Naked bikes once were simply sport bikes that had the fairing removed and were reworked with more comfortable ergonomics. That recipe worked surprisingly well at the time, and slowly, it created an entire segment that we love today. But in the modern era, only a few companies follow the basic outline. Instead, naked bikes have their own unique attention in the hierarchy, with R&D, tuning, and aesthetics that are separate from faired bikes.
In some ways, the credit for this new approach goes to Austrian giant KTM. Though it didn’t have a superbike in its portfolio, the bike maker quickly created a lineup of naked bikes for us to enjoy. Even without a sportbike as a blueprint, the lineup was so impressive and popular that other companies had to stop ignoring their old approach and give naked bikes their full attention. Yes, we’re talking about the much-loved nickname of the KTM Duke, and here’s what it’ll look like in 2024.
In order to provide you with the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was collected from various manufacturer websites. We have used our proven methodology to rank the KTM Duke according to power.
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Five
KTM 250 Duke
Power: 31 HP
Introducing the most underrated KTM Duke in today’s lineup: the 250 Duke. It always flies under the radar as most people overlook it in favor of the next model up. But as someone who has ridden the 250 thoroughly, this Duke is just as impressive, if not more so, than its big brother. At its heart is a 249cc, SOHC, liquid-cooled engine that’s been updated for the 2024 model year. It pumps out a respectable 31 horsepower and 18.4 pound-feet through a six-speed transmission with a quickshifter. Sure, that might not seem like a lot, but that, combined with its light weight, makes for hilarious performance that you can enjoy anywhere.
What’s even more impressive are the impressive underpinnings and features. The wheels, forks and swingarm are all borrowed from the new 390 Duke, as is the 320mm front disc, so there’s no shortage of quality equipment that makes this a bike you can ride and have some serious fun on. Speaking of quality parts, this is definitely one of the most well-equipped quarter-litre bikes in the segment. It comes with a bi-directional quickshifter, smartphone connectivity, switchable ABS, adjustable levers and an information-packed LCD cluster with all-LED lighting.
Engine Specifications
engine |
249cc, SOHC, water-cooled |
Power |
31 horsepower |
torque |
18.4 lb-ft |
contagion; infection |
6-speed |
Suggested retail price |
$4,599 |
Four
KTM 390 Duke
Power: 44 HP
The 390 Duke needs no introduction. Since its debut a decade ago, it has been the most successful Duke in the lineup thanks to regular updates. The metaphor of maturing like a fine wine is the one that best describes it. The current 390 is powered by a 399cc single-cylinder engine, a massive 26cc increase over the previous version. Power has also increased to 44 horsepower and around 29 pound-feet, making it the most powerful version to date. More importantly, it crushes all rivals and more than holds its own against bikes like the Honda CB500 Hornet.
But that’s not all. With a “do it right, if you’re going to do it right” attitude, Team Orange has also revamped many of the other mechanical parts of the ’24 model. The wheels, swingarm, subframe, main trellis and suspension have all been refined to deliver sharper riding dynamics than ever before. You should also know that the forks and monoshock are also fully adjustable, a feature you rarely see on 300-400cc bikes.
And it’s packed full of features: the 390 will delight you with a new-generation TFT instrument cluster with phone connectivity. You also get access to two ride modes, launch control, traction control, slipper clutch and cornering ABS. We also like the redesigned switch gear, which feels pretty premium considering it’s a $5,899 bike.
Engine Specifications
engine |
399cc, DOHC, water-cooled |
Power |
44 horsepower |
torque |
Approximately 29 lb-ft. |
contagion; infection |
6-speed |
Suggested retail price |
$5,899 |
3
KTM 790 Duke
Power: 103 HP
If you like the 390 but want something more powerful but don’t want to go over your budget, the Scalpel is here to help. The 790 Duke was first introduced a few years ago, but was quickly discontinued due to tightening emission regulations. However, KTM felt that the bike still deserved a place in the market, so they brought back the mid-capacity Duke. Not a bad move in our opinion, considering that the 990 Duke replaced the 890.
The returning 790 Duke remains exactly the same as before. It’s still got a 799cc twin-cylinder engine making 103 horsepower and 64 pound-feet of torque. Considering its 383-pound weight, the 790 is pretty fast for a middleweight naked. It can’t compete with the Suzuki GSX-8S, Yamaha MT-07, or Honda CB650R, but the Aprilia Tuono 660 is in a similar league.
In terms of equipment, the Duke is built around a trellis chassis and is paired with a cast subframe. On top of that, there are WP Apex USD forks and monoshock, both mounted on 17-inch wheels. Two 300 mm front discs and a 240 mm single disc act as the leash for this powerful monster. Speaking of leashes, it also comes with three ride modes, anti-wheelie, traction control, and switchable ABS. All this you get for just $9,499.
Engine Specifications
engine |
799cc, DOHC, water-cooled |
Power |
103 horsepower |
torque |
64 lb-ft |
contagion; infection |
6-speed |
Suggested retail price |
$9,499 |
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2
KTM 990 Duke
Power: 121 HP
You’ve seen the Scalpel, now we have the Sniper, that’s what KTM is calling the 990 Duke. The 990 is the successor to the 890 Duke in 2024, with a larger displacement to match the prefix (and meet new emissions standards). It’s powered by a new 947cc twin-cylinder engine that gets new pistons, crankshaft and connecting rods, plus a completely redesigned exhaust header combination from the 890’s engine.
The result is 121 horsepower and 76 pound-feet of torque, much of it coming low down in the rev range for an intense power delivery. That’s impressive enough, so naturally, electronics like ride modes, wheelie control, traction control and launch control come as standard. Optional Track and Performance modes are also available to further tweak these settings.
The suspension is made up of WP Apex forks and a monoshock with five-way adjustment, and the handlebars and levers can also be adapted to suit your body type. In addition to this, the 990 is fitted with alloy wheels derived from the 1290 Super Duke. These, like the 790, are fitted with dual 300 mm discs at the front and KTM-branded calipers. Topping it all off is a new chassis and cast subframe compared to the 890.
Engine Specifications
engine |
947cc, DOHC, water-cooled |
Power |
121 horsepower |
torque |
76 lb-ft |
contagion; infection |
6-speed |
Suggested retail price |
$12,500 |
1
KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo
Power: 187 HP
Last but certainly not least, we have the new 1390 Super Duke R Evo. This is the biggest Duke ever in the lineup, boasting a massive 1,350cc V-twin engine. That’s 49cc more than the 1290 model, which translates into a huge surge in peak power. The numbers are impressive: 187 horsepower and 107 pound-feet, a full 10-and-a-half more than the 1290 Super Duke. More importantly, the torque output blows the competition away, delivering serious power in every gear across the rev range.
Aside from power, the Evo excels in other areas too. It has top-spec mechanicals all around, starting with WP Apex 48mm USD forks and a WP Apex monoshock. Both ends feature the latest generation WP Semi-Active Technology (SAT), which allows for instant changes to suspension settings. Both ends also feature 17″ wheels shod in Michelin Power GP rubber.
And the safety equipment is just as powerful as the engine, including two 320mm front disc brakes with Brembo Stylema calipers and one 240mm rear disc with a two-piston Brembo caliper, while a Rider Assist Package offers five riding modes with traction control, wheelie control, cruise control and launch control. Not exactly what you’d expect from a flagship Duke.
Engine Specifications
engine |
1,350cc, DOHC, water-cooled |
Power |
187 horsepower |
torque |
107 lb-ft |
contagion; infection |
6-speed |
Suggested retail price |
$21,499 |