KTM has a well-deserved status for making thrilling bare bikes which might be fashionable with bike fanatic. One in all MD’s all-time favorites is the 890 Duke we examined a couple of years in the past. We liked the engine efficiency, which supplied massive mid-range energy to catapult riders out of corners, and fast, intuitive dealing with. Driving that bike was a blast.
For 2024, KTM has a brand new platform to switch the 890. First up is a normal 990 Duke (we predict an R model might be coming shortly), that MD has had the chance to place quite a few miles on, and take to a observe day.
KTM factors out that the brand new 990 is, primarily, all new with over 90% of the components not discovered on the earlier 890. Right here is how KTM describes the 990 Duke highlights:
Two new colorways rejoice 30 years of DUKE.
New LC8c 947cc DOHC engine with PASC slipper clutch has been reworked in and out to ship much more asphalt-ripping energy from a compact construct.
New, wider radiator for improved cooling.
New ultralight tubular Chromium Molybdenum metal body with new swingarm pivot provides extra cornering stability.
New stainless-steel exhaust system gives centralized mass, nice sound, and tailored appears.
Solid aluminum subframe for weight financial savings homes the redesigned, excessive circulation airbox.
New swingarm is totally redesigned to be lighter whereas offering extra stability and luxury.
Selectable experience modes together with Sport, Road, Rain, and non-obligatory Observe and Efficiency modes for simple adjustments to engine and MTC character whereas non-obligatory Quickshifter+ allows clutchless up- and down-shifting.
New non-obligatory Observe mode gives 10-level adjustable traction management plus new lap time and telemetry options.
New 43 mm open-cartridge APEX forks by WP for glorious response and stability supply 5-step adjustability.
New high-quality, gas-assisted WP APEX shock now with 5-step adjustability to match the fork efficiency.
Highly effective brake system that includes twin 300 mm floating entrance discs with 4 piston radially mounted calipers.
New, lighter LED headlight and LED daytime operating lights with new Coming Residence mild function.
Multifunctional dashboard with full-color 5” TFT show is vivid and clear and options new pictograms.
Elective Motor Slip Regulation (MSR), Cruise Management, and KTMconnect for smartphone connectivity.
Though nonetheless a parallel twin, displacement has now been bumped to 947cc. KTM claims solely a pair further horsepower over the 890 R, however torque is up and broader in supply.
Claimed dry weight is simply 394 kilos, and the brand new wheels are lighter – borrowed from the 1290 Tremendous Duke.
KTM has accomplished one thing attention-grabbing with the suspension. Not like the bottom mannequin 890 Duke, the 990 Duke comes with adjustable forks. Each rebound and compression might be adjusted, however solely 5 clicks of adjustment. KTM says every click on has a a lot higher affect than prior adjustable models. The rear shock has spring preload adjustment and rebound adjustment (once more a five-click vary).
The usual selectable experience modes embody three choices – Sport, Road or Rain. Elective modes are Observe and Efficiency, and likewise non-obligatory is a fast shifter function. Within the Observe mode, the rider can choose from 10 ranges of traction management, in addition to a lap timer. All of those choices can be found for a trial interval of simply in need of 1,000 miles after which they should be bought out of your native vendor.
The brand new motor is housed in a wholly new body that’s stiffer than the body holding the 890. A brand new swingarm is definitely much less stiff to optimize traction and really feel. The brand new swingarm pivots from contained in the body rails of the principle body construction, slightly than outdoors as within the earlier 890.
The brand new 990 Duke gives snug ergonomics. Very upright within the attain to the bars, and a extra snug seat than we recall on some prior KTM road fashions. Footpeg placement permits cheap legroom whereas nonetheless offering respectable floor clearance whereas cornering. The rider has a direct view of the big 5″ TFT show that’s even simpler and extra intuitive to make use of than the same show discovered on the prior 890 Duke.
The brakes embody two 300mm entrance discs held by lighter carriers. 4–piston calipers seize the entrance discs.
We thought the 890 Duke had loads of energy for the road, and the 990 Duke merely provides a bit extra energy and torque. Pulling away from a cease reveals a linear energy supply that’s extraordinarily meaty from low RPM ranges, but revs out strongly on prime. As soon as once more, simply in regards to the excellent road motor.
Twisty roads reveal the actual motive you would possibly contemplate the brand new 990 Duke. The dealing with is solely phenomenal. Very mild and nimble flip in mixed with glorious stability. Mid-corner bumps don’t upset the chassis, and the bike tracks precisely the place the rider factors it.
You’re feeling like you possibly can’t miss your apex on this bike, as a result of the steering is so correct and intuitive. The cautious balancing KTM did with the body stiffness and the swingarm stiffness little doubt contributes to this, however the inventory suspension additionally strikes a wonderful steadiness between firmness, for sport using, and luxury.
The brakes work surprisingly nicely. This isn’t the flamboyant Brembo caliper set discovered on the 890 R, however the brakes supply a lot better energy and really feel than the outdated base mannequin 890.
Our take a look at bike not solely had the non-obligatory Efficiency and Observe modes, but in addition the Quickshifter+ system, which appeared to work higher than the quickshifter discovered on the outdated 890 Duke fashions. Typically, we had no drawback with the six-speed transmission, and kit spacing appeared applicable for the broad unfold of energy.
Certainly, most corners may very well be exited in a few completely different gears with out sacrificing thrust. Opening the throttle resulted in a clean transition from closed throttle, even within the Efficiency and Observe modes.
With the brand new, adjustable suspension and bigger displacement engine, the bottom mannequin 990 Duke, in lots of respects, gives the efficiency of the outdated 890 R. The brand new chassis (the brand new body and swingarm particularly) looks like a giant step ahead. Drawing on its street racing expertise on the World championship stage, KTM has discovered some actual magic enabling the outstanding dealing with this bike gives.
We did take the bike to a observe day, the place the identical correct steering stood out. At observe speeds, the suspension is simply too softly sprung, nevertheless, for a bigger, quicker rider, however that is to be anticipated with a motorbike that’s set as much as carry out comfortably at road speeds.
Though we can not fault the dealing with, we might have preferred just a little higher really feel and suggestions from the entrance tire contact patch. This didn’t maintain the bike again considerably, however it’s one thing we needed to notice.
The 2024 KTM 990 Duke is offered now in U.S. dealerships at an MSRP of $12,500. Check out KTM’s web site for added particulars and specs.
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