Dan! Those bursts of cheeky giggles just make me want to take one out for a spin! KTMs are dripping with tech and it shows that they've put a lot of thought into the whole UX. I won't be surpised to see all reliability bumps ironed out in the years to come... if so, then hello KTM! Also, love the headlight! Gives me kind of Decepticon vibes 😅 Loved the review! Looking forward to get your opinion on the R once its released ❤
Errrr ............... Pierer Group who own KTM are embarking on a massive cost cutting drive. There will be massive job losses in Austria with most bikes now being produced in either India or China where Pierer sees the most growth in their sales. They are significantly downsizing operations and sales in Europe. Their European sales for the last year have fallen off a cliff. Dealers will be given far fewer bikes in future and many bikes in the ranges might be culled as they say they have too many. Uncertain times to buy a KTM.
Here's hoping this one has a new steering damper! The one on my 890R didn't save me from a tank slapper, apparently they only have 10w oil, owners change that to 60-80w.... sadly that mod is too late for me. Also the Apex not having preload, might have also caused my woes (had it professionally set up). I sat on the 990 at a dealer and it felt a lot more like a Superduke - physically larger, and the front end looks great in the flesh imo, and the black looks miles better than the orange one. But for me, the price ought to include all modes - it feels like they're testing the water, and though some won't blink at the cost (or just jump from PCP to PCP), I reckon things like this will get worse (maybe even a monthly sub).
Camshaft problem is problem from the past. 2018,19,20 models ware afected. Ktm make biger rockerarms and have better lubrication system on the cams so no problems there as far as i know
Enjoyed the appraisal of the bike, Mr Dan, but two major considerations would block my ever buying one: 1. The post-sale electronics package rip-off. Outrageous! 2. That reliability should be a 'tricky issue to address'. No, it shouldn't. Even from a position of ignorance one should be confident that any potential purchase will be reliable. KTM's excellent reputation has nose-dived in recent years. The company seems to have been swamped by dissembling accountants / asset strippers. It's going to be very hard to recover.
Thanks! Regarding the points: 1. As I said, I think KTM are cottoning on as most dealers are now offering the Tech Pack with the rrp. 2. What I mean is (and I feel I explained this onein the vid) it's tricky for ME to address because I've never owned a KTM. I cannot really comment on reliability in a 2 week test of a press bike.
Agreed. It's a disgrace that KTM charge you for a commonly included accessory ie quickshifter on a £13k motorcycle! So glad I got my 23 Street Triple 765rs.
Apart from the headlight,it’s not a bad looking bike. Love KTM but by making it more expensive than the MT09SP it’s a hard sell. 🤔 I feel it rides probably more exciting than the competition but it needs to be cheaper. As I have the 1290sdr could I justify buying another Duke?
In terms of looks.. aah, it’s alright. Can it be better? Sure. I personally prefer if manufacturers design their bikes to look slightly different across the range (like they used to do in the 2000’s). What i mean is keep it in the same family, same concept, but make it distinctive enough for each model. Too many brands nowadays just repeat the same design for their whole range. If it’s up to me, I’d reserve this particular head design for the Super Duke R; and design a more compact, slimmer head for this 990 Duke.
Hmm good question! I think I'd need to ride both back to back but they seemed quite similar from memory. The Yam is just smoother and I'd say makes it's power a little higher than the KTM.
Hi, yes I’ve ridden both of them as I wanted to choose between the two. The 990 duke is so much fun compared to the MT 09 and as Dan said you need to rev it a bit to get the power out of the MT 09 but 990 duke is just so much raw and always puts the smile on your face. Secondly, the quickshifter in the 990 duke is also better (I disagree with Dan on this) compared to even the 2024 MT 09 that has so called gen 3 quickshifter. I think its because I don’t like the gear box on MT 09 which feels a bit harsh and not smooth. I even tried MT 10 2024 as I was looking for a fun naked and even in the most aggressive mode on mt 10 I will still vote for the fun factor of 990 duke over the MT 10 that however makes more peak power but I need to shut off all the electronics in the MT 10 to test it to its limits fully. I did not have the tech pack included even on 990 duke that I tried so the maximum I could try that was in sport mode and it was still wheeling even in the street mode (so much fun). However I need to turn off completely the wheelie control and other electronics on MT 10 to check if it power wheelies like 990 duke as I felt 990 duke was wheeling more often than another good and fun wheelie machine the MT 10. I would strongly suggest you test them back to back and you’ll definitely say the same thing about the fun factor of KTM. Its so much fun that I didn’t even think of its high price and have booked one already which is on its way! KTM’s TFT looks stunning too. If you want something more lethal then go for the ultimate torque monster in its catagory and a very lethal 1390 Super DUKE R. Sadly, once you’ve ridden these KTM’s a lot of other bikes will feel boring therefore I strongly urge you test ride them so that you can believe in what im saying and ultimately buy one if you’re looking to. Take care and ride safe!!
Why is anyone calling this a middleweight naked? This thing is as close to a liter bike as you can get, and it’s absurd to treat it otherwise. We should make a “super-middleweight” category from ~850-950 cc’s. This, the MT09, 890 Duke, and some other bikes could occupy this new category.
@@k3y155 yeah, anything above 500 cc and 60ish hp is called middleweight. This is literally 123 hp and 1000 cc. No way a middleweight as well. Cant go in the same sentence with a ninja 650 lol.
Exellent video, love the look of this bike. On my second Duke390, looking to upgrade next year, would I be pushing it to go for this model?. Would prefer Duke790 but it`s obsolete and not available in NZ. Thanks Dan😁.
And shortly to become even worse as pretty much all production is moved to India and China to cut manufacturing costs and maximise profits for share holders.
And people say Yamaha's MTs are ugly! KTM definitely win the ugliest bikes award that isn't an adventure bike! I could get over the looks for the fun they are to ride if it wasn't for their appalling reputation for reliability. For that reason I got an MT instead. Sure owners will love them though when they are running ok.
Its pretty much a 1000cc. If this is middle weight what are R1's, GSXR's, ZX10R etc etc? This isn't a middle weight category bike anymore. Did i mention its freaking ugly and the old 890R looks better? However looks are subjective the cc isn't!
Probably to match the original 990 Super Duke. They caught the BMW disease: F650GS (798cc), F700GS (also 798cc), F750GS (853cc) and now the much clearer F800GS (895cc) 😂
Some people ride 85% of the time on that case 13k is cheap for a brand new vehicle. In the usa there's not really good public transportation or walkways. A bike is my main mode of transportation and in that case 13k isn't much for somthing brand new. A new car comparable to that motorcycle is probably $30,000-$40,000.
Looks fugly and I'm a KTM fan! That front headlight is a monstrosity. I really liked the previous design that this has replaced. WTF were KTM designers/stylists thinking of? Anyways don't buy a KTM now as it's looking like they are about to get even worse as a bike manufacturer as pretty much all production is being moved to either India or China to slash manufacturing costs and maximise profits for the Pierer Group who own KTM. Looks like Husqvarna and Gasgas might not survive the cost cutting measures to ensure 'profitability of the group'.
@Englishbikerdan its not "spec sheets" it's reality. 945cc and nearly 200kg, dude, that's not light or powerful. Just about the same weight as the 1390 if not heavier and way less powerful. Whatever, each to their own, it just feels like we are in an engineering slump at the moment where manufacturers have nothing to offer but an increase in capacity. I ride a 21 Vitpilen 701 current, so I get what you're saying about spec sheets, but still, I expected more from the cc bump.
I feel that this had as much power as I'd ever want. It never once felt weak. In fact I'd say it's just brutal everywhere other than top end. I guess it's what you're used to. I don't ride many bikes with more than 120bhp.
They could probably get a fair bit more power from it but that would rob it of bottom and midrange power and torque which is what you want for a fun road bike.
Subjective, but its beautiful, i honestly like it
Nice.
It´s a really sweet thing to ride 🙂
The front end looks like an unmasked yautja, love it.
Over here. . . anytime.
Dan! Those bursts of cheeky giggles just make me want to take one out for a spin! KTMs are dripping with tech and it shows that they've put a lot of thought into the whole UX. I won't be surpised to see all reliability bumps ironed out in the years to come... if so, then hello KTM!
Also, love the headlight! Gives me kind of Decepticon vibes 😅
Loved the review! Looking forward to get your opinion on the R once its released ❤
Errrr ............... Pierer Group who own KTM are embarking on a massive cost cutting drive. There will be massive job losses in Austria with most bikes now being produced in either India or China where Pierer sees the most growth in their sales. They are significantly downsizing operations and sales in Europe. Their European sales for the last year have fallen off a cliff. Dealers will be given far fewer bikes in future and many bikes in the ranges might be culled as they say they have too many. Uncertain times to buy a KTM.
Very nice, probably have to do a test ride. My dream bike basically and I have seen one on the road today looks and sounds amazing.
Here's hoping this one has a new steering damper! The one on my 890R didn't save me from a tank slapper, apparently they only have 10w oil, owners change that to 60-80w.... sadly that mod is too late for me. Also the Apex not having preload, might have also caused my woes (had it professionally set up).
I sat on the 990 at a dealer and it felt a lot more like a Superduke - physically larger, and the front end looks great in the flesh imo, and the black looks miles better than the orange one.
But for me, the price ought to include all modes - it feels like they're testing the water, and though some won't blink at the cost (or just jump from PCP to PCP), I reckon things like this will get worse (maybe even a monthly sub).
Not sure if the steering damper is new. I had no issues on the 890/R/SMT though so could be just unlucky.
Great review Dan. Looked like you had a hoot.
With them looks not one you would brag to your mates about
I like the headlight 👊🏻
Nice!
Great review ✊🔥fun bike🤩
I like the menacing front
It's certainly unique!
Nice video. The bike looks awesome! Which jacket are you wearing please?
Thank you for your excellent review.
The road is so beautiful, but there are so many blind spots that I watched with anxiety.🥶
Yes it's a bit scary at times! Thanks for watching!
Mr Dan, what model Shark helmet is that. Would go perfect with my 790 Duke.....soon to be 990!!
Did like the look of it but seriously whos going to buy one now with the Cam issue that engine range has?
This has an all new engine, so in theory should be okay. Time will tell.
@@Englishbikerdanlet's hope so but I've heard that it affects all the lc8 engines.
Camshaft problem is problem from the past. 2018,19,20 models ware afected. Ktm make biger rockerarms and have better lubrication system on the cams so no problems there as far as i know
@@Nisotovski hope so!
Enjoyed the appraisal of the bike, Mr Dan, but two major considerations would block my ever buying one:
1. The post-sale electronics package rip-off. Outrageous!
2. That reliability should be a 'tricky issue to address'. No, it shouldn't. Even from a position of ignorance one should be confident that any potential purchase will be reliable. KTM's excellent reputation has nose-dived in recent years. The company seems to have been swamped by dissembling accountants / asset strippers. It's going to be very hard to recover.
Thanks! Regarding the points:
1. As I said, I think KTM are cottoning on as most dealers are now offering the Tech Pack with the rrp.
2. What I mean is (and I feel I explained this onein the vid) it's tricky for ME to address because I've never owned a KTM. I cannot really comment on reliability in a 2 week test of a press bike.
Agreed. It's a disgrace that KTM charge you for a commonly included accessory ie quickshifter on a £13k motorcycle! So glad I got my 23 Street Triple 765rs.
I want to own one but do i need the problems that come with them
Apart from the headlight,it’s not a bad looking bike. Love KTM but by making it more expensive than the MT09SP it’s a hard sell. 🤔 I feel it rides probably more exciting than the competition but it needs to be cheaper. As I have the 1290sdr could I justify buying another Duke?
Certainly better in the flesh.
Not too pumpkin coloured which is nice, but that headlight is a reason not to look at the bike from the front unless it's unavoidable.
There is a pumpkin version too!
People won't be able to see the front anyway
Used to like their cutting edge designs. Passe now. Getn very polarising
Or maybe they are perfectly fashionable?
Front headlights look like a wizards sleeve... Borat style
Haha
More comfort and more fun engine the the Street triple rs✊🔥
Yeah, a fair assessment. Seat is lovely.
Are the gears longer at this model. I always find the 890 having the gears a too short
Hi Dan
Great review.
I love your description of the headlight, it's an absolute classic line!
Will you be reviewing the Yamaha MT09 SP?
Thanks
Thanks, yeah I've filmed the MT09SP vid as well as a comparison to the Street Triple RS.
I can hear the pages of your cheque book rustling Dan 😂
why tho? when you can get a mint 1290 for the same or less?
Not everyone wants a 1290 or that much power though.
In terms of looks.. aah, it’s alright. Can it be better? Sure.
I personally prefer if manufacturers design their bikes to look slightly different across the range (like they used to do in the 2000’s). What i mean is keep it in the same family, same concept, but make it distinctive enough for each model. Too many brands nowadays just repeat the same design for their whole range.
If it’s up to me, I’d reserve this particular head design for the Super Duke R; and design a more compact, slimmer head for this 990 Duke.
Did you ever ride one of the original 990s? V-twin and a much better-looking bike.
Never did sadly.
doesn't seem to rattle on tickover like my 890
I love that headlight
Excellent!
Really???
@@alexmorgan3435 yea mate,if we all liked the same things life would be boring 👍🏻
Tech pack comes along with the purchase currently, if not speak to KTM
Yep, as stated in the vid.
It absolutely should do for £13k!
Is the 990's engine noticeable more punchy than a MT09SP? For your money, which one would you choose?
Hmm good question! I think I'd need to ride both back to back but they seemed quite similar from memory. The Yam is just smoother and I'd say makes it's power a little higher than the KTM.
Hi, yes I’ve ridden both of them as I wanted to choose between the two. The 990 duke is so much fun compared to the MT 09 and as Dan said you need to rev it a bit to get the power out of the MT 09 but 990 duke is just so much raw and always puts the smile on your face. Secondly, the quickshifter in the 990 duke is also better (I disagree with Dan on this) compared to even the 2024 MT 09 that has so called gen 3 quickshifter. I think its because I don’t like the gear box on MT 09 which feels a bit harsh and not smooth. I even tried MT 10 2024 as I was looking for a fun naked and even in the most aggressive mode on mt 10 I will still vote for the fun factor of 990 duke over the MT 10 that however makes more peak power but I need to shut off all the electronics in the MT 10 to test it to its limits fully. I did not have the tech pack included even on 990 duke that I tried so the maximum I could try that was in sport mode and it was still wheeling even in the street mode (so much fun). However I need to turn off completely the wheelie control and other electronics on MT 10 to check if it power wheelies like 990 duke as I felt 990 duke was wheeling more often than another good and fun wheelie machine the MT 10.
I would strongly suggest you test them back to back and you’ll definitely say the same thing about the fun factor of KTM. Its so much fun that I didn’t even think of its high price and have booked one already which is on its way! KTM’s TFT looks stunning too.
If you want something more lethal then go for the ultimate torque monster in its catagory and a very lethal 1390 Super DUKE R. Sadly, once you’ve ridden these KTM’s a lot of other bikes will feel boring therefore I strongly urge you test ride them so that you can believe in what im saying and ultimately buy one if you’re looking to. Take care and ride safe!!
Try the super duke
Ridden the 1290, good fun. Not that bothered by the 1390.
Why is anyone calling this a middleweight naked? This thing is as close to a liter bike as you can get, and it’s absurd to treat it otherwise.
We should make a “super-middleweight” category from ~850-950 cc’s. This, the MT09, 890 Duke, and some other bikes could occupy this new category.
@@k3y155 yeah, anything above 500 cc and 60ish hp is called middleweight. This is literally 123 hp and 1000 cc. No way a middleweight as well. Cant go in the same sentence with a ninja 650 lol.
Yep, it's bonkers but the big boy bikes are now 1200's onwards. That's progress I guess!
@@Englishbikerdan hopefully the insurance rates progress too lol. It did look like a fun ride regardless!
looks more like the predator not orangutan lol
A disfuctional predator ye :D
Predutan, Orangator?
Exellent video, love the look of this bike. On my second Duke390, looking to upgrade next year, would I be pushing it to go for this model?. Would prefer Duke790 but it`s obsolete and not available in NZ. Thanks Dan😁.
Nice but the camshaft issues put me off
123 hp in my country?
I don't know, I live in my country. :)
This has to be the current production bike with the absolute worst value for money, not bad, even for KTM lmao.
It's pricey for sure, but I wouldn't say worst vfm personally. It delivers a LOT.
Not doubting they're fun but the company is diabolical.
Very much so.
And shortly to become even worse as pretty much all production is moved to India and China to cut manufacturing costs and maximise profits for share holders.
a 1290 is not a 1290cc a 1390 is not a 1390cc they are names not descriptions of cubic capacity
Let's be real, they are implying cc.
@@Englishbikerdanindeed👍
i fkin love ktm dukes
They are crazy fun bikes!
I don’t think I’ve heard any one giggle that much testing a bike in a long wile Dan brilliant still wouldn’t purchase though 👍
Yep, fun is the name of the game.
God those UK roads are absolutely awful, why do they put fuckin BUSHES everywhere ??
Hedgerows. You get used to them!
And people say Yamaha's MTs are ugly! KTM definitely win the ugliest bikes award that isn't an adventure bike! I could get over the looks for the fun they are to ride if it wasn't for their appalling reputation for reliability. For that reason I got an MT instead. Sure owners will love them though when they are running ok.
At least when you are riding it you cannot see the awful headlight. Not a bike you want to look back at as you walk away for sure.
Its pretty much a 1000cc. If this is middle weight what are R1's, GSXR's, ZX10R etc etc? This isn't a middle weight category bike anymore. Did i mention its freaking ugly and the old 890R looks better? However looks are subjective the cc isn't!
It's weird, middleweight seems to be a broad range if bikes from 650cc to 900ish! Now the bigger bikes are way above 1000cc.
It has a face only your mother would love!
Then there’s the reliability issues 😮
Time will tell I guess!
Goes mad but god damn the designers dropped the ball with that head unit.
haha, I guess you don't look at it when you're riding it!
@@Englishbikerdan Well I guess that's one way to "look at it" hhehehe
Cams made of cheese?,wouldn't buy new never mind used
What kind of cheese?
@@Englishbikerdan hopefully the aged Gouda from Trader Joe's, it's up to the task 👍
@@Englishbikerdan Tiroler Bergkäse……..🤣
@@Englishbikerdan Soft cheese that only lasts 12-15k miles and the cams are then fkd.
I really wanna know the kind of character KTM buyers are.
People who love bikes that are fun, and don't mind a bit of risk.
people who are not averse to tinkering and repairing
Why tf they call it a 990 then 😂
I dunno if there are many bikes that have the CC to match the name of the bike.
@@Patriiiiick my 750 has 748cc, thats atleast close
@@Patriiiiick Ducati 916.
Worse example is the AJP PR7. The name misleads to be a 700cc, is announced as a 650cc, but is a 600cc in reality.
Probably to match the original 990 Super Duke. They caught the BMW disease: F650GS (798cc), F700GS (also 798cc), F750GS (853cc) and now the much clearer F800GS (895cc) 😂
They're all at it tbh.
Its so ugly that you have to ride it all the time so not to look at it. Maybe it was on purpose.😮
Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaah
You could be onto something!
This.
13k for a Motorbike 😮 people got more money than sense.
What about £13k for a pedelec e-mountain bike!!?
@@Ukmongoose3 Rediculous
Some people think 13k isn't much. It's all relative I guess.
@@Englishbikerdan Isn't Much Be Buggered 😮
Some people ride 85% of the time on that case 13k is cheap for a brand new vehicle. In the usa there's not really good public transportation or walkways. A bike is my main mode of transportation and in that case 13k isn't much for somthing brand new. A new car comparable to that motorcycle is probably $30,000-$40,000.
Looks fugly and I'm a KTM fan! That front headlight is a monstrosity. I really liked the previous design that this has replaced. WTF were KTM designers/stylists thinking of? Anyways don't buy a KTM now as it's looking like they are about to get even worse as a bike manufacturer as pretty much all production is being moved to either India or China to slash manufacturing costs and maximise profits for the Pierer Group who own KTM. Looks like Husqvarna and Gasgas might not survive the cost cutting measures to ensure 'profitability of the group'.
Why do RUclipsrs always say A-nuther? it's another (one word)
Why does this bother you?
It's just an observation. It's a trend that exists only in RUclips-land
That must be up there with the ugliest motorcycles ever made.
The Moribidelli V8 is laughing right now!
No
Ugliest motorbike ever
Nah, not even in the top 10 ugly bikes. Morbidelli V8. Yikes!
Looks hideous.
What if you squint?
Then I'm squinting and it's still ugly@@Englishbikerdan
When Yamaha bites KTM
Huh?
@@Englishbikerdan front lights
I'm sure it's quick, but you wouldn't look back at in love as you walked away... It's sooooo ugly.
Yep.
At 51s i got to a conclusion. DON'T WASTE MONEY ON SHITE.
It took you that long to get there? :D
So basically don’t buy KTM. I can stand for that.
@@valebliz That's it.
@@Englishbikerdan Nah, was just to make sure I replied to you. As soon as I saw the title I knew.
Give it love and get love back.
Ugly head light
Wow, this bike literally has ZERO ascetic lines or perspectives anymore 🤢💩
945cc and 120hp 😂 that not impressive even by late 90s standards 🙄
Ride one, then come back to me. Spec sheets are for weiners. :D
@Englishbikerdan its not "spec sheets" it's reality. 945cc and nearly 200kg, dude, that's not light or powerful. Just about the same weight as the 1390 if not heavier and way less powerful. Whatever, each to their own, it just feels like we are in an engineering slump at the moment where manufacturers have nothing to offer but an increase in capacity. I ride a 21 Vitpilen 701 current, so I get what you're saying about spec sheets, but still, I expected more from the cc bump.
I feel that this had as much power as I'd ever want. It never once felt weak. In fact I'd say it's just brutal everywhere other than top end. I guess it's what you're used to. I don't ride many bikes with more than 120bhp.
They could probably get a fair bit more power from it but that would rob it of bottom and midrange power and torque which is what you want for a fun road bike.