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BMW F 900 R versus KTM 790 Duke - Head to head

Two middleweight naked bikes with a penchant for performance slug it out in this spec-sheet brawl.

EJ Punsalang EJ Punsalang on Nov 17, 2022
BMW F 900 R versus KTM 790 Duke - Head to head

The middleweight naked sportbike class is without a doubt one of the most exciting divisions of motorcycles right now. Now that practically all manufacturers have produced new or updated variants of their naked bikes in the 800-ish cc category, buyers have a wide selection of options. However, when it comes to lightweight canyon carvers, very few bikes have ever been able to equal the exciting performance of the KTM 790 Duke.

BMW's F 900 R, though, gets very close. Sporty street riders usually favor the F 900 R due to its lighter, smaller, and more agile platform compared to the other naked bikes in BMW’s roster. We believe it can successfully compete with the KTM 790 Duke as a result. There are a few more crucial factors to take into account in addition to the price, which is undoubtedly the biggest distinction between these two bikes. How different and similar are these two motorcycles in light of that, and which is better for you? Read on to find out.

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Performance

KTM 790 Duke

The parallel-twin engines present in both motorcycles deliver performance that is largely comparable. In the 790 Duke’s case, the engine is the same one used by the KTM 790 Adventure, which received accolades for its agile power, economical fuel consumption, and characteristic snarl. In the 790 Duke, it is a little more strung out and makes an astounding 105 horsepower. In terms of power to weight ratio, it is among the strongest middleweight naked bikes on the market.

Performance-wise, these two motorcycles are comparable in that they both have parallel-twin engines. The BMW F 900 R is powered by an 895cc parallel-twin engine, which is also used in the BMW F 850 GS adventure bike and F 900 XR sport-tourer. Whether you're driving on a straightaway, a meandering road, or even a race track, it has more than enough power to move you forward with its powerful 99 horsepower.

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Features

BMW F 900 R

The F 900 R has pretty much all the amenities you could ask for. It includes a ton of electronic rider aids, including dynamic riding modes, traction control, and cornering ABS. It has adjustable suspension and rides on 17-inch alloy wheels on each end. The F 900 R is perfectly at home commuting in the city, taking lengthy road trips, or riding ferociously over your favorite winding roads thanks to its lightweight construction and slimmer profile.

The KTM has been the class leader for a while, and it is clear to see why. The 790 Duke is equipped with all the rider aids you could possibly need, as well as the most advanced technology to be thrown into a naked sportbike. The KTM 790 Duke has a number of riding modes, switchable traction control, and even cornering ABS thanks to a six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU). A full-color TFT display makes it easy for the rider to access every performance feature of the bike.

Price

KTM 790 Duke
BMW F 900 R

The KTM 790 Duke offers a more well-known and prosperous platform in the world of racing. Furthermore, its P599,000 price tag is justified by its state-of-the-art features and premium components. Additionally, the KTM still provides more aftermarket support currently, making it easier for anyone looking for a bike that can be upgraded and personalized to match their specific requirements to do so with the KTM 790 Duke.

On the other hand, the BMW F 900 R, which costs P775,000, is by no means a cheap vehicle. It compensates for this, though, with a tried-and-true platform and, of course, a snappy engine that is both tractable and thrilling. The F 900 R is unquestionably a formidable contender in the premium naked bike market thanks to its well-proven platform and similarly robust aftermarket support, provided, of course, that you have the extra money to spare.

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