SPY SHOT: KTM 990 Duke gears up for launch in 2023

The latest spy shots of the KTM 990 Duke indicate that it is striding closer to its launch.

Subscribe to our Telegram channel for instant updates!

KTM’s popularity has been on the rise since the Austrian motorcycle company introduced the compact LC8 parallel-twin engine in 2017.

Since then, the 790cc engine has evolved to 889cc before KTM upgraded the engine to the ‘R’ version which saw power increase from 105hp to 119hp. However, KTM does not intend to stop there, instead, the LC8 890cc engine will once again undergo evolution.

The latest ‘spy shot’ taken at the KTM factory located in Mattighofen confirmed this when it displayed the latest ‘naked’ machine claimed to be the KTM 990 Duke.

As the name suggests, this KTM 990 Duke will be powered by a parallel-twin LC8 990cc engine developed from the existing 889cc platform, but with a larger and longer ‘bore’ and ‘stroke’.

Based on the photos shared, the 990 Duke will not only come up with a new engine but also a different design and specifications compared to the 890 generations.

Although the 990 Duke will offer major changes, it is expected that the LC8 engine will remain with a 285-degree crankshaft capable of producing a firing interval that is equivalent to a 75-degree V-Twin engine.

With a larger engine, this 990 Duke is also expected to offer power over 130hp.

However, the 990 Duke is also expected to come with a new, lighter and more compact frame including different body panels. The back frame also looks more exposed.

Although the headlights look attractive-as if similar to the GSX-S1000-but it is understood that it is not the actual look that will be used.

For now, more detailed information and specifications are still vague but looking at the development of previous models, the 990 Duke is expected to be revealed later this year before being officially launched in 2023.