2025 KTM 990 Duke R Preview 

2025 KTM 990 Duke R
2025 KTM 990 Duke R

The 2025 KTM 990 Duke R is an up-spec version of the KTM 990 Duke, which we tested in its latest update earlier this year. The R version will arrive in dealerships in the first quarter of 2025, and it features more power, new electronics, and different chassis components compared to the 990 Duke.  

2025 KTM 990 Duke R

In the KTM 990 Duke R, the liquid-cooled 947cc parallel-Twin engine makes 126 hp – a gain of 5 hp over the standard model – and has a higher rpm limit thanks to improved mapping. Torque remains the same at 76 lb-ft. 

2025 KTM 990 Duke R
The KMT 990 Duke R’s WP Apex shock is fully adjustable, and the bike gets a linkage system.

The chassis also gets some adjustments for the R version. Because of longer front suspension travel and a steeper swingarm angle, the bike has a slightly higher center of gravity and 15mm-higher seat height (33 inches) and ground clearance (8.2 inches) than the non-R. These differences result in 3 degrees more lean angle for the R. The bike also comes with a linkage system for the rear suspension and swingarm. 

Regarding suspension, the fully adjustable WP Apex Open Cartridge fork grows from 43mm in diameter on the 990 Duke to 48mm on the 990 Duke R. It offers 5.6 inches of travel compared to the non-R’s 5.5 inches. The fully adjustable WP Apex shock has reduced travel compared to the non-R, offering 5.5 inches compared to the 990 Duke’s 5.9 inches. KTM says the reduction in travel is due to packaging the extra parts needed for the new suspension linkage. 

2025 KTM 990 Duke R
Braking components are provided by Brembo, including Stylema monoblock calipers and an MCS master cylinder.

Slowing things down, the KTM 990 Duke R gets larger front brake discs at 320mm compared to the 990 Duke’s 300mm rotors. These larger discs are paired with Brembo Stylema monoblock calipers and a Brembo MCS master cylinder. Wheels are wrapped in Michelin Power Cup 2 tires. The bike’s ready-to-ride weight is 418.8 lb. 

2025 KTM 990 Duke R
The KTM 990 Duke R comes with Michelin Power Cup 2 tires.

The 990 Duke R also gets the new TFT touchscreen display that KTM recently announced. It’s 8.9 inches and features improved readability and a split-screen mode. Also new is the switchgear layout and the addition of Sport ABS and Supermoto+ ABS. 

2025 KTM 990 Duke R
The 990 Duke R features KTM’s new 8.8-inch touchscreen TFT display.

The color of the 990 Duke R is inspired by the 2011 KTM 990 Super Duke R and features white trim and graphics with matte black and white accents, as well as an Electronic Orange gloss powdercoated frame.  

2025 KTM 990 Duke R

Pricing for the 2025 KTM 990 Duke R has not yet been announced. 

2025 KTM 990 Duke R

Visit the KTM website for more information.  

Check out more new bikes in Rider’s 2025 Motorcycle Buyers Guide 

The post 2025 KTM 990 Duke R Preview  appeared first on Rider Magazine.

Source: RiderMagazine.com

2025 Kawasaki Z900 ABS Preview 

2025 Kawasaki Z900 ABS
2025 Kawasaki Z900 SE ABS in Metallic Matte Graphite Gray / Ebony / Metallic Graphic Gray

The Kawasaki Z900 ABS naked bike is updated for 2025 with refinements to its engine, chassis, and electronics package. It’ll be available in two colorways, with the Special Edition option offering a third colorway along with additional features. 

2025 Kawasaki Z900 ABS
The Z900’s seat is now thicker for added comfort.

The Z900’s liquid-cooled 948cc inline-Four is updated with a revised cam profile to improve fuel economy and increase torque at lower rpm. New electronic throttle valves allow the ECU to control fuel and air intake for smooth engine response, and Kawasaki claims new ECU settings provide a more linear power delivery. Revised ignition timing across the rpm range has resulted in better fuel economy by 16%, and emissions are reduced. The gear ratios have been optimized for the Kawasaki Quick Shifter system to provide smooth up and down shifts, and the system has been updated to function at lower rpm.

Related: 2024 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R Review

2025 Kawasaki Z900 ABS
The 2025 update includes new braking components, with Nissin radial-mount calipers up front pinching 300mm discs.

Other electronics on the Z900 include the Kawasaki Cornering Management Function, which monitors engine and chassis parameters throughout a corner to adjust traction control, wheel lift, and ABS. The traction control system offers three modes, and ABS has two modes. Three pre-set riding modes (Sport, Road, and Rain) adjust traction control and power delivery, while Rider mode allows the rider to manually choose settings. The Z900 also comes with cruise control as standard for 2025. 

The Kawasaki Z900 also gets updates to its suspension and brakes for 2025. The steel-trellis frame with the engine as a stressed member remains the same. Front and rear suspension settings have been updated to provide a more forward-leaning stance. Up front is a 41mm inverted fork with stepless rebound damping and spring preload adjustability, and the Horizontal Back-Link rear shock offers rebound and preload adjustability. 

2025 Kawasaki Z900 ABS
2025 Kawasaki Z900 ABS in Metallic Spark Black / Metallic Carbon Black / Ebony

New radial-mounted 4-piston front calipers pinch two 300mm discs, and a new 250mm disc with a revised brake pad slow things down in the rear. Also new are the Dunlop Sportmax Q5A tires with an updated compound. Providing more comfort is the updated seat with thicker urethane in its rear portion. The seat base is positioned lower to allow for the thicker seat without raising seat height. 

2025 Kawasaki Z900 ABS
2025 Kawasaki Z900 ABS in Galaxy Silver / Metallic Spark Black / Phantom Blue

The Kawasaki Z900 features a larger TFT display than the previous model, now at 5 inches, and it offers additional features not available on the previous model. The screen’s background color automatically transitions from white to black in low light and can be manually set, and the brightness also automatically adjusts. Two display options are available. 

2025 Kawasaki Z900 ABS
The 5-inch TFT display is larger than on the previous model and adjusts brightness based on ambient light.

New for 2025 is turn-by-turn navigation, which can be displayed on the instrument panel. The Rideology app has been updated to include a voice-command feature to enable hands-free control. The app also offers vehicle info, a riding log, phone notifications, and tuning options. 

Styling has also been updated. The bike features a more aggressive front end and new brushed aluminum shrouds engraved with a Z logo. Also new are the triple LED headlight design and taillight design. 

2025 Kawasaki Z900 ABS
The Z900’s taillight has been updated for 2025.

In addition to the base model, the Kawasaki Z900 SE ABS includes extra features, including an Öhlins S46 rear shock with remote preload adjuster. The Z900 SE also gets 300mm Brembo front discs, Brembo M4.32 radial-mounted monoblock calipers, a Nissin radial-pump master cylinder, and stainless-steel braided lines. The two-tone seat features hand-stitch-style sewing, and a USB-C port allows charging devices. 

2025 Kawasaki Z900 ABS
The SE version gets an Öhlins S46 rear shock with remote preload adjuster.

The 2025 Kawasaki Z900 ABS will be available in Metallic Spark Black / Metallic Carbon Black / Ebony with an MSRP of $9,999, and the Galaxy Silver / Metallic Spark Black / Phantom Blue colorway option will be priced at $10,299. The 2025 Kawasaki Z900 SE ABS will be available in Metallic Matte Graphite Gray / Ebony / Metallic Graphic Gray with an MSRP of $11,849. Visit the Kawasaki website for more information. 

Check out more new bikes in Rider’s 2025 Motorcycle Buyers Guide 

The post 2025 Kawasaki Z900 ABS Preview  appeared first on Rider Magazine.

Source: RiderMagazine.com