KTM turn their middleweight Duke up to 11 with new, more powerful 990 R model for 2025

KTM are adding to their 990 Duke family for 2025 with a more focussed R model, ready to go up against the sportiest of mid-sized super-naked specimens.

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Building on the standard £12,999 990 Duke, which arrived at the beginning of 2024, the R model adds power and features a new colour scheme said to be inspired by the second generation 990 Super Duke R V-twin produced from 2011 to 2013.  

Being an R model, the 947cc parallel twin engine has been tweaked to extract an additional 6.9bhp courtesy of new mapping. Overall punch now sits at a claimed 128.2bhp, with a healthy peak torque of 76lb.ft achieved at 10,500rpm. Weight remains as before at 190kg.

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Relaying that performance to the riders is a landscape mounted 8.8inch TFT dash, with new switchgear for cycling through the connectivity, navigation, riding modes, and more. Being a KTM, the ABS can be deactivated at the rear end, and the riding modes themselves can be customised to suit rider preference both on the road and track.

Away from the electrickery, the ground clearance has been raised by 15mm to encourage three-degree-greater lean angles on either side. This has been achieved via longer travel suspension, plus a steeper swingarm angle.

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The WP Open Cartridge front forks now provide 143mm of travel (up from 140mm) with the diameter increasing from 43mm to 48mm on the R. A change to the settings has also resulted in a 34% increase in stiffness for greater composure under hard braking.

At the back end, the WP Apex shock has been updated to work alongside new linkage – with a new linear spring and a reduction in travel by 10mm to 140mm for less movement.

Alongside this, you’ll find Brembo Stylema monoblock brake calipers, and a Brembo MCS master cylinder at both ends, with both 17in rims shod with Michelin Power Cup 2 tyres.

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UK pricing is yet to be confirmed, with models expected in dealers from January 2025.

Watch: KTM 990 Duke video review