MD has already tested the redesigned 2024 KTM 990 Duke. We were very impressed by that bike, particularly its engine and chassis that offered natural and accurate handling. We told our readers to expect a 990 Duke R, and KTM has now announced it for the 2025 model year.
As expected, the “R” version gets uprated suspension, brakes and engine power. The rear suspension has a unique linkage system missing from the standard 990 Duke.
KTM says the bike will be in dealers early next year, but we do not have pricing information. Here is the press release from KTM:
More aggressive, bolder, and built to punish all before it. The 2025 KTM 990 DUKE R sets the new standard in the middleweight Naked bike segment, building upon the KTM 990 DUKE platform with added flare. Put simply, its sportier stance and READY TO RACE purpose places it at the absolute head of the pack. THE PUNISHER is here as the most brutal of all.
KTM celebrated 30 YEARS OF DUKE in 2024 and the latest R model in the line-up arrives with maximum fight at its core. Situated at the pinnacle of its class, increased power and a more focused intent make the KTM 990 DUKE R the most aggressive middleweight that guarantees riders the edge on both road and track.
Its white color trim and graphic complete with matt black and white accents, along with an Electronic Orange gloss powder coated frame, comes with inspiration from various heritage models in the previous KTM 990 SUPER DUKE R range – in particular, the second-generation model produced between 2011 to 2013. The ‘R’ on the tank immediately signals its next-level DNA without compromise.
New generation tech features are premium in nature and offer never-before-seen electronics functionality. A new TFT touchscreen 8.88-inch landscape dashboard has been introduced with inductive technology and also featuring a split screen mode with improved readability and optimized information overload. For more in-depth information on the all-new TFT dash, click HERE.
KTM 990 DUKE R riders will also benefit from a fresh new switch cube layout, connectivity unit, a map navigation system, and customizable ride modes, along with the introduction of SPORT ABS and SUPERMOTO+ ABS, for riders who demand limits to be smashed.
In comparison to the KTM 990 DUKE introduced last year, the R version’s 947 cc engine now boasts additional horsepower and RPM limit while maintaining torque figures. Its elevated power output is courtesy of improved mapping that truly unleashes the fire-breathing might of the LC8c motor.
Weight has remained the same for a total READY TO RACE weight of 418.8 lb (190 kg), complementing the updated new ergonomics that result in a slightly higher center of gravity. Both the seat height and ground clearance are 15 mm higher, which is a result of longer suspension travel with a steeper swingarm angle that allows around 3 degrees more lean angle when on the attack. The frame and swingarm have also been updated due to the linkage construction at the rear, allowing the rider more mechanical grip for harder riding.
Fully adjustable WP APEX Suspension components are equipped front and rear, boasting the new Open Cartridge fork with 143 mm of travel. With a diameter of 48 mm (increased from 43 mm on the KTM 990 DUKE) it is 34% stiffer and the upgraded settings have been developed to offer a sportier feel. The bike becomes more planted and with better control, without sacrificing agility.
In addition, the new WP APEX shock at the rear incorporates upgrades in line with the linkage system, with travel reduced by 10 mm to 140 mm (this is done to compensate for added parts to allow for linkage). It too has been developed for maximum performance, fitted with a new linear spring keeping things in check for all day attacks on the street or track.
High performance braking systems – including Brembo Stylema monoblock calipers and a Brembo MCS master cylinder – are utilized on both ends, featuring larger discs (320 mm vs 300 mm compared to what was fitted on the KTM 990 DUKE), lighter components, and a more precise feel under braking to ensure dominating performance is provided under all circumstances.
Michelin Power Cup 2 tires have been fitted to the 2025 KTM 990 DUKE R, coupled with orange adapted rims that carry over from the KTM 1390 SUPER DUKE R EVO model. Combined with its technical advancements, the ability to take this mid-capacity Naked bike on-track and with a pure READY TO RACE attitude cannot be understated. THE PUNISHER is taking no prisoners in the mid-range battlefield!
A full range of KTM PowerParts and KTM PowerWear products have also been specifically developed to suit the KTM Street range, further maximizing the potential for riders to customize their bikes and fit to the extreme.
The 2025 KTM 990 DUKE R will be available at authorized KTM dealers early 2025. For more information, visit KTM.com.
She’s ugly, but she sure can cook!
From above press release: “and built to punish all before it. ”
Well it will certainly punish the eyes of anybody who looks at it, and any pedestrians unfortunate enough to be disemboweled by all that pointy body work.
I’m a long-time KTM (first one the superb 1996 Duke) and ardent twin fan: have owned a 950S, 950SM, 950SE, 990 Dakar, 990 Superduke, and currently have a 990SMT and 1190- over 230,000 miles of LC8 ownership, and also have an 890 Adventure.
I’ve always mostly liked how they looked until recently, and I think I understand why they used the designs they did. It’s a way to stylistically stand out and project an aggressive “not like the rest” image.
And I think it mostly worked. But (and it’s a big but) they should have the brand recognition they craved by now: and if they want to grow share (and their current financials suggest they really need to do that) they need to start designing bikes with design lines that appeal to more people.
They will always have a coterie of folks who will buy what KTM does well despite (not because of) the looks- but I don’t think that’s a recipe for the level of success that a company of their size wants.
They should be at the point where their bonafides as a sporting street bike manufacturer are accepted. So wrap the package in a design that makes people want to buy the bikes because of (not in spite of) how they look.
If Kiska can’t do it- look outside.
Just don’t lose the Orange, finesse it.
Human Beings, ( peeps ) are attracted to forms that are either comforting and non threatening or images perceived as self identifying. The first of these actually start with in a few days of functional eye sight. Think rounded corners, curved lines, smooth surfaces. As a peep grows, function increasingly factors in choices, however form satisfaction never entirely goes away. Where function over comes form, is in the odd self identifying perceptions, such as all black, angular mechanical looking motorcycles that images the rider as a REAL racer, only on the street, with stop lights and shopping malls. This helps with securing the company of a smooth non threatening mate. Aerodynamics, as in smooth non disruptive form, can achieve the same results by imaging high efficiency ( less wasted energy ) with high performance.
Now, regarding this icon of disruptive, angular, sharp edged VERY functional orange, the large white pickle fork side plate destroys the congruous attractiveness to some ( peeps ), myself included.
IMHO.
I have long thought that street bikes should be more like dirt bikes in that you should be able to buy easily affordable plastics in a number of colors and/or buy plastics with custom graphics already applied from some local guy who pulls stunts like that.
What we have here is a very stylized dirt bike looking thing. I get it that street bikes have larger air boxes, gas tanks and radiators. I don’t like it. But I also get it that the street bike industry is in to stubby rear ends now days.
What I don’t get is why you would want to stylize a bike in such a way that it over-emphasizes the above facts to create a super forward heavy dirt bike design. And I’ll bet that exactly none of those plastics are anything like easily affordable. So you end up with something that looks like a dirt bike from planet Zork with parts that cost like they have been shipped from planet Zork.
I guess maybe KTM should use one of their brands to sell bikes that look more like Royal Enfields to please the geezers here. But for my part, how about a dirt bike looking thing that isn’t designed by someone who has a real taste for hallucinogens that includes a lot of the easy to own features of a dirt bike. More ready to race and less ready for taste.
Funny (ha ha, not strange) that you mention this.
I have a Tenere 700 which I actually ride off road (dual track mostly – probably 80% of my riding) for which an Italian company makes plastics. You can choose from a few colors, and the nice thing is that a set including fuel-tank cover, shrouds, and side covers cost $210. ONE Yamaha OEM panel costs that much. I’ve taken the OEM plastic off, added a light blue set (looks like late 1970s, early 1980s IT Yamaha blue), and if I drop this thing now, who cares. Looks cool as hell, and I don’t have to worry about high-dollar damage.
Every new dirt bike I buy immediately gets new bare black plastic and the stock stuff, often including the seat, gets saved for the next guy who might care. The black dirt bike plastic scuffs up in just a few rides so any part that you replace looks like the old stuff soon enough.
I really got a kick out of it for a while when street bikes were available in flat black. Imitation being flattery and all. My dirt bikes aren’t pretty. But some people still like them for their dead serious appearance. I left the stock orange fork leg protectors on my current 300XC and replaced the stock lower chain guide with a bomb proof orange one just to give KTM a little nod.
When you break a mounting post off the back of a plastic part, JB Weld epoxy really will work, for ever, and leave a beautiful fillet as additional support.
Do not ride fast up a sandy wash with sticks pointing down wash at you.
That is all.
You’ve described the way i look at a women.
I have long thought that KTM is attempting to create an aftermarket headlight industry. They install some real doozies on so many of their bikes. I did a quick search and didn’t really find much.
While I think the same of most bikes in this modern/”streetfighter” category, this one is really off-putting. They seem to be trying really hard at something I just can’t see any aesthetic value in. The rest of the bike looks fine to me (it even has a nicely proportioned, conventionally shaped muffler), if a little more busy than necessary.
I used to find the word “superfluous” somewhat awkward to speak. Nowadays it rolls off my tongue as naturally as my own name.
Looks aside, I’m sure it’s a fantastic bike to ride. I still worry about quality gremlins with this make.
And you could add that any manufacturer’s marketing blurb that is couched in such socio-pathic terms as this deserves to be avoided.
It must be said with every review of a KTM… I don’t think you could make an uglier bike if you tried. It would be hard to look at in my driveway. No matter how good it is , for me, I would have to at least find something attractive about it.
have you looked at the new harleys? their fairings and saddlebags, with softail solid looking frames might be more your style?
Although I’m not a big fan of the look of KTMs, looks rate far below performance for me. Most KTMs are styled with some purpose in mind whereas completely designing a bike around form over function doesn’t do it for me. There are general geometry figures suited to each type of riding that suit a purpose well. Straying from these parameters in the name of style hinders the riding experience and performance.
KTMs form is definitely not following function. There is absolutely no reason in motorcycling physics why this bike looks the way it does. Thankfully, the 690 Duke looks much better and is nearly 100 lbs lighter.
Perhaps I wasn’t clear.
It is a comparative comment. Except for styling everyone hates, KTM’s are designed like they care about how a bike handles/performs. And then there a styles/brands of bikes that don’t appear to care about this. Ride a slammed, hard-tailed cruiser with ape-hanger bars and get back to me. To each his own.
While bikes like this one do stand in stark contrast to the legion fashion forward things out there. Todd is right in that it still includes the 100 pound street bike tarrif. Buying a street bike is like getting married. You buy this bike and get some gal about the weight of my wife built in. You buy a slammed ape hanger blob and well, “Talk about mud flaps. My girl’s got ’em!”
Feel like I am having a different conversation than you guys. Not talking about weight but looks which I tied into geometry with my original comment. Even the slammed cruiser would benefit from 100 pound diet.
“ still includes the 100 pound street bike tarrif”
Why Mick, are you finally accepting that multi-cylinder street bikes and single-cylinder dirt bikes are different?