Dukes Motorcycles – News, Reviews and Rider Guides

If you love a bike that blends street‑ready agility with a punchy engine, the KTM Duke family is probably on your radar. From the lightweight 390 to the high‑octane 1290 Super Duke R, there’s a Duke for every skill level and budget. This page pulls together the freshest updates, hands‑on reviews, and useful tips so you can ride smarter and enjoy every twist of the throttle.

Latest Duke Models and What’s New

The 2025 KTM 790 Duke just dropped its first major upgrade. The new GS‑X chassis adds a bit more rigidity, meaning sharper corner entry and a smoother feel on bumpy city streets. Engine tuning gives an extra 5 hp, pushing top‑end power closer to the Super Duke’s territory without sacrificing low‑end torque.

On the smaller end, the 2025 Duke 390 received a redesigned instrument cluster. The TFT display now shows real‑time ride‑by‑ride data, fuel consumption, and a simple fuel‑range calculator—handy for those longer weekend trips.

For the hardcore fan, KTM announced a limited‑edition 1290 Super Duke R with a carbon‑fibre seat, upgraded Öhlins suspension, and a custom‑tuned exhaust that adds a throat‑rattling growl. Production is capped at 1,000 units worldwide, so if you’re eyeing one, start the paperwork now.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Duke

First off, get the bike on a proper break‑in schedule. Ride light for the first 500 km, avoid hard launches, and keep the revs below 8,000 rpm. This lets the piston rings seat correctly and extends engine life.

Next, consider a quick‑change rear sprocket. Most riders report a 1‑tooth change gives a noticeable boost in acceleration for city riding, while a larger sprocket smooths out high‑speed cruising on the highway.

Suspension tuning is another game‑changer. The stock setup is decent, but a few adjustments—like raising the preload on the rear fork or softening the front compression—can make the bike feel more planted on twisty roads. If you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, a local KTM dealer can dial it in for you in under an hour.

Don’t forget the basics: regular oil changes, chain lubrication, and checking tire pressure before each ride. A well‑maintained Duke not only performs better but also feels safer when you push it to the limit.

Finally, join the Duke community online or at local meet‑ups. Riders love swapping setup notes, organizing group rides, and sharing route suggestions. You’ll pick up tricks that you wouldn’t find in any manual, and you’ll have friends to ride with when the weather’s nice.

Whether you’re just starting out on a 390 or you’ve been tearing up the backroads on a Super Duke R for years, the Duke lineup offers a perfect blend of power, agility, and style. Keep checking this page for the latest releases, in‑depth reviews, and practical tips to keep your bike running at its best.