EICMA: 2024 KTM 990 Duke

Almost two decades after the release of the original V-twin-powered KTM 990 Super Duke, the Austrian company has unveiled a new 2024 KTM 990 Duke, which is due to hit Australian dealerships in April next year.

Powered by a 947cc version of the firm’s parallel-twin LC8c engine, which started life as the 799cc ‘790’ engine in 2017 before evolving into the 889cc ‘890’ in 2020, the ‘990’ is capable of 125hp (91.7kW) at 9500rpm and 103Nm of torque at 6750rpm.

The engine is mounted in a tubular-steel chassis with a die-cast aluminium subframe, while KTM’s own WP looks after the suspension in the form of a 43mm APEX fork offering compression and rebound adjustability, with an Apex monoshock, with preload and rebound adjustment, looking after the rear.

Braking is by of a pair of radial-mount four-piston calipers biting a pair of 300mm discs, and KTM says both unsprung weight and rotating mass have been reduced significantly thanks to thinner discs on lighter mounts.

In terms of electronics, the KTM 990 Duke gets three selectable ride modes (Rain, Street and Sport) as standard fitment, with two others (Performance and Track) available as optional extras. There’s a full-colour five-inch TFT display, complete with a USB-C charging port.

The newcomer features a 14.5L tank and an 825mm seat height, while the whole shebang weighs in at 197kg (wet). For context, both the 890 and 790 Dukes tipped the scales at 189kg (wet).

As 2024 marks the 30th anniversary of the release of the original 1994 KTM 620 Duke, the 990 will be available in two retro-inspired colour schemes: Electronic Orange or Black Metallic. Pricing will be announced closer to the April 2024 release date.