THE ORIGINAL SCALPEL – or KTM 790 DUKE – took the worldwide motorcycle market by storm when it launched in 2017, selling over 25,000 units. It was followed up by the even sharper KTM 890 DUKE R in 2020, superseded in 2021 by the KTM 890 DUKE GP, only to return to the market lineup in 2022.
For model year 2024, however, KTM once again fires a warning shot at the competition with the introduction of the all-new KTM 990 DUKE.
TAKING AIM AT THE MID-WEIGHT CROWN
The KTM 990 DUKE was developed with the ultimate aim of making it the ultimate NAKED street motorcycle. Designed and engineered to be a lightweight, performance-oriented NAKED machine, adding ever-present agility to the arsenal, it presents as the lightest, sharpest, most performance-focused mid-class NAKED ever produced at KTM’s main plant in Mattighofen, Austria.
The KTM 990 DUKE moves its perception of size away from the entry-level DUKE models and closer to that of the SUPER DUKE R and other liter-class motorcycles. However, it still makes its wicked intentions clearly known.
Inside profile and at a halt, the KTM 990 DUKE is designed to resemble an explosion in a freeze-frame, mimicking immense energy being released with devastating force. When in motion, the wedge-shaped spoiler is both purposeful and decisively shows its intention to cleave through the atmosphere, charging forward, FAST!
Moreso, the KTM 990 DUKE also represents 30 YEARS of DUKE, celebrating this milestone with two all-new colorways – Electronic Orange and Black Metallic.
In the usual KTM style, the KTM 990 DUKE makes use of a lightweight yet stiff trellis frame and closed-lattice swingarm combination, high-quality adjustable WP APEX Suspension components, and top-shelf tires for optimum grip and handling. Upfront, 43 mm WP APEX open cartridge forks provide 140 mm of suspension travel and make use of split function technology, allowing compression and rebound damping to take place in separate fork legs.
With the KTM 990 DUKE, riders are encouraged to explore different suspension settings by making suspension adjustments easier to understand and making the difference between the clicks easier to feel. To achieve this, the range of adjustment for the WP APEX Suspension system is designed to be easier to adjust in 5 clicks for both compression – left fork – and rebound – right fork.
On the rear, a high-quality gas-assisted WP APEX Monotube shock absorber is fitted with a new lighter linear spring which, together with an all-new setting, offers rider responsiveness and comfort. As with the front fork, the rebound can be adjusted through a 5-click setting, with manual preload adjustment also possible.
The KTM 990 DUKE has been developed around a completely new steel tube frame concept, with specifically calculated levels of frame stiffness. This provides the KTM 990 DUKE with an overall sporty feel and positive feedback, ensuring the rider always knows what the machine is doing when approaching the limit.
Overall, the new frame has an 8% increase in side stiffness, with a 5% increase in torsional stiffness for improved handling. However, to compensate, the swingarm stiffness is reduced by 35%, to improve traction on the rear wheel when the rider demands the most out of the machine. Different from previous DUKE models, the frame design features a revised swingarm pivot point. Here, the frame goes down the outside of the swingarm bolt, leading to higher stiffness values, especially in the case of side and torsional stiffness. Another step forward has also been made in the pivot bolt, which is replaced with forged parts, also adding to overall stiffness values and visual enhancement.
The KTM 990 DUKE maintains the signature agility of the previous KTM 890 DUKE R models, making a step forward in terms of stability thanks to the new frame geometry. This upgrade offers the rider a more immersive riding experience thanks to dramatically improved steering response at high and low speeds.
The KTM 990 DUKE is loaded with tech, making it a leader in the sub-1000 cc segment, featuring everything from LED lights all around, a full-color 5” TFT display, 3 Ride Modes with an additional 2 Ride Modes that are optional, and more.
RIDE MODES
The KTM 990 DUKE boasts 5 unique Ride Modes, namely RAIN, STREET, SPORT and the optional PERFORMANCE, and TRACK Mode.
As the name suggests, RAIN Mode is the default safety mode for slippery road conditions, reducing the maximum power to 105 Hp with maximum traction control and the smoothest throttle response. The system aims to keep the front wheel on the ground under all conditions.
The default mode for everyday riding, STREET Mode unleashes full power, default throttle control, and traction control settings suitable for street riding. Limited front wheel lift is allowed.
Full power, more direct throttle control, and less traction control allowing slight wheelspin and maximum front wheel lift giving the rider maximum acceleration making SPORT Mode the choice for spirited riding.
- PERFORMANCE MODE (OPTIONAL)
The optional PERFORMANCE Mode allows a certain level of customization, with a selection of traction control intervention and throttle control. Anti-wheelie can also be switched off and LAUNCH CONTROL can be toggled for perfect starts. CRUISE CONTROL is available in PERFORMANCE Mode, with riders having full access to KTMconnect, too.
TRACK Mode allows the same level of customization as PERFORMANCE Mode but is 100% READY TO RACE focused. This mode allows for 2 additional bits of information to be displayed for the rider on the TFT display, with a focus on lap times, and telemetry data. In these modes, only key information is displayed with secondary information discarded. Anti-wheelie can be switched off and LAUNCH CONTROL is available for the perfect start off the grid, but CRUISE CONTROL and KTMconnect are disabled.
ERGONOMICS
The KTM 990 DUKE is designed to feel as compact as possible while being accommodating to a wide range of rider body types. The ergonomics inspire confidence in all riders, with beginner or entry-level riders feeling at ease and confident, while advanced and expert-level riders, will feel comfortable to challenge themselves at the limit.
All development was aimed at making this the ultimate street bike; the lightest, sharpest, most performance-focused mid-class NAKED. Providing feedback and comfort in all circumstances, allowing riders to always stay in total control.
A new seat design ensures a comfortable riding experience. Compared to the KTM 890 DUKE R, the seat angle has been moved 2° upward in the front section to guarantee a stable riding position and solve the problem of sliding forwards, with an overall seat height of 825 mm.
The pillion seat is also moved up by 20 mm compared to the KTM 890 DUKE, which improves the passenger’s view during riding and leads to improved pillion comfort.
Designed and positioned to provide a sporty riding experience, the footpegs boast an aluminum construction with a rubber insert to ensure the best boot grip and provide some vibration damping. The toecap pin is also moved 10 mm closer to the footrests to ensure improved reach.
The KTM 990 DUKE features a tapered, 760 mm aluminum handlebar which provides a comfortable and upright riding position. Is it adjustable in four positions: two on the triple clamp and the other two by rotating the risers.