KTM 990 Duke 2025 Review

There are motorcycles that scream at you. And then there are those that whisper: "Come on, dare yourself." The KTM 990 Duke definitely falls into the latter categoryat least until you twist the throttle for the first time. Then that whisper turns into a war cry, carving a grin on your face that won't fade away. The first time I sat on this Austrian lightweight, I thought to myself: "This is madness. But it also makes perfect sense."

What immediately fascinated me was its outrageous lightness. 192 kilograms fully fueledthis is almost revolutionary in today's world. While other naked bikes are continually bulking up, KTM stays true to its DNA: low weight, top-notch handling, and maximum fun factor. But can this concept still convince in 2025, when 150 HP and more are offered at the same price?

The first encounter with the 990 Duke is like a first date with someone who is definitely not your typebut somehow is. Visually, it makes a bold statement, polarizing opinions. That angular front, those aggressive linesthis isn't a bike for harmony seekers. A 1000PS test rider put it perfectly: "It's so zippy, fresh, maybe a little rebellious." And that's exactly what makes the Duke.

Mounting it feels like getting on a wild terrier. The riding position is active, leaning forward, giving you excellent feedback from the front wheel through the handlebars. The tank widens at the top, providing the rider with a very direct connection to the bike. "You feel a bit more active, leaning forward," one colleague described this stance perfectly. It's not a relaxed cruiser position, but a fighting stanceready for anything the road has to offer.

Beneath the distinctive tank beats a 947 cc parallel-twin engine that delivers 123 HP and 103 Nm of torque. On paper, this might not sound revolutionary, but numbers can be deceiving. This engine has a soul and a personality that you feel the moment the starter spins for the first time.

"The engine is the only parallel-twin in the field," explains a 1000PS test rider, "and it has an incredibly lively character. It pulls vigorously from the bottom." And that's exactly it: This engine isn't a sterile power source but a living entity. It packs a punch at low revs and pulls consistently up to the redline. This isn't just a technical featureit's pure emotion on two wheels.

The gearing complements its lively character massively. In first gear, you can reach a maximum of 85 to 90 km/h at the limitersignificantly shorter than the competition. This makes the liveliness in first and second gear extremely noticeable and delivers the famous KTM grin factor.

The low weight of the 990 Duke isn't just a number on a spec sheetit's a riding experience. With its high center of gravity, the bike pops onto the rear wheel extremely quickly, which is a real thrill for those who enjoy a sporty and playful ride. "It's definitely a blast for anyone who wants a sporty and playful experience," confirms a test rider.

However, this playfulness also has its pitfalls. A 1000PS colleague warns: "If you start pulling on the handlebars recklessly, it quickly moves into an unstable direction." The Duke is less forgiving than its Japanese counterparts; it demands respect and riding skill. This is not a bike for the faint-hearted, but for riders seeking something special.

The WP APEX suspension on the Duke deserves special mention. It's firm, sporty, and provides the rider with constant feedback on the road conditions. Especially in tight corners and hairpin bends, the Duke shines. It's nimble, agile, and gives the rider the feeling of having full control at all times.

A particular highlight is the ABS system, which can be deactivated in stages. "You don't find that in direct comparison with the competition," notes a test rider. You can completely deactivate the ABS at the rear wheel, allowing you to shift all braking to the front wheel. This not only makes for extreme fun on the supermoto track but also shows that KTM is catering to riders who really want to push their bikes.

The braking system with twin 300-mm discs at the front generally works flawlessly, although our test bike did exhibit noticeable brake judderlikely due to the intensive track sessions during a previous test.

The electronic rider aids on the KTM are a major advantage! On one hand, they are high-quality and practical. On the other hand, they are also highly customizable. The configuration is logical and self-explanatory with icons and graphics. Compared to the systems of competitors, KTM ranks at the topif the full electronics package of the Duke 990 is purchased!

What surprises many: The 990 Duke is not just a toy for Sunday rides but is quite practical for everyday use. The ergonomics are more relaxed than expected, especially for taller riders. "Due to the relaxed ergonomics," the Duke is also suitable for longer tours, as one test rider confirms.

The 14.8-liter tank might seem small, but with a consumption of 4.7 liters per 100 kilometers, you can cover quite respectable distances. The seating position also allows for longer rides without causing back discomfort.

The KTM 990 Duke is not a motorcycle for everyone. It's rougher than its Japanese counterparts, more idiosyncratic in design, and more uncompromising in execution. But that's precisely what gives it its charm. In a world full of harmonious all-rounders, it's the wild companion that continuously surprises you.

A 1000PS test rider puts it perfectly: "This is an incredibly battle-ready bike, but others glide along much better."

Those who embrace this purist approach will find a motorcycle with a soul, a character, and a directness that has become rare today. The Duke doesn't do everything perfectly, but what it does, it does with an infectious passion.

In the 2025 naked bike comparison, the Arai Quantic was useda handcrafted helmet with a clear emphasis on safety. Its round, smooth shell is designed to better deflect energy during an angled impact, rather than transferring it directly to the head. The slightly wider helmet opening was particularly appreciated, allowing for easy donning and removal. Even on longer rides, it remained comfortable, thanks largely to its high-quality interior and excellent ventilation. The Quantic is certified with the latest ECE R22-06 approval. More information on the helmet here

KTM 990 Duke: Priced at €12,490 in Germany, €14,399 in Austria, and 12,490 CHF in Switzerland, the KTM sits solidly in the mid-range. Its strengths lie in its low weight, aggressive looks, and a characterful twin-cylinder engine. If you're looking for a responsive naked bike and can live with the available features, this one will make you happy. Check out the price comparison here

For our big Naked Bike Comparison 2025, we really hit the gas: Seven experienced 1000PS testers, including our racetrack expert Martin Bauer, scrutinize five of the hottest naked bikes without mercy. Instead of superficial impressions, we provide hard facts: Each motorcycle is systematically evaluated in many categories, weighed on our 1000PS scale, and thoroughly tested both on the road and at the Bad Fischau racetrack. The great thing about our test: Thanks to the diverse rider typesfrom daily commuters to racetrack prosyou get evaluations from all relevant perspectives. This is complemented by a detailed market price analysis and genuine community feedback from you, the 1000PS users. The result: The most comprehensive and honest naked bike comparison you'll find in 2025with everything you need for your purchasing decision. For over 20 years, we've been testing motorcycles at 1000PS with passion, precision, and market proximity. Our team is diverseeditors, video professionals, data analysts, YouTube experts, and true motorcycle industry connoisseurs work hand in hand to deliver well-founded content. Our editorial contributions are published in 16 languages and reach over 6 million motorcycle enthusiasts across Europe every month. What makes us particularly proud: Not only thousands of motorcyclists trust our voice, but also dealers and manufacturers. This trust is our strongest driveand that's exactly what we measure ourselves against every day.

The community is divided on the KTM 990 Duke: While the engine is considered a true highlight by many, impressing with character, torque, and sound, the pricing receives massive criticism. For numerous users, the price-performance ratio doesn't justify the offered featuresespecially compared to competing models like the MT-09 or Street Triple. The agile handling and high fun potential on country roads are positively highlighted, but a frequently mentioned criticism remains the sensitive matte finish and concerns about durability, particularly regarding the quickshifter and potential oil leaks. The design is highly polarizing: Some praise the distinctive look and aggressive lines, while for others, the front mask is a clear deal-breaker. Additionally, uncertainty about KTM's future raises skepticism. Nevertheless, those who embrace the concept find, according to many comments, a dynamic naked bike with high entertainment value.

The radical dynamics of the lightweight KTM Duke 990 push the Bridgestone S23 to its limits. Here, the tire fully exploits its excellent lateral grip and direct feedback to harness the KTM's aggressive power delivery. The Duke 990's state-of-the-art electronic aids, like the Advanced ABS and traction control, are crucial in this regard. They allow the S23's performance to be utilized safely and controlled, even at the absolute limit, making the riding experience on this uncompromising naked bike even more intense and manageable. More information on the tire here

The KTM 990 Duke is powered by a liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine with a displacement of 947 cc. The maximum power is rated at 123 HP, and the maximum torque is 103 Nm. The motorcycle features a 6-speed gearbox without a quickshifter as standard. The measured weight is 192 kg fully fueled, with a dry weight of 179 kg. The seat height is 825 mm. Up front, a WP APEX 43 upside-down fork is used, and a WP APEX monoshock supports the rear. The front braking system consists of two 300 mm discs with radial 4-piston calipers, and a 240 mm disc is fitted at the rear. The wheelbase is 1,476 mm, ground clearance is 195 mm, and the trail is 100 mm. The KTM rolls on 120/70ZR17 tires at the front and 180/55ZR17 at the rear. Electronically, the 990 Duke is supported by a Bosch EMS with ride-by-wire. Additional features include a 5-inch TFT display, LED lighting, X-ring chain, and a stainless steel muffler. The tank capacity is 14.8 liters, and the manufacturer claims a consumption of 4.7 l/100 km.