The 790 Duke and 890 Duke, the 990 version inherits the strengths of its juniors such as lightness and “sharp” performance and receives many changes to accommodate the larger engine, including a new frame, swingarm. new, and electronic technology.
Bigger is better. Following that motto, KTM has just added to its Duke line another bike with a larger engine capacity: 990 Duke. Based on the platform of the 790 Duke and 890 Duke, the 990 version inherits the strengths of its juniors such as lightness and “sharp” performance and receives many changes to suit the larger engine, including Features a new frame, new grips, and electronic technology. The 990 Duke also has a new look, which KTM describes as having “larger proportions”.
“Sharper” is always the word that KTM uses when launching new Duke models and with the 990 Duke. KTM says that this mid-range naked model is “the lightest, sharpest, highest performance ever produced at KTM’s main factory.”
Engine and electronics of the 990 Duke
990 Duke, the 947cc parallel twin cylinder engine on the 990 Duke, according to KTM, is the most compact twin engine in the mid-range naked segment. The engine has a capacity of 123 horsepower and 103 Nm of torque. Better camshaft profiles and longer valve opening times improve steering feel due to increased rotating mass. The stainless steel exhaust is also completely new.
990 Duke frame set
KTM has redesigned the steel frame for the 990 Duke, making it stiffer to get more feedback when riding. Specifically, longitudinal stiffness increased by 8% and torsional stiffness increased by 5%. To increase stability, the gripper is placed inside the gripper core area. Surprisingly, the grip stiffness is reduced by 35% to increase grip and absorb shock from the road surface. The grip is also 1.5 kg lighter thanks to new gravity casting technology.
Style 990 Duke
The design of the 990 Duke is “sharper” with angular cuts running throughout the car. The KTM design philosophy has always been the same: the “sharper” the cut, the more beautiful and sharp it is. The philosophy is further demonstrated by the new LED headlight. The fuel tank has a capacity of 15 liters, the upright sitting position is still maintained like on other Dukes, but KTM has adjusted the saddle so that the runner leans forward a bit. The rear seat is also raised 2cm so that the back seater can see the front better. The handlebars can be adjusted with 4 positions.