Quick Analysis
KTM 50 SX
8.0 pts
Unweighted: 3 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
KTM 890 DUKE R
27.0 pts
Unweighted: 18 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Cooling System | — | Liquid cooled with water/oil heat exchanger |
| Displacement | 49.9 cc | 889 cC |
| Engine Type | 1-cylinder, 2-stroke engine | 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, parallel twin |
| Power | 5.3 bhp @ 11500 rpm | 121 PS @ 9250 rpm |
| Torque | 5.2 Nm @ 7500 rpm | 99 Nm @ 7750 rpm |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 2.3 L | 14 L |
| Mileage | 30 kmpl | 21 kmpl |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | 41 kg | 180 kg |
| Seat Height | 653 mm | 834 mm |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | — | Dual Channel ABS |
| Front Brake | Disc 160 mm | 2 x Brembo Stylema Monobloc four piston, radially mounted caliper |
| Front Suspension | XACT 35 WP Upside-Down fork, Ø 35 mm | WP APEX 43 |
| Rear Brake | Disc 160 mm | Brembo single-piston floating calliper, brake disc |
| Rear Suspension | XACT WP mono shock | WP APEX - Monoshock |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | 60/100 - 12 | 120/70 - ZR17 |
| Rear Tyre | 2.75 - 10 | 180/55 - ZR17 |
| Tyre Type | Tubed | Tubeless |
| Wheel Type | Spoke | Alloy |
Features & Technology |
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| Headlight | — | LED Headlights |
Other Specifications |
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| Color Options | Electronic Orange | Atlantic Blue |
| Cons | High Maintenance: As a 2-stroke engine, it requires frequent servicing and tuning. Small Fuel Tank: Limited capacity means more frequent refills. Kick-Start Only: No electric start, which can be tricky for very young riders. Limited Power for Older Kids: The 50cc engine may not be enough as the rider grows or becomes more skilled. Sensitive to Tuning: Owners report issues like fouling spark plugs or needing to frequently re-jet the carb: “Used to run great … then started fowling plugs … Moved to a 95 main jet … About 15 kph slower …” Parts Cost & Availability: As a race‑oriented bike, some parts can be expensive or harder to source for older models. | High seat height: 834 mm seat height may not be ideal for shorter riders. Limited wind protection: As a naked bike, there’s minimal fairing, so windblast can be fatiguing on fast highway rides. Premium running costs: High-performance parts (tires, brakes) and maintenance could be expensive. Potential reliability concerns: Some users report cam wear or top-end issues over time. > “clunk … on low-mileage … they think … scarring” Ergonomics trade-off: Sporty, aggressive ergonomics may be tiring over very long rides. Price: Being a high-spec naked bike, its cost is on the higher side, which might limit its appeal to more performance-focused buyers. |
| Detailed Overview | The KTM 50 SX is a purpose-built mini motocross bike, tailored primarily for very young and beginner racers who want to get a genuine motocross experience without jumping straight to bigger bikes. It’s more than just a “toy” — KTM has packed serious race-bike DNA into this 50cc model, making it a standout choice for youth motocross training and competitive racing. At the heart of the 50 SX is a 49.9 cc single-cylinder 2-stroke engine, which delivers a punchy yet manageable power output. According to KTM’s specs, this engine is paired with a centrifugal automatic clutch, meaning there’s no manual clutch lever to worry about — the clutch engages automatically, which is ideal for young riders still building coordination and confidence. The engine uses a Seletra 2p D36 system for fuel delivery (on some models), which helps in precise tuning and reliable performance. KTM has thoughtfully designed the chassis for both strength and agility. The frame is made from chromoly steel, which keeps it light but sturdy. The overall design ensures that the bike is highly maneuverable, making it easier for young riders to learn balance and control on a real race-ready structure. The 50 SX isn’t just about motor and frame — it comes with serious suspension too: a WP XACT 35 mm upside-down fork at the front and a WP mono‑shock at the rear.The front suspension travel is around 200 mm and the rear is close to 190 mm, giving enough give for track bumps and jumps. In terms of ergonomics, the seat height is just 653 mm, making it very accessible for younger riders. Ground clearance is around 233 mm, giving the bike enough space to handle uneven terrain without scraping too much.The fuel tank capacity is modest — 2.3 liters — but that’s more than enough for short motocross sessions that young riders typically do. For braking, KTM hasn’t compromised: the 50 SX is equipped with disc brakes both front and rear, each 160 mm in size. This provides good stopping power and control, which is very important for safety and learning advanced braking techniques. On the wheels front, the bike uses spoke wheels, keeping things light and rugged for off-road racing. Despite its small size, the 50 SX is very race-focused. The frame has been redesigned to mimic the flex and rigidity characteristics of full-size MX bikes. The new frame also comes with frame protectors, which help reduce damage in case of falls — a common occurrence when young riders are learning. The handlebars are lightweight aluminum, with a bend that suits smaller riders, and the footpegs are designed to give a solid grip even when things get muddy or rough. KTM also includes power-reduction kits in its parts catalog for the 50 SX. These kits let parents or coaches limit the power output while the rider is still learning, which is a smart way to scale the bike’s performance to the rider’s ability — and once they’re better, the full power can be unlocked. When it comes to reliability, the 50 SX has a liquid cooling system for better thermal management. The engine’s central crankshaft design helps in keeping the mass well-balanced, which contributes to smoother handling. As for maintenance, like all 2-stroke motorcycles, it does need regular care — but KTM has made key parts (like the clutch) durable, using a reinforced clutch basket for longevity. Overall, the KTM 50 SX is a very well-engineered youth motocross bike that brings real race performance to younger riders. It balances power, weight, and control in a way that helps beginners grow into serious racers. Whether for track training, competitive racing, or just building early riding skills, it’s absolutely one of the top choices in the mini-moto world. | The **KTM 890 Duke R** is a high-performance naked streetfighter that builds on KTM’s “Duke” legacy by amplifying power, handling, and electronics, making it a thrilling choice for riders who want sportbike-level performance without the full fairing. At its heart, the 890 Duke R is powered by an **889 cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin** engine, which churns out approximately **121 PS at 9,250 rpm** and **99 Nm of torque at 7,750 rpm**, delivering a broad and usable powerband that makes the bike both fast in the high revs and surprisingly agile at lower speeds. The frame is a lightweight chromium-molybdenum steel trellis chassis, which uses the engine as a stressed member, helping the bike remain nimble and responsive. The suspension setup employs WP APEX 43 mm upside-down front forks and a WP APEX monoshock at the rear, giving the 890 Duke R a great balance of comfort, stability, and sporty feedback whether you’re pushing hard through corners or cruising around town. Braking is handled by Brembo Stylema four-piston calipers on twin 320 mm front discs, paired with a 240 mm rear disc, offering strong and precise stopping power. One of the strengths of the 890 Duke R is its advanced electronics package. It comes with **multiple ride modes** (Street, Sport, Track, Rain, and a configurable “Rider” mode), lean-sensitive traction control (MTC), cornering ABS (Bosch 9.1 MP) with a Supermoto mode, a quickshifter, and a PASC anti-hopping clutch. These systems make the bike safer and more versatile, allowing the rider to exploit its performance on a track or tame it for daily riding. The instrument cluster is a crisp **5-inch TFT** display that provides all the critical information clearly and dynamically. Ergonomically, the Duke R offers a sporty but relatively comfortable riding position. With a seat height of **834 mm**, it’s accessible for many riders, though it may be slightly tall for those with shorter legs. The fuel tank holds **14 litres**, giving a reasonable range for a performance bike. Ground clearance is 206 mm, which helps in handling kerbs or uneven roads without feeling too fragile. In terms of weight, the 890 Duke R is commendably light — the dry weight is around **166 kg** per technical specs — which contributes significantly to its agility and sharp handling. This lightness, combined with the powerful engine and electronics, makes the bike feel very alive and dynamic under throttle. It’s a machine that rewards aggressive riding but stays manageable enough for weekend use or spirited city runs. However, potential buyers should be aware of some trade-offs. While its performance is impressive, some owners on forums note early “cam wear” or engine top-end issues if not maintained well. > “There are dozens … cam wear issues … on 790/890 …” Also, being a high-performance naked bike, wind protection is limited — at high speeds, the rider will feel more exposure compared to full-faired sportbikes. Maintenance and running costs (tires, high-spec brakes) are also higher than more entry-level motorcycles. Overall, the **KTM 890 Duke R** is a highly capable, technologically advanced, and extremely fun-to-ride naked bike. It strikes a compelling balance between raw performance, agile handling, and modern rider aids, making it a top choice for enthusiasts who seek a street weapon that feels as good on the track as it does on a winding road. For those willing to invest in its maintenance and manage its aggressive character, the 890 Duke R remains one of the most exciting bikes in the middleweight naked segment. |
| Expert Review | MotoAutiv Team | MotoAutiv Team |
| FAQ (Manual Override) | Q: What is the engine capacity of the KTM 50 SX? A: It has a 49.9 cc 2-stroke engine. Q: What kind of transmission does it use? A: The KTM 50 SX has a single-speed automatic transmission. Q: How is the KTM 50 SX started? A: It uses a kick-start. Q: Does it have a clutch? A: Yes — a centrifugal (adjustable) clutch, so the rider doesn’t have to use a manual clutch lever. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity? A: The fuel tank capacity is 2.3 litres. Q: What is the seat height? A: The seat height is 653 mm. Q: What is the weight of the bike? A: The dry (or “without fuel”) weight is about 43.5 kg for recent models. Q: What kind of suspension does the KTM 50 SX use? A: It comes with WP XACT suspension — a 35 mm upside-down fork in the front and a WP mono-shock at the rear. Q: What brakes does it have? A: It has disc brakes both at the front and rear, each 160 mm. Q: What power does the KTM 50 SX produce? A: The KTM 50 SX produces around 5.3–5.4 PS at ~11,500 rpm. Q: Is the KTM 50 SX road legal? A: No — it's designed for off-road / motocross use, not for street-legal riding. Q: What kind of clutch does it have for young riders? A: It uses a centrifugal clutch, which automatically engages at high RPM — good for beginners or young riders who don’t manually operate a clutch. Q: What is the ground clearance? A: The ground clearance is 233 mm. Q: Is there a guarantee or warranty for KTM 50 SX? A: According to specs, it has a 2-year standard warranty. Q: What is the typical maintenance challenge or issue to watch for? A: Some owners report carburetor tuning issues | Q: What engine does the KTM 890 Duke R have? A: It is powered by an 889 cc parallel twin (LC8c) engine with a bore/stroke of 90.7 mm × 68.8 mm. Q: What are the power and torque figures? A: The engine produces about 121 PS (89 kW) at 9,250 rpm and 99 Nm of torque at 7,750 rpm. Q: What is its seat height and weight? A: The seat height is 834 mm, and its dry weight is approximately 166 kg (some sources list around 180 kg as “ready to ride”). Q: What is the fuel tank capacity and mileage? A: The fuel tank capacity is around 14 litres. The claimed fuel consumption is about 4.74 L/100 km for some variants. Q: What kind of brakes and suspension does the 890 Duke R use? A: It comes with WP APEX 43 mm upside-down front forks and a WP APEX mono-shock at the rear. For brakes, it uses Brembo Stylema calipers with dual 320 mm discs in the front, and a 240 mm disc at the rear. Q: What electronics and rider aids are available? A: The 890 Duke R has a modern electronics suite including ride-by-wire, multiple ride modes (Street, Sport, Track, Rain, and Rider), cornering ABS (Bosch 9.1 MP), lean-angle traction control (MTC), Supermoto ABS, and a PASC anti-hopping clutch. Q: What is the frame type and chassis design? A: The frame is a chromium-molybdenum steel trellis that uses the engine as a stressed member, which helps reduce weight while providing stiffness and agility. Q: What is the expected first service interval or maintenance requirement? A: While KTM’s official manual should be consulted, many users suggest being careful with break-in; some reports mention limiting revs and usage before first major service / oil change. |
| Price Variants | | 475000 | Standard |1450000 |
| Pros | Very Lightweight: Makes it easy for young riders to handle and build confidence. Automatic Transmission: The centrifugal clutch and automatic gearbox simplify riding for beginners. Adjustable Suspension: High-quality WP fork and shock can be tuned to rider weight and track conditions. Racing‑Oriented Build: Frame and components are derived from KTM’s full-size SX range, giving a race-ready feel. Power-Reduction Kits Available: Helps beginners by limiting power until they’re ready for more. Good Cooling: Liquid cooling ensures the engine stays healthy even under hard off‑road use. Tool-Free Adjustability: Seat height, suspension, and other parts can be adjusted without special tools. | Strong, high-revving engine: The 889 cc parallel-twin makes 121 PS at 9,250 rpm and 99 Nm of torque. Great electronics package: Includes lean-angle traction control, cornering ABS (Bosch 9.1 MP), Supermoto ABS mode, multiple ride modes (Street, Sport, Rain, Track), and optional Track mode. Premium suspension & brakes: Fully adjustable WP APEX 43 mm fork and monoshock, plus Brembo Stylema calipers on 320 mm twin front discs. Agile chassis: The steel trellis frame (engine as a stressed member) gives it a stiff yet flickable character, very suited for spirited riding. Good fuel efficiency for its performance: The spec sheet shows about 4.74 L/100 km fuel consumption. Light weight relative to its power: With a dry weight around 166 kg, it's quite light for a high-performance “R” naked bike, which helps handling and responsiveness. Distinctive and aggressive styling: Sharp design, LED lighting, orange frame, and muscular tank extensions make it visually striking. |
| Starter | — | Electric starter |
| Transmission | Manual | 6 Speed Manual |
