austrian manufacturer is best known for producing race-winning and class-dominating off-road motorcycles. So serious is KTM about off-road racing that it offers motorcycles designed specifically for several different off-road disciplines, including motocross, cross-country, enduro, and dual-sport. Also, while the other manufacturers have all but ignored two-stroke technology in recent years, KTM sees the importance of these motorcycles, particularly in hard enduros, and continues to churn out new models with ground-breaking technology to keep the 2-stroke in play. Simply put, nobody does off-road like KTM. However, in more recent years KTM has become a serious player in the street categories it has entered with bikes like the 1290 Super Duke R, 890 Adventure R, and 390 Dukes and Adventurers.
1290 Super Duke R
ktm motorcycles
KTM's biggest Duke is a motorcycle it refers to as The Beast. Its beating heart is a 1301cc LC8 V-Twin motor KTM claims is capable of 180 hp and 103 lb-ft of torque at the crank. For 2020, weight-saving measures have been taken across the board from the motor to the chassis. Top-shelf components such as Brembo Stylema calipers, adjustable WP Apex suspension, Quickshifter+ (capable of clutchless shifts up and down), and a number of rider aids and adjustability make the Super Duke R and enticing package for those looking for the ultimate in street and track performance from KTM. If you'd prefer something a bit less beastly, there's the...
... which happens to be Motorcycle.com's "Motorcycle of the Year" for 2020. KTM calls this new-for-`21 model The Scalpel, and its mix of less weight and more tractable power, allied with a cutting-edge chassis, makes it one of the finest-handling motorcycles we've ever sampled. Good news for adventure riders, too. KTM wasted no time in putting that powerful new 889 cc parallel-Twin engine in the also brand new for 2021...
The 790 Adventure R redefined the capabilities of adventure touring motorcycles last year. This year, the 890 Adventure and Adventure R take it to the next level with even more power. With its compact and powerful parallel-Twin engine, low slung fuel tank, and WP XPLOR suspension, the 890 Adventure R is by far the most capable adventure motorcycle on the market in terms of off-road prowess. Those looking at the off-road end of the ADV spectrum will be hard-pressed to find anything better. At the other end of the spectrum, the new 390 Adventure is a great entry-level model, for just $6,399.
ktm motorcycles
The 300 XC-W TPI uses the latest in oil-injection 2-stroke technology. With this overhaul to KTM 2-stroke lineup, riders no longer need to premix. Simply fill the oil tank, and the machine feeds the oil via the throttle body, meaning the oil is not mixed with the fuel eliminating the need for premixing as on traditional 2-stroke engines. A hydraulic Brembo clutch, WP suspension, and weight-saving measures have been introduced for model year 2020 as well.
