KTM 990 Duke vs 990 Duke R - Is the R Really That Much Better?

The KTM 990 Duke meets the new KTM 990 Duke R on Austrian mountain roads at the Newchurch Summit. Adam Child rides both bikes back-to-back on the Gerlospass to find out how big the difference really is between the standard KTM 990 Duke and the sharper, more aggressive R version. Both bikes use KTM’s 947 cc parallel-twin engine, both deliver strong torque, and both are packed with modern rider aids. But the 990 Duke R brings more power, upgraded WP suspension, Brembo Stylema brakes, a stiffer chassis, Michelin Power Cup tyres and KTM’s huge new 8-inch touchscreen TFT display. On paper, the difference does not look massive. The standard KTM 990 Duke is already fast, playful, agile and incredibly fun. It wheelies, slides, feels light and remains easy enough for everyday riding or commuting. The KTM 990 Duke R, however, adds more focus, more precision and a more serious riding experience. It is firmer, more rigid and rewards a harder, more aggressive riding style. Adam compares price, power, suspension, brakes, electronics, touchscreen dash, rider aids, handling and real-world usability. Is the KTM 990 Duke R worth the extra money? Or is the standard KTM 990 Duke already so good that most riders do not need the R? After several days of testing both bikes on the same roads in Austria, the answer becomes surprisingly clear. 00:00 Intro 00:33 Testing KTM in Austria 01:26 Price and engine specs 02:18 Suspension, brakes and electronics 03:29 Styling and key differences 04:14 How the 990 Duke rides 05:02 How the 990 Duke R rides 05:56 Touchscreen dash and rider modes 07:08 Back-to-back comparison 07:31 Which one would Adam buy? 08:11 Final verdict --------------------------------------------------------- Click here to see the Insta360 action cameras used: --------------------------------------------------------- Insta360 X5: https://www.insta360.com/sal/x5?utm_t... Insta360 X4: https://www.insta360.com/sal/x4?utm_t... Insta360 Ace Pro: https://www.insta360.com/sal/ace-pro-... Insta360 Go 3S: https://www.insta360.com/sal/go-3s?ut... --------------------------------------------------------- Other channels from 1000PS: All review articles: https://www.1000ps.com/en-us/articles 1000PS.com: https://www.1000ps.com/en-us Instagram:   / reels   Tik Tok:   / 1000ps_official   YouTube    / @1000pscom   --------------------------------------------------------- 1000PS Partner Links: ▶ Continental Tires: https://1000ps.to/ytcomcontinental ▶ Motorex Oil of Switzerland: https://1000ps.to/ytcommotorex ▶ Calimoto Navigation App: https://1000ps.to/ytcomcalimoto ▶ CHIGEE: https://1000ps.to/ytchigee