The name 990 is very well known in the motorcycle industry. It is a name that puts any shivers down your spine, makes you stop what you are doing and wait for that noise, that bark and the rider on the back wheel. Seems like the new 990 motor has a lot to live up to, doesn’t it?
KTM originally launched the LC8c motor back in 2018 and it almost straight away was a motorcycle that made lots of sense. Power was sharp, torque was sufficient and a frame that the Duke range had not yet attempted. Interesting! New motor, new frame design and the risks were there but boy oh boy, it delivered! I remember taking one around the local race track, Killarney, and it did not disappoint. Predictable in the corners, confident inspiring and oh so good sounding for a stock pipe.
Fast forward a year and a bit and the 890 Duke R was launched. More power, more torque and better in every single way. Surely the 890 could not top the 790 Duke that much but in reality, it was more then just a bigger cc and more of a bike. It was a track weapon. Brembo brakes, Semi-Slick tires and adjustable suspension? The dream has become true!
Fast forward again to the year 2023 and KTM are introducing a new range of Dukes to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the name “Duke”. The 390 Duke has an upgrade and the rumours are gathering… the name “990” could be back and in a Duke. Surely they could not do that? Oh, you could not be more wrong! KTM did just that! A complete new motorcycle such as frame, suspension, motor and so so much more! I could not wait to get my hands on this and give it a proper squirt here and there and see what the bike has to offer.
Arriving in South Africa not too long ago and lucky me, I was sent to the launch of the bikes. Nervous about the expectations and dare I say it, the headlight? Three, two, one and the curtains are pulled off the 990 Duke and 1390 Super Duke R. Hold on a second… KTM have done it again! Pictures have you questioning their decision on the new headlight and design but in person, it hits in every single area. There are very few angles that make them not attractive. At first impression when sitting on it, she sits very low for a bigger bike. Almost feels like a 390. Still blown away with how they have managed to fit such a bike into a frame that is thinner than a whisker from your nan’s cat.
Let’s get into the juicy business! The following morning after the launch and quite an eventful party, oops… sorry guys, we are put onto the new bikes. Only two 990s are there and you bet your bottom dollar, I grabbed it. Straight away, the sensation of perhaps being a bit tired and slow vanished! The bike is responsive and ready to go the moment the throttle is twisted. Wait… hold on? This is a parallel twin, how is it feeling like a V-Twin with its low down torque? Quickshifter is smoother than ever, in any gear and any rpm! Suspension is forgiving and plus and we have not even been riding for 10 minutes. We broke onto a little bit of a straight road for a bit and I gave it the horns. Just… wow. Simply wow… The wheelie mode makes any average rider feel like you are the best wheelie expert around! It is cheating! Wind resistance is also quite good. Sure, it is a naked bike, but you know, they did try their best and it did work quite well. Mind due, Johannesburg does not have Cape Town winds!
After about 40 or so, we arrive at the race track. Breathe… breathe! First time in years that you have been on a track and naturally you will feel a bit nervous. The 990 did not lack any reassurance. It immediately made me feel comfortable on an unknown track and made me feel way quicker than I looked, that I can tell you as much! Each corner, the bike fell into it without any effort and on the gas, she felt stable and it just darted out the corner. Here comes the biggest catch that a lot of people have mistaken… it is not a R model and the suspension is set up for fun, inspiring riding and not track focused which will make the market small. KTM have hit the nail on the head and thank you, just thank you! It is brisk and is not shy of speeds of 180km+ and just as fast as it gets out of corners, you also have brakes that work and work well at that. After a few laps of hoonigan around, you are bought back to reality when the bike is in the paddock and the session is over. Still gorgeous, even in the sun.
Here is a verdict and the verdict is this… Yes it is not the 990 Super Duke R that a lot of fans remember but times have changed and moved. It is also not the 890 Duke R. I am saying the R because people say it lacks brembos and proper suspension. It is the 990 Duke and it deserves all the credit you can throw at it. Sharp handling, a fruity motor that loves to be ridden and easy to live with. The Sniper is here to stay.