KTM’s most fearsome Beast fires up Duke range
KTM celebrates the 30th anniversary of the Duke next year with three new naked models – two new 1390 Beasts and the return of the 990 Duke.
1390 Super Duke R and R Evo
KTM has revealed a new Beast on the prowl with the 2024 KTM 1390 Super Duke R and R Evo.
The new 1,350cc parallel twin engine produces 192PS at 10,000rpm and 145Nm of torque at 8,000rpm.
A more muscular, aggressive evolution includes a new LED headlight, new tank spoilers and added winglets to increase downforce.
Both models have a ‘Coming Home’ headlight which stays lit for a short time after the ignition has been switched off for added visibility and safety.
The 1,350cc engine’s all-new cam shift provides more power and torque and more differentiated fuel mapping to meet the latest EURO 5+ emission regulations.
The 1390 Super Duke R Evo has the most advanced suspension system on the market. The latest generation of WP Semi-Active Technology (SAT) for variable damping automatically adjusts the suspension.
Both models debut updated performance and track modes and optional engine brake control.
They are available in select ‘30 years of Duke’ colourways, reminiscent of the orange scheme found on the 2005 990 Super Duke.
Available from January, the 1390 Super Duke R is priced £17,999 on the road with the R Evo £19,599.
990 Duke
KTM aims to be bang on target with its new 990 Duke, dubbed The Sniper.
The 990 Duke’s 947cc engine – the 890 is 889cc – produces 123PS at 9,500rpm compared to 115.5PS for the 890 Duke R. Peak torque is 103Nm at 6,750rpm.
Two special orange and black colour schemes celebrate 30 years of the Duke.
The 990 Duke gets an all-new frame, with adjustable WP Apex suspension, and has been designed to be the lightest, sharpest, most responsive naked middleweight Duke at 179kg.
Three riding modes – street, sport and rain – are standard. Performance and track modes are available by unlocking optional software to customise the 10-level traction control and five anti-wheelie settings. They also add launch control.
The five-inch TFT colour dash includes a USB-C charging port.
An 825mm seat height should suit most riders.
The 2024 KTM 990 Duke will be available from February at £12,999 on the road.
125 and 390 Duke
KTM has also given the 125 and 390 Duke a major redesign for 2024.
Both share a new frame, updated suspension, LED lighting and a five-inch TFT dash with four-way cube switchgear and smartphone connectivity.
The 125’s new engine has more power, smoother acceleration and is lighter. Peak power is 14.9PS and maximum torque is 11.5Nm.
The new two-piece chassis has a longer wheelbase with the more rigid frame improving riding agility.
The 390 Duke’s engine is now 399cc, up from 373cc. Peak power is 45PS at 8,500rpm and max torque 39Nm at 7,000rpm.
The 390’s seat height is 10mm lower at 820mm. It can be dropped to 800mm, the height of the 125 Duke’s seat which can be raised 20mm.
The 125 Duke gets Supermoto ABS as standard but neither cornering traction nor launch control.
The 125 has 43mm WP Apex front forks but they cannot be adjusted. The off-centre mounted WP Apex rear shock absorber preload has to be adjusted with a tool on the 125 Duke.
Find out more about the new Dukes, and the rest of the KTM range, at orwell.co.uk/ktm/new-ktm-motorcycle-range