The Moto Ref

KTM 990 Duke vs Yamaha MT-07

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.

KTM

990 Duke

60.8

/ 100

Winner

vs

Yamaha

MT-07

52.2

/ 100

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0 to 100 km/h

Estimated from power to weight, not a measured time.

KTM 990 Duke0 km/h
990 Duke
Yamaha MT-070 km/h
MT-07

Points by category

Six categories, 100 points. How every point is calculated

Engine and performance

out of 25
990 Duke
6.3
MT-07
5.0

Handling and chassis

out of 20
990 Duke
14.3
MT-07
13.0

Value

out of 20
990 Duke
13.3
MT-07
10.2

Practicality

out of 15
990 Duke
11.1
MT-07
8.8

Technology

out of 10
990 Duke
8.8
MT-07
7.1

Reliability and ownership

out of 10
990 Duke
7.0
MT-07
8.1

Specs side by side

Full specification comparison: KTM 990 Duke versus Yamaha MT-07
SpecKTM990 DukeYamahaMT-07
Engine
EngineLC8c parallel twin, liquid cooled, DOHCCP2 parallel twin, liquid cooled, DOHC
Displacement947 cc689 cc
Power123 hp at 9,500 rpm73.4 hp at 8,750 rpm
Torque103 Nm at 6,750 rpm68 Nm at 6,500 rpm
Power to weight0.63 hp/kg0.40 hp/kg
Chassis
Wet weight194 kg184 kg
Front suspensionWP APEX 43 mm open cartridge, 140 mmKYB 41 mm inverted, 130 mm
Front adjustabilityCompression and reboundPreload only
Rear suspensionWP APEX monoshock, 150 mmKYB monoshock, 130 mm
Rear adjustabilityPreload and reboundPreload and rebound
Front brake300 mm, radial 4-piston298 mm, radial 4-piston
ABSCornering ABSStandard ABS
Dimensions
Seat height825 mm805 mm
Wheelbase1476 mm1400 mm
Fuel capacity14.8 L14 L
Claimed consumption4.7 L/100 km4.2 L/100 km
Fuel range315 km333 km
Ownership
Price€12,999€8,199
Service interval15,000 km10,000 km
Valve check30,000 km42,000 km
Warranty2 years2 years
Equipment
DashTFTTFT
Ride modesYesYes
Traction controlYesYes
QuickshifterOptionalOptional
Cruise controlOptionalNot available
ConnectivityYesYes
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Verdict

The KTM 990 Duke wins this comparison clearly, 60.8 points to 52.2.

The gap of 8.6 points is built mostly in value, where the 990 Duke takes 3.1 points out of the MT-07. 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 73.4 hp and 68 Nm moving 184 kg for the MT-07. That is 0.63 hp per kilo playing 0.40.

The MT-07 costs €8,199, which leaves €4,800 in your pocket against the 990 Duke at €12,999. Service intervals run 10,000 km on the MT-07 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 990 Duke

123 hp pushing 194 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 990 Duke or the Yamaha MT-07?
The KTM 990 Duke. It carries 0.63 hp per kilo (123 hp, 194 kg wet) against 0.40 hp per kilo for the Yamaha MT-07 (73.4 hp, 184 kg).
Is the KTM 990 Duke cheaper than the Yamaha MT-07?
The Yamaha MT-07 is cheaper at €8,199 list, €4,800 less than the KTM 990 Duke at €12,999.
Which is better for shorter riders?
The Yamaha MT-07. Its 805 mm seat is 20 mm lower than the KTM 990 Duke, and at 184 kg it is the easier bike to manage at a stop.
Which has better technology, the 990 Duke or the MT-07?
The KTM 990 Duke, which scores 8.8 of 10 tech points with cornering ABS, a TFT dash, traction control and phone connectivity. The Yamaha MT-07 counters with a TFT dash, traction control and phone connectivity.
Which goes further on a tank?
The Yamaha MT-07: 333 km from its 14 litre tank at the claimed consumption, against 315 km for the KTM 990 Duke.
Which bike wins overall?
The KTM 990 Duke, scoring 60.8 of 100 against 52.2 on our within-class points system. The full breakdown and formula are public on the methodology page.

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