Motorcycle specifications KTMDuke 990 R 2026 How much room is there for a racing roadster?

At a time when the KTM brand is suffering financially, the men from Mattighofen are pursuing their strategy of developing bikes that, sometimes within the same family, are totally different. Such is the case with this extreme version, christened R, of the Duke 990, which features a brand-new frame and swingarm ... all to gain a few tenths per lap. Yes, that's what it's all about! This Duke R is nothing more, nothing less than a track-ready roadster that more than ever affirms KTM's "Ready to Race" credentials. Was it really necessary? No doubt to compete with the Triumph Street Triple RS and Yamaha MT-09 SP.

30 years of Duke, a tribute

Let's start with the styling of this machine. Cutting-edge, exaggerated, demonstrative, ostentatious - one could use many adjectives to define the design of this Duke 990 R, which follows in the same footsteps as the base model. You may or may not like it, but you can never remain indifferent to a KTM. Emotion being what cultivates passion, the Austrians know how, in any case, to make us react, and we salute the gesture. In 2024, KTM celebrated 30 years of the Duke name within its range. This latest R model arrives with a nod to the older models.

Its white finish and graphics with black and white matte accents, as well as a gloss powder-coated Electronic Orange frame, draw inspiration from various Duke R models, most notably the second-generation model produced between 2011 and 2013. The generous "R" on the tank immediately signals its membership of the elite, as does the absence on the model shown of a place reserved for a hypothetical passenger. The first thing that will undoubtedly be changed is the enormous exhaust system, which looks a little out of place on this razor-sharp canvas. But its volume will undoubtedly enable it to meet anti-pollution standards.

Like all new KTM models, this Super Duke R features the famous 8.8-inch horizontal TFT touchscreen that serves as the instrument panel. Its biggest feature is that it has a screen mode that can display, for example, 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 legible in all weather conditions, and its brightness is flawless. Its tactile side has been reinforced to respond to the slightest touch, even with a gloved hand. A 5-position joystick can also be used to control functions from the handlebars.

130 hp, 190 kg with full tanks: dummy size

Compared with the KTM 990 DUKE launched last year, the R version's 947 cc engine now boasts 7 more hp - up from 123 hp to 130 hp - while retaining 103 Nm of torque and a rev limit of 10,500 rpm. The increased power is the result of modified LC8c engine mapping. Four driving modes are available: Rain, Street, Sport and Custom (customizable). As an option, 3 additional modes are available, including a track mode. For a machine with a track-oriented vocation, it's a shame not to include the Track mode as standard! Electronic assistance also includes traction control, anti-wheeling and launch control.

Weight remains unchanged at 190 kg with full tanks. The rider's position, on the other hand, has been significantly revised compared to the "normal" 990 Duke. The new ergonomics result in a slightly higher center of gravity. Seat height and ground clearance are both 15 mm higher, the result of longer suspension travel and a steeper swingarm angle, which allow a greater forward lean angle of around 3 degrees. The frame and swingarm have also been updated, thanks to the construction of the new suspension link. All of which should result in improved grip, enabling the Duke R to go faster everywhere and follow its rivals more easily.

As always, fully adjustable WP APEX components were chosen for the suspensions. The Duke 990 R 2025 is equipped with the new Open Cartridge fork, with 143 mm of 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 greater rigor in extreme use. The equation sought by KTM is greater stability and better control, without sacrificing agility.

In addition, the new WP APEX rear shock absorber incorporates improvements in line with the new pushrod system. Travel has been reduced by 10 mm to a total of 140 mm. The shock absorber is fitted with a new firm spring for track use.

The braking system features the obligatory (to ape the competition) Brembo Stylema reference with monobloc calipers and a Brembo MCS master cylinder. The front braking system has also been modified, with the addition of larger discs (320 mm vs. 300 mm on the 990 DUKE). The ABS system has been revised, with two new modes: ABS SPORT and ABS SUPERMOTO+.

Michelin Power Cup 2 tires are fitted to the KTM 990 DUKE R 2025. They're quasi-slicks for the road, so you'll have to squeeze your buttocks when going out in the rain... They're mounted on matching orange rims based on the 1390 SUPER DUKE R model.

A crazy price?

In the final analysis, all these improvements will certainly enable the Duke 990 R version to re-establish itself in the mad race for performance among "sporty" roadsters. The fact remains that the basic Duke was already not cheap, with a price of 14,949 euros, already well above the more efficient competition! Upgrading to the Duke R version is likely to add a hefty price tag, an imbalance that is likely to make the R marginal on the roads. We estimate its price at around 17,000 euros...

Vincent Beaucousin - Manufacturer's photos