2003
KTM 950 Duke - Specifications & Review
Article Complete Info
| Articleid | 551491 |
|---|---|
| Category | Prototype-concept model |
| Make | KTM |
| Model | 950 Duke |
| Year | 2003 |
Chassis, Suspension, Brakes & Wheels
| Frontbrakes | Double disc |
|---|---|
| Frontbrakesdiameter | 320 mm (12.6 inches) |
| Fronttyre | 120/70-17 |
| Frontwheeltravel | 135 mm (5.3 inches) |
| Rearbrakes | Double disc |
| Rearbrakesdiameter | 240 mm (9.4 inches) |
| Reartyre | 180/55-18 |
| Rearwheeltravel | 160 mm (6.3 inches) |
Engine & Transmission
| Borexstroke | 100.0 x 60.0 mm (3.9 x 2.4 inches) |
|---|---|
| Compression | 11.8:1 |
| Coolingsystem | Liquid |
| Displacement | 942.00 ccm (57.48 cubic inches) |
| Enginedetails | V2, four-stroke |
| Fuelsystem | Injection |
| Gearbox | 6-speed |
| Power | 115.00 HP (83.9 kW)) @ 9500 RPM |
| Torque | 96.00 Nm (9.8 kgf-m or 70.8 ft.lbs) @ 7000 RPM |
Physical Measures & Capacities
| Dryweight | 174.0 kg (383.6 pounds) |
|---|---|
| Fuelcapacity | 17.00 litres (4.49 gallons) |
| Groundclearance | 155 mm (6.1 inches) |
| Powerweightratio | 0.6609 HP/kg |
| Seatheight | 855 mm (33.7 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting. |
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.