It’s no secret that KTM has been working on a new parallel-twin engine for its upcoming models such as the recently spied RC 990, which will displace nearly 1,000cc. Now, new images have surfaced giving us a closer look at the internal changes KTM has made to its new parallel-twin mill. 

1. New engine rumored to displace almost 1,000cc
2. Almost all engine components new or reworked

New KTM 990cc parallel-twin engine: details

KTM’s liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine made its debut on the 790 Duke, which has been updated for 2023, and at that time it displaced 799cc. Subsequently, after the stringent Euro-5/BS6 emission norms kicked in, KTM increased the displacement to 889cc and plonked that engine in the 890 range of bikes spanning the 890 Duke, 890 Duke R, 890 Adventure and 890 Adventure R. 

The increase in displacement achieved the first time around, from 799cc to 889cc, was a fairly straightforward job, done by increasing the bore from 88mm to 90.7mm, while the 68.8mm stroke remained unchanged. 

Revised exhaust ports on the new engine (left), compared to the old one (right).

This time, however, the KTM parallel-twin engine has been heavily reworked and features a different head, engine casings, oil sump and exhaust ports, compared to the 889cc powerplant. For instance, the oil sump on the new engine has been moved to one side to likely make some space for a larger catalytic converter to meet the stricter emission norms. For all practical purposes, this is a new engine. 

While the exact capacity remains under wraps (for now), the new mill is rumoured to displace nearly 1,000cc. This new engine will likely spawn at least three new models – 990 Duke, RC 990 and a 990 adventure.

There is no word on power or torque figures yet, but given that the 790 Duke produced 105hp and the 890 Duke R produces 121hp, it’s reasonable to expect that this new engine will make somewhere between 140-145hp. That will bring it quite close to the 955cc L-Twin in the Ducati Panigale V2 and Streetfighter V2. 

It remains to be seen whether this motor will replace the one in the 890 Duke or be sold alongside. 

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