Reality check with the KTM 990 Duke

The opportunity to test the new KTM Duke in various scenarios at the beginning of the season was provided by the 1000PS winter quarters in the Barcelona area. This report not only focuses on the exhilarating cornering experience, but also on the orange bike's performance in everyday riding situations. Overall, the KTM leaves a predominantly positive impression, with a notable limitation in cornering, as detailed in the final section of this review.

The previous model, the 890 Duke, was a great everyday companion. Luckily, the same can be said for the newest version with a larger engine capacity, and the 990 performs even better. The improvements in chassis and gearbox are especially noteworthy when comparing the new and old models. The performance in other aspects of daily riding was already impressive with the 890.

When you swing your leg over the KTM Naked Bike, the first thing you'll notice is the Duke-worthy upright riding position with a comfortable knee angle. Compared to its predecessor, there's a slight shift towards the front wheel, but it doesn't strain your wrists too much in the long run. Maneuvering through city traffic is a breeze on the Duke, thanks to its perfectly sized handlebars and seamless throttle response. However, riders who prefer a gentler ride should steer clear of the sport mode in urban areas, as the inline twin engine delivers a massive amount of torque right from the bottom end. Even in Street mode, and especially in Rain mode, riders of all skill levels will find the power delivery manageable. KTM's expertise in electronics and tuning shines through on the 990 Duke, showcasing Mattighofen's impressive engineering prowess.

The clutch on the KTM Naked Bike is smooth and easy to modulate, with no unpleasant heat radiation from the engine at temperatures around 20 degrees Celsius. The most significant improvement has been in the chassis department. The fork and spring strut are fully adjustable for preload and rebound, providing excellent performance even in daily riding. The responsive handling ensures a comfortable ride over rough surfaces, with shocks well absorbed by the sporty saddle of the 990 Duke.

The previous model already had a gearbox that performed exceptionally well, especially when paired with the quickshifter. This remains a highlight on the new KTM Naked Bike, functioning seamlessly at all speeds and throttle levels. What sets it apart now is the improved tactile sensation of shifting gears. Unlike the somewhat clunky and fragile feel of the 890 models, the shortened shift distance and precise feedback at the foot lever are a true delight. Shifting gears is now a joyous experience! This sentiment extends to low-speed maneuvering as well, where the lightweight of the KTM Naked Bike leaves a highly favorable impression.

Don't worry about long highway rides or challenging roads leading to the curves. You might feel some vibrations in your hands at very high speeds, but below that, you won't feel uncomfortable, not even in your feet. The KTM Duke's fuel consumption is impressive, with the 4.7l/100km specified by KTM being quite accurate.

Once on the road, the KTM Naked Bike feels right at home in the corners; despite its impeccable performance in everyday situations, it is evident that this motorcycle is designed primarily for high-speed riding. The engine is particularly impressive, a truly responsive powerplant that propels you to the limit effortlessly. The abundant torque available early on allows for early upshifts, and with power delivery that never falters throughout the rev range, even high revs will bring a smile to your face. Exiting the corner, the throttle response is smooth, propelling you forward with gusto, while the precise quickshifter delivers seamless upshifts with a satisfying bang.

The agile chassis of the KTM Naked Bike provides the characteristic stability KTM is known for. The geometry allows for ample movement in the saddle, enabling riders to lean into turns with ease. The upright riding position may slightly hinder front wheel feedback, but still instills confidence for high-speed riding on twisty roads. Steering the 990 Duke requires minimal effort, as it eagerly leans into corners and remains neutral throughout. Equipped with the new Michelin Power 6 sports tires, the bike's handling is further enhanced. Honestly, I can't think of a direct competitor that offers as much cornering fun as the KTM Naked Bike up to the braking zone.

However, just before the next corner, there is a somewhat surprising disappointment, as the front brake on the KTM Naked Bike is unfortunately not very convincing. The braking power itself is adequate, as long as there is enough lever travel. However, modulation presents a real challenge for average riders like myself. Initially, there is an undefined empty space at the lever, which then suddenly and unexpectedly transitions into braking force. This means that the rider's right hand will hardly feel any progression. Furthermore, the firm pressure point tends to shift under constant pressure. This led me to cut short my spirited ride in less than ten minutes. A racer using four fingers to brake would have had a bit more lever travel remaining, but as a street rider, I had to squeeze my fingers a bit towards the end. Hopefully, improvements can be made in this area, perhaps by using different brake pads.