QUICKSPIN I 2024 KTM 990 Duke
P124
However, KTM focused on im-
proved midrange torque between
3000 and 7000 rpm, which in
theory should make it a better
street bike even if it technically
hinders high-rpm track perfor
-
mance a touch.
The bike I road came loaded
with the $934.99 Tech Pack
from KTM, as well as some ultra
sticky Pirelli slick rubber that
has way more grip than this bike
could possibly use. KTM's Tech
Pack provides excellent value for
money, considering it unlocks
the nine-stage traction control,
as well as the Performance and
Track riding modes. Performance
Mode is aimed at the street rider
with a different dash display
centered on the stuff they'll need
(i.e., speedo being front and
center), while the Track Mode
gives you access to the lap timer,
the lean angle you reached, and
the five-stage wheelie control
algorithm. Consider this as basic
telemetry, although it's more
advanced than what some inter
-
national race teams were using a
decade or so ago.
Around Portimao, with its
many peaks and troughs, I've got
the wheelie control set to its low
-
est setting without being turned
off, which allows the engine to
truly take over and drive through
the electronic safety net.
2024 KTM 990 DUKE
($12,500)
ENGINE 4-stroke, twin
DISPLACEMENT 947cc
FUEL INJECTION EFI
STARTING Electric
TRANSMISSION 6-speed
FRONT SUSPENSION 43 WP APEX
inverted forks, fully adj.
REAR SUSPENSION WP APEX mono-
shock, preload, rebound adjustable
FRONT TIRE 120/70ZR17-in.
REAR TIRE 180/55ZR17-in.
WHEELBASE 58.1 in.
SEAT HEIGHT 32.5 in.
FUEL CAPACITY 3.9 gal.
WEIGHT (CURB) 394 lbs.
Mid-size naked bikes can
do it all these days, but few are
as good on a racetrack as
the 990 Duke.
S P E C I F I C A T I O N S
