KTM Duke 990 R 2026 — Specifications

As dark financial winds blow across the KTM brand, the men of Mattighofen continue their strategy of developing motorcycles that, sometimes within the same family, are totally different. This is the case with this extreme version, dubbed R, of the Duke 990, which receives a new frame and a new swingarm… all to gain a few tenths of a second per lap. Because that’s what it’s all about! This Duke R is nothing more, nothing less than a track-focused roadster that more than ever affirms KTM’s “Ready to Race” ethos. Was it really useful? Probably to compete with the Triumph Street Triple RS and Yamaha MT-09 SP.

Let’s start with the style of this machine. Sharp, exaggerated, demonstrative, ostentatious – we could use these adjectives to define the design of this Duke 990 R, which is in the same vein as the base model. We like it (or not), but you can never remain indifferent to KTMs. Emotion being what cultivates passion, the Austrians know how, in any case, to make us react, and we applaud the gesture. In 2024, KTM celebrated the 30th anniversary of the Duke name within its range. This latest R model pays homage to earlier models.

Its finish and graphics, featuring white with matte black and white accents, as well as a bright Electronic Orange powder-coated frame, are inspired by various Duke R models, and particularly the second-generation model produced between 2011 and 2013. The generous “R” on the tank immediately signals its belonging to the elite, as does the absence of a passenger seat on the presented model. The first thing that will probably be changed is the enormous exhaust that looks a bit out of place on this sharp-edged tableau. But its volume probably allows it to meet anti-pollution standards.

This Super Duke R, like all new KTM models, receives the famous 8.8-inch horizontal and tactile TFT screen that serves as a dashboard. A larger peculiarity is that it has a screen mode allowing, for example, to display a structure with the basic functions and on another part, the navigation. Its resolution is 1,280 x 720 and it displays 256,000 colors. KTM’s promise is that this screen will be readable under all weather conditions, its brightness is flawless. Its tactile functionality has been reinforced to respond to the slightest solicitation, even with gloved hands. A 5-position joystick allows you to also control its functions from the handlebar-mounted switchgear.

Compared to the KTM 990 Duke launched last year, the 947 cm3 engine of the R version now has 7 additional horsepower – going from 123 hp to 130 hp – while retaining a torque of 103 Nm and a rev limit of 10,500 rpm. Its increased power is the result of a modified LC8c engine mapping. To exploit the horsepower, there are four riding modes: Rain, Street, Sport and Custom (customizable). As an option, you can have 3 additional modes, including a track mode. For a machine presented as a track-focused model, we find it a bit unfortunate, or stingy, not to include the Track mode as standard! Electronic assistance systems also offer traction control, wheelie control, and launch control.

The weight remains the same, for a weight with full tanks of 190 kg. The rider’s position has been largely revised, however, compared to the 990 Duke “normal.” The new ergonomics result in a slightly higher center of gravity. The seat height and ground clearance are both 15 mm higher, which results from a longer suspension travel and a more pronounced swingarm angle that allow a greater forward lean angle of approximately 3 degrees. The frame and swingarm have also been updated due to the construction of the new suspension linkage. The whole thing is intended to allow better grip and therefore the ability for the Duke R to go faster everywhere and more easily follow its competitors.

WP APEX fully adjustable components have been retained as always for the suspensions. Thus, the Duke 990 R 2025 is equipped with the new Open Cartridge fork with a 143 mm travel. With a diameter of 48 mm (compared to 43 mm on the KTM 990 Duke), it is 34% stiffer, and the improved settings have been developed to offer more rigidity in extreme use. KTM’s equation is more stability, better control, without sacrificing agility.

Furthermore, the new WP APEX rear shock incorporates improvements in line with the new linkage system. The travel has been reduced by 10 mm for a total of 140 mm. The shock receives a new, stiffer spring for track use.

Braking receives the obligatory (to mimic the competition) Brembo Stylema reference with monoblock calipers and a Brembo MCS master cylinder. The front braking system has also been modified by adding larger 320 mm discs compared to the 300 mm mounted on the 990 Duke. The ABS system has been revised with two new modes: ABS SPORT and ABS SUPERMOTO+.

Michelin Power Cup 2 tires equip this KTM 990 Duke R 2026. These are quasi-slicks for the road, use in the rain will be done while squeezing your buttocks when changing direction… They are mounted on orange-matched rims that borrow the 1390 SUPER DUKE R model.

Ultimately, all these improvements will certainly allow the Duke 990 version R to reposition itself in the crazy race for performance of “sport” roadsters. However, the base 990 Duke was already not cheap upon its release, already well above the more effective competition! The update for the Duke version R was expected to be expensive, but KTM seems to have understood the deterrent effect and limits the price below €15,000.

Vincent Beaucousin - Photos constructeur