2024 KTM 990 Duke review | The spirit of a super naked, but far easier to manage
![KTM 990 Duke cornering on the road](https://mcn-images.bauersecure.com/wp-images/232211/600x400/ktm-990-duke-01.jpg)
Highlights
- Parallel-twin grows from 889cc to 947cc
- 121bhp, 76lb-ft
- Tougher new chassis
At a glance
Owners' reliability rating: | |
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Annual servicing cost: | £250 |
Power: | 121 bhp |
Seat height: | Medium (32.5 in / 825 mm) |
Weight: | Low (395 lbs / 179 kg) |
Prices
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesKTM’s parallel twin-cylinder Duke naked bike has come of age. Launched in 2018 as the 790 Duke, with its then shiny new engine, it was sharper and more playful than its rivals. We loved it and it’s still available as the budget choice in KTM’s line-up, with production now moved to China.
In 2020 the Duke became the 890R, followed by the base 890 in ’21. For ’24 it’s grown again to a 990 and it’s more than just a Duke with a bigger engine. It has the no-nonsense attitude of super naked, which is hardly a surprise now being the same size (minus 52cc) as the mad, bad 2005 V-twin Super Duke 990.
The Duke 990 knocks on the door of super naked territory when it comes to delivering white-knuckle excitement at road speeds, especially with its rider aids turned off.
Engine upgrades put an extra spring in its step without it ever being a handful, so it’s just as easy to ride flat out as it is to cruise to the shops. It handles and stops like a racetrack refugee, is roomy for tall riders and relatively comfy over distance.
But the KTM is ultra-exposed and more suited to backroads than motorways, which may make it too single-minded for some. It’s also expensive compared to its rivals, especially when you add in the price of electronic extras, but for the ultimate Sunday blast it’s one of the most exciting motorcycles around.
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineNow the Duke has a much tougher, more race bike-like direct feel to it and that’s down to its chassis. The new steel trellis frame has 8% more lateral and 5% more torsional strength and the frame rails now run outside the new swingarm for extra rigidity. It has an enclosed lattice construction, unlike the open lattice of the rest of the Duke range and is 1.5kg lighter and 35% less rigid for more feel and grip in corners. It’s banana-shaped to facilitate the new underslung pipe.
Steering geometry is tightened with the head angle reduced from 24.3 degrees to 24.2 degrees and the wheelbase shrinks from 1481mm to 1476mm. A new cast ali subframe incorporates a bigger airbox, Super Duke-esque wheels are shod with Bridgestone S22 tyres, and new front brake disc carriers save a kilo of unsprung weight.
Although the frame is stiffer, the ride is plush and controlled thanks to new adjustable WP Apex suspension. Even on standard settings there’s no flab on the bone and the KTM gives you the confidence to attack corners. It’s easy to flick the 990 hard on to its side, ground clearance is plentiful and the brakes, carried over from the 890 have huge power and feel. You’ll need a racetrack to get anywhere close to its handling limits.
Even on standard settings the KTM gives you the confidence to attack corners and there’s no flab on the bone. It’s easy to flick the 990 hard on to its side, ground clearance is plentiful and the brakes, carried over from the 890 have huge power and feel. You’ll need a racetrack to get anywhere close to its handling limits.
The 990 has decent legroom and a natural reach to the new four-way adjustable bars, which is good news for taller riders. It’s no sports tourer, but the KTM is relatively comfy and its new seat is angled two degrees up at the front to stop you slipping forward into the tank. The pillion seat is 20mm higher for extra legroom, for anyone mad enough to jump on the back.
KTM has built the 990 Duke to behave like a demented supermoto. It’s perfect for an intense Sunday morning ride, but some might find it too single minded for the long haul, especially with so little wind protection.
Engine
Next up: ReliabilityKTM say the 990 is 96% new, starting with its parallel twin cylinder LC4c engine. Capacity grows from 889cc to 947cc, thanks to a bigger bore (up from 90.7mm to 92.5mm) and it has a longer stroke (from 68.8mm to 70.4mm). There are new pistons, crank, conrods, exhaust, racier cam timing, a wider radiator and more flywheel effect for a less angry and more controllable power delivery.
Power is up from 114bhp to 121bhp and that’s just about the sweetest spot for a lightweight naked road bike. Any less and it won’t quite blow your hair back and any more starts getting tricky to manage. It allows the 990 Duke to be the best of all worlds on the road: docile and friendly around town, or explosive out of B-road turns.
The booming twin wheelies off the clutch in third and crackles on the overrun, down through the gears. It’s hard to think of a more entertaining engine for having pure, unadulterated fun at road speeds. It isn’t hugely fast, flat in top, but that’s a good thing. It isn’t the point of the 990 Duke. KTM even claim 60mpg, which gives a theoretical 195 miles from its new 14.8 litre steel fuel tank.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueOur MCN Owners’ reviews of the previous 790 and 890 Duke models give an average three out of five star rating for reliability. Problems include water and oil leaks, warped discs, electrical issues, corrosion and thin paint. KTM are constantly striving to improve and dealers are usually quick to address problems. Only time will tell if they’ve got it sorted with the 990 Duke.
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentCosting £12,999, the new 990 Duke is far from cheap and you can buy its similar spec rivals for less, even the special versions. Yamaha’s MT-09 is £10,100 (£11,800 SP) and the Triumph Street Triple R costs £9695 (£11,295 RS). The £11,295 Ducati Monster is less, too although the £13,995 SP is saltier.
Equipment
It comes with a new 5in colour TFT dash, three riding modes and lean sensitive traction control and ABS that never dilutes your enjoyment. Like the new 1390 Super Duke R, the 990 has a lens-less headlight with stacked LED projectors. It also has longer side panels and a 1.5-litre bigger steel tank. But there’s no cruise control, or heated grips, and electronics like the additional two rider modes and quick shifter are extra.
Specs |
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Engine size | 947cc |
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Engine type | Liquid cooled 8v parallel-twin |
Frame type | Steel trellis |
Fuel capacity | 14.8 litres |
Seat height | 825mm |
Bike weight | 179kg |
Front suspension | 43mm WP Apex USD forks, adjustable rebound and compression damping. |
Rear suspension | WP Apex shock, adjustable preload and rebound damping |
Front brake | 300mm discs with four piston radial calipers. Cornering ABS |
Rear brake | 240mm disc with twin-piston caliper. Cornering ABS |
Front tyre size | 120/70 x 17 |
Rear tyre size | 180/55 x 17 |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
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Average fuel consumption | 60 mpg |
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Annual road tax | £117 |
Annual service cost | £250 |
New price | £12,999 |
Used price | £9,700 - £10,800 |
Insurance group |
- How much to insure? |
Warranty term | Two years |
Top speed & performance |
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Max power | 121 bhp |
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Max torque | 76 ft-lb |
Top speed | 125 mph |
1/4 mile acceleration | - |
Tank range | 195 miles |
Model history & versions
Model history
2024: KTM 990 Duke launched. Replaces 890 Duke and 890 Duke R. Bigger engine more power, new chassis and styling.
Other versions
None
Owners' reviews for the KTM 990 DUKE (2024 - on)
3 owners have reviewed their KTM 990 DUKE (2024 - on) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.
Review your KTM 990 DUKE (2024 - on)
Summary of owners' reviews |
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Overall rating: | |
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Ride quality & brakes: | |
Engine: | |
Reliability & build quality: | |
Value vs rivals: | |
Equipment: | |
Annual servicing cost: | £250 |
Year: 2024
Annual servicing cost: £230
It is so much fun to ride. It is great for town riding, commuting and a blast when it takes your fancy.
Very comfortable and my partner loves to be pillion, she says it’s one of the most comfortable of my bikes she’s been on. I’ve ridden for a couple of hours and it’s comfy and I’m sure that when the summer eventually comes I’ll ride it for longer. It’s at its best in the twisty’s and loves to rev. The brakes are ok but could do with a bit more bite. Not sure if some different pads might make a difference time will tell.
You do have to use the gears if you want to get a move on and sounds awesome when it pops and bangs when you shut the throttle off. The power delivery is smooth and linear. My partner does think it can be a bit feisty but that’s probably me forgetting she is riding pillion. It is better when you ride it on your own.
I think it’s as good a build as any other bike I’ve owned. It has been faultless over the 3000 miles so far covered.
You have to have it serviced at a ktm dealership to get the extended warranty but that’s ok because I love the ride down to the dealership where I bought it. The mpg are very good and at 60miles to the gallon I’m not complaining as it doesn’t seem to make any difference how you ride it.
It came with the tech pack with the purchase of the bike. I love the quick shifter not sure I need any other stuff for road riding. I think a lot of the things you get in the tech pack are just extra toys to play with. The dash shows all the information you require if you could see it without having to move your head to a position that feels a little unnatural. It seems a bit too close. It comes with the s22’s as standard which is probably my favourite tyre anyway.
Buying experience: Great buying experience from jd racing I would always recommend them for anything ktm. I paid the full price but got a discount on the heated grips and tank bag. The tech pack was given at no extra cost.
Year: 2024
Annual servicing cost: £220
This bike is so easy to ride, it pulls and pulls. I like the way that you can be lazy and just pick a gear and ride on the throttle or change down and let it go. I have had two super duke 1290 r and loved them both but the 990 is my favourite. My partner says it's on of the most comfortable pillion seats she has sat on with plenty of leg room. There is a down side , she always wants come out for the ride. There is nothing I don't like about the bike except for the ktm badge on the side of the radiator, I keep catching my cloth on it when I'm cleaning it.
Looked at lots of reviews and watched all the utube videos and don't have any issues my self. We have riden for a couple of hours continously with no problems. The bike is very comfortable.
I have replaced the end can and now I think it sounds awesome, I love the way it pops and bangs. The engine is free revving and pulls like a train and so smooth. It does vibrate a bit when you get the revs up high.
I can't comment on any reliability issues 1600 miles since I bought it and it's been faultless. Both my super duke 1290 r had there own problems so I don't expect it to be perfect.
Only had one service so far so difficult to put a true figure on costs.
The bike came with the tech pack as part of the sale this was great as I'm not sure it is something I would of liked to pay extra for because the only thing I really use is the quick shifter. I did have heated grips as an extra because I like my mitts to be nice and toasty. I always fit the battlax s22 previous s21 so no problems with tyres.
Buying experience: Jd motorcycles in Saltash have always been my go to dealer for anything ktm great people and I always reccomend them.
Version: 990 with Remus can - no tech pack
Year: 2024
Annual servicing cost: £300
It's almost a perfect street bike as it's just so much fun to ride. The bike wants to play every ride and gives a lot of front end feel. The gearshift (no QS) is firm and the most positive I've felt. The screen is good and much clearer than the previous models duke models. The big downside is the cost, way too expensive.
£900 or £1200 for the much needed tech packs as a SW update.