There’s no denying the adventure bike segment is highly popular for the versatility it offers. In a close second are ADV-type sport-touring bikes (also known as crossovers). But before these took over, naked bikes were the real versatile kids on the block. You could go the distance on them, take them to the track, and then casually commute around town for your 9-to-5.
Many of the modern-day nakeds still do these things exceptionally well, yet they are overshadowed by their ADV counterparts and remain underappreciated. Today, we’ll talk about one such bike, which promises everyday comfort for the street but with a serious punch when you want to let loose. There’s also another interesting market-related reason why it is underappreciated. Let’s jump into it.
Here’s Why This KTM Supermoto Is Worth Buying In 2025
In a market stacked with versatile motorcycles, all this has to offer is a great rider experience
The KTM 990 Duke R Is An Underappreciated Midweight With Everyday Comfort And Serious Punch
Price: $13,399
If you want everyday comfort and serious punch, you should eye one of the bikes from the new breed of middleweight nakeds. Out of that lot, the new KTM 990 Duke R justifies the underappreciated title well, while also ensuring everyday comfort and serious punch. Why is it underappreciated, you ask? A large part of the reason is KTM’s recent financial fiasco.
Somewhere between declaring bankruptcy, dealership shutdowns, and a massive ownership overhaul, all new KTM bikes were overlooked by potential buyers. We don’t blame them, either. After all, if the company went under, they’d potentially be left with a bike from a brand-new platform without official support. There was also the problem of no new inventory, as production had ceased in Austria.
All that is well behind us now. Examples of the 990 have reached US dealers already, and with Bajaj taking charge, you best believe there won’t be any lack of support. Thus, this underappreciated naked deserves your attention now. The price is also quite strong, undercutting its biggest rival: the Triumph Street Triple RS. It also does a good job of making a case for itself, too.
The Duke range has always been great for street riding, and the 990 Duke R promises the same. At the same time, this is the most powerful middleweight KTM naked yet, with no shortage of serious punch. In fact, the torque output of 76 pound-feet is leagues ahead of its direct rivals. Heck, it is even comparable to liter-class bikes like the Suzuki GSX-S1000 and Honda CB1000 Hornet SP.
The KTM 990 Duke R Boasts A New 947cc Parallel-Twin Engine
KTM’s LC8C platform has slowly grown over the years. It started with the 790, then came the 890, and the 990 is the largest one so far. The updated engine has a 947cc displacement and a parallel-twin layout with a 270-degree crank. KTM also claims it is one of the most compact engines of its kind in the 800-1000cc space. Oh, and unlike its triple-cylinder rivals, the 990 has all the oomph concentrated well below 10,000 RPM. In fact, it redlines at 10,500 RPM–almost 3,500 RPM less than the 765 RS.
10 Most Powerful Naked Bikes Under $10,000 In 2025
The most powerful motorcycle here is a Japanese streetfighter packing 123 horsepower.
Class-Leading Torque Ensures You Have Serious Punch On Tap
Coming to the output, the 990 Duke R produces 126 horsepower and 76 pound-feet. This is a few ponies up from the non-R model, although both have the same torque. The torque is the real USP, as well, since it trumps its rivals by a serious margin. For reference, the 765 RS produces 59 pound-feet, while the MT-09 SP has 68 pound-feet.
High-Spec WP Suspension Elevates The 990 Duke R’s Riding Dynamics
Like the engine, the 990 Duke R impresses in the underpinnings department. You get 48 mm Open Cartridge WP forks up top. KTM says these are 34 percent stiffer to offer more planted riding dynamics than the non-R bike. The new WP Apex shock with a new linear spring is present at the rear. Both of these tie up with the updated steel chassis and aluminum subframe.
New Wheels Keep The Weight In Check
A closer look also reveals new 17-inch wheels. These are the same ones from the 1390 Super Duke R and save weight over the non-R model’s wheels. These help keep the weight down to just 418 pounds fully fueled. Braking components, meanwhile, comprise two 320 mm rotors with Brembo Stylema calipers. A Brembo MCS is present, too.
In case you want to ride this daily, you’ll have to be a bit wary of the 33-inch saddle height. That’s taller than most of its rivals, but the fully adjustable shock should help make life better. It also boosts the ground clearance to over 8 inches, though, so even the biggest speedbreakers won’t be an issue. That’s something we can’t say for the Street Triple or MT.
KTM Has All The Necessary Modern Technology
KTM was once one of the most tech-friendly bikemakers. And it still is. But the truly tech has now become optional. The 990 Duke R suffers with that as well. In standard form, you get four ride modes, wheelie control, traction control, switchable ABS, and a two-way quickshifter. You can toggle through these via a gigantic 8.8-inch touchscreen TFT.
The Most Exciting Naked Bike Coming In 2026
MV Agusta is readying a new Brutale to celebrate the 25th year anniversary of the moniker
But the real juicy bits are optional. The optional track pack unlocks five dedicated wheelie control settings, launch control, and gets you two more ride modes where you can turn everything off. You’ll have all of these for the first 932 miles, then you’ll have to pay extra to get them. This puts the 990 on the back foot against its tech-loaded rivals like the MT-09, which has most of these things as standard forever.