2024 KTM Duke 990 First Ride - Cycle News

We ride the all-new 2024 KTM Duke 990 at the global launch. See the full test here - magazine.cycle...
-
🚨Read Cycle News Magazine: www.cyclenews....
🚨Facebook: / cyclenews
🚨Instagram: / cyclenews
-
#KTM #990Duke #CycleNews
*Professional rider on closed course.

[@otlndsh]

I don't think people realize quite yet how astronomically absurd the price for this KTM bike is compared to some excellent competitors like the new MT-09SP or Triumph tripples. Once you stop and think for a minute, it makes zero sense. Soon I'll test ride the 990. But when I first put a leg over it, I was not impressed with the cheap feel with basically everything. The switch gear felt loose and rubbery with zero feedback even without gloves, the passenger pegs also didn't feel quality. Another concern is the lighting on the rear. BMW is also going in the direction with integrated brake lights into the turn signals on some of its bikes and these lights aren't bright enough at all as you can see in the video. I really think KTM is trolling their customers with the price of this machine. PS: Before anyone calls me a KTM hater, I own a KTM and am generally a fan.

[@handendaer]

Some do, but indeed more doesnt. But its like audiophiles, say its "amazing" and "increased" something then put an comical price on it and they cant make Them Quick enough for demand. People wants to be scammed and harassed, violated, just to feel better later. Its like Stockholms syndrome and its also called trauma reliving. And blackrock sure knows it. Any study on human and animal brain u can think of-theyve made 100('s of) years ago. How else u think iPhone is what it is. Show other u can afford it, even if u cant. But in reality u can but ur labor and hard work is getting duped. Why u volentarily pay for breath out (in)..along with everything else uve already paid for and made. But hey, lets vote on it as if that actually would make a difference.

[@Africatwinrider1]

#mtcfailure

[@tomtraynor5384]

For what it's worth--the original 990 Super Duke was $14,000 in 2008. Nobody really squawked . I rode my first bike, a Ducati Monster S4 into the dealership--trried it and rode a 990SD out. But then again--O'm on Ducatis (for now) so price of KTMs seem cheap! :)

[@devongreshler9080]

Where I live, all the KTM's go 2-3k off at end of year.

[@Africatwinrider1]

@@devongreshler9080 and also per year

[@SuperSneakySniper]

"Mini Superduke" is a great way to describe this bike! Coming from an 890 and 1290 owner, id love the 990.

[@mitsuninja]

I've never ridden an 890, but I am a gen 2 1290 owner now. The 990 really looks like it'll be the best of both worlds!

[@bubba9r]

The big question is, did they do away with all the leaky points of the motor from the 890? So many points leak on that motor .

[@cyclenews]

Too early to tell...

[@hughdunklee3365]

Thanks for the usual xlnt insights and feedback on the latest and greatest motos coming out. I’ve worked my way down the weight/hp ladder to a 690smc-r and I Just missed out on lightly pre-loved ex-Fillmore rc390 w/ 300ssp kit, not that I should (probably?) even be thinking about trying to re-live the AHRMA glory days….

[@Braselton21]

I'm surprised KTM haven't made a RC690 to compete with the R7 - 660 - 650R - Ninja 650

[@chrissunde1104]

Good looking bike, except for the headlights treatment. I'm not sure if even a mother could love that face.

[@cyclenews]

Yeah it's pretty rough, especially when you consider how petit the 890's was.

[@theCycleReport]

How is this bike compared to the old 990sd (like the 08-12 era)? I realize that the newer parallel twins can match the hp of older bikes but does this 990 have the same low/mid grunt as the old lc8? I used to have a 990 SMT and sod the peak hp, the wall of tq everywhere is where it was at - has the new 990 parallel twin finally "caught up" to the grunt of the old V-Twin?

[@cyclenews]

I won't be popular for saying this, but I hated the old 990 Super Dukes. They had terrible fueling, the torque hit was just too much from a closed throttle and the suspension was far too harsh. The new bikes are better in every conceivable metric but there are those who will still long for the old one. The new bikes have the torque but deliver it in such a nicer fashion. But they don't have the attitude of the old one.

[@theCycleReport]

Fantastic reply thank you. I dont need it to be AS savage but like hearing it's not soft down low-mid. I can welcome a smoother delivery as long as it still has that low down tq and not gutless before the tach is halfway up or higher. Fwiw I find that many people who reviewed the old 990 bikes noted the snatchy hair trigger throttle - which is true but after a few weeks as an owner, I got used to it and loved it. Thanks so much for the reply.

[@ukaszKokoszkiewicz]

990 looks awesome and I'm certain that it performs as good as it looks but... this price. In Poland you can get Triumph Street Triple RS for 2500USD cheaper or full OHLINS and Brembo Ducati Monster SP or BMW S1000R in basic trim. Price doesn't adds up :/

[@cyclenews]

Good point. A S 1000 R BMW is one hell of a bike and if it's the same price as this, that's an easy decision.

[@oldhead_]

Sincerely appreciate you showing how you look sitting on this bike..at 6’ I was wondering if I’d look like the classic bear in a tricycle..haha clearly you fit fine so thanks again!

[@cyclenews]

You got it!

[@oldhead_]

@@cyclenews I’m 245lb..do you mind telling me ballpark your weight?

[@cyclenews]

@@oldhead_ In leathers I'm 205lb

[@oldhead_]

@@cyclenews I gotta hit the gym!

[@dukie1616]

Hey Ronnie I have a question for you. By the way thank you for your time and your videos. Ok, in your opinion how would this affect the potential resale of a very low mileage, well-maintained 2020 890R with this new updated model now lurking about? Also in your opinion does the old 890R’s Brembo MCS master cylinder and Stylema break calipers mean much in a resale scenario with this amazing 990 sitting in your nearest KTM showroom floor? Anyway I’m sure eventually an R model will come out with upgraded nibs and bobs. Again thank you for this video. Oh yeah, really enjoyed your Isle of Man series, and of course your Pikes Peak run was f’n amazing! Hope to see more of your racing endeavors. Thank you

[@cyclenews]

Thanks for this and sorry for the late reply. Sadly, I think only those that know what they are looking at (and let's face it, not many do) will take much notice of the master-cylinder and Stylema's, so I wouldn't expect them to have a bearing on resale value. I would hope for a 990 R but the price will certainly be up there. Honestly, a well maintained 890 R is more than a match for the 990 in most situations. Yes, I love this 990, it's a sensational piece of kit when tested in isolation, but the 890 R is one of my all-time favorite bikes for street riding, and it's slimmer and more nimble the the 990. It's more hooligan than the 990, the 990 is like a mini Super Duke.

[@SonriseSunset]

Interesting, the original 890 was 847cc, no? I thought the new 990 weighed in at like 425lbs wet? Or there abouts.

[@Maoshung]

Outside of the substantial price difference I’m trying to decide on which bike to get. The 1390 Evo are or this new Duke 990. I know there’s a massive difference as well as price difference what about the seating position and comfort?

[@Cthooligan]

The single sided swingarm is the biggest difference outside of engine output. Sadly neither bike has semi-active suspension. Rumor has it the 990 is getting an Evo variant next year. 🤞

[@tubejorrit]

@@Cthooligan the 1390 evo's suspension is semi active

[@Cthooligan]

@@tubejorrit I'm aware. It would be nice to see it trickle down for an EVO 990

[@natenobrakes6292]

I’m not sure I would upgrade my 690R for the 990 to be honest. If I was after something closer to a Superduke, at the price KTM are asking for the 990, I would pay extra and get a Superduke.

[@hellraiserrec19]

That is a big jump in price though unless you get a used superduke.

[@vxe6vxe6]

Please please please KTM, put some sportbike bodywork on it! It might be the best thing since sliced bread and Viagra, I'll never own it!

[@cyclenews]

It's coming in 2025. We know this for a fact.

[@jamesonpace726]

Just like a Miata with a supercharged 6.2 stuffed under the hood....

[@cyclenews]

Good way of putting it.

[@kennedyracing7527]

Nice review but it’s another Ktm made in China

[@johnhanser4141]

These are made in Austria

[@cyclenews]

These are made in Austria. The largest capacity KTM made in China is the 790 Duke and 790 Adventure.

[@kennedyracing7527]

They just laid off 300 production jobs and all but 1390 will be by CF Moto

[@helgejohan3604]

@@kennedyracing7527not so great 😩👎

[@cHernandez6449]

@@johnhanser4141made in Austria by African immigrants

[@abymathew295]

Why dont KTM just roll out a Duke with just ABS and TC only..who on earth need all these electronic gimmicks. ..🤕🤕🤕🤕🤕

[@Africatwinrider1]

The engineering dept and the marketing dept know the masses are easily brainwashed

[@thomasbiancuzzo9889]

What bullshit the real 990 r is the one to own Ktm is going down must be made in Twain Not more then 109 made it to the USA no fake ride modes nothing but the rider When men were men F KTM I’m done

[@cyclenews]

Fair enough. Peace! Oh, and BTW, this bike is made in Austria. Not Twain (sic), China, or anywhere else. And if you don't like the rider modes, stick it in Track mode and switch off the TC and wheelie control.

[@Africatwinrider1]

Why pay for stuff you must switch off?

[@cyclenews]

You don't have to switch it off if you don't want to... @@Africatwinrider1

[@Africatwinrider1]

@@cyclenews don't want or need TC and ABS

[@cyclenews]

Good on you.@@Africatwinrider1

[@handendaer]

It even has led Light.. Sad The company is owned by criminals..