Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Jan 9: KTM has revealed its 2026 Duke lineup, opting for a measured and practical approach rather than a complete overhaul. Instead of reinventing the range, the Austrian manufacturer has introduced subtle styling tweaks, feature enhancements and minor mechanical updates that enhance everyday usability, while retaining the aggressive and sharp Duke character. However, these updates are yet to be officially confirmed for the Indian market.

The 2026 Duke family continues to span a wide spectrum — from entry-level motorcycles aimed at beginners to some of the most powerful naked bikes currently on sale.

At the top of the headlines is the KTM 990 Duke R, first showcased at EICMA 2024. Designed for performance-focused riders, the bike features a large 8.8-inch touchscreen TFT display with offline navigation, produces 130 PS of power and 103 Nm of torque, and comes equipped with fully adjustable WP APEX suspension with rear linkage. The R variant is positioned as a sharper, more track-oriented option compared to the standard Duke models.

The 2026 KTM 125 Duke continues as the entry point into the Duke family, targeting new riders. Updates for the new model year are minimal but practical, including new colour options and revised fuel mapping aimed at smoother city riding. Key features such as ride-by-wire, cornering ABS and a colour TFT display continue unchanged.

The KTM 160 Duke and 200 Duke, available in select markets, largely retain their familiar formula. For 2026, updates are mostly cosmetic, with fresh colour schemes being the main change. Their lightweight construction and upright ergonomics remain ideal for daily commuting and short highway runs.

Sitting between the smaller and larger models, the KTM 250 Duke carries forward its recent design updates, complemented by new visual elements for 2026. It continues to appeal to riders upgrading from smaller motorcycles, offering a balanced mix of performance and usability.

The KTM 390 Duke continues to be one of the most versatile motorcycles in the range. For 2026, it gets an updated front brake setup for improved stopping power along with revised colour options. Its core appeal — blending everyday comfort with engaging performance — remains intact, making it suitable for commuting as well as weekend rides.

In the midweight segment, the KTM 790 Duke and 990 Duke receive updates mainly focused on electronics. Revised TFT displays and updated switchgear align them with KTM’s newer models, while their parallel-twin engines continue to deliver strong and accessible performance.

At the very top of the range sit the KTM 1390 Super Duke R and Super Duke R Evo. These flagship naked bikes remain the most extreme expressions of the Duke lineup. The Evo variant adds semi-active suspension and enhanced rider aids, allowing adaptability across riding conditions without diluting its aggressive performance-oriented nature.

Overall, the 2026 KTM Duke range prioritises refinement and rider-focused improvements, reinforcing KTM’s strategy of evolving its popular lineup without straying from its core DNA.