Key highlights
- KTM 990 Duke receives a new White-Black-Orange livery for the 2026 model year in Europe.
- Mechanics remain unchanged: a 947 cc parallel-twin making 122 bhp and 103 Nm, with WP suspension and aggressive naked-street handling setup.
- New paint recalls classic KTM racing heritage, giving the 990 Duke a fresh stall presence without diluting its “light, playful power” DNA.
KTM has given the 990 Duke a cosmetic refresh for Europe, adding a striking new White, Black and Orange livery to the line-up. The change is purely visual i.e. under the bodywork, the mechanicals remain exactly the same.
Same powertrain
The 947 cc parallel-twin still produces 122 bhp and 103 Nm. The steel trellis frame, WP Apex suspension, and lean-angle-sensitive electronics have carried over without alteration. This means riders familiar with the 990 Duke’s quick steering, light weight and nimble handling will get the same dynamics they know with a sharper wardrobe.
With a showroom price of €12,990 (before taxes and duties) in Europe, the 990 Duke remains one of the best value-for-performance mid-capacity nakeds in KTM’s lineup.
What this update means
Rather than messing with a recipe that works, KTM has opted for a “dress-up, not tune-up” approach. The fresh livery borrows heavily from KTM’s historic racing colours, it’s meant to stir nostalgia while keeping the bike’s street-naked character front and centre.
This speaks to a larger trend: small updates that revitalize interest without increasing cost or complexity. For many riders, colour and graphics matter as much as horsepower — and for the 990 Duke, this update offers a quick style upgrade while preserving proven performance.
Our thoughts
I like KTM’s honesty here. They didn’t pretend the 990 needed a “rebirth” they just gave it a visual refresh that makes sense. White-black-orange suits the Duke’s aggressive, light-footed personality. It’s like giving your favourite sneakers a fresh lick of paint: you ride the same, just look sharper doing it.
If this colour hits India (fingers crossed, with Bajaj now steering KTM), it might be the easiest way to make heads turn without changing anything under the fuel tank.
Also read: KTM Orange XP-160 test ride launched for the 160 Duke
