For those who crave a pure, untamed ride, this bike goes straight to the heart of KTM’s naked bike heritage. Designed to hit the middleweight segment with power and precision, the 990 Duke R is set to redefine performance, with sharper styling and next-level handling that turns every corner into a thrill.
Powering the Beast
This year, KTM steps it up by boosting the 990 Duke R’s power and response. Equipped with a 947cc parallel-twin engine, the new 990 Duke R offers 130 PS, giving riders a serious increase in horsepower over the standard model. With a limit of 10,500 RPM and a peak torque of 103 Nm, it is made for riders who want that raw torque instantly. The bike’s updated mapping and aggressive throttle response mean it is as eager for city sprints as it is for open stretches of road.
Aggressive, Rider-Focused Design
One look at the 990 Duke R, and it is clear this bike was made to stand out. KTM’s signature stripped-down aesthetic leaves no room for unnecessary frills, emphasizing sharp lines and a lean build. The seat height and ground clearance are raised by 15 mm over the standard 990 Duke, giving it an even more aggressive stance and higher center of gravity. This geometry adjustment allows an added 3 degrees of lean angle, perfect for riders who love to push hard and corner with confidence.
Built for Control: Advanced Suspension and Electronics
KTM has given the 990 Duke R an advanced tech package, perfect for those who want a customizable experience on every ride. The fully adjustable WP APEX suspension now includes a beefier 48 mm Open Cartridge fork (an upgrade from 43 mm), built to handle high-speed maneuvers and sharp turns. With multiple ride modes, traction control, and a quick-shifter, it is ready to handle anything you throw at it, whether you are carving city streets or tackling track days.
990 Duke R vs. 790 Duke: A Look at Two Street Machines
While the 990 Duke R cranks up the power and rugged design, the KTM 790 Duke takes a slightly different approach. The 790 Duke—also known as “The Scalpel”—focuses on agility and accessibility, with a 799cc engine delivering around 105 horsepower. Where the 990 Duke R is pure power, the 790 is tuned for precision, featuring KTM’s latest ride-by-wire technology and a variety of rider modes for versatility.
The 990 Duke R is the choice for riders who crave a raw, untamed experience with high performance and torque to spare. The 790 Duke, on the other hand, appeals to those who want a smoother, more adaptable bike with plenty of power but a lighter, more responsive feel.
MotoProWorks is just as thrilled as you are about the arrival of the 2025 KTM 990 Duke R, and we are already gearing up to launch kits designed specifically for this beast of a bike. Expect bold designs that match the aggressive stance and raw energy of "The Punisher," bringing out every line and edge of your Duke. Our team is working to make sure these kits fit flawlessly, so when you are ready to take your 990 Duke R out for a spin, it will look as fierce as it rides.
Stay tuned for updates on the MotoProWorks KTM graphics collection, because this is going to be something special!
Sources:
- KTM 2025 990 Duke R: KTM Official Site
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Philip Platzer
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KTM’s 2025 Lineup: Power and Precision in Every Ride
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