2025 KTM 990 Duke R First Look (8 Facts)

Earlier this year, the Austrians introduced the all-new 947cc parallel-twin LC8c engine, which debuted in the 2024 KTM 990 Duke. The brand’s latest middleweight sportsbike made a positive impression on several levels, leaving us wondering if there will be more to come in terms of some components.

Fine, KTM never leaves himself alone, and the company’s slogan is “Ready To Race”, so he enjoys a good R model as much as any thrill-seeking motorcyclist. Meet the 2025 KTM 990 Duke R, equipped with upgraded WP Apex suspension, high-quality Brembo brakes, updated electronics and, yes, more power. This takes the 990 Duke platform even further into the sporty realm. Now let’s get to the quick facts.

1. Even more ponies are pushing Duke in the middleweight division. Mechanically, the 947cc engine found in the standard and R Dukes is identical. The six-speed transmission is coupled with a slipper clutch that returns intact for the next service life. However, KTM engineers have worked on the Duke’s map to give the R a seven-horsepower boost. With a few keystrokes, the staff raised the redline slightly, increasing claimed performance figures to 130 horsepower at 9,500 rpm and the same 76 ft-lbs of power. torque at 6750 rpm. This is an R model, after all, so some gains on the dyno aren’t unexpected.

2. New electronic features complement recalibrated driver aids via a massive 8.8-inch TFT touchscreen panel. KTM is reworking the riding modes, including the usual standard Rain, Street and Sport modes, followed by a new Custom mode that allows riders to change a limited number of settings. According to KTM’s form, those who want to customize all the rider assistance settings should purchase the optional Tech Pack, which includes a customizable track mode. The Tech Pack unlocks all the advanced electronic features, including on-the-fly adjustable traction control, five-level rear wheel control, launch control, throttle control, quickshifter up/down, MSR (engine traction control), cruise control, lap timer. and telemetry visible with a dash. In addition, two fully customizable Custom riding modes are unlocked.

3. There are now four ABS modes: Cornering (formerly Road), Sport, Supermoto and Supermoto+. So far we’ve seen most KTM road machines with two different braking settings: standard road ABS with cornering on and Supermoto ABS with cornering off, which also eliminates rear ABS intervention for track riding. The ABS is subtler on the 2025 KTM 990 Duke R, bridging the gap between these two extremes. The new Sport ABS setting provides higher lean angles and brake pressure while maintaining full ABS, rear wheel lift mitigation and cornering functions. Meanwhile, Supermoto+ takes it one step further by allowing the rider to lock the rear wheel for a limited time and move it about eight degrees to the side, effectively helping riders get it back. However, this less restrictive setting eliminates rear wheel lift detection and cornering. ABS support.

4. Suspension and chassis upgrades make this an R model. The 2025 KTM 990 Duke R features a larger diameter (48mm) WP Apex fork with adjustable damping, held in place by a beefier forged aluminum triple clamp with a 32mm offset, which is said to be 34 percent stiffer than the standard 43mm fork. New open-cartridge internals are also tuned for a more sporty mindset. The tubular steel frame remains roughly the same as the non-R model, although updates are made to the frame and swingarm to accommodate a linkage linkage for the fully adjustable WP Apex shock. Compared to the standard Duke, the geometry is updated with slightly longer front suspension travel and a new linkage design that increases the swingarm angle by three degrees. It also raises the entire bike by 0.6 inches, providing better cornering clearance while raising the bike’s center of gravity for more aggressive handling.

5. Sportier ergonomics emphasize the sporty character. KTM literature says the rider’s triangle is sloping into a more aggressive stance for this naked single-seater. It all starts with the two-position steering wheel moving forward and down, and the rear quarters moving up and back to provide extra room for the driver’s heels. Reflecting the longer suspension, seat height has increased by about half an inch to just over 33 inches.

6. Brembo components replace the standard equipment of the J.Juan 990 Duke. One of the few downsides of the standard 990 Duke is its braking system. While this isn’t too bad, there is room for improvement. KTM engineers bolted on 320mm 20mm larger rotors, which are secured by a set of Brembo Stylema calipers, all connected to a superb Brembo MCS variable ratio and range master cylinder.

7. Michelin Power Cup 2 rubber is standard. Michelin is used as original equipment for this performance-oriented model with track-ready DOT-compliant Michelin Power Cup 2 tires in sizes 120/70 and 180/55. Like the standard model, the mid-weight Dukes use almost the same cast aluminum wheels as the powerful 1390 Super Duke R Evo.

8. Delivery is scheduled for early 2025. Prices for the 2025 KTM 990 Duke R are yet to be announced, but we will update the information accordingly.

2025 KTM 990 Duke R Specifications

ENGINE

• Type: Parallel Twin
• Volume: 947 cc.
• Bore x stroke: 92.5 x 70.4 mm
• Maximum power: 130 horsepower at 9500 rpm.
• Maximum torque: 76 ft-lbs at 6,750 rpm.
• Valvetrain: DOHC; 4 virtual PCs
• Engine management: Bosch electronic control.
• Lubrication: Pressure lubrication with 2 oil pumps.
• Cooling: Liquid-oil.
• Transmission: 6-speed
• Clutch: PASC slipper clutch.
• Final Drive: 520 X-Ring Chain

CHASSIS

• Frame: Chrome-molybdenum steel with die-cast aluminum subframe.
• Front suspension; Travel: WP Apex adjustable damping fork with 48mm open cartridge; 5.6 inches
• Rear suspension; Travel: Fully adjustable WP Apex shock with linkage; 5.5 inches
• Wheels: Cast aluminum
• Front wheel: 17 x 3.50
• Rear wheel: 17 x 5.50
• Tires: Michelin Power Cup 2.
• Front tire: 120/70 x 17.
• Rear tire: 180/55 x 17.
• Front brakes: 320 mm discs with radially mounted Brembo Stylema 4-piston calipers and Brembo MCS master cylinder.
• Rear brake: 240 mm disc with Brembo single-piston caliper.
• ABS: Bosch 9.3 MP; can be conquered with cornering ABS and Supermoto mode.

DIMENSIONS AND POWER

• Wheelbase: 58.3 inches
• Rake: 24.1 degrees
• Seat Height: 33.1 inches
• Fuel tank capacity: 3.9 gallons
• Curb weight: 418 lbs

2025 KTM 990 Duke R. Price: Suggested retail price in US dollars.

2025 KTM 990 Duke R Photo Gallery