Remember, at the end of 2023, KTM is launching its 990 Duke with this motorcycle nicknamed “The Snipper“(sniper).”The all-new KTM 990 Duke is aimed directly at the coveted 1000 cc roadster segment (…). Lhe objective is simple: to design the medium-displacement Naked machine par excellence. Goal achieved: the 2024 KTM 990 Duke hits the target right in the middle“.
In fact, the cycle is not achieved as precisely as the Austrians boast: the 990 Duke is certainly a good motorcycle, well motorized and correctly suspended, but ours reveals weaknesses at high speed compared to the sharpest. Starting with the Triumph Street Triple RS and the Yamaha MT-09 SP, two motorcycles equipped with more rigorous components for a more accessible price: at 14,949 euros, the 990 Duke is really not cheap! KTM corrected the situation a year later with the 990 Duke R…
First improvement on this “R”: the addition of Stylema radial calipers, equipment present on the old 890 Duke R that KTM had replaced with J-Juan elements on the 990 Duke. This downgrade had also caused a torrent of indignation in the light of the significant rise in price of the “standard” 990. Message received in Austria: the master cylinder, too, now comes from Brembo!
5 more hp and sportier geometry
The 990 Duke R also receives as standard the new 8.80 inch (22 cm!) “XXL” format tablet with navigation and three driving modes (and a fourth customizable), while its angle-sensitive ABS includes the “Sport” and “Supermoto+” modes to deactivate the rear in particular. The adjustable anti-slip system is naturally renewed, as are the adjustable wheelie adjustment and the start assistant.
The 947 cc twin-in-line gains five horsepower to display 128 hp, while maintaining its torque of 103 Nm and its breakdown at 10,500 rpm. This mechanical gain combines with the loss of 2 kg to reach, according to KTM, 190 kg in running order. Everything will give even more pep to this Orange, already damn alive in the towers!
KTM has also revised the ergonomics towards a more engaged posture: the saddle and footrests are raised by 15 mm, just to gain 3° of inclination in curves. “The frame and swingarm have also been redesigned due to the link system at the rear,” specify the engineers.
What is the contract price for the 2025 Snipper?!
In addition, the 990 Duke R receives developments in terms of suspension: its WP shock absorber (KTM brand) incorporates “updates in line with the new link system“, which should give it better progressivity at high pace. Its travel reduced by 10 mm to 140 mm, while Michelin Power Cup 2 tires replace the Bridgestone S22s of the “all-court” 990 Duke.
It remains to be discovered the price of this 2025 novelty, which could chill more than a few: the standard 990 Duke flirting with the “15 K” mark, Moto-Net.Com fears that its R variant will climb dangerously beyond 17 000 euros… Stay tuned: Matt and Alex are going to Milan (Italy) to collect all the prices for the new 2025 products!
Galerie photo KTM 990 Duke R 2025
