KTM unveils 2026 motorcycle range, two new “Beasts”
2026 KTM 1390 Duke Evo R
Financial woes notwithstanding, KTM Motorcycles has unveiled its 2026 street motorcycle range. As expected, the lineup is dominated by the Duke naked sports motorcycles, ranging in capacity from 125 cc to 1,390 cc.
New for 2025/2026 is the Duke 160, which will be available in selected markets to conform to licence requirements and consumer demand. Powered by a 164.2 cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder SOHC engine, the Duke 160 produces 19 PS at 9500 rpm and 15.5 Nm of torque at 7500 rpm, taking direct aim at its primary competition, the Yamaha MT-15.
2026 KTM Duke 250
The Duke 390 now gets a new WP FCR4 brake calliper for improved stopping performance, replacing the previous Bybre unit. For 2026, the Duke 390 gets two new colour options, with other specifications remaining unchanged.
The Duke 790, a.k.a. the “Scalpel” returns with the same parallel-twin engine but adds improved tech with the same 5-inch TFT display and switch gear as found on the revolutionary Duke 990. Meanwhile, the Duke 990 gets an all-new colour for this year, and comes with KTM’s four year Premium Manufacturer’s Warranty, while the Duke 990 R gets an 8.8-inch touchscreen TFT with offline map navigation, 130 PS, 103 Nm, and fully adjustable WP APEX suspension.
2026 KTM Duke 160 (India)
At the top of the range are the 1390 Super Duke R and 1390 Super Duke R Evo, claimed as the most extreme street iteration of “The Beast” to date. The 1390 Super Duke R Evo comes with semi-active suspension, cornering ABS, and rider aids.
Come April, KTM says The Beast will get a performance upgrade. “April changes everything. Two of the most extreme DUKE models in the history of KTM will hit harder than ever before! Sharper. Lighter. Meaner. Power that resets expectations, precision that hunts apexes, torque that could turn the world on its own axis. Watch this space!“, said Gareth Davidson, Product Marketing Manager Street.
