2026 KTM 990 Duke R Specs & Review

The 2026 KTM 990 Duke R is a hardcore naked built for riders who value agility, precision, and high-spec hardware straight from the factory. If you’re weighing up the best middleweight streetfighters, the 2026 KTM 990 Duke R specs point to a razor-sharp package with serious intent. In this KTM 990 Duke R review, we translate the numbers into real-world riding.

Key Specs at a Glance

• Engine type: 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, DOHC parallel twin (EURO 5+)
• Displacement: 947 cc
• Power: 130 PS (≈128 hp)
• Torque: 103 Nm / 76.0 lb-ft
• Wet weight: 190 kg
• Seat height: 840 mm

Engine & Performance

At the heart of the 990 Duke R is a 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, DOHC parallel twin that’s liquid cooled with a water/oil heat exchanger. Bosch EMS with RBW (ride-by-wire) delivers precise fueling and crisp throttle response, while the stainless steel primary and secondary silencer manage gases efficiently and keep the soundtrack purposeful without being intrusive. Homologation sits at EURO 5+, and CO2 emissions are rated at 110 g/km, so it’s punchy yet compliant.

On paper, 130 PS (≈128 hp) and 103 Nm / 76.0 lb-ft are exactly what you want in a naked aimed at spirited street and canyon riding. In the city, the wide, usable torque helps you short-shift and slice through traffic without wringing it out. On the highway, the 6-speed transmission provides the flexibility to cruise cleanly or drop a gear for rapid passes. When the road opens up, those figures translate into authoritative drive off corners and a strong pull through the midrange to the top, all smoothed by the RBW system.

Handling, Comfort & KTM 990 Duke R Seat Height

The chassis recipe is pure performance: a Chromium‑Molybdenum‑Steel frame that uses the engine as a stressed element, backed by WP suspension and sticky Michelin rubber. Up front, the WP APEX 48 fork is fully adjustable, giving riders the ability to dial in support for city comfort or track-tight control. The rear WP APEX shock offers HS/LS compression, rebound, and preload adjustability. Suspension travel is 143 mm front and 140 mm rear, striking a balance between feedback and compliance.

Geometry numbers underline the intent: a 65.9° steering head angle, 100 mm of trail, and a 1481 mm (±15 mm) wheelbase. Combined with cast aluminium wheels (3.5×17 front; 5.5×17 rear) and Michelin Power Cup 2 tires (120/70 R17 front, 180/55 R17 rear), you get sharp turn-in with reassuring mid-corner stability. Ground clearance sits at 210 mm, helpful for aggressive lean angles and imperfect road surfaces alike.

The KTM 990 Duke R seat height is 840 mm. Taller riders will appreciate the commanding stance, while shorter riders should test it in person to confirm reach and low-speed comfort. The KTM 990 Duke R weight is listed at 190 kg wet (179 kg without fuel), which, paired with the compact geometry, helps keep the bike nimble in U-turns and parking-lot maneuvers while still feeling planted at speed.

Equipment & Features

Braking is top-tier: radially mounted 4‑piston calipers (Brembo Stylema) clamp 320 mm front discs, controlled by a Brembo MCS master cylinder. Out back, a single‑piston floating caliper bites a 240 mm disc, offering easy modulation and strong bite. The Bosch EMS with RBW underpins throttle accuracy, and a 520 X‑Ring chain handles final drive duties. Fuel capacity is 14.8 L, and wheels are cast aluminium for durability and reduced unsprung mass.

Additional details enthusiasts will care about:

• Homologation: EURO 5+
• CO2 emissions: 110 g/km
• Silencer: Stainless steel primary and secondary silencer
• Production timing (official): Main production starts Late Fall 2025
• MSRP (Austria, incl. VAT): 16,399 EUR (+ €300 delivery)

Who Is the 2026 KTM 990 Duke R For?

This bike targets experienced riders who want razor-like chassis feedback, premium suspension/brakes, and a visceral twin-cylinder character. It suits daily commuting thanks to the tractable torque and 6-speed transmission, but it really shines on weekend twisties and track days where its adjustability and Michelin Power Cup 2 tires can be fully leveraged. Newer riders may find the power, 840 mm seat height, and assertive geometry demanding as a first big bike.

Torquepedia Verdict

If you’re benchmarking middleweight performance nakeds, the 2026 KTM 990 Duke R specs deliver exactly what matters: a responsive parallel twin with 130 PS (≈128 hp) and 103 Nm, premium WP APEX suspension with full adjustability, and Brembo Stylema stopping power. The chassis numbers and tire choice telegraph KTM’s intent—agility, precision, and consistency under hard riding.

Potential drawbacks? The 840 mm seat height may challenge shorter riders, and wind protection is minimal by naked-bike nature. But if you prefer a communicative, high-spec package that rewards deliberate inputs, the 990 Duke R stands out as a focused and thrilling option.

FAQ

• Is the 2026 KTM 990 Duke R good for beginners?

  • It’s better suited to experienced riders due to its 130 PS (≈128 hp), responsive chassis, and 840 mm seat height.

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

  • The KTM 990 Duke R seat height is 840 mm.

• How heavy is the 2026 KTM 990 Duke R?

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

• What are the power and torque figures?

  • Power is 130 PS (≈128 hp) and torque is 103 Nm / 76.0 lb-ft.

• When does production start and how much does it cost?

  • Main production starts Late Fall 2025. MSRP (Austria, incl. VAT) is 16,399 EUR (+ €300 delivery).