KTM’s 990 Duke R Stays a 2026 Model at $13,399 in the U.S.

KTM's U.S. lineup has already moved on to 2027 for the regular 990 Duke and the 990 RC R. The 990 Duke R hasn't. KTM's U.S. model page still lists it as a 2026 model at $13,399 MSRP plus $800 freight, and we found no 2027 990 Duke R on KTM's U.S. site when we checked on October 10.

That makes the R an odd case: a bike first shown for 2025, pushed into 2026 by KTM's production delay, and still on sale under that model year while its siblings turn over. If you're shopping for one, here's what the current listing actually promises.

Key points:

• Price: $13,399 base MSRP plus $800 freight, or $14,199 before tax, title and dealer fees.
• Engine: 947 cc parallel twin. KTM's page says 130 PS in one place and 127.84 PS in its technical table.
• Hardware: fully adjustable WP APEX suspension, linkage rear shock, Brembo Stylema calipers and an 8.8-inch touchscreen TFT.
• Passenger: homologated for two, but sold as a single-seater. Pillion seat and pegs cost extra.

Why it's still a 2026

KTM revealed its new-generation street bikes as 2025 models at EICMA. Then the company went through a restructuring and delayed production. In a September 11, 2025 update, KTM North America said the affected bikes would move from the 2025 to the 2026 model year, with main production of the 990 Duke R planned for late fall 2025.

That was a plan, not a delivery date, and KTM hasn't published when U.S. production actually started. What we can say is that the bike is listed for sale today as a 2026, with the same price and freight shown on the page we captured on October 8 and rechecked on October 10.

KTM hasn't said whether a 2027 990 Duke R is coming or when. If one is announced, 2026 bikes on dealer floors would become last year's model, which can be useful when you negotiate.

The 130 PS question

KTM's marketing copy says the Duke R makes "an increased power output of 130 PS." The technical details table on the same page lists 127.84 PS and 103 Nm of torque.

PS is metric horsepower. 130 PS is about 128 hp, and 127.84 PS is about 126 hp. 103 Nm is about 76 lb-ft. The two power numbers aren't far apart, but they're both on KTM's own page, so we're reporting both until KTM says which one is the U.S. figure. Neither is a dyno test.

What the R adds over the 990 Duke

According to KTM, the R is built on the regular 990 Duke's frame and 947 cc LC8c engine, with these differences:

• Suspension: fully adjustable WP APEX fork and shock, with forged aluminum triple clamps. Rear travel drops by 10 mm to 140 mm, and the wheelbase grows 5 mm to 1,481 mm.
• Ergonomics: a seat 15 mm higher at 840 mm (33 inches), up from 825 mm (32.4 inches), with 15 mm more ground clearance. Footpegs move 33 mm back and 12.5 mm up for more lean angle.
• Brakes: radially mounted four-piston Brembo Stylema calipers and an adjustable Brembo MCS master cylinder.
• Tires: Michelin Power Cup 2, 120/70-17 front and 180/55-17 rear.
• Dash: an 8.8-inch landscape TFT touchscreen.

A 33-inch seat is tall for a naked bike. If you're shorter, sit on one with your riding boots on before you buy.

Ride modes: what's standard and what's a demo

Four ride modes are standard, per KTM: Rain, Street, Sport and Custom. The more performance-focused Track and additional Custom settings are technical accessories you pay for.

KTM lets you try all of them in demo mode for the first 1,500 km, about 930 miles. After that, the paid features switch off unless you buy them. Ask the dealer what each accessory costs, so a feature you enjoyed during the demo doesn't come as a surprise later.

Carrying a passenger

KTM says the 990 Duke R is homologated to carry a passenger but is sold as a single-seater, with the pillion seat and footpegs available separately.

If you plan to ride two-up, budget for those parts. It's also worth calling your insurer. Coverage for a passenger's injuries depends on your policy and state, and a bike delivered as a solo seat is a good reminder to check that your policy handles passengers the way you expect.

Warranty

KTM's page says the bike comes with its Premium Manufacturer's Warranty of up to four years, as long as it's serviced on schedule at an authorized KTM dealer. Get the dealer's service-plan intervals and keep every receipt. The exact terms are on KTM's warranty page.

What we still don't know

• Which power figure KTM treats as official for U.S. bikes.
• Whether a 2027 990 Duke R is planned for the U.S.
• Prices for the Track and extra Custom mode accessories.
• Actual dealer stock in your area. A model page isn't proof of inventory.