2025 KTM Duke: The KTM Duke series has long been renowned for its aggressive styling, nimble handling, and exhilarating performance. The 2025 KTM Duke continues this legacy while introducing significant refinements and technological advancements that elevate the riding experience to new heights.
This comprehensive review explores the latest iteration of KTM’s iconic naked motorcycle.
2025 KTM Duke Design Philosophy: Sharper Than Ever
The 2025 KTM Duke embraces an evolution of the brand’s distinctive “Ready to Race” design language. The motorcycle features sharper, more angular bodywork that emphasizes its predatory stance.
The signature split LED headlight, a hallmark of modern KTM design, receives a more aggressive interpretation with redesigned light signatures that create an unmistakable presence on the road.
Side panels feature more pronounced sculpting, with aerodynamic considerations playing a greater role in the overall design. The fuel tank maintains its muscular profile while offering improved ergonomics for rider comfort during spirited riding.
The tail section appears more compact and elevated, enhancing the Duke’s aggressive, forward-leaning silhouette.
The exposed trellis frame, painted in KTM’s signature orange, remains a central visual element, though it now features a revised geometry that balances stability and agility. The frame is complemented by a die-cast aluminum subframe that reduces weight while maintaining structural integrity.
Performance Dynamics: Precision Engineering
At the heart of the 2025 Duke lineup are refined powerplants that deliver exhilarating performance across the range. The engine options maintain KTM’s reputation for exceptional power-to-weight ratios while meeting increasingly stringent emissions standards.
The 390 Duke variant features an updated 373cc single-cylinder engine producing approximately 45 horsepower and 39 Nm of torque. This liquid-cooled powerplant incorporates ride-by-wire throttle control, allowing for more precise fueling and multiple riding modes.
The 890 Duke offers a middleweight option with an 889cc parallel-twin engine generating around 115 horsepower and 92 Nm of torque. This engine features a 285-degree firing order that delivers a distinctive character reminiscent of a V-twin, creating both an emotional sound signature and excellent traction characteristics.
The flagship 1290 Super Duke R houses a 1,301cc V-twin monster producing approximately 180 horsepower and 140 Nm of torque, offering superbike-level performance in a naked chassis.
The engine receives updated internal components, including lighter pistons and revised valve timing to enhance responsiveness throughout the rev range.
Across all displacement options, KTM has refined the transmission systems with smoother shifting mechanisms and the addition of a bidirectional quickshifter on higher-spec models, facilitating clutchless upshifts and downshifts.
Chassis and Suspension: Precision Control
The 2025 Duke series continues to employ KTM’s expertise in chassis development, with the lightweight trellis frame providing exceptional torsional rigidity while allowing controlled flex for optimal feedback. The steering geometry has been subtly revised to enhance stability without sacrificing the Duke’s renowned agility.
Suspension duties are handled by fully adjustable WP components across the range.
The APEX series forks and monoshock offer comprehensive adjustability for preload, compression, and rebound damping, allowing riders to tailor the motorcycle’s handling characteristics to their preferences and riding conditions.
The flagship 1290 Super Duke R features WP’s semi-active suspension system that continuously adjusts damping rates based on road conditions and riding style, further enhancing the motorcycle’s versatility as both a canyon carver and daily commuter.
Braking performance comes courtesy of Brembo, with radial-mount calipers gripping large-diameter discs. The system is backed by a sophisticated cornering ABS developed in partnership with Bosch, providing an additional safety margin without being intrusive during spirited riding.
Technological Integration: Smart Performance
The 2025 Duke lineup demonstrates KTM’s commitment to integrating cutting-edge technology to enhance both performance and safety. All models feature a TFT display that serves as the command center for the motorcycle’s electronic systems.
The rider interface has been refined with improved graphics and more intuitive menu navigation.
Connectivity features include smartphone pairing for music control, call notifications, and turn-by-turn navigation. The KTM MY RIDE app extends functionality with ride logging, performance analysis, and service scheduling capabilities.
The electronics package includes:
Multiple riding modes (Sport, Street, Rain, and Track on higher models)
Multi-level traction control with cornering sensitivity
Wheelie control with adjustable intervention levels
Launch control for perfect starts
Cruise control for highway comfort
Tire pressure monitoring system
Higher-specification models offer additional customization through the optional Performance Pack, allowing riders to create individual rider profiles with personalized settings for each electronic intervention system.
Ergonomics and Comfort: Balanced Aggression
While the Duke series maintains its aggressive, forward-leaning ergonomics, KTM has made subtle refinements to enhance rider comfort without compromising the motorcycle’s sporting character. The seat height remains accessible at around 830mm, with an optional lower seat available for shorter riders.
The handlebar position offers a commanding riding posture that provides excellent leverage for quick direction changes while remaining comfortable for daily use. Footpeg positioning balances ground clearance for sporty riding with a relaxed knee angle for reduced fatigue during longer rides.
Wind protection, traditionally minimal on naked motorcycles, receives attention with a small but effective flyscreen that diverts airflow around the rider’s chest at highway speeds, reducing fatigue during extended journeys.
Model Variants and Specifications
| Model | Engine | Power | Torque | Weight | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 390 Duke | 373cc Single | 45 HP | 39 Nm | 158 kg | TFT display, ride modes, cornering ABS, LED lighting |
| 890 Duke | 889cc Parallel-Twin | 115 HP | 92 Nm | 169 kg | Quickshifter+, track mode, adjustable traction control |
| 890 Duke R | 889cc Parallel-Twin | 121 HP | 99 Nm | 166 kg | Premium suspension, Brembo Stylema calipers, adjustable ergonomics |
| 1290 Super Duke R | 1301cc V-Twin | 180 HP | 140 Nm | 189 kg | Semi-active suspension, carbon components, comprehensive electronics |
| 1290 Super Duke R Evo | 1301cc V-Twin | 180 HP | 140 Nm | 187 kg | Second-generation semi-active suspension, premium finishes, launch control |
Real-World Performance: The Riding Experience
The 2025 Duke series continues to deliver an exhilarating riding experience characterized by immediate throttle response, precise handling, and confidence-inspiring stability. The refined powerplants offer linear power delivery throughout the rev range, with each displacement option providing its unique character.
The 390 Duke proves an excellent entry point to the KTM family, offering sufficient performance to excite experienced riders while remaining manageable for those newer to motorcycling.
Its lightweight chassis and responsive engine make it particularly well-suited to urban environments.
The 890 Duke strikes an impressive balance between everyday usability and weekend thrills. The parallel-twin engine delivers strong mid-range torque for effortless overtaking, while the sophisticated electronics package provides a safety net without dulling the riding experience.
The 1290 Super Duke R earns its “Beast” moniker with explosive acceleration that challenges superbikes, yet the refined electronics make this performance accessible rather than intimidating. Despite its power, the motorcycle remains surprisingly manageable at lower speeds, demonstrating its versatility.
Across all models, the precise throttle control, responsive handling, and excellent braking performance create a cohesive package that rewards skilled riders while providing the tools for less experienced enthusiasts to develop their abilities safely.
Ownership Experience: Beyond the Ride
KTM continues to expand its dealer network, improving access to sales and service support. The standard warranty covers two years with unlimited mileage, demonstrating confidence in the motorcycles’ reliability despite their high-performance nature.
Maintenance intervals occur at 15,000 km for major services, with oil changes recommended every 7,500 km.
The service costs remain competitive within the premium segment, though some specialized components may command higher replacement costs when needed.
The KTM PowerParts catalog offers extensive customization options, from performance enhancements to visual modifications and comfort improvements. The PowerWear collection complements the motorcycle with riding gear that shares the distinctive KTM design language.
2025 KTM Duke Conclusion: Refining the Formula
The 2025 KTM Duke series represents a thoughtful evolution of an established formula rather than a revolutionary departure. By refining the aspects that made previous generations successful while incorporating technological advancements, KTM has created motorcycles that remain true to the brand’s “Ready to Race” philosophy while offering increased versatility.
For riders seeking an engaging, high-performance naked motorcycle with distinctive character, the 2025 Duke lineup offers compelling options across multiple displacement categories.
From urban commuting to weekend canyon carving or even occasional track days, these motorcycles deliver an emotional riding experience that continues to define the KTM brand.
The Duke’s combination of aggressive styling, exhilarating performance, and technological sophistication ensures its position as a benchmark in the naked motorcycle segment, challenging competitors to match its holistic approach to performance motorcycling