Remember that prototype racebike that KTM factory rider Chris Fillmore raced in the Mission Super Hooligan National Championship round at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course? The mostly-black-with-a-little-bit-of-orange motorcycle was entered with the predetermined plan that Fillmore would be disqualified and his results would not be officially recorded.
Regardless, we saw what we saw. Fillmore, aboard the #11 KTM motorcycle of undisclosed displacement, finished on the podium in race two. It was a successful outing for the KTM factory team and proof of concept for a new KTM consumer model.
At the EICMA show in Milan, Italy, last week, the 2025 KTM 990 DUKE R was introduced, and we can now reveal that the prototype Fillmore rode last August at Mid-Ohio was, indeed, a pre-production version of the Austrian motorcycle manufacturer’s new 947cc middleweight streetbike and, more importantly for us at MotoAmerica, another new bike to enter the fray in the upcoming 2025 Super Hooligan National Championship, which commences in March at Daytona International Speedway.
KTM has been producing various DUKE models for the past three decades, and this 990 DUKE R model represents the pinnacle of DUKEdom with increased power and a more focused intent to give middleweight riders the edge on both the road and the racetrack.
Compared with the KTM 990 DUKE introduced last year, the new R version’s 947cc engine boasts additional horsepower and a higher RPM limit while maintaining torque figures. Its elevated power output is courtesy of improved mapping that unleashes the full capability of the LC8c motor.
The bike has a “READY TO RACE” weight of 418.8 pounds, with updated ergonomics that result in a slightly higher center of gravity. Both the seat height and the ground clearance are 15mm higher, which is a result of longer suspension travel with a steeper swingarm angle that provides around three more degrees of lean angle. The frame and swingarm have also been updated due to the linkage construction at the rear, giving the rider more mechanical grip for harder riding.
Fully adjustable WP APEX Suspension components are equipped front and rear, boasting the new Open Cartridge fork with 143mm of travel. With a diameter of 48mm (increased from 43mm on the KTM 990 DUKE), it is 34% stiffer, and the upgraded settings have been developed to offer a sportier feel. The bike becomes more planted and with better control, without sacrificing agility.
In addition, the new WP APEX shock at the rear incorporates upgrades in line with the linkage system, with travel reduced by 10mm to 140mm (this is done to compensate for added parts to allow for linkage). It, too, has been developed for maximum performance, fitted with a new linear spring keeping things in check for all day attacks on the street or track.
Higher performance brakes—including Brembo Stylema monoblock calipers and a Brembo MCS master cylinder—are utilized at both ends, with larger front rotors (320mm vs 300mm on the KTM 990 DUKE), lighter components, and a more precise feel under braking.
2025 KTM 990 DUKE R HIGHLIGHTS
- R colorway inspired by the 2011 KTM 990 SUPER DUKE R with Electronic Orange gloss powder coated frame.
- NEW TFT touchscreen 8.88-inch landscape dashboard featuring a split screen mode with improved readability.
- NEW switch cube layout, connectivity unit, map navigation system, customizable ride modes, along with the introduction of SPORT ABS and SUPERMOTO+ ABS.
- R’s 947 cc engine now boasts additional horsepower and RPM limit while maintaining torque figures.
- NEW ergonomics increase seat height and ground clearance (+15mm) with longer suspension travel and steeper swingarm angle for three degrees deeper lean angle.
- Fully adjustable WP APEX forks with 143mm of travel and 48mm diameter (43mm on the KTM 990 DUKE) is 34% stiffer and developed to offer a sportier feel.
- NEW fully adjustable WP APEX shock is designed to work with the new linkage system and has its travel reduced by 10mm, a new linear spring, and sporty settings for maximum performance.
- Rear passenger seat cowl as standard (passenger seat and pegs not included) for a lighter, sportier build.
- High-performance brakes, including Brembo Stylema monoblock front calipers, Brembo MCS master cylinder, and larger rotors (320mm vs 300mm).
- Orange wheels from the KTM 1390 SUPER DUKE R EVO model.
- Optional Track Mode, Motor Slip Regulation (MSR), Cruise Control, and Quickshifter+.
2025 KTM 990 DUKE R SPECIFICATIONS
Engine Type: Parallel Twin, 4-Stroke, DOHC
Displacement: 947cc
Bore/Stroke: 92.5/70.4mm
Starter: Electric; 12V 10Ah
Transmission: 6 Gears
Fuel System: DKK Dell’Orto, 46mm Throttle Body
Lubrication: Pressure Lubrication with 2 Oil Pumps
Cooling: Liquid Cooling with Water/Oil Heat Exchanger
Clutch: PASC (Power Assisted Slipper Clutch), Cable-Operated
Ignition: Bosch EMS with Ride-By-Wire
Frame: CroMoly Tubular Steel, Engine as Stressed Member
Subframe: Cast Aluminum
Handlebar: Aluminum, Tapered, Ø 28/22 mm
Front Suspension: WP APEX USD Ø 48mm
Rear Suspension: WP APEX Monoshock
Suspension Travel Front/Rear: 143mm/5.6 in; 140mm/5.5 in
Front/Rear Brakes: Rotors 320mm/240mm
Front/Rear Wheels: 3.50 x 17”, 5.50 x 17”
Front/Rear Tires: 120/70ZR17; 180/55ZR17
Steering Head Angle: 24.2º
Wheelbase: 1,481mm ± 15mm / 58.3 ± 0.6 in
Ground Clearance: 210mm / 8.2 in
Seat Height: 840mm / 33 in
Tank Capacity: 14.8 L / 3.9 gal
Weight (ready to ride), Approx: 179 kg / 394.6 lb
