The MAM Journals- 990 Duke - Perceptions Changed?

[@יוסירובינשטיין-י4צ]

so glad i found you, such a pleasent, indepth and informative way of making a review... feels like a breath of fresh air. thank you sir. hope you get the exposure i think you deserve with this channel

[@michaelmam]

@@יוסירובינשטיין-י4צ Thank you . I suspect that the videos are too in depth (or just long) for many but I have tried to make videos I would want to watch if I was thinking about a bike . If you made videos to maximise subscribers or views , you probably wouldn’t make them like this , which is why they feel very different . I am glad you enjoyed it and thank you for taking the time to comment .

[@christyrer9530]

I liked it that you spent longer summing up your thoughts than you usually do. You often only give yourself a minute or so, not enough, and this time it was more like three or four; five would have been fine with me!! Great as always though 😀👍

[@michaelmam]

@@christyrer9530 Thanks for the feedback . I sometimes feel I waffle on too much😂 The digressions in the riding sections are a bit of deliberate fun but I try and keep my open and close comments “sharp” . I felt this one needed the reliability “issues” covered as well as KTMs habit of discounting run out models . Glad you thought it was relevant👍

[@steveball2307]

I only have an old 790 Duke (although it's the 105 bhp one), perfect ergonomics (I'm 69 and it doesn't make me ache),light, fast, handles like a dream and economical if you go easy one the right hand. As for reliability, I've done two 2.5K European tours on it without an issue - happy cruising through rural Germany and when you get to the Alps...... Perhaps I've just got a good one - it's a keeper though.

[@michaelmam]

@@steveball2307 Great to hear . Have fun 👍

[@mm93249]

Great review 👍 love this bike. All points were helpful.😊 Thank you.

[@rickyreed8354]

i have a 2020 790 duke its done 10k now . bit snatchy but i love it. so light and great fun it certainly goes where you point it. changed both rad hoses with samco ones as the oem ones are rubbish. oh by the way ive had 126 out of it so i would imagine the 990 would get to 140 ish . seriously tempted 😁

[@raydean9330]

As always, another concise road test / review Ride safe

[@michaelmam]

Thank you Ray . Just getting my head round the KTM and CFMOTO relationship which is a bit more complicated than I initially thought but I did really enjoy riding the bike , which is what it is about . Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment 👍

[@sergemoreillon1236]

Thank you very much for the presentation! You're absolutely right : if I'd like to lose (lets say) 40 years and my license in 1 second, I would buy it for the fun if...I could chose a bike colour without orange 🤣😂 And I do not like the way KTM sells bikes with all options (5 modes for example) and then YOU HAVE TO PAY AGAIN to keep them...🤑 And the price is not OK! I would buy a Suzuki 800 RE, exactly the same black one you tested (very well) 7 months ago...😍

[@michaelmam]

@@sergemoreillon1236 😂 Great to hear from you 👍

[@DavidAnthony-m4s]

Hi from Brisbane, Australia - Found your channel / review by accident as seriously looking at this bike. Anyway, really nice and informative. Thank you very much 👍

[@michaelmam]

@@DavidAnthony-m4s Welcome . Glad you enjoyed it . 👍

[@nicofonce]

Subbed! Fantastic review. Very different from all the others. Appreciated.

[@michaelmam]

@@nicofonce Thank you . Try to make them my own way and glad you enjoyed it .. 👍

[@buzzsp1]

i rode the 990 , and its fantastic . I've got the 790 and I had a new cam fitted at 18,000 miles due to some wear shown , the other cam was fine , they also changed all the followers on both cams , all free of charge on a 6 year old bike .. i love ktm , I think there brilliant , that's why I have 4 of them

[@michaelmam]

@@buzzsp1 Always great to hear from an experienced owner 👍 Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment ..

[@buzzsp1]

@@michaelmamno problem. You are correct in what you say. It’s media created that Ktm’s are unreliable. I’m happy for ppl to believe that. I’ve owned dukes on the road now for 10 years. Mainly because there different. I don’t want everyone to know how fantastic they really are. Because they will become like r1 s. Or gixxer 1000,s or heaven forbid. BMW g’s. Ie every other bike you see on the road.

[@h2489-m2l]

Thabks for this. Would love to see reviews of more reviews of the big KTMs.

[@michaelmam]

The current series of 5 is all scheduled but hope to do another 5 later in the year . Will try and include a big KTM if I can 👍

[@frederickwoods5943]

The excellent review culminated when you turned the cap around backwards; it makes a strong point for what one of those KTM's is all about. Your friend James is like my youngest brother Tom; if he rides it or drives it and doesn't break something then it must be made very well 😂

[@michaelmam]

Always good to hear from you Fred . We all need Toms and James in our life’s😂 All part of the in Flight entertainment..

[@codemonkey181]

Another great review, thank you 👍

[@michaelmam]

Thank you . 👍

[@CCooke-nm2be]

Great review, very enjoyable 😄👍

[@michaelmam]

Glad you enjoyed it . Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment 👍

[@lomate1963]

From super sausages to burford that’s one hell of a fast bike dude 👍🏻😂

[@michaelmam]

@@lomate1963 All done via the miracle of editing 😂

[@chrismurphy4724]

Another enthralling review - it would appear you liked this Duke. I have the 990 LC8 V twin version and it is a cracking bike....... still waiting on the V4 lol

[@michaelmam]

@@chrismurphy4724 no plans for a v4 😂 Tried the Aprilia and Ducati but , as you know , went for the BMW M1000R . That will do me for “fast upright” 👍

[@The.JZA.]

The 890 Duke looked better from every angle. The 990 looks kinda fat and bulky around the seat/subframe area. There are good things about the design but it's a shame that it didn't inherit some of the cool factor from the 890 R.

[@michaelmam]

@@The.JZA. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder . I initially didn’t like the “distinctive” looks of the 990 but it definitely grew on me . Probably influenced by how much fun it was to ride ..

[@morequestions8034]

Excellent review put's most of the so called professional journalists to shame

[@michaelmam]

Glad you enjoyed it and thank you for watching and commenting . Professional journalists need to get on with manufacturers which I suspect ties their hands a little . Criticisms need to be subtle. I have a little more scope . I need to be objective and fair but can be subjective about whether I like it or not ?

[@Maddog69181]

Hi Michael, Excellent content! Really enjoying your no nonsense, informative vidoes. I've got a question for you if you wouldn't mind. I'm struggling to decide what to buy... My options are MT 09 SP or KTM DUKE 990. I've already test ridden both bikes. Both incredible in their own right. Take price out of the equation. What's the better bike? Or is it so close it's subjective... Many thanks

[@michaelmam]

Thank you . Glad you like the videos and thanks for watching . Sticking to my no nonsense approach , I haven’t ridden an MT09 SP so have no view . Sorry . Let us know what you think 🤔 I thought the KTM was fun ..

[@Maddog69181]

​@michaelmam decided I'll go with the duke. The duke is more comfortable, has better agility and more responsive torque. Like you mention I will be sure to buy from a reputable seller incase it has any issues. Excited 😊 thanks Michael

[@johnsimpson2096]

Enjoyed that. You Pommie reviewers are always worth a watch. Beat the Yanks hands down.

[@michaelmam]

@@johnsimpson2096 Stateside reviews are normally louder 😂 Very different style and content . Good to have choice . I liked the 990 …fun 👍

[@SuperSneakySniper]

Funny enough, the headlight is starting to grow on me. And the rest of the bike looks better than the 890 imo. The only issue I have with it aesthetically how pronounced that ugly TFT dash is from the front. They certainly didnt try to hide it. Its just jutting up tall like the back of a computer monitor, and Im not a fan. Wish they hid that bit better, because otherwise its actually a pretty good looking bike! Especially that neat side profile. Performance wise, I have a feeling that it's geared tall, and Id probably be tempted to drop a tooth on the front sprocket!

[@michaelmam]

The looks definitely grew on me once I had ridden it 🤔 I suspect with a tooth off the front sprocket it won’t take much to wheelie .. 😂

[@denisg4288]

Hi Michael I thought you dealt with the reliability issue really well. Dukes are known for great handling, but your caveats are the same I would have. Also not a fan of their you can demo certain things for a period, pay if you want to continue them or else deactivated. I feel that is abuse of their customers as those options are electronic so already built and no doubt priced in. Regards Denis

[@michaelmam]

@@denisg4288 Thanks Denis . The electronic add ons do feel a bit “sharp” , but I have accepted that is their business model . I suspect the trick is , when you buy one , get the dealer to agree that in the original deal . Always good to hear from you and thank you for taking the time to comment 👍

[@ianhalliwell8604]

Yet another superb video on a bike that's no way on my radar, its not just its price but it's way to focused for my meagre talents. Got to say i particularly want a bike that's comfortable and is a bit of a looker and i afraid this , in my opinion has been on the ugly pills and the colour is far to way out for me.

[@michaelmam]

@@ianhalliwell8604 😂 They are very “distinct” and not to everyone’s taste. Which brand / bike has caught your eye at the moment Ian?

[@ianhalliwell8604]

At my age and having once owned a BSA A10 Road Rocket, i love modern classics and currently own a GoldStar which i love.

[@michaelmam]

@@ianhalliwell8604Nice bike for the road less travelled ..👍

[@JW-cq4ez]

KTM should back of from the orange color. Otherwise nice bikes. I bit too much camshaft issue on the 790,890s, rocker arm/camshaft on the 690s. 1290 is solid. Hopefully all the new news to.

[@T3-RIDER]

How long will the cams last? 😮

[@michaelmam]

@@T3-RIDER Anyone had cam issues on the 990 ? I know about the previous model but when I went on the group forums no-one was saying they had an issue with the 990 and the consensus was too early to tell .. 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@stephenmcqueen4029]

As long as it’s longer than a pcp deal

[@michaelmam]

@@stephenmcqueen4029 😂

[@Michalis_Sideratos]

Fantastically funny, playfull, innovative, expensive bike. Because of the Duke, the brand here in Greece, is called "Kathe Triti Mastora" which literally means "Every Tuesday Mechanic"

[@michaelmam]

@@Michalis_Sideratos 😂 Sounds like, if I am tempted , I need one with a warranty ..

[@thepracticalman5905]

Another great video...thanks...i had a KTM 390...very reliable and fun bike...the 990 is a good looking bike...must have a new design team as they have made some really ugly bikes in the past..

[@michaelmam]

@@thepracticalman5905 I had a ride on a 390 about 5 years ago . Good fun . Looks are very subjective and I have normally found the KTM look too “transformer” . I have definitely warmed to them since riding one again .👍

[@helgejohan3604]

Great review but litle to much about the Spec😃

[@michaelmam]

I agree , for some there is . I occasionally remind people that , if spec isn’t of much interest either skip that section completely or put the speed to 1.5 times which takes a 3rd out . I include it for those thinking about a purchase and like a video that gives a lot more information that a standard shorter , review . Most , more successful KZbinrs, don’t bother doing it . It takes too long to research and film and puts off some viewers but in a commercially naïve way , I try and make videos that I would want to watch . Works for some , not for others . Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment 👍

[@MV-XD2]

I thought you said “I always like to hear from moaners” 😂 you’ll feel right at home on YT! Nice review.

[@michaelmam]

@@MV-XD2 😂 Freudian slip ..

[@MV-XD2]

I resemble that remark 😂

[@michaelmam]

@@MV-XD2😂

[@4tech69]

They don't own CFMOTO. It just produces their small capacity Bikes under contract. Has for many years.

[@michaelmam]

@@4tech69 Indeed . A few comments on that below . 👍 Thanks for watching ..

[@soulrebelno1]

The additional cost of the 'Tech Pack' so you can have the privilege of using all the features that your brand-new KTM 990 Duke is capable of, because they're not included in the very expensive base price already, is a bit of a rip-off! And, at today's price, that's another £859.87 thank you very much-just for turning them on! Best wait for the sales if you want one of these bikes.

[@michaelmam]

@@soulrebelno1 I think that is what I would do or get all the tech I wanted included in the PCP deal 👍

[@soulrebelno1]

​@@michaelmam Reluctantly, I've been looking at upgrading my Suzuki SV650, but it brings a smile to my face every time I ride it. The three bikes I was looking at were the KTM 990 Duke, the Yamaha MT-09 SP, and the Triumph Street Triple 765 RS. After weighing things up, the Yamaha MT-09 SP keeps coming out on top. I've looked at buying a KTM in the past, but what put me off was the total cost of ownership, reliability problems, divisive looks, divisive image, and the nearest KTM dealer was miles away. But, lately, I think that KTM bikes have improved on all fronts, and best of all, a local dealer has just taken on a KTM franchise. In fact, it's the close main motorcycle dealership to me, the others are at least 30 miles away! At the moment, that local KTM dealer is offering the 'Tech Pack' pack for free with the 990 Duke. But, as it stands today, the KTM is still £1,242 more expensive than the MT-09 SP. So, I'll be looking to buy when the deals start coming out, and when it's nice and cold! 😁

[@thepub245]

Have they resolved the poor design/ poor workmanship, causing oil starvation to the cams in the 790 and 890 engines, for the 990?

[@michaelmam]

@@thepub245 You might get more response to your question if you ask on one of the 990 KTM forums ? I only had the bike for a few days and a few hundred miles . Owners will have more experience . Thanks for watching 👍

[@avrc9285]

still feel like the 890 r is better (sentimental and biased approach) but honestly i dont see why choose the 990 duke over the 890 r - the price difference alone kills it (imo)

[@michaelmam]

@@avrc9285 Understandable and I respect that . End of year special deals might alleviate the price difference of course …

[@avrc9285]

@@michaelmam maybe, lets hope so. thanks for all the info by the way. Nicely done

[@michaelmam]

@@avrc9285Thank you 👍

[@helgejohan3604]

Duke 990 feels bigger and more midrange grunt✊🔥

[@jacobneuburger1559]

Wait, what does WP stand for?

[@michaelmam]

@@jacobneuburger1559 They used to be called White Power but are now refereed to as “WP”

[@jasperMT09]

WP stands for the original creator of the suspensions a sir from the Netherlands called Wim Peters. He later sold it to KTM.

[@NO-bw5dn]

@@jasperMT09it does now, but originally it was White Power named after the white powder coating on the coilovers.

[@jasperMT09]

@@NO-bw5dn oh yes indeed thats right

[@gxtoast2221]

I much prefer the 890 Duke R looks. Bikes are essentially the same though. I think KTM needs to add a triple engine to their bigger bikes.

[@michaelmam]

@@gxtoast2221 A couple of people have mentioned that they prefer the looks of the 890 . KTM are sadly , struggling at the moment . Hopefully they work their way through that before committing to new engine development . 🤞

[@gxtoast2221]

Hi Michael, great review. Thank you. I love inline fours and triples but my 890 Duke R engine is growing on me but the bike itself is as you described it so well. It is beautiful to ride and really nicely built. The CAMs were recently checked by a local specialist and he took photos and listed them as perfect at 9500km. He went on to replace the oil pressure relief spring with the one out of the RC8C which increased idle from 2 Bar to 3 and RPM from 2.2 to 4.5. My bike probably didn't need it but I know oil starvation won't be a problem. I suspect Euro 5 for the low pressure spring. I'm also interested in the 1290 Duke GT with a well mapped ECU flash to exorcise the Euro 5 demons twisting that bike into contorsions and sort it out beautifully. Would be curious to hear your thoughts on the 1290/1390. Michael Neeves said the 890 is more of a second specialist bike and I would agree and so the GT would be a great distance and big-road bike. The 890 with stock Cat gets hot in regular stop start traffic but much improved with something like an Arrow link-pipe with resonator. I'm thinking of insulating the link-pipe with ceramic coat (not a detailer ceramic). One thing about KTM is they like good fluid maintenance because they are precisely engineered for performance. Good chain lubrication. Cheers!

[@bradleybaker8894]

Essentially the same? It is physically larger than the 890 Duke. It looks and feels larger. Other reviews have said that only 2% of the parts are carried over from another platform. It is not a parts bin bike. The KTM 990 Duke is essentially an all new bike, but is a KTM and a direct descendant of the previous Dukes.

[@IanLawrie-l9q]

😂😂😂😂😂Brilliant!👍👋👏

[@michaelmam]

@@IanLawrie-l9q Glad you enjoyed it . Thank you for commenting Ian !

[@helgejohan3604]

Vtr sp are 30kg more heavy 😜

[@flexywing]

Sorry but i do havce to correct you, KTM do Not own CF Moto, this is collaborative arrangement CF Moto is huge Chinese company, making over 800,000 last year They have nearly 40 different models on the market, though quite a few of these use the same platform or engine. This is a company that is goimg to be a major player Very soon I know you wont be able to get one for a while, but please do a review of the CF Moto 450MT.

[@michaelmam]

@@flexywing Thank you . I know it is a joint venture , not sure how the share split works . They are rarely 50/50 . Normally 51 /49 . Whoever has the 51 , effectively “owns” the company . Released a video on the CFMOTO 650 last week but haven’t seen a 450 yet 👍

[@MV-XD2]

To be clear, the joint venture is to build selected KTM motorcycles, such as the 790 series. CF Moto are entirely Chinese-owned.

[@flexywing]

@@michaelmam Like I said, its a collaborative arrangement, both companies are totally independent of each other. My understanding is KTM wanted to sell bikes in China, but the government said no, I believe at some time CF want to buy into KTM and thankfully they said no! But from those talks came an agreement for CF Moto to make the 790 range, from the ground up and for CF Moto to use KTM dealers to help their dealership grow. This seems especially working in the USA. There is a lot push back as its a Chinese company. As for the 450MT this seems to be the unicorn bike as for a small, adventure bike, there is currently a none to be had from dealers. This is, I believe, the bike that really pushes CF Moto into public view

[@michaelmam]

@@MV-XD2That makes complete sense . Joint ventures are normally separate legal entities that control the assets and activities required for the collaboration .

[@chrispekarik3889]

I’ve got an RC390 with 14k on the clock. Since new, I’ve ridden it like I stole it and it’s been nothing but reliable. Not so much as a hiccup

[@michaelmam]

Great to hear Chris . Always like feedback from owners . Thank you .

[@michaelrieser9928]

I got a 2024 390 duke, love it. I come from many 1000 cc naked bikes but I’m impressed with how you can push this 390. Plus all the add ons are cheaper in general. The 2024 quickshifter seems flawless.

[@splodge57]

The looks or colour are not for me. And for reliability you can't beat a Japanese motorcycle.

[@michaelmam]

They are very distinct . Marmite to some . I agree ,Japanese bikes are , in the main very reliable if occasionally , a little bland . 👍

[@anxiousappliance]

@@michaelmam Don't buy a bland ones LOL. I bought a gixs750 so I didn't miss any more riding time when my duc took its semi annual 5 week summer break. Turned out to be a blast, and a much better engineered bike in many ways. KTM is always tempting, but the problems they have are so absurd for a 21st century bike, and the company is notorious for not honoring claims. Can't face the strain. sad. Watching the Chinese made 790s for reliability issues. They know how to build things - so it could be a way to tell if it poor workmanship, or poor engineering.

[@michaelmam]

@@anxiousappliance 😂 Bland is half the range .. I do have a few Japanese bikes and enjoy them . I just like to keep an open mind on bikes made elsewhere . Times move on .

[@NMdesertracer]

To much orange!

[@michaelfrock2473]

@@anxiousappliancethx for the info will have to research these issues as I have been tempted lately by the 990 and 1390.

[@anxiousappliance]

They don't own CFmoto. Like all western companies doing business in China - excepting Tesla - they have to form a joint venture with a Chinese partner. I think they own 51% of that venture.

[@michaelmam]

@@anxiousappliance Thank you . I can see it is a bit more complicated than my initial search suggested . Joint venture is the logical , legal solution . As I dig a bit deeper I can see CF have announced one with Yamaha as well . One to clarify properly on my next KTM video 👍

[@anxiousappliance]

@@michaelmam I looked into it a little bit more: CFmoto owns 51% of the venture, and KTM 49%. Don't know the mechanics of it though - maybe a formality that gives the government some oversight. Anyway - thanks for the vids - much appreciated.