We don’t know when it’s coming, but we do know it’s coming—the new KTM 990 Duke R, an even higher-performance version of KTM’s hot-rod naked bike.
The current 990 Duke model debuted in 2023 as a big-bore upgrade of the 890, which was itself evolved from the 790 series. And then, in spring of 2024, KTM also brought out the RC990 R sportbike. Could an R-series 990 Duke be far off? No, it appears it is not.
KTM actually revealed the bike, or a prototype of it, at a recent Super Hooligans race (MotoAmerica’s Mid Ohio event).
You can see it in action in the race below, with Chris Fillmore (KTM’s tame racebike rider) in the cockpit:
As follow-up confirmation, Motorcycle.com also reports that a 990 Duke R was also confirmed by German government regulatory filings last winter, with the bike’s horsepower rated in the 126 hp range. That’s about a 36 hp over the standard 990 LC4c engine, which would certainly be a noticeable upgrade.
No doubt the chassis would reflect the muscle-up as well, and probably there will be updates to the electronics systems. The current 890 Duke R has fully-adjustable WP Apex suspension (with split-function fork), Brembo Stylema brake calipers, and a Track mode for the engine management system. These would all be reflected on the new bike.
We can presume this would also mean the end of the current 890 Duke R model, perhaps not for our market in early 2025, but certainly by the end of next selling season. Wait for the upcoming show season (the EICMA show is in November) for more info on the new 990—it’s only a matter of time now.
