2024 KTM Duke 990

KTM’s upper-middleweight Duke sporty naked roadster has been gradually creeping up in capacity and performance since it was launched as a 790 in 2017. We got an 890 in 2021 and for 2024 the parallel-twin powered hooligan machine is now a 990, with a new 947cc variant of the firm’s LC8c engine. Both bore and stroke are bigger, with fatter pistons and a new crank giving 92.5mm x 70.4mm architecture for the new capacity. Power is up to a claimed 123bhp from the 115bhp of the standard 890 (though the posh 890 Duke R made a claimed 119bhp).

There are few surprises in the rolling chassis: a steel tube frame with a revised cast aluminium swingarm that claims to be lighter than before, and retuned flex for better handling. Suspension comes from KTM’s sister firm WP, with fully adjustable APEX range USD forks and preload/rebound adjustable rear monoshock, while the radial-mount four-piston front brake calipers are KTM-branded units. It all weighs in at 179kg without fuel;: add in around 11kg for the 14.8 litres of fuel in a full tank to get to 190kg wet.

The 990’s electronics package is KTM’s usual high-spec set up (though some of it comes as optional extras), so you have five different riding modes; 10-way traction control; five-way wheelie control; launch control and quickshifter; all accessed via a sweet new full-colour TFT LCD dashboard. We assume that every time you stop, it will turn the wheelie control back on again, as is also usual on KTM’s bikes.

The new 990 Duke is available to order now, priced from £12,999.