2025 KTM 990 Duke R – First Look
Enter the Punisher
KTM revealed a more aggressive R version of the 990 Duke, offering even more power, beefier suspension, and upgraded brakes. KTM has made a habit of giving its bikes catchy nicknames, and marketing aside, they do tell us how KTM sees its machines. The regular 990 Duke was dubbed “THE SNIPER” for offering “unmatched levels of precision to the street”, but for the 990 Duke R, KTM says “THE PUNISHER is here as the most brutal of all.”
Of course, we already know about the 990 Duke R's sporty aspirations after KTM's Chris Fillmore raced a pre-production model in a couple of MotoAmerica Super Hooligans races.
The black and white color pattern and the design of the R logo are callbacks to the 990 Super Duke R produced from 2011 to 2013. As per KTM’s usual pattern, the 990 Duke R is visually differentiated from the regular model by its orange powder-coated frame. KTM also made small changes to the frame to accommodate the Duke R’s rear suspension linkage.
The sportier ergonomics are apparent in the juxtaposition above, with the footpegs set further back and the handlebars slightly lower. The 33.1-inch seat height and 8.3 inches of ground clearance are both 0.6 inches higher than the regular Duke, the product of longer-travel suspension and a steeper swingarm angle that allows the R to lean over an extra 3 degrees. The claimed curb weight is 418.8 pounds, which is the same as the non-R model, but the 990 Duke R’s height means it has a higher center of gravity.
The engine remains the 947cc LC8c Parallel-Twin, but KTM updated the engine mapping to unlock a higher rev limit and boost the peak power output to 130 hp at 9,500 rpm from the regular Duke’s 123 hp. Peak torque remains at the same claimed 76 lb-ft. at 6,750 rpm.
The electronics package is similar to the regular Duke, but with a new Sport ABS and Supermoto+ settings.
The 990 Duke R also receives the new H88 TFT touchscreen dashboard and next-gen switchgear, which the non-R model will likely get at some point down the line. Along with managing the electronics, the new dash opens up smartphone connectivity and on-screen navigation.
Up front, KTM equipped the 990 Duke R with a 48mm WP APEX open cartridge fork (compared to a 43mm fork on the non-R model). The fork is fully adjustable and offers 5.6 inches of travel (vs. 5.5 on the 990 Duke), and KTM claims it is 34% stiffer and offers a sportier feel. The rear shock connects to the swingarm with a new linkage system, though the new components reduce the suspension travel to 5.5 inches compared to the 990 Duke’s 5.9 inches.
The 990 Duke R comes equipped with dual Brembo Stylema four-piston radial-mount calipers, with 320mm rotors (vs. 300 on the 990 Duke). Brembo also supplies its MCS master cylinder.
Befitting its sporting nature, the 990 Duke R comes equipped with Michelin Power Cup 2 rubber, street legal tires optimized for track use.
The 2025 KTM 990 Duke R will arrive in dealerships in early 2025. Pricing remains to be announced.
2025 KTM 990 Duke R Specifications | |
|---|---|
Engine Type | Liquid-cooled, four-valve, DOHC Parallel-Twin, 4-stroke |
Displacement | 947 cc |
Bore x Stroke | 92.5 mm / 70.4 mm |
Compression Ratio | 13.5:1 |
Transmission | 6 gears |
Fuel System | Electronic Fuel Injection |
Clutch | Cable-operated PASC Slipper clutch |
Ignition / Engine Management | Bosch EMS with RBW |
Traction Control | MTC (lean angle sensitive, 3-Mode disengageable + Track mode optional) |
Frame | Chromium-Molybdenum-Steel frame using the engine as stressed element, powder coated |
Subframe | Aluminum, powder coated |
Handlebar | Aluminum, tapered, Ø 28/22 mm |
Front Suspension | WP APEX 48 Open Cartridge, Compression and rebound (30 click), Preload (±3 Clicks), 5.6-inch travel |
Rear Suspension | WP APEX Compression High Speed (3 turns) Low Speed (30 Clicks), Rebound (30 Clicks), Preload (10 turns, 5.5 inches of travel |
Front Brake | 2x radially mounted Brembo Stylema 4 piston caliper, brake disc Ø 320 mm |
Rear Brake | Single piston BREMBO caliper, brake disc Ø 240 mm |
ABS | Bosch 9.3 MP Two Channel (Supermoto ABS) |
Front Wheel | Cast aluminum, 3.50 x 17” |
Rear Wheel | Cast aluminum, 5.50 x 17” |
Front Tire | 120/70 x 17, Michelin Power Cup 2 |
Rear Tire | 180/55 x 17, Michelin Power Cup 2 |
Wheelbase | 58.3 ± 0.59 inches |
Ground Clearance | 8.3 inches |
Seat Height | 33.1 inches |
Fuel Capacity | 3.8 gallons |
Curb Weight | 418.8 pounds (claimed) |
2025 KTM 990 Duke R Gallery
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Dennis has been a part of the Motorcycle.com team since 2008, and through his tenure, has developed a firm grasp of industry trends, and a solid sense of what's to come. A bloodhound when it comes to tracking information on new motorcycles, if there's a new model on the horizon, you'll probably hear about it from him first.
More by Dennis Chung
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That's ugly as hell. I'll be glad when motorcycle companies evolve beyond Decepticon design language.
Also, I'm not a fan of all these grandiose nicknames. If you're all calling them Sniper, or Punisher or whatever, why not make that the name? It's poser stuff.
I still can't believe Penton died for this.
Impressive numbers for a parallel twin, approaching the MT-09 peak power. If KTM can pull out of the up-charging sales garbage and fix the reliability lack trend, we'd respect them for their otherwise pretty caution-to-the-wind riding experience. Right now I'm more in the market for an XSR900 or MT-09, or the updated Z900 as neither has tech shortcomings anymore. In this class horsepower is really on a lower priority list because who really notices 3 to 5 horsepower difference between them all. It's more engine character, chassis intention, and styling. Just hard for me to let go of the reliable steady arm of a Japanese machine and take the risks of these other brands.