The R we've been waiting for! KTM 990 Duke R with 130 hp incl. first short test!

[@astrostrotch]

If KTM stated "we have completely redesigned the top end oiling system and improved quality control of the cam lobe and finger follower hardening process" then I'd be off to the dealer like a shot. To be fair though, ive had no problems with my '21 890R in 9000 miles. It's the most exciting bike I've ever owned. KTM will know exactly what is causing the failures, just wish they would come clean.

[@rgthomson1]

The name punisher is not for the bike its for your wallet

[@GabenHood]

Keeps Taking Money

[@-M-power]

😂😂😂

[@theone5902]

cheese cams lol

[@Tenktory]

As a Duke 990 owner I don't get all these complains about brakes. They are really good.

[@Tontsa41]

I love my 890 duke r on track, but extra 10hp sounds sweet! I'll bet the handling is as sweet on 990r🤗

[@shaneboyington713]

I think this bike is FN awesome! This will defiantly be my next one.

[@sergiozury1]

Should be with other colors? Not sure about this ones

[@FrantzMaerten]

I agree

[@dizzicz]

Thx for the nice review. Premium price for a bike without QS and with camshaft issues... KTM ruined it for me, and I will only hope, that they will manage financial issues.

[@rgthomson1]

This model will not have the cam issues

[@garrickjones8644]

I take it when you refer to the 'old 990R' you mean the 890R?. I own an 890R (2022) and ride track days and otherwise give it heaps. Never had an issue of any type with the bike

[@tomasvicente3217]

Could you compare the handling to the 890 Duke R in your review, please? Because the 890 R had a short wheelbase and when KTM moved from the 890 to 990 platform, i thnk they made it longer

[@rogbar8747]

Absolutely love the looks on this bike, but really, for a premium price motorcycle, this really should have all the toys already switched on and available, all this add on cost, and reliability concerns, I think, will stop a lot of people buying this. Ktm bikes are the most exciting bikes currently on the market, but need to get the reliability issues sorted double quick.

[@cuzimaluzer777]

Finally, here it is

[@avrc9285]

i love my 890 duke r but we all know the issues and we all heard the stories. I have watched many videos on line with ppl complaining abt the company not supporting them or not admitting to the issues. I am not sure what is going on any more and if it is as bad as they say why was there no recall to start with... anyway i will not go into this in detail , i just do not understand how they willingly shoot themselves to the foot like that. To put it into perspective, usually when a new bike is out the interest is on the performance, the parts, the looks.. for ktm the number 1 question is "did they fix the issues", the last few years they managed to drive away more customers that they managed to gain since the 1st sdr was out.

[@HabitualFixation]

I personally like it. Good to see at least a few modes are standard now. Hope reliability is better though

[@wernerxldata]

Reliability isn't helped with constantly changing engine platforms.

[@Dr.AculaGraf]

Price?

[@gxtoast2221]

Interesting how there is not any comparisons with the real elephant in the room -- the Duke 890 R. Clearly, the 990 is more of a marketing shift to accommodate the addition of the Duke 790 in the Duke lineup. Are we also seeing a reduction in component value compared to the Duke 890 R?

[@roelfkromhout]

How much is the option for cams that'll last longer than a year or two?

[@fyorbane]

Yes ,but will it be reliable?

[@johannhans678]

no

[@commanderpilot7]

I guess so, I have 100,000km without any problems. (690 and 790)

[@peter_king]

For all the CAM ISSUE trolls who can't do their own research. Since 2020 KTM made changes to deal with the issue that sees less than 1% of bikes with 790 engines (and a small number of early 890 engines) suffer excessive wear of the cam lobes. Please don't trawl the comments feed of every KTM bike only to complain about something you might have heard about. If you've had an issue fair enough. Go see your dealer. KTM are now covering the cost of repairs. If you're here to parrot the rest of the internet crowing about chocolate cams or dodgy finger followers, please stop.

[@theone5902]

Its way more than 1%. Newer bikes have less issues yes. Most here got fixed under warranty. We do check every 790 or 890 that comes in for service now.

[@peter_king]

@@theone5902 Good plan. KTM have officially said it's more like 0.5% but I've also heard reports that it is higher than what they say.

[@theone5902]

@peter_king We see a lot of worried 790/890 owners that ask for checks and pictures when they bring in their bike for service. I would estimate that around 5% had these issues at first. Newer models its a bit less. The problem is, some early 2020 bikes still have the old parts because the bikes were made before. To be honest, every brand has or had issues with quality of the parts. But KTM had a few on other bikes that still haven't been fixed in like 16 years. Still really fun bikes to ride though. Should buy them with warranty or buy older ones if you know and like to work on bikes.

[@Ukmongoose3]

⁠@@theone5902It’s actually correct to say ‘fewer’ not less in this context. Just saying!

[@theone5902]

@Ukmongoose3 thanks, that's cool and all. I'm not a native English speaker so I didn't know that

[@wernerxldata]

Specs 9.5, looks 5... Wished they kept the designs more like the 890R / 1290R... aka previous models. Have been a ktm fan for a long time but I'll skip this one, can't stand the looks. Pricing of the current models is also a bit steep, combined with more technical issues than some competitors. Hope to see you back in a few years with better offers. The company behind it seems to have some though times financially, hope they get over it. While I don't like the current designs they at least have the balls to do stuff others don't.

[@KTMoto_pher]

WAIT , DONT BUY THIS YET YOU MIGHT REGRET NEXT YEAR KTM DUKE 990 RR IS COMING OUT. HAHAH

[@thomasperl1172]

Yep mein Bike WENN KTM die Insolvenz durchdrückt...

[@JohnnoandGuyTheDirectors]

Same power to weight ratio as a mid 90's Fireblade. 😏

[@commanderpilot7]

but with euro 5+😉

[@K-Mac_Racing_55]

I believe the front rotors are 300mm, not 320. And I believe the shock is directly mounted without a link. At least from what I can see and read.

[@steveman1982]

Okay, I do see 320mm on their website. And after careful side-by-side comparison of the 990 non-R and this new one, I do see a difference in the rear shock mount. It does look like there is an extra pivot point, indicating a linkage. Interesting!

[@radicalkonrad765]

great bikes shame they look like shit

[@peter_king]

Stick with your ggoorrggeeoouuss Triumph then

[@radicalkonrad765]

@peter_king I will but every other bike this category looks better too except the f900r and z900

[@peter_king]

@@radicalkonrad765 Agree, Kawasakis have never really done it for me either. I can see the front end especially is not 'beautiful' but the way KTM put the subframe together is smart and I personally think it looks ace 👍

[@radicalkonrad765]

@peter_king i will agree the subframe is nice. It's really the fuel tank and front end that kill it for me.