2026
KTM DL 281 - Specifications & Review
Article Complete Info
| Articleid | 85735 |
|---|---|
| Category | Sport |
| Make | KTM |
| Model | Duke 990 |
| Year | 2026 |
Chassis, Suspension, Brakes & Wheels
| Fronttire | Bridgestone® S22 120/70 R17 |
|---|---|
| Reartire | Bridgestone® S22 180/55 R17 |
Engine & Transmission
| Coolingsystem | Liquid |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 947 / 57.8 |
| Enginedetails | Parallel Twin, 2 cylinder, 4-Stroke |
| Fuelsystem | Gas |
| Power | (bhp) HP |
Other Specifications
| Country | Austria |
|---|---|
| Starter | Electric |
About KTM
Country of Origin:
Austria
Founder:
Hans Trunkenpolz (later joined by Ernst Kronreif)
Best Known For:
Off-road/enduro supremacy, Dakar wins, Duke/RC streetbikes, and READY TO RACE ethos
Company History
KTM evolved from a postwar repair shop into a racing juggernaut by treating competition as R&D. Lightweight two-strokes made the brand a force in motocross and enduro; later four-strokes and advanced electronics cemented dominance. Dakar Rally victories showcased reliability under extreme conditions and fed the Adventure lineup—bikes that balance long-travel composure with startling pace. On the street, the Duke and RC families brought razor geometry and punchy singles/twins to license tiers worldwide, while the 1290 Super Duke and Adventure pushed the IMU-aided edge of performance. Corporate agility—acquisitions, platform sharing with Husqvarna/GASGAS—expanded reach without blurring identity. Historically, KTM changed expectations for chassis feedback and electronics integration in dirt and on road, proving that orange-painted ferocity could also be precise. The brand’s throughline is simple: build light, communicate grip, and let riders go fast safely. Few companies have turned a color and a slogan into such a reliable proxy for results.