Designed, developed, and produced at KTM’s main plant in Mattighofen, Austria, the 2025 KTM 990 DUKE R takes the 990 DUKE platform and amplifies its capabilities. Compared to last year’s 990 DUKE, the R version’s 947 cc engine has increased horsepower and a higher RPM limit, courtesy of improved mapping that unbridles the full power of the 125.6 pound LC8c motor, the most compact twin in its class.
The stainless-steel exhaust system, designed and hand-built in-house, is the same as found on the standard 990 DUKE but has been completely redesigned to suit the larger capacity engine and chassis.
The 2025 KTM 990 DUKE R comes equipped with fully adjustable WP APEX Suspension. The front features an Open Cartridge fork with a stiffer 48 mm diameter and 143 mm of travel, offering 30 clicks of compression and rebound adjustability. The rear showcases a WP APEX shock with a linkage system and 140 mm of travel, including high-speed compression, low-speed compression, rebound, and preload adjustments. An extended wheelbase of 1,481 mm enhances stability during aggressive riding.
A new, sport-oriented steel frame utilizes the engine as a stressed member and an updated linkage for improved stiffness. The aluminum die-cast subframe incorporates a built-in airbox and side air intakes for optimized airflow – all finished in matte Electronic Orange.
For the first time, the DUKE R employs a new linkage swingarm. While it maintains the side profile of the standard DUKE, it has been adapted for the linkage system with reduced material at the shock connection, offering added flexibility. This follows a 34% reduction in stiffness introduced on the standard 990 DUKE.
A new forged aluminum triple clamp is tailored to the bike’s fork diameter, featuring a 32 mm offset and an aluminum steering stem to match the fork’s flex. Riders can use four different handlebar positions to optimize comfort and control.
The 2025 KTM 990 DUKE R rolls on Michelin Power Cup 2 tires, providing exceptional grip across various road conditions. The front wheel measures 17 inches with a width of 3.5 inches, while the rear is 17 inches wide and 5.5 inches across. Tire sizes are 120/70-R17 at the front and 180/55-R17 at the rear.
At the brakes, you’ll find radially mounted, four-piston Brembo Stylema monoblock calipers up front, paired with 320 mm floating rotors. At the rear, a single-piston Brembo caliper grips a 240 mm disc. A ratio-adjustable Brembo MCS master cylinder ensures precise feel under braking, providing ultimate feedback in all conditions.
The 2025 KTM 990 DUKE R has a new 8.88-inch TFT touchscreen dashboard with inductive technology and a customizable split-screen layout for better readability. The display offers 256,000 colors, Anti Reflex, Anti Fingerprint, and Anti Glare coatings.
A fresh switch cube layout includes a 6-way interactive system with a 5-way joystick and customizable paddle buttons. The bike also features a new connectivity unit and an offline map navigation system. Navigation is seamless with Route Planning, Active Guidance, and Map View, supporting five languages (English, German, Italian, Spanish, and French) and offering metric or imperial units. You can customize Telemetry, Favorites, and Maps with new shortcut buttons and menu options. Several Ride Modes include Rain, Street, Sport, and Custom, with additional options like Track Mode and two Custom Modes available through KTM Technical Accessories.
The advanced electronics suite includes four ABS modes: Cornering ABS, Supermoto ABS, Sport ABS, and Supermoto+. Sport ABS allows for aggressive braking, while Supermoto+ permits rear-wheel locking and sideways sliding with front-wheel ABS functionality intact. Other features include MTC (Motorcycle Traction Control), Quickshifter+, and optional Launch Control and Lap Timer in Track Mode.
The seat height and ground clearance are 15mm higher for extended suspension travel and an extra three degrees of lean angle. The single-seat design sits 33 inches high for a sporty yet comfortable experience. An optional passenger seat and footpegs are available.
Rider footpegs have been adjusted to a more aggressive position and moved 33 mm back and 12.5 mm up, offering additional boot space. The 760 mm tapered aluminum handlebar allows for an active riding position with four adjustable settings. It is flatter than the standard 990 DUKE handlebar, improving front-end feel and rider engagement.
You can expect a generous fuel range of around 186 miles thanks to a steel fuel tank that holds 3.9 gallons. The tank’s design and ergonomics mirror those of the standard 990 DUKE.
Its striking White color scheme is complemented by matte black and orange accents, an Electronic Orange gloss powder-coated frame, and orange wheels borrowed from the 1390 SUPER DUKE R EVO model.
The updated LED headlight design is functional and stylish, featuring lightweight glass fiber plastic and a chrome KTM logo. The Position and Daytime Running Lights automatically adjust intensity based on ambient light, enhancing visibility in all conditions. The headlight also offers a broader angle of stray light for improved illumination in low-light situations.
The 2025 KTM 990 DUKE R is expected to arrive at authorized KTM dealers in early 2025.
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