Visually, the KTM 990 Duke R 2025 harks back to its ancestors, both to its immediate predecessor, the KTM 890 Duke R, and particularly in its color scheme and orange accents to the second-generation models of the 990 SUPER Duke R (2011-2013). The striking design is completed by a glossy, powder-coated frame in "Electronic Orange," white trim, and matte black details. Almost as prominently as on its big sister, the KTM 1390 Super Duke R, the large "R" in black and orange proudly adorns the tank. The pillion seat cover comes as standard, but for those few individuals who wish to have a seat for the pillion (and the corresponding footpegs) on the 990 Duke R, which is naturally approved for two-person operation, they will need to browse through the PowerParts. The orange wheels have also been borrowed from the 1390 and complete the bike's design.
The seat height and ground clearance of the R variant each increase by 15 mm to 840 and 210 mm, respectively. According to KTM, the maximum lean angle of the 990 Duke R increases by 3 degrees compared to its standard sister.