KTM 790 Duke vs KTM 990 Duke

Verdict

The KTM 790 Duke wins this comparison narrowly, 62.3 points to 59.8.

The gap of 2.5 points is built mostly in engine and performance, where the 790 Duke takes 15.7 points out of the 990 Duke. Scores are computed within each bike's class from published spec data; the full formula is on the methodology page.

On the road the 990 Duke is the quicker machine: 123 hp and 103 Nm moving 194 kg, against 95 hp and 87 Nm moving 184 kg for the 790 Duke. That is 0.63 hp per kilo playing 0.52.

The 790 Duke costs €8,999, which leaves €4,000 in your pocket against the 990 Duke at €12,999. Service intervals run 15,000 km on the 790 Duke and 15,000 km on the 990 Duke.

Frequently asked

Which is faster, the KTM 790 Duke or the KTM 990 Duke?

The KTM 990 Duke. It carries 0.63 hp per kilo (123 hp, 194 kg wet) against 0.52 hp per kilo for the KTM 790 Duke (95 hp, 184 kg).

Is the KTM 790 Duke cheaper than the KTM 990 Duke?

The KTM 790 Duke is cheaper at €8,999 list, €4,000 less than the KTM 990 Duke at €12,999.

Which is better for shorter riders?

Neither has an advantage on paper: both seats sit at 825 mm. Weight is the tiebreaker, and the KTM 790 Duke is lighter.

Which has better technology, the 790 Duke or the 990 Duke?

The KTM 990 Duke, which scores 8.8 of 10 tech points with cornering ABS, a TFT dash, traction control and phone connectivity. The KTM 790 Duke counters with cornering ABS, a TFT dash, traction control and phone connectivity.

Which goes further on a tank?

The KTM 990 Duke: 315 km from its 14.8 litre tank at the claimed consumption, against 311 km for the KTM 790 Duke.

Which bike wins overall?

The KTM 790 Duke, scoring 62.3 of 100 against 59.8 on our within-class points system. The full breakdown and formula are public on the methodology page.