THE PUNISHER
Sportier in its stance, more intent in its purpose, and upgraded to the extreme. The KTM 990 DUKE R brings added flare to the middleweight Naked market with maximum fight that will get you further, faster. Homologated to carry a pillion, it's sold as a single-seater with pillion parts available separately, setting a new standard with an increased power output of 130 PS, and boasting sharper ergonomics, coupled with upgraded WP APEX suspension and never-before-seen electronic functionality. Designed, developed, and produced in Austria.
Description
Description
The 2026 KTM 990 Duke R stands at the forefront of middle-weight naked motorcycles, pairing explosive performance with razor-sharp handling and cutting-edge electronics. At its heart lies a 947 cc DOHC parallel-twin LC8c engine that delivers a potent 130 PS (≈128 hp) of peak power and a healthy 103 Nm of torque, giving riders immediate throttle response, strong mid-range punch and exhilarating acceleration on both city streets and open highways.
This isn’t just a numbers game — the 990 Duke R’s chassis and suspension have been tuned to match its impressive output. A lightweight chromium-molybdenum-steel frame uses the engine as a stressed element to keep overall weight tight and agility sharp. Up front, fully adjustable WP APEX 48 mm forks and a WP APEX rear shock provide premium compliance and control, soaking up bumps while keeping you planted through corners. Brembo Stylema radial calipers paired with large 320 mm front discs ensure formidable stopping power with confident brake feel.
The R variant elevates the standard 990 Duke with sportier ergonomics and enhanced hardware — including Michelin Power Cup 2 tyres that maximise grip and feedback for aggressive riding. Its 840 mm seat height and compact ergonomics strike a balance between spirited riding posture and daily comfort, while a robust 14.8 litre tank gives you range without compromising agility.
Electronics are next-generation, with a large high-resolution 8.88-inch TFT touchscreen display (landscape) that integrates connectivity, navigation and ride-mode selection with intuitive controls. Multiple riding modes (Rain, Street, Sport, Custom) let you tailor power delivery, traction control and ABS behaviour to your mood and conditions — and optional Track-focused modes are available as accessories for even sharper on-track performance.
With a wet weight of approximately 190 kg, the 990 Duke R feels light and responsive under acceleration and in tight traffic, yet poised and planted on the open road.
The 2026 KTM 990 Duke R is a pure expression of READY TO RACE performance: powerful, precise, and packed with premium technology. Whether you’re carving back roads, leaping off the line in urban traffic, or exploring twisty weekend escapes, this is the middleweight naked that refuses to compromise.
