KTM DUKE – 30 YEARS OF PURE, NAKED MOTORCYCLING
The final 30 years of the KTM DUKE mannequin might be summed up in a single phrase: Evolution.
From its humble beginnings in 1994 to its present standing as a logo of efficiency and innovation, the KTM DUKE nameplate has stood the take a look at of time.
In 1994, KTM burst into the road scene with the primary bike to hold the DUKE nameplate. It featured a big-bore 609 cc single-cylinder engine, with ergonomics and styling that straddled the road between Supermoto and road fighter. It introduced true hooligan character to the road, unapologetically Bare and stripped again to the naked essence of what a bike needs to be.
On the time, the 1994 KTM DUKE was a radical departure from conventional bike designs. That includes an uncovered trellis body, minimalist bodywork, and a single-cylinder engine, it was an anomaly out there. Nonetheless, it immediately captured the eye of riders searching for a uncooked and unbridled using expertise.
Such was its success that KTM launched a extra highly effective DUKE II model in 1999, with sharper styling changing the rounded physique contours of its predecessor. Unknowingly, this may launch the Bare phase throughout the KTM road bike line-up, with extra engine capacities and cylinders being added to the DUKE vary.
In 2005, the SUPER DUKE nameplate was launched, boasting a strong 990 cc LC8 V-Twin powerplant. The KTM 990 SUPER DUKE shortly reached cult standing, main the way in which for the KTM 990 SUPER DUKE R variant to tear into the market in 2008.
2008 additionally introduced the KTM 690 DUKE to market, as soon as once more shaking up the design norms of the instances. The 2008 KTM 690 DUKE was a hunkered down, highly effective single-cylinder machine, with an underslung exhaust and aggressive, elbows-out using place. This could later grow to be the blueprint for the DUKE angle.
2011 noticed the rise of smaller capability DUKE fashions, with the KTM 125 DUKE getting into the European market. This compact and energetic machine delivered ample energy and straightforward maneuverability, with out sacrificing any of the DUKE character. This made it the perfect launchpad for future DUKE pilots, and future middle-weight fashions.
In 2012, KTM launched the game-changing KTM 200 DUKE, with THE CORNER ROCKET KTM 390 DUKE becoming a member of the line-up in 2013. The KTM 390 DUKE was the primary small-displacement DUKE to hit North American streets, and it turned a favourite amongst riders on the lookout for nimble dealing with and a punchy, but rideable, energy supply.
KTM then shook the Bare bike phase in 2014, with the introduction of THE BEAST – the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R. With a 1,301 cc V-Twin engine at its core, the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R gained its repute across the highly effective LC8 engine, which paved the way in which for a brand new phase and the extra travel-focused KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE GT arriving in 2016.
The next yr in 2017, THE BEAST obtained its first actual replace. Dubbed THE BEAST 2.0, the 2017 KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R boasted energy, suspension, and styling updates. However its new electronics package deal took middle stage, with extra refined rider aids and a brand new TRACK Mode setting the tone.
A turning level within the DUKE evolution took place in 2018, when KTM unleashed the KTM 790 DUKE, dubbed THE SCALPEL. This was the introduction of a brand new period of efficiency and elegance for the DUKE title, that includes a strong parallel-twin engine, cutting-edge electronics, and a daring design. Extra so, it showcased the dedication to dominate the middleweight Bare bike phase.
Now, 30 years later, three-anniversary fashions enter the fray. On the entry-point, the KTM 390 DUKE boasts its boldest evolutionary step, with distinct styling, a class-leading electronics package deal, and unmatched efficiency.
The KTM 990 DUKE – to not be confused with the KTM 990 SUPER DUKE of previous – is powered by an all-new LC8c parallel-twin, bringing the struggle on to the 1,000 cc Bare phase. It boasts larger dimensions, extra tech, and extra road presence.
Lastly, the KTM 1390 SUPER DUKE R EVO has developed to be the final word hyper-naked bike accessible with immense energy, unmatched electronics, and an all-new route in design.
To have a good time this milestone, the three aforementioned fashions have devoted 30 YEARS OF DUKE liveries, impressed by the DUKE fashions that got here earlier than them.
KTM additionally endeavored to reward DUKE followers by gifting away a KTM 390 DUKE, a KTM 990 DUKE, and a KTM 1390 SUPER DUKE R EVO by way of its digital platforms, with over 700,000 entries obtained.
KTM will formally kick off its 30 YEARS OF DUKE marketing campaign on the Worldwide Media Launch held in Almeria, Spain. This can enable the press and related companions to expertise the 2024 KTM 390 DUKE, KTM 990 DUKE, and KTM 1390 SUPER DUKE R EVO fashions of their perfect habitats.
This may even be the primary time in KTM historical past that three new fashions are being launched on the similar time, with the three DUKE winners becoming a member of the occasion. Along with KTM Ambassador Rok Bagaros and KTM royalty Jeremy McWilliams readily available to indicate them what the brand new DUKE fashions are able to, the press could have two days of twisty coastlines and tracks and a gymkhana course to familiarize yourself with the brand new DUKEs themselves.
Uncover extra in regards to the 2024 KTM DUKE vary and 30 YEARS OF DUKE at KTM.com.
