Growing gains
The KTM 990 Duke has grown again, but it’s still an action-packed nut-fest!
KTM’s twin-cylinder Duke has evolved at a pace. Launched in 2018 as a 790, with its shiny new parallel twin, it was sharper and more playful than its rivals. We loved it and it’s still available as the budget choice in KTM’s line-up, with production now moved to China.
In 2020 the Duke became the 890R, followed by the base 890 in 2021. For 2024 it’s grown again to a 990 and it’s more than just a Duke with a bigger engine, as we discover here at its world launch in southern Spain. It has the no-nonsense attitude of a super-naked, which is hardly a surprise as it’s now the same size (minus 52cc) as the mad, bad 2005 V-twin Super Duke 990.
All change
KTM say the 990 is 96% new, starting with the parallel twin cylinder LC4c engine. Capacity grows from 889cc to 947cc, thanks to a bigger bore (up from 90.7mm to 92.5mm) and it has a longer stroke (from 68.8mm to 70.4mm). There are new pistons, crank, conrods, exhaust, racier cam timing, a wider radiator and more flywheel effect for a less angry and more controllable power delivery.
Power is up from 114bhp to 121bhp and that’s just about the sweetest spot for a lightweight naked road bike. Any less won’t quite blow your hair back, and any more starts getting tricky to manage. It means the 990 Duke is the best of all worlds on the road – docile and friendly around town, or explosive out of B-road turns.
The booming twin wheelies off the clutch in third and crackles on the overrun, down through the gears. It’s hard to think of a more entertaining engine for having pure, unadulterated fun at road speeds. It isn’t hugely fast, flat in top, but that’s a good thing. It isn’t the point of the 990 Duke. KTM even claim 60mpg, which gives a theoretical 195 miles from the new 14.8-litre steel fuel tank.
‘Perfect for an intense Sunday morning ride’
Sharper handling
The new Duke has a much tougher, more race bike-like direct feel to it and that’s down to its new chassis. The new steel trellis frame has 8% more lateral and 5% more torsional stiffness than before while the frame rails now run outside the new swingarm for extra rigidity.
Steering geometry is tightened with the head angle reduced from 24.3 degrees to 24.2 degrees and the wheelbase shrinks from 1481mm to 1476mm. A new cast aluminium subframe incorporates a bigger airbox. Super Duke-esque wheels are shod with Bridgestone S22s and new front brake disc carriers to help save a kilo of unsprung weight.
The sky’s the limit
Although the frame is stiffer, the ride is plush and controlled thanks to new, adjustable WP Apex suspension. Even on standard settings there’s no flab and the KTM gives you the confidence to attack corners. It’s easy to flick the 990 hard on to its side, ground clearance is plentiful and the brakes, which are carried over from the 890, have huge power and feel.
In fact, you’ll need a racetrack to get anywhere close to the new machine’s handling limits.
Room with a view
The 990 has decent legroom and a natural reach to the new four-way adjustable bars, which is good news for taller riders. It’s no sportstourer, but the KTM is reasonably comfy and its new seat is angled two degrees up at the front to stop you slipping forward into the tank. The pillion seat is 20mm higher for extra legroom (for anyone mad enough to jump on the back).
KTM have built the 990 Duke to behave like a demented supermoto. It’s perfect for an intense Sunday morning ride, but some might find it too single-minded for the long haul, especially with so little wind protection on offer.
A costly decision
At £12,999 it’s far from cheap, but it comes with a new 5in colour TFT dash, three riding modes and lean-sensitive traction control and ABS that never dilute your enjoyment. But cruise control, heated grips and electronics, like the extra two rider modes and quick shifter, are all extra. Similar spec rivals are all cheaper, even the special versions. Yamaha’s MT-09 is £10,100 (£11,800 SP) and the Triumph Street Triple R costs £9695 (£11,295 RS). The £11,295 Ducati Monster is less, too, although the £13,995 SP is saltier.
‘Built to behave like a demented supermoto’