KTM has a well-deserved reputation for making exciting naked bikes that are popular with motorcycle enthusiast. One of MD’s all-time favorites is the 890 Duke we tested a few years ago. We loved the engine performance, which provided big mid-range power to catapult riders out of corners, and quick, intuitive handling. Riding that bike was a blast.
For 2024, KTM has a new platform to replace the 890. First up is a standard 990 Duke (we think an R version will be coming shortly), that MD has had the opportunity to put numerous miles on, and take to a track day.
KTM points out that the new 990 is, essentially, all new with over 90% of the parts not found on the previous 890. Here is how KTM describes the 990 Duke highlights:
- Two new colorways celebrate 30 years of DUKE.
- New LC8c 947cc DOHC engine with PASC slipper clutch has been reworked inside and out to deliver even more asphalt-ripping power from a compact build.
- New, wider radiator for improved cooling.
- New ultralight tubular Chromium Molybdenum steel frame with new swingarm pivot adds more cornering stability.
- New stainless steel exhaust system offers centralized mass, great sound, and tailor-made looks.
- Cast aluminum subframe for weight savings houses the redesigned, high flow airbox.
- New swingarm is completely redesigned to be lighter while providing more stability and comfort.
- Selectable ride modes including Sport, Street, Rain, and optional Track and Performance modes for easy changes to engine and MTC character while optional Quickshifter+ enables clutchless up- and down-shifting.
- New optional Track mode offers 10-level adjustable traction control plus new lap time and telemetry features.
- New 43 mm open-cartridge APEX forks by WP for excellent response and stability offer 5-step adjustability.
- New high-quality, gas-assisted WP APEX shock now with 5-step adjustability to match the fork performance.
- Powerful brake system featuring twin 300 mm floating front discs with 4 piston radially mounted calipers.
- New, lighter LED headlight and LED daytime running lights with new Coming Home light feature.
- Multifunctional dashboard with full-color 5” TFT display is bright and clear and features new pictograms.
- Optional Motor Slip Regulation (MSR), Cruise Control, and KTMconnect for smartphone connectivity.
Although still a parallel twin, displacement has now been bumped to 947cc. KTM claims only a couple additional horsepower over the 890 R, but torque is up and broader in delivery.
Claimed dry weight is just 394 pounds, and the new wheels are lighter – borrowed from the 1290 Super Duke.
KTM has done something interesting with the suspension. Unlike the base model 890 Duke, the 990 Duke comes with adjustable forks. Both rebound and compression can be adjusted, but only five clicks of adjustment. KTM says each click has a much greater impact than prior adjustable units. The rear shock has spring preload adjustment and rebound adjustment (again a five-click range).
The standard selectable ride modes include three options – Sport, Street or Rain. Optional modes are Track and Performance, and also optional is a quick shifter feature. In the Track mode, the rider can select from 10 levels of traction control, as well as a lap timer. All of these options are available for a trial period of just short of 1,000 miles after which they must be purchased from your local dealer.
The new motor is housed in an entirely new frame that is stiffer than the frame holding the 890. A new swingarm is actually less stiff to optimize traction and feel. The new swingarm pivots from inside the frame rails of the main frame structure, rather than outside as in the previous 890.
The new 990 Duke offers comfortable ergonomics. Very upright in the reach to the bars, and a more comfortable seat than we recall on some prior KTM street models. Footpeg placement allows reasonable legroom while still providing decent ground clearance while cornering. The rider has a direct view of the large 5″ TFT display that is even easier and more intuitive to use than the similar display found on the prior 890 Duke.
The brakes include two 300mm front discs held by lighter carriers. Four–piston calipers grab the front discs.
We thought the 890 Duke had plenty of power for the street, and the 990 Duke simply adds a bit more power and torque. Pulling away from a stop reveals a linear power delivery that is extremely meaty from low RPM levels, yet revs out strongly on top. Once again, just about the perfect street motor.
Twisty roads reveal the real reason you might consider the new 990 Duke. The handling is simply phenomenal. Very light and nimble turn in combined with excellent stability. Mid-corner bumps do not upset the chassis, and the bike tracks exactly where the rider points it.
You feel like you can’t miss your apex on this bike, because the steering is so accurate and intuitive. The careful balancing KTM did with the frame stiffness and the swingarm stiffness no doubt contributes to this, but the stock suspension also strikes an excellent balance between firmness, for sport riding, and comfort.
The brakes work surprisingly well. This is not the fancy Brembo caliper set found on the 890 R, but the brakes offer much better power and feel than the old base model 890.
Our test bike not only had the optional Performance and Track modes, but also the Quickshifter+ system, which seemed to work better than the quickshifter found on the old 890 Duke models. In general, we had no problem with the six-speed transmission, and gear spacing seemed appropriate for the broad spread of power.
Indeed, most corners could be exited in a couple of different gears without sacrificing thrust. Opening the throttle resulted in a smooth transition from closed throttle, even in the Performance and Track modes.
With the new, adjustable suspension and larger displacement engine, the base model 990 Duke, in many respects, offers the performance of the old 890 R. The new chassis (the new frame and swingarm in particular) seems like a big step forward. Drawing on its road racing experience at the World championship level, KTM has found some real magic enabling the phenomenal handling this bike offers.
We did take the bike to a track day, where the same accurate steering stood out. At track speeds, the suspension is too softly sprung, however, for a larger, faster rider, but this is to be expected with a bike that is set up to perform comfortably at street speeds.
Although we cannot fault the handling, we would have liked a little better feel and feedback from the front tire contact patch. This didn’t hold the bike back significantly, but it is something we wanted to note.
The 2024 KTM 990 Duke is available now in U.S. dealerships at an MSRP of $12,500. Take a look at KTM’s website for additional details and specifications.
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