Uploaded February 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
The KTM 990 Duke was already a serious middleweight naked weapon — but now there’s an R. And as we’ve come to expect from KTM, that single letter means a lot.
In this First Ride review, we take a deep dive into the 2026 KTM 990 Duke R, the high-spec evolution of the standard 990 Duke. With fully adjustable WP Apex suspension, Brembo Stylema brakes, revised throttle mapping, and more aggressive ergonomics — not to mention more power than the standard 990 Duke — the Duke R is built to raise the performance ceiling.
Interestingly, much of the Duke R’s framework is shared with the KTM 990 RC R — including the frame, swingarm, shock linkage, and suspension hardware. But key differences in brakes, mapping, subframe, and riding position give the Duke R its own street-dominating personality.
We also break down the massive new 8.88-inch TFT display, updated ride modes, integrated navigation system, and whether all that tech actually enhances the riding experience — or just adds complexity.
Is this the ultimate middleweight naked? Or just a sharper version of an already great bike? Watch to find out.
For the full review and specs, visit Motorcycle.com.
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Established in 1994, Motorcycle.com is the premier online resource for motorcycle and scooter enthusiasts. With hundreds of high quality, detailed video reviews on bikes from Harley-Davidson, Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki and just about everybody else, it's the best place to go to learn about the latest and greatest two-wheeled creations. There's simply no better resource if you're planning on buying or if you just want to check out some awesome machines.
The KTM 990 Duke was already a serious middleweight naked weapon — but now there’s an R. And as we’ve come to expect from KTM, that single letter means a lot.
In this First Ride review, we take a deep dive into the 2026 KTM 990 Duke R, the high-spec evolution of the standard 990 Duke. With fully adjustable WP Apex suspension, Brembo Stylema brakes, revised throttle mapping, and more aggressive ergonomics — not to mention more power than the standard 990 Duke — the Duke R is built to raise the performance ceiling.
Interestingly, much of the Duke R’s framework is shared with the KTM 990 RC R — including the frame, swingarm, shock linkage, and suspension hardware. But key differences in brakes, mapping, subframe, and riding position give the Duke R its own street-dominating personality.
We also break down the massive new 8.88-inch TFT display, updated ride modes, integrated navigation system, and whether all that tech actually enhances the riding experience — or just adds complexity.
Is this the ultimate middleweight naked? Or just a sharper version of an already great bike? Watch to find out.
For the full review and specs, visit Motorcycle.com.
Subscribe!
youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=Motorcycle
YouTube - youtube.com/Motorcycle
Facebook - facebook.com/MotorcycleCom
Twitter - twitter.com/MotorcycleCom
Web - Motorcycle.com
Established in 1994, Motorcycle.com is the premier online resource for motorcycle and scooter enthusiasts. With hundreds of high quality, detailed video reviews on bikes from Harley-Davidson, Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki and just about everybody else, it's the best place to go to learn about the latest and greatest two-wheeled creations. There's simply no better resource if you're planning on buying or if you just want to check out some awesome machines.
