It’s hard to believe, but it’s been an entire 10 years since the KTM 990 Super Duke was a part of the Austrian OEM’s lineup. For some time, we’ve seen numerous hints at KTM developing a new 990 Duke in the 2020s. Some incredibly strong evidence emerged in January 2023, when LC8c engine drawings from China appeared taller than the familiar, existing LC8c mill—almost as though the cylinder was elongated.
Now, engine drawings may just be drawings, particularly in another market—but a 990 Duke as an evolution of the 890 Duke seems completely plausible, and not at all out of KTM’s character. Besides, we wouldn’t be dragging up those drawings in July 2023 without good reason. That good reason is, of course, a set of new spy photos that appear to show the upcoming KTM 990 Duke prototype out testing, and largely undisguised. So undisguised, in fact, that the rider is actually wearing a rather nice-looking set of leathers and helmet that matches the bike.
