Yamaha MT-09 Vs KTM 890 Duke R: Image Comparison: Auto Expo 2025

Yamaha showcased the MT-09 at Auto Expo 2025. It is expected to be launched in India and will directly compete with the KTM 890 Duke. Once launched, will the Yamaha MT-09 be able to handle the 890 Duke? Let's answer this with a detailed image comparison.

Design

In terms of design, both of these naked motorcycles look extremely mean. The new Yamaha MT-09 offers a completely new design and looks nothing like the older models. Although, it still continues to look like a handsome and bulky naked motorcycle with its chiseled panels and wider fuel tank design. The 890 Duke R on the other hand looks sharp and compact. This motorcycle gets a beautifully designed  exposed split frame which enhances the overall look of this motorcycle. But the MT-09 still looks visually bigger when compared.

Performance 

Both of these titans offer completely different engine configurations. The MT-09 gets an 890cc crossplane three-cylinder engine which makes 119PS and 93Nm. Whereas the 890 Duke gets an 889cc parallel-twin motor with 121PS and 99Nm. It’s clear that the 890 Duke R outperforms the MT, at least on paper. However, the MT might sound more engaging with the roar of its crossplane engine. 

Underpinnings

Both of these motorcycles offer different underpinnings. The MT-09 gets a fully-adjustable KYB inverted fork setup along with an Ohlins monoshock. For braking duties, the MT-09 gets a 298mm twin disc setup up front and a 245mm disc brake setup at the rear, along with Brembo calipers. The 890 Duke R gets a fully-adjustable WP apex fork and a WP monoshock at the rear. Braking duties are managed by twin 320mm front rotors and a 240mm rear rotor, with Brembo Stylema calipers.The KTM 890 Duke R weighs 184kg while the MT-09 weighs 193kg – the difference should help the 890 feel more agile and nimble as compared to the MT. 

Features

In terms of features, both of these motorcycles have gone for a similar approach. Both the MT-09 and the 890 Duke R offer TFT displays with smartphone connectivity along with turn-by-turn navigation. The MT-09 offers 3 riding modes: Sport, Street and Rain. It also gets lean-sensitive ABS, traction control, and wheelie control. The 890 Duke R also gets riding modes: Sports, Street, Rain and Track along with traction control, supermoto ABS, and cornering ABS. The Yamaha MT-09 offers a quick-shifter as standard whereas for the 890 Duke it is an optional accessory.

ZigSays

While we’d love to give you a clear winner between the two, it all depends on the Yamaha MT-09’s price, which we expect to be somewhere around Rs 12 lakh (ex-showroom). Whereas the KTM 890 Duke R is priced at Rs 14,50,000 (ex-showroom, Delhi). That’s a bit of price difference but you do get a bit of more performance as well out of the KTM. If the pricing is the only deciding factor, the Triumph Street Triple RS makes a very strong case for itself with a tag of Rs 11.81 lakh (ex-showroom); it makes the most power at 130PS, but loses the torque battle at 80Nm. All said, these numbers don’t necessarily determine an outright winner of the middleweight naked bike category in India. For that, we’d need to ride them back-to-back, and make a full-blown comparo.