KTM 990 DUKE R 2026 Review: Engine, Performance, and Top Speed
Top Speed: The real top speed recorded via GPS is 248 km/h, reached in sixth gear at approximately 10,200 rpm.
Acceleration: 0-100 km/h is covered in 3.2 seconds, thanks in part to the evolved Launch Control that minimizes wheelies.
Engine Smoothness and On-Off: The Bosch injection has been refined. The on-off effect, once critical on Duke models, has almost disappeared in Street map, while it remains present but manageable in Track map.
Sixth Gear Roll-on: The parallel twin accepts dropping to 3,000 rpm in sixth gear; below this threshold, engine knocking occurs, requiring a downshift.
General Performance: With 130 HP and generous torque, the engine offers constant pull from 4,500 rpm to the rev limiter, with a character very similar to a V-twin.