2026 KTM 990 Duke Specs & Review

The 2026 KTM 990 Duke is a hard-edged naked built for riders who want liter-bike attitude with middleweight agility. Its parallel-twin layout, quality WP suspension, and serious brakes make it equally at home commuting or carving back roads. This KTM 990 Duke review zeroes in on how the figures translate to real-world riding.

Key Specs at a Glance

• Engine type: 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, parallel twin
• Displacement: 947 cm³
• Power (claimed): 123 PS (~121 hp)
• Torque: 103 Nm (75.9 lb-ft)
• Weight: 179 kg (394.6 lb) without fuel; 190 kg wet
• Seat height: 825 mm (32.4 in)

Engine & Performance

On paper, the 2026 KTM 990 Duke specs are impressive: a 947 cm³ parallel twin delivering 123 PS (~121 hp) and 103 Nm (75.9 lb-ft). In practice, that means assertive roll-on in higher gears and easy thrust out of tight corners without needing to chase the redline. The strong torque figure is key here—103 Nm makes urban riding effortless, allowing short-shifting and relaxed throttle openings while still moving briskly through traffic.

The Bosch EMS with RBW (ride-by-wire) tidies up throttle response, making the bike feel precise when threading city streets and predictable when you open it up on the highway. Liquid cooling with a water/oil heat exchanger helps the engine maintain consistent performance in stop-and-go conditions or spirited weekend rides. A 6-speed transmission puts the power to the ground through a 520 X-Ring chain, and the stainless steel primary and secondary silencer keep weight centralized while delivering a purposeful note without excess bulk.

If your fun riding involves tight switchbacks, late braking, and sharp exits, the 990 Duke’s output suits the mission. The power-to-grip balance with the stock tires encourages confident drives off the apex while the torque lets you choose a gear and focus on your line.

Handling, Comfort & KTM 990 Duke Seat Height

The chassis builds confidence. A Chromium-Molybdenum-Steel frame uses the engine as a stressed element for rigidity without heft, paired to an aluminium, powder-coated rear subframe. Geometry hits the sweet spot for agility and stability: a wheelbase of 1476 ± 15 mm, a 65.8° steering head angle, and 100 mm of trail. Ground clearance is a generous 195 mm (7.7 in), helping with aggressive lean angles and real-world bumps.

Suspension is quality kit: a WP APEX 43 open-cartridge USD fork with 140 mm (5.5 in) of travel and a WP APEX monoshock out back offering 150 mm (5.9 in). This setup reads the road well and offers enough support for enthusiastic riding without beating you up during the daily slog.

The KTM 990 Duke seat height is 825 mm (32.4 in). That puts you in a neutral, slightly forward-leaning stance—comfortable for daily use yet poised for sporty riding. Shorter riders will appreciate the narrow midsection that helps reach the ground, while taller riders get enough room to move around. The KTM 990 Duke weight also plays into low-speed ease: 179 kg (without fuel) keeps the bike feeling light on its feet in parking lots, while the 190 kg wet figure remains manageable when fully fueled.

Rubber matters, and KTM picked well: Bridgestone S22 tires in 120/70 R17 front and 180/55 R17 rear give quick warm-up and strong edge grip. Cast aluminium wheels (front 3.5 x 17, rear 5.5 x 17) keep unsprung mass in check, aiding response and feedback when you flick the bike side-to-side.

Equipment & Features

Braking components are serious for a streetfighter: up front, 2x radially mounted 4-piston calipers bite 300 mm discs; out back a single-piston floating caliper clamps a 240 mm disc. Combined with the S22s, the setup yields strong initial bite and consistent stopping power for spirited use.

Other noteworthy hardware includes:

• EMS: Bosch EMS with RBW
• Cooling: Liquid cooled with water/oil heat exchanger
• Frame: Chromium-Molybdenum-Steel, engine as stressed element, powder coated
• Rear subframe: Aluminium, powder-coated
• Silencer: Stainless steel primary and secondary silencer
• Chain: 520 X-Ring
• Tank capacity (approx.): 14.8 l (3.9 US gal)
• CO2 emissions: 110 g/km
• Wheels: Cast aluminium; front 3.5 x 17, rear 5.5 x 17

Nothing here is superfluous; it’s purpose-built for fast road riding and daily reliability.

Who Is the 2026 KTM 990 Duke For?

Experienced riders will get the most out of the 990 Duke’s torque-rich twin, responsive chassis, and stout brakes. As a daily, it’s practical enough with a cooperative engine and manageable mass. As a weekend tool, it begs to be hustled—from canyons to occasional track days—thanks to the suspension support and tire choice.

Confident newer riders could grow into it, but its punchy torque and 825 mm seat height make it better suited to those with some seat time. Commuters who crave excitement after work, and sport riders who value agility over outright top-end theatrics, will feel right at home.

Torquepedia Verdict

The 2026 KTM 990 Duke nails the brief: sharp chassis, strong midrange, and real brakes. The numbers are honest—123 PS (~121 hp), 103 Nm, and a KTM 990 Duke weight that stays in check—so the ride feels lively without crossing into unwieldy. WP APEX suspension and Bridgestone S22s cement it as a rider’s bike that rewards commitment.

Potential drawbacks? The 825 mm seat height can be tall for shorter inseams, and the 14.8 l (3.9 US gal) tank means you’ll plan fuel stops based on your right wrist. But taken as a whole, the 2026 KTM 990 Duke specs make it a standout pick in the naked category for riders who want real-world pace and precision without unnecessary fluff.

FAQ

• Is the 2026 KTM 990 Duke good for beginners?

  • It’s manageable but best for confident riders. The 103 Nm torque and 825 mm seat height are more comfortable for those with some experience.

• What is the seat height of the 2026 KTM 990 Duke?

  • The KTM 990 Duke seat height is 825 mm (32.4 in).

• How heavy is the 2026 KTM 990 Duke?

  • The KTM 990 Duke weight is 179 kg (394.6 lb) without fuel and 190 kg wet.

• What are the key 2026 KTM 990 Duke specs?

  • 947 cm³ parallel twin; Power (claimed): 123 PS (~121 hp); Torque: 103 Nm (75.9 lb-ft); 6-speed transmission; WP APEX 43 USD fork (140 mm) and WP APEX monoshock (150 mm); front brakes with 2x radially mounted 4-piston calipers and 300 mm discs; 240 mm rear disc; wheelbase 1476 ± 15 mm; ground clearance 195 mm; tank capacity 14.8 l (3.9 US gal).