KTM 990 Duke versus KTM 1390 Super Duke R Test & Comparison 2024

Among the latest motorcycle news for 2024, such as the Honda Africa Twin ES, the Suzuki GSX-8R, the Ducati Hypermotard 698 Mono, the Triumph Scrambler 400X, or the Harley-Davidson Livewire S2 Del Mar, we had the opportunity to test the newest KTM naked bikes in Spain. Over two days, we rode the brand new KTM models through the streets of Barcelona and along the nearby country roads. This test didn't fully push the performance limits of these two sporty machines, but it did provide a glimpse into the everyday riding experience for most riders. For those curious about the capabilities of the 1390 Super Duke R, I recommend checking out the KTM 1390 Super Duke R racetrack test conducted by racing professional Martin Bauer. In this test, camera kid and country-road rider Schaaf shares his impressions after also testing the KTM 990 Duke, ultimately concluding that the KTM 990 Duke delivers a more enjoyable riding experience. The reasons behind this preference vary, with some being quite obvious and others more subtle.

At the beginning of our test ride, the plan was to cruise around the city. Barcelona is a huge metropolis with over 3 million residents and accordingly hectic traffic. Not exactly the natural habitat of sporty bikes. However, modern engine technology and electronics, combined with moderately aggressive seating positions, make navigating through the urban chaos surprisingly manageable. The 990 Duke is agile at 190 kg ready to ride and provides a clear view of the traffic with its typical Duke-style, exposed riding position. On the 212.5 kg Super Duke, with its tighter steering angle and front-wheel-oriented riding position, maneuvering through traffic is a bit more challenging. That doesn't mean it's impossible. By shifting your weight forward, the posture on the Super Duke becomes more relaxed, allowing you to cruise from one traffic light to another without straining your wrists. When the eagerly anticipated green light appears, both Duchesses can accelerate smoothly or aggressively, depending on your preference. Even the Super Duke's powerful V2 engine accelerates effortlessly from 2,000 rpm, albeit with some noticeable vibrations. From 3,000 rpm, the engine truly comes alive, and the 190 horses can be easily controlled. This is where the advanced electronics play a crucial role, making it easier to handle the raw power of the Super Duke engine. With 123 hp, the 990 Duke is no slouch either, and the eager, lively revving of the parallel-twin engine may tempt you to twist the throttle more than the confidently purring V2. Despite its refinement at low revs, a slight twist of the wrist is all it takes for the engine to unleash its full potential.

In a nutshell, the KTM Naked Bike models, the 990 Duke and 1390 Super Duke R, differ significantly in their performance for city riding. The powerful engines offer smooth operation even at low speeds, although the Super Duke's larger displacement is noticeable through more intense vibrations. Both bikes are known for their easy handling. The most noticeable distinctions lie in their weight and seating positions. For detailed technical specifications, you can refer to the comparison of the KTM 990 Duke 2024 and 1390 Super Duke R EVO 2024 available online.

To quickly leave the densely built-up area around Barcelona, the KTM 990 Duke and 1390 Super Duke R EVO had to cover a few kilometers on the freeway and main roads. The suspensions, especially the WP suspensions, showed their comfortable side. While WP suspensions are known for being sporty, they are not typically known for their sensitive response. It is therefore particularly pleasing that the WP components on the 990 Duke defy this reputation and handle even small bumps smoothly. The sporty chassis of the 990 Duke remains stable at high speeds and does not transfer road imperfections unpleasantly to the rider. The semi-active EVO suspension on the Super Duke, however, outshines the 990 Duke in terms of comfort. The ability to adjust damping settings at the touch of a button is impressive. In Sport mode, every road groove is felt, while the softest setting allows for a smooth ride over bumps. The convenience of changing the suspension character with just a push of a button is a significant luxury and comfort enhancement on the 1390 Super Duke R EVO.

Enough with the introduction, let's dive into the thrilling part - the exhilarating ride through twists and turns. Around Barcelona, there are fantastic roads with smooth asphalt, tight bends, and minimal traffic. We took both the 990 Duke and the 1390 Super Duke R EVO for a spirited ride through the curves and quickly concluded that we have a preference for the 990. The 990 Duke, with its exposed riding position and wide handlebars, is easy to lean into, turns eagerly, and feels more nimble, especially in tight corners. The parallel-twin engine of the 990 Duke feels lively, allowing for quick acceleration with just a twist of the throttle, delivering ample torque. On the other hand, the 1390 Super Duke R EVO offers a more aggressive performance with its maximum 145 Nm of torque, but the V2 engine doesn't rev up as eagerly and, paired with longer gear ratios, provides a powerful yet smoother riding experience. While it's nearly impossible to fully unleash the power of the 990 Duke on public roads, the 1390 Super Duke R is even more restrained. The V2 engine of the Super Duke allows for a more relaxed riding experience without the need for frequent gear changes compared to other hyper nakeds. In terms of handling, the 1390 Super Duke R exhibits a more stable and less playful character. It responds willingly to inputs and can be maneuvered through tight corners, but it doesn't tip in as quickly as the 990 Duke. The Super Duke prefers to be smoothly guided into corners, allowing for precise and stable cornering even at high lean angles. At higher speeds or closer to the limit, the Super Duke excels in stability and feedback, although these limits are rarely reached on public roads. The 990 Duke, on the other hand, offers a more playful and effortless riding experience on average country roads, but lacks the sporty performance of the Super Duke. The only area where the 990 Duke falls short is in braking performance, as the Brembo front brake doesn't quite meet expectations. The 1390 Super Duke R sets a high standard with its exceptional and powerful brakes.

If you are familiar with the Duke and Super Duke models, the impressions of the 990 Duke in the Winkelwerk will not be surprising. Another reason for the playful riding experience on the 990 Duke is the tires it comes with. The Super Duke R is equipped with Michelin Power GP tires. These sporty tires provide excellent grip once they reach the right temperature and are suitable for track use. However, they have a less rounded carcass compared to the Michelin Power 6 tires we put on the 990 Duke. This, combined with the wider 200 mm rear wheel, shifts the Super Duke's handling from agility to stability. The new Power 6 is a sporty road tire with a revised front wheel carcass that is more rounded, allowing it to roll easily on the sides. While it is a great tire for the 990 Duke, the differences in handling become more pronounced in this comparison.

The ultimate reason for our excitement about the KTM Naked Bike is not just about its handling, but the overall riding experience. Whether you're cruising or pushing hard, at high or low RPMs, and even during gear shifts, the rear exhaust of the KTM Naked Bike produces a symphony of sounds. It crackles, growls, and pops so beautifully that you can't help but marvel at how this motorcycle meets the Euro5+ standard and current noise regulations. It's a rare treat to hear a stock exhaust sound this amazing. As Schaaf leans into the corner ahead of me on the Super Duke and accelerates down the straight, the 190 horsepower engine unleashes an aggressive, yet pleasing roar. Unfortunately, as a rider on the Super Duke, you barely notice it. This could be due to the low, rearward placement of the exhaust, or maybe the sound is just too subtle to reach the front. Either way, when you're seated on the 1390 Super Duke R, you almost forget about the massive engine working beneath you. It might seem old-fashioned to long for the classic "hum hum hum" in 2024, but the spirited pops from the rear of the KTM Naked Bike only serve to widen the grin under our helmets.

When it comes to electronics, the two rivals have nothing in common, at least on the country road. Both offer lean angle-dependent, adjustable assistance systems, the same KTM-typical operating concept, and stylish TFT displays. The Super Duke offers a few more racetrack-oriented systems, but we didn't test them. Here I refer you again to the 1390 Super Duke racetrack test by Martin Bauer. What applies to both is KTM's questionable pricing policy. Both vehicles cost a lot of money, even compared to the competition in their respective segments, yet you still have to pay extra for things like the quickshifter, engine brake control, or engine drag torque control. The Super Duke R EVO also comes with a fantastic electronic chassis. In addition to the comfort provided by the wide spread and quick adjustment, it also offers some special features, such as the option of lowering the rear end for even faster starts, just like in MotoGP. However, this is only possible if you order the Suspension Pro package, which is subject to a surcharge. Apart from the painful additional costs, the electronics of both models leave nothing to be desired. The traction control regulates very finely, the ABS does not intervene too early, and the quickshifters shift through the gears crisply and without major load changes.

In the United States, the KTM 990 Duke is priced at $16,399, the KTM 1390 Super Duke R at $24,499, and the EVO version at $26,999. Additional electronic features for all models will cost around $1,000. However, there is still a significant price difference of approximately $8,000 between the 990 Duke and the Super Duke. Check out the prices for the KTM 990 Duke and 1390 Super Duke R EVO 2024 in Germany and Switzerland here.

The KTM Naked Bike, specifically the KTM 990 Duke, offers extreme agility, a lively engine, and playful handling, making it a great choice for country roads. Compared to its big sister, the 1390 Super Duke R, the 990 Duke excels in everyday use and on public roads. With its semi-active chassis and impressive braking capabilities, the Super Duke R offers additional advantages. Whether it's worth the extra cost compared to the 990 Duke depends on personal preferences. If you desire immense power, a unique motorcycle that stands out, and excellent performance on the racetrack, the Super Duke R is definitely worth considering and test riding. However, if you prefer cruising on country roads and enjoying straightforward riding fun with a fantastic engine sound, the KTM 990 Duke is the better choice for you.