2024 KTM Duke 990 looks sharper, revival after 10 years of discontinuation
2024 KTM Duke 990 looks ready to hit the showrooms, spotted testing with minimal camouflage. A decade has passed since KTM discontinued the Duke 990, leaving fans eagerly anticipating its successor.
Speculation about a new Duke 990 has been buzzing with recent evidence hinting at KTM’s development of this much awaited model. In January 2023, LC8s engine drawings surfaced from China. Now, interesting spy photos have emerged offering a clear glimpse of what appears to be the prototype of the upcoming KTM Duke 990.
The spy photos of the KTM Duke 990 test mule reveal a sharper design in a black and white colour scheme with subtle touches of KTM signature orange. The front fork and soft panniers at the rear sport vibrant orange accents. One of the most notable differences visible in the spy shots is the front headlight and cowling.
Unlike the 2023 Duke 890 R’s large centralised headlight unit, the Duke 990 prototype features a sleek, angular design surrounding a smaller LED headlight. Despite its size, the LED light looks very bright, that is evident even on sunny days.
The test mule showcases various design revisions, with a distinct swingarm different from the existing Duke 890 R’s model. KTM has continued its tradition of sharp and angular styling but the Duke 990 brings a slight change in design direction to the naked bike styling.
We have no clue about the exact specification yet. The previous generation KTM Duke 990 was powered by a 999cc V-twin engine producing 120 PS. The new gen model is expected to come with an engine producing around 150 PS and 100 Nm of torque.
It is likely to be revealed at the EICMA 2023 show in November. The bike will go on sale in the international markets by 2024 competing with the Ducati Streetfighter V2 and MV Agusta Brutale 800 RR. We don’t expect KTM to launch this bike in India anytime soon.
