2025 KTM 990 Duke R Specs & Review

KTM’s 990 Duke R returns as a razor-edged naked built for riders who want big torque, sharp handling, and track-capable hardware in a street package. If you’re cross-shopping aggressive nakeds, the 2025 KTM 990 Duke R specs make a compelling case. In this KTM 990 Duke R review, we break down what matters.

Key Specs at a Glance

• Engine: 2-cylinder, liquid cooled with water/oil heat exchanger
• Displacement: 947 cm³ (57.8 in³)
• Power: 126 hp
• Torque: 103 Nm (75.9 lb-ft)
• Transmission: 6-speed
• Wet weight: 190 kg (418.9 lbs)
• Weight (without fuel): 179 kg (394.6 lbs)
• Seat height: 840 mm (33.1 in)

Engine & Performance

The 947 cm³ twin is the heart of the bike, delivering a stout 126 hp and 103 Nm (75.9 lb-ft) of torque. That combination promises eager acceleration off corners and an elastic midrange that makes city darting and highway passes equally effortless. For everyday riding, the broad torque helps you short-shift through the 6-speed gearbox and surf the midrange rather than wringing it out.

On spirited rides, the engine’s responsiveness is complemented by a liquid-cooling system with a water/oil heat exchanger to keep temps in check. Chain final drive is via a 520 X-Ring, a light and efficient setup that supports the Duke’s quick-revving, immediacy-on-throttle character.

Handling, Comfort & KTM 990 Duke R Seat Height

The KTM 990 Duke R seat height is 840 mm (33.1 in), which puts you in an assertive, commanding stance over the front. Taller riders will appreciate the legroom and perch height for visibility; shorter riders should test-sit, but the narrow, sporty ergonomics help when easing a foot down at stops.

Stability and agility come from a well-judged chassis recipe: a wheelbase of 1481 ± 15 mm (58.3 ± 0.6 in) and a steering head angle of 65.9°. Those numbers point to quick turn-in without sacrificing mid-corner calm. Ground clearance is a healthy 210 mm (8.3 in), helpful on imperfect roads and spirited cornering.

The KTM 990 Duke R weight (wet) is 190 kg (418.9 lbs), with a listed weight without fuel of 179 kg (394.6 lbs). That keeps low-speed maneuvering manageable while preserving the planted feel you want when the pace rises.

Equipment & Features

KTM fits serious suspenders: WP APEX 48 up front with 143 mm (5.6 in) of travel and a WP APEX PRO 7746 rear unit with 140 mm (5.5 in) of travel. This hardware gives the R excellent support under braking and drive while retaining compliance for real-world roads.

Braking is equally purposeful. Up front you get 2x radially mounted 4-piston calipers biting on 320 mm (12.6 in) brake discs, delivering confident stopping power and feel. The rear uses a single-piston floating caliper on a 240 mm (9.4 in) disc, ideal for mid-corner line trims and tight U-turns.

The frame is a Chromium-Molybdenum-Steel design that uses the engine as a stressed member, powder coated for durability and stiffness with minimal weight penalty. Cooling is liquid with a water/oil heat exchanger, and electrical storage comes from a 10 Ah battery. Driveline is sealed with a 520 X-Ring chain. Electronic rider aids aren’t specified in the provided data; the core hardware here is already track-grade.

Who Is the 2025 KTM 990 Duke R For?

This is a bike for experienced riders who want a focused, high-output naked that can commute during the week and tear up backroads or track days on weekends. The 126 hp and 840 mm seat height will likely be overkill for true novices, but intermediate-to-advanced riders will find the blend of torque, chassis precision, and braking performance very rewarding.

Torquepedia Verdict

As a package, the 990 Duke R nails the fundamentals: a strong 947 cm³ twin, real stopping power from radially mounted 4-piston calipers, and quality WP suspension with sensible travel for mixed-use roads. The geometry (65.9° steering head angle and 1481 ± 15 mm wheelbase) hints at a sweet spot between agility and composure.

Potential downsides depend on rider fit and expectations. The 840 mm seat height may challenge shorter inseams, and those looking for featherweight numbers should note the 190 kg wet figure. But if you value a stiff, communicative steel frame, robust brakes, and a torquey engine, the 2025 KTM 990 Duke R specs put it squarely in the fight at the sharp end of the naked class.

FAQ

• Is the 2025 KTM 990 Duke R good for beginners? With 126 hp and an 840 mm seat height, it’s better suited to experienced riders. Newer riders may prefer a lighter, less powerful platform to build skills.

• What is the seat height of the 2025 KTM 990 Duke R? The seat height is 840 mm (33.1 in).

• How heavy is the 2025 KTM 990 Duke R? Wet weight is 190 kg (418.9 lbs). Weight without fuel is 179 kg (394.6 lbs).

• What brakes does it have? Front: 2x radially mounted 4-piston calipers with a 320 mm disc diameter. Rear: single-piston floating caliper with a 240 mm disc.

• What are the power and torque figures? Power is 126 hp, and torque is 103 Nm (75.9 lb-ft).