KTM has never been shy about shaking up the motorcycle world—but for 2026, they’ve pulled the trigger on something truly special. Meet the all-new KTM 990 DUKE, better known as “The Sniper.” Precision-engineered, aggressively styled, and laser-focused on real-world performance, this latest DUKE is built to outperform, out-handle, and out-sharpen anything in its sights.
And make no mistake: it rarely misses.
A New Weapon in KTM’s Arsenal
Since the first DUKE rewrote naked-bike expectations back in the ’90s, each generation has pushed harder, cut sharper, and aimed higher. But the 2026 990 DUKE takes that philosophy and fires it through a scope. Everything—from the chassis and electronics to the engine’s internal architecture—has been refined for one single objective:
Deliver apex-hunting precision in every environment.
That’s why it's already been named The Sniper.
Firepower: A More Aggressive LC8c Twin
At the heart of this orange war machine lies KTM’s updated 947 cc LC8c parallel-twin, now tuned to produce a claimed 123 PS and 103 Nm of torque. Livelier cams, improved cooling, and finely sharpened fuelling work together to create a midrange surge that feels almost telepathic.
Whether you’re carving mountain passes or firing out of urban roundabouts, the 990 DUKE responds instantly—because precision is what The Sniper does best.
Optional Quickshifter+ and KTM’s advanced ride-by-wire injection bring track-ready throttle response to the street, while updated ride modes allow you to tailor the bike’s aggression to your mood.
Laser-Guided Handling
KTM built an all-new chromium-molybdenum steel trellis frame, using the engine as a stressed member to maintain rigidity while keeping weight astonishingly low. Combined with a cast-aluminium subframe and lightweight wheels, the 990 DUKE’s handling is nothing short of surgical.
Then there’s the suspension:
WP APEX 43 mm USD forks (5-click adjustable) and a WP APEX monoshock (preload + rebound adjustable) give riders the freedom to fine-tune their setup for the road, city, or even a dedicated track day.
The result?
A bike that threads corners like crosshairs on a target.
Braking with Military Precision
Dual 300 mm front discs with radial 4-piston calipers ensure stopping power worthy of the DUKE name. Cornering ABS and Supermoto ABS modes give riders total confidence in unpredictable conditions—keeping things controlled without diluting the raw, mechanical feel KTM riders love.
Sharper. Meaner. Unmistakably DUKE.
The 2026 990 DUKE debuts a new design language inspired by KTM’s flagship super-naked. A menacing stack of LED headlights, talon-like DRLs, and a sculpted tank give the bike a stance that’s both compact and muscular.
KTM’s designers have one goal:
Make a bike that looks like it wants to hunt apexes even when it’s parked.
Mission accomplished.
Tech That Keeps You Locked In
A brand-new 5″ bonded-glass TFT delivers crisp visuals and lightning-fast menus, with optional KTMconnect for navigation, calls, and audio. Depending on the spec, riders can enjoy:
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Cornering traction control
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Cornering ABS
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Quickshifter+
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Launch Control
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Performance & Track ride modes
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Adaptive brake light
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Cruise control
This is big-bike tech in the middleweight class, executed with KTM’s no-compromise attitude.
The Middleweight Class Has Been Put on Notice
The arrival of the 2026 KTM 990 DUKE – The Sniper marks a new chapter for the naked motorcycle segment. It’s more powerful than the 890 DUKE R, more advanced than any previous mid-size DUKE, and sharper than anything else in its price category.
Where rivals rely on brute force, The Sniper wins with precision.
This is not just another upgrade.
It’s a statement.
A warning shot.
And for anyone who loves point-and-shoot handling, explosive midrange power, and KTM’s trademark aggression, the target is clear:
Aim for The Sniper.