KTM 790 Duke vs KTM 990 Duke
Two naked bikes scored on the same 100-point system: specs side by side, points per category and a verdict that commits. These two sit in different classes, so each score is computed within its own class.
0 to 100 km/h
Estimated from power to weight, not a measured time.
Points by category
Six categories, 100 points. How every point is calculated
Engine and performance
out of 25Handling and chassis
out of 20Value
out of 20Practicality
out of 15Technology
out of 10Reliability and ownership
out of 10Specs side by side
| Spec | KTM790 Duke | KTM990 Duke |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | ||
| Engine | LC8c parallel twin, liquid cooled, DOHC | LC8c parallel twin, liquid cooled, DOHC |
| Displacement | 799 cc | 947 cc |
| Power | 95 hp at 9,500 rpm | 123 hp at 9,500 rpm |
| Torque | 87 Nm at 8,000 rpm | 103 Nm at 6,750 rpm |
| Power to weight | 0.52 hp/kg | 0.63 hp/kg |
| Chassis | ||
| Wet weight | 184 kg | 194 kg |
| Front suspension | WP APEX 43 mm open cartridge, 140 mm | WP APEX 43 mm open cartridge, 140 mm |
| Front adjustability | Non-adjustable | Compression and rebound |
| Rear suspension | WP APEX monoshock, 150 mm | WP APEX monoshock, 150 mm |
| Rear adjustability | Preload only | Preload and rebound |
| Front brake | 300 mm, radial 4-piston | 300 mm, radial 4-piston |
| ABS | Cornering ABS | Cornering ABS |
| Dimensions | ||
| Seat height | 825 mm | 825 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1475 mm | 1476 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 14 L | 14.8 L |
| Claimed consumption | 4.5 L/100 km | 4.7 L/100 km |
| Fuel range | 311 km | 315 km |
| Ownership | ||
| Price | €8,999 | €12,999 |
| Service interval | 15,000 km | 15,000 km |
| Valve check | 30,000 km | 30,000 km |
| Warranty | 2 years | 2 years |
| Equipment | ||
| Dash | TFT | TFT |
| Ride modes | Yes | Yes |
| Traction control | Yes | Yes |
| Quickshifter | Optional | Optional |
| Cruise control | Not available | Optional |
| Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
Verdict
The KTM 790 Duke and KTM 990 Duke finish level at 60.8 points each.
Neither bike separates itself on total points, so the choice comes down to where each one earns them. The biggest single gap is in engine and performance, worth 13.7 points, and that is the place to start.
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.
Better for city and commuting
KTM 990 Duke
A 825 mm seat, 315 km of tank range and the stronger practicality and value scores make it the easier bike to live with daily.
Better for weekend twisties
KTM 790 Duke
95 hp pushing 184 kg with WP APEX 43 mm open cartridge up front. It takes the combined engine and handling points.
Better for longer trips
KTM 990 Duke
315 km between fuel stops and the better equipment score. Distance rewards range and rider aids, and it has more of both.
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?
- It is a dead heat at 60.8 points each. Pick by use case: the per-category breakdown above shows where each bike earns its points.
Dig into each bike
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