KTM marks 30 years of Duke naked bike performance

The KTM Duke range turns 30 this year and the motorcycle manufacturer is celebrating this milestone with the release of three anniversary models.

The KTM 390 DUKE features distinct styling, combined with a leading electronics package and high-level performance.
The KTM 990 Duke is powered by the all-new LC8c parallel twin while the 1390 Super Duke R and the Super Duke R EVO are the top-line naked hyperbikes being released as 30th anniversary models. 
Not only did KTM decide to mark the occasion with 30th anniversary livery for these machines, but they also gave away a KTM 390 DUKE, a KTM 990 DUKE, and a KTM 1390 SUPER DUKE R through its social media platforms. KTM received more than 700,000 entries.
The three new models will be simultaneously released - a first for KTM - at the media launch in Spain which will also include the three Duke winners as part of the event.

The KTM Duke has evolved over the years from its 1994 introduction as a single-cylinder naked bike with exposed trellis frame. The more powerful Duke II was introduced in 1999 to build on the success of the initial model. Sharper styling replaced the more rounded earlier bike. In 2005, the Super Duke was unleashed on the world powered by the 990 cc LC8 V-twin engine and this led to the KTM Super Duke R variant in 2008.
The year 2008 also saw the introduction of the KTM 690 Duke which set the blueprint for following Duke models with underslung exhaust, and an aggressive elbows-out riding position.

Instead of following the bigger is always better pathway, KTM took a different route and added to the Duke lineup with small displacement machines as the 125 Duke entered the market in 2011. This compact and energetic motorcycle continued the Duke philosophy of naked bike performance. The following year the KTM 200 Duke joined the ranks with the 390 Duke added in 2013. 
Just 10 years ago, in 2014, KTM turned the naked bike market on its head with the introduction of the 1290 Super Duke R. The 1,301 cc V-twin quickly developed the reputation of being the most powerful LC8 engine and it paved the way for the more travel-focused KTM Super Duke GT in 2016.
The Super Duke R was received power, suspension, and styling updates in 2017 complete with a new electronics package with refined riders aids including a new track mode. 
The KTM 790 Duke was introduced in 2018 with the goal of dominating the middleweight naked bike segment with a parallel-twin engine, bold design, and leading-edge electronics package.