2024 KTM 990 Duke - Size Matters

[@Mtthwpez]

After all the issues with the 790/890 engines and KTM's inability to take ownership of it, I very much doubt I could buy any version of this engine going forward.

[@gpzfan5272]

💯 Especially when you consider the premium they charge. More expensive than any Japanese rival, more expensive than a 765RS and Ducati Monster. They position themselves at the top end of the market, but haven’t realised they aren’t a premium brand. Honestly, the Chinese bikes coming through are better than many KTM models.

[@j.t.5826]

Totally agreed. I would have love to own a ktm since I already have a 701 husky. But now forget them. Bmw owns up to their mistakes.

[@daimonmt]

For a cheaper price here in Japan, I got the Yamaha MT09 SP, i am also confident that it will be more reliable, parts are cheaper and the company will not go bankrupt anytime soon.

[@daveo9844]

Got 2 1290’s. They’re awesome 💪🏼

[@daimonmt]

@@daveo9844 I got a 1290 SDGT but been through the gremlins with failures, when it works it's a great bike, but when it doesn't, it's a pain and expensive parts. Engine is amazing, software and electrics are sketchy as hell

[@ulaskvlcm]

I used to ride 890 Duke R; it was so nimble and agile. I’m waiting for the 990 R with more power and Brembo’s as well.

[@lh5943]

I have the 2023 890r and it has Brembo 320mm front disks

[@Qbasz007]

Maaan I wish KTM would put more effort into their QC

[@TheJWC56RSA]

For sure!!

[@CAJLAMB]

In less than one generation (maybe 20 years?) this bike has grown from 690 to 990 cc yet is still being referred to as a middle-weight! I've owned a 790 Duke for 5 years for my 40km daily commute - it's been a great bike.

[@stevesane800]

Great review Scott. I love it when you laugh when you're on the gas! Its a sign of your enjoyment & enthusiasm. Dont ever part without it, no matter what. As your hot summer comes to a close, ours just begins. Im deeply concerned with KTM. They certainly got hammered with their cam issues that easily could have been resolved to build upon brand respect. It would be great to see you testing Chinese brands from a cost perspective. Value for money ratio to established brands. Cheers

[@delk5024]

Keen to see a MT09-SP vs the KTM 990 video

[@rhemyis]

"Lamb chop rides" did a good comparison between them.

[@davidherringgo]

Thanks for this review. Should be getting a Demo ride next month at BMW Motorrad Festival in Alabama. Bike looks great . Parallel twins are fine with me . Brakes on my Gen.1 Super Duke R are 👍. But like you said they are Brembos. Must rain alot there to be so green.. Beautiful little villages in 🇩🇪

[@thomasperl1172]

Thanks for the vid i will buy the 990R Version, greets from Austira !

[@AMPJ08]

Thanks for your review. I also tested the MT-09 recently and will do this one soon this week. My motivation is to get a feel for what will the r9 and 990 rcr will bring in terms of engine and a little on the weight and chasis. To see which one I wait for for a track day use for having fun. I do have a bigger one too.

[@pistolpete6321]

Excellent review!

[@gnmurray5955]

When a company refuses to acknowledge and fix an obviously inherent fault in an engine range, that shows a deepseated dishonesty and lack of customer care within the company. Anybody that buys any KTM now is is asking for trouble. A company without ethics...

[@MV-XD2]

I wonder if the 990 adventure will see a bit of a renaissance for KTM after the hoo-hah with the 890 engine? The downside of 790/890/990 is an ever spiralling price but that’s emissions regs for you!

[@chadgruver4423]

Kind of hard to watch a KTM review these days given their handling of quality issues. I've had a friend lemon law one here in California. There's just story after story and KTM hasn't really stepped up and owned the issues.

[@glennmcgown5814]

Is the engine based on the 790/890 ? If so does it have the same oiling to the camshaft problems ?

[@kj385]

All the 990’s are made in Austria

[@glennmcgown5814]

Thank you

[@TheJWC56RSA]

@@kj385 I very much doubt it.....

[@kj385]

⁠@@TheJWC56RSAwell I don’t make them. But that info came directly from KTM.

[@NothingToProve]

yep

[@TheJWC56RSA]

So let us see if the "cheese" cams KTM used in the 790/890 will also be present here... KTM has hit itself with a plank regarding this issue and should be ashamed of themself for letting down thousands of these owners! There should have been a recall and they know it (yes I own a 2022 890R with a noisy engine with only 5200 km done... ) Run away from this - RUN!!! Buy something Japanese!

[@Snotroggel453]

Z900 with 60k kilometers, never had 1 issue 😂

[@florislok]

Just curious; does this changing gears without using the clutch effects the gearbox, after let’s say 10 years of daily use?

[@NothingToProve]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJq6pqKig756r6ssi=VLBNB9klG9LCI_UI

[@slingyourhook7526]

If it was made in Europe it would be winner winner chicken dinner. But its not so I couldn't spend hard earned money on chinesium metal.

[@PatrickJWenzel]

Man I’ve been trying to make this point about Triumph and Harley as well. They all silently moved production to Thailand but kept legacy pricing. It’s a rip and a lie.

[@NothingToProve]

It's different from the 790/890, this is made in Austria - maybe they are trying to deal with the quality issues.

[@rhemyis]

You know what manufacturers say when we ask about the quality of their products made in a different country than home country: "don't worry, we take care that everything is made according to our quality control, the standards are the same no matter the factory, bla bla bla. For the way they reacted to the problems with the cams and other issues of the older models, I wouldn't buy from KTM even if it's made in Austria. Terrible and unacceptable customer support.

[@northernlefty5412]

​@NothingToProve Pierer is moving production of those bikes to India and China. Soon enough all their bikes will be made there. KTM is in big trouble

[@PatrickJWenzel]

@@rhemyis For what it’s worth I think the Thai’s make an exceptional product. I have a Japanese MT09 and my Wife has a Thai MT03. You can see where Yamaha has saved money but that’s translated into an affordable price point. Companies like Triumph and Harley are are following the Louis Vuitton handbag model of capitalising on legacy imagery and connection. It’s corporate deception and many KZbinr reviewers are straight up guilty of perpetuating the lie by simply not mentioning where these bikes are being made. Probably very frustrating for companies like Royal Enfield who have a glass ceiling on pricing due to Western perception.

[@stephenclarke6114]

Nothing special about the looks non R version for £14000 pounds with the tech pack in the UK and what's going on with KTM reliability no thanks

[@TheJWC56RSA]

Agreed! Way too pricey for questionable reliability which affects re-sale value...

[@MandelloUK]

Reliability issues + quality problems = avoid

[@kevinfarmer7896]

I own a '19 790 Duke, and have put on 20000 miles on it. The engine is ultra smooth and likes to rev out. How does the 990 compare to the 790 in terms of smoothness and high revving?

[@NothingToProve]

Yes, likes to Rev & this is just a little more smooth & overall less vibration, so you'd love it 👍

[@xmetalgearx]

Does the radiator fan blow towards your legs? because 890 radiator fan really burns my legs while waiting for redlights.

[@NothingToProve]

yep

[@xmetalgearx]

@@NothingToProve thanks

[@kj385]

Try wearing pants 😅

[@Ridingnz46]

I have a 1290 and I like the excess

[@OldGuyRidin]

What's your helmet setup? Camera, mic, settings, etc... Thanks

[@markhenry192]

Not want much do you 😂!

[@OldGuyRidin]

@markhenry192 Just curious. I don't detect any wind noise in your audio. Could be a good video for you.

[@markhenry192]

@@OldGuyRidin You could be right, if I knew what you meant!

[@OldGuyRidin]

@markhenry192 If you motovlog, you use an action camera for the video and some type of microphone for the audio. There are certain settings on your camera that give you better sounding audio if you use an external mic that plugs into a camera port. Or, you have a wireless mic which also has settings to give your cleaner, crisper audio.

[@markhenry192]

@@OldGuyRidin Thanks for that. Not a hobby I know much about.

[@MrRGM10]

Hey man you think this is a better bike do it all. Compare to 1390?

[@NothingToProve]

Yes, simply because it is less bike and in some situations less is better and more is not.

[@Ferbeldeyberb]

It’s quite an ugly bike. I’d be too worried about the chocolate camshafts as well.

[@iancraig6070]

Its a KTM,be worried be very worried.

[@Joshuadalewillis]

It’s too much fun to ride, makes you wanna rip

[@markhenry192]

Dam tree huggers😂

[@benkelly2190]

Nice bike.. I like a KTM,! Current state of affairs, means I wouldn’t buy one for now.

[@northernlefty5412]

Hard pass with the camshaft issue. These bikes are gonna bankrupt KTM

[@TheOliveradams]

The real numbers are to compared to the 890R , and I think the 2024 Duke 990 will be a loser because you only have 2 more horses and 4NM off torque , the only winner will be a 990R with at least 130Hp and 110NM torque and I'm waiting for that , as a Duke 890R 2023 owner I don't see anything to buy a 990 . And I still have my 2015 Superduke (witch is a pain in the ass to put alway's on every ride the T.C. off ...)

[@jackmavro3671]

I personally find nothing good looking on the bike. The Yamaha is way better looking

[@MPjustaman]

Nah...I'll keep my 765 Trump.

[@gpzfan5272]

KTM sucks

[@markhenry192]

Yeah!!😂