Some of the risk mitigators on this forum will tell you not to do it or you'll definitely die. The carpe diem risk takers will urge you to go for it and learn as you go along. My view is that it's a parallel twin with a moderate amount of power, amazing handling and electronic nanny aids to boot, so I think you'll be OK. But just remember this one rule: at the end of every straight, a dangerous corner lies in wait.

 

i appreciate the reply, helps more than you know. Ive been wanting a bike for years but waited till ive matured a bit (made more $ lol). I dont want the 390, because I know ill want to upgrade immediately. I know myself. People will call me naive but I drive for a living so I'm very aware of the dangers that other people pose more than myself. If i can control my outcome while applying the amount of training we use to look out for other drivers (i.e methods for intersections), I'm confident to pursue a bigger bike to learn on.

 

I was in the same boat. Rode dirt bikes as a kid, never owned a street bike. I did my homework, kicked the tires on several different models and bought a 2022 Duke 890R. All I can say is that the bike is beginner friendly and handles like a dream! It's a docile little puppy until you get on it and hammer the throttle, then it becomes a fire breathing demon! Its powerband reminds me of my Raptor- smooth, constant and predictable.

Just buy one, you will not be disappointed!

 

As nosurrenda rightly said, although the 890 has a decent amount of power, it is very easy to ride. The power delivery is smooth, it is a light bike so very easy to handle, and does not "force" you to ride full throttle all the time.
I think it is a great first bike, plenty enough to have fun!

 

Unless you're King Kong, you might want to do your learning on something smaller and less powerful. It's not that you couldn't handle it or could do something stupid, it's just that your learning curve will flatten and you'll never be able to take full advantage of the bike's abilities. Learn to outride 60 hp before you get on 120, which is substantially more than "a moderate amount" for a bike of this weight.

I wish I had started younger and learned to ride smaller bikes. It would have saved a lot of the re-learning I went through later.

 

I have just bought a 2021 890 Duke and this is my very first road bike. I was used to riding a Dr 350 years ago and haven't rode a bike for quit a while.
I will say when I first got on this monster the torque of this beast is scary, it will try and rip your arms off. The whole time though you will have a grin on your face that’s not removed very easily.
I’m taking things very slowly with this bike, taking small trips to get comfortable on it. I go to a local school and do some maneuvering on it to get used to it.
It is an absolute blast to drive and has added years to my life. At 53 I have no regrets getting this 890Duke. My suggestion is to just go for it. You won’t regret it!

 

Welcome to the site, it's a great source of info.
Always advised new guys to get the next bigger bike they were thinking about cuz you'll quickly adjust to it and yearn for more. You are in control of the twist grip after all.
If I could give any solid advice it would be to train yourself to brake using that front brake on the street. Dirt bikers usually have a habit of the rear brake for obvious reasons.
Do a search on this site for riding advice and go here too.

Riding Technics - How to stay alive out there

In a year two people I know have cut their life short on a bike. Without going into detail of what happened I'd like to address what good habits we can use instead. I'll start but please throw in when you can. FRONT BRAKE: The front brake has 80% of your stopping power and as you brake, even...

www.ktmforums.com

 

Your biggest battle will be throttle control.
Similarly my dad started me young on dirtbikes and grew into 450's and eventually went on a riding hiatus for 5-7 years.
My road bike journey began on an FZ09 4-5 years ago so its not completely irresponsible to start on something that you can grow into.

 

Hey Chevyguy,
I know this has nothing to do with bikes but I figured you might appreciate my new L.S. that I’m putting in my Jeep. Good luck on your bike decision. Can’t go wrong with a KTM. Get the 890!😬

 

You will be as fine on the 890 as on the 390 or any other smaller starter bike. Just run it in Rain Mode till you get the feel for it.

 

Since you have prior experience riding dirt, I would say get the 890. It's very rider friendly, and has some great rider aids to keep you out of trouble. I would encourage you to take MSF course first and get your M endorsement before hitting the streets if you haven't already.
And like Mohawk said, you can leave the bike in rain mode until you feel you're ready for all the bike has to offer.

Good luck and stay safe out there.

 

I have a 690 SMCR and a 890 Adventure S. I recommend the 890 adventure for you. Buy comp and collision coverage. These bikes are expensive to repair. You live near a great riding area for the 890 adventure. The S model and the R model are very different. I'm 5'8 170 lbs and find the S model is the right size for me. My ride buddy is 6 feet tall, R version fits him better. The S has less suspension travel and the front forks are not adjustable. I ride 80% asphalt but like having good dirt road capability. I paid an extra $550 to have the Rally Pack turned on. This includes heated grips and seat capability activated but you have to buy the grips and seat extra.

 

 

I still own a 790 and it was my first bike. I Recomend it as it is so easy to ride and a really fun bike. I really wanted to own a superduke some day but wanted to gain experience on a smaller bike. Thats what I did on the 790 and now I own both. If I could go back in time I would defenitly buy the 790 again.

 

Did you get the 890 man I'm curious cause I'm wanting to get one and it would be my first bike I rode some smaller minis a few times but I've never owned a motorcycle and doesn't curious for the first time writer is it a good choice or should I go with a 390

 

Having just ridden one recently, I would not recommend an 890 as a first bike. A 390 would be a great learner or even a 70-hp 690, if you really need something you can roll on the Interstate with. The 890 has as much power as my old Suzuki GS1100, and not a lot of weight. Unless you shoot squirrels with a .45, stick to something more inline with your needs, transportation-wise and learner-wise. Try to snag a demo ride on a 390 or a 690.

 

But they don't make a 690 Duke new in the US and 390 seems like I'd outgrow it fast

 

If you were a friend of mine asking me. I would suggest that you pick up a smaller cheaper bike and make your mistakes on that. Ride for a year it or two then get what ever you heart desires. You can pick up a nice used bike up here for $2K. Tipping over on a 2K bike is much easier. With all that being said everyone has an opinion and they are just that opinions. You do you,
I do see the supply chain issues getting better so I think bike prices will drop soon. Again opinion.

 

Very slick.

 

i was looking at one this weekend trying to get it, the dealer told me that the gp wasnt saling very fast im on the east coast.

 

Here in central Florida my dealer got 4 of them in late June and they all sold within the week. They currently have none in stock.

 

Welcome. I’d say go for the 890 as most people who have bought a less powerful bike quickly want to upgrade once they’ve been riding for about a year. It is a naked bike so it will be more comfortable on your wrist and easier to handle than a true sports bike IMHO. You can always flick the power switch on “rain” mode too to limit the power while you learn and keep the throttle delivery smoother.
Whatever you do, ride within your limits and wear full gear!

 

Welcome

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

 

Fast on a slow bike is better than slow on a fast bike maybe go somewhere in the middle. The 690 is a good looking bike. If you buy a 390 you will surely be bored and feel like you wasted money.

 

CRF2KTM has a valid point. I first got the 390 (I've been out of street riding since the 1980's). I was looking for more a year later. My 890 GP is a weapon when I get on it, and tame and so easy to ride when I don't.

 

This is my first road bike and I just love this 890.
Buy it, you won’t regret it.

 

My rule of thumb for first motorcycle:
If you wanna have fun and learn to use it to its fullest asap 40-50hp is going to give you the most adrenaline

If you want a commuter & not have to worry about upgrading later - the 890 adventure "S" is the way to go. A bike that you can enjoy on sideroads, but will be good for highway miles.

I don't suggest the Duke 890 as it's 100lbs lighter and 10hp faster, the Duke790 is an option though for commuting. but since theDuke is only 360lbs - your going to be blown around a lot on highways.Since the Duke is a naked bike - you'll have 0 wind protection on your body or helmet.

under 105hp for commuting (like every day commuting, not once and a while), under 50hp if it's a toy.

the perfect route is > Used Husky 401 > wait till you get bored of it > Sell it & buy 790/890/990of either duke or adventure.

But at the end of the day, if you respect traction & when there is none. You'll be fine on anything.

Sources:
5000 miles on an 890 adventure, passed my test the week before getting the bike. Only other experience was when i was 13 riding dirtbikes.Vehicles are only fast if the driver wants it to be; so if you try to be a fastboi - you will fastboi yourself up the yeet tree. If you respect the yeetability of a motorcycle you'll never worry about it.But no matter what you get, you should spend the first few hundred miles learning how to hypermile the bike, pretend like your breaking in the bike for the first time, even if its used. This will give you a proactive driving mindset as you will be constantly trying to keep the rpms under 4000rpms (on the890 adv)

 

The 890 Duke is not only not a beginner bike, it is a bike for an experienced rider. It doesn't mean you will end yourself if you do buy it, but I'm sure you will have a lot more enjoyment on a lesser bike.