The 2024 KTM 990 Duke is a middleweight naked sportbike that replaces the 890 Duke. Virtually everything is new, from the larger parallel-twin engine to the frame, swingarm, electronics, and styling that borrows from the Super Duke R.
The 947cc LC8c twin has new cases, pistons, crankshaft, connecting rods, and cams, and a larger radiator and new exhaust. It makes 123 horsepower at 9500 rpm and 76 ft-lbs of torque at 6750 rpm. Low-end punch is strong and smooth, the midrange is broad from 3000 to 7000 rpm, and the front wheel lifts eagerly out of corners, yet the 990 is civilized in town.
Rain, Street, and Sport modes are standard, with IMU-supported cornering ABS, traction control, and wheelie control. The Tech Pack adds Performance and Track modes, nine-level traction control, engine-braking management, launch control, cruise control, and an up/down quickshifter for the 6-speed gearbox. A demo mode lets owners try those features before buying them.
A new chromoly steel frame captures the swingarm between its lower spars for added stiffness. The cast-aluminum swingarm is 3.3 pounds lighter and 35% more flexible, aimed at better grip and feedback. The 990 Duke rips through tight mountain roads and stays stable in fast sweepers.
The WP Apex 43mm fork has five-position compression and rebound damping clickers, and the shock adjusts for spring preload and rebound. The setup is sporty without being harsh on broken pavement. J.Juan four-piston radial calipers on 300mm discs have soft initial bite but plenty of power, and Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S22 tires are standard.
The 32.5-inch seat angles upward at the front to keep the rider off the 3.8-gallon tank, and the handlebar mounts in multiple positions. A five-inch TFT display, glove-friendly switchgear, and LED lighting round out the package.
The 990 Duke is for riders who want an aggressive, entertaining naked bike for canyon carving, track days, and daily riding. KTM offers it in orange or black, priced at $12,500.
Benda motorcycles are beginning to make a ripple on US shores with four intriguing and competitive models, courtesy of its partnership with Keeway Group. We were impressed with the Napoleonbob 500 and have now gotten our gloves on the persuasive, entry-level 2026 Benda Chinchilla 300, with its modest MSRP of $4999. It would be difficult to design a more welcoming entry-level cruiser than this easy-handling, visually appealing boulevard bobber. Editor Don Williams and Associate Editor Kelly Callan discuss the Benda Chinchilla 300 and how it actually rode for them.
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Our guest this episode is Jesse Merriman, Chief Technician for Jeremy McWilliams at the Arch Motorcycle racing project. Arch Racing was founded by Gard Hollinger and Keanu Reevs to compete in the Moto America Super Hooligan race series. Teejay Adams chats with Jesse about the Arch motorcycle and the challenges of extracting the absolute most from an air-cooled V-Twin racing engine and custom chassis.
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Here’s quick reminder to check out our monthly digital magazine. It’s filled with everything you want to read on motorcycling, including some things you’ve probably not seen elsewhere. It’s absolutely free and you will find it on the Apple App Store and of course on Google Play as well.
Don’t forget to leave us your comments on our social media—we’re on all the usual platforms at Ultimate Motorcycling. We love hearing your feedback… so good or bad, please let us know what you think. If there’s something you’d like us to cover, we’d love to hear those ideas too!
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![2024 KTM 990 Duke Buyer’s Guide [Specs, Price]](https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/2024-ktm-990-duke-first-look-21-768x512.webp "2024 KTM 990 Duke Buyer’s Guide [Specs, Price]")
