KTM 790 Duke

The Duke 790 follows the KTM’s modern design philosophy of making the motorcycles super edgy, futuristic with a minimal approach in overall design. However, unlike the other naked motorcycles from KTM, the Duke 790 comes with a few proper body panels here and there, making it look even beefier.

At the front, the 790 Duke gets the same diamond-shaped headlamp assembly from the 1290 Super Duke R, which includes daytime running LEDs on the outer edges and LED headlights in the inner portion, with a partitioning line in the centre.

Coming to the side profile of the Duke 790, we can see a sense of completion in the motorcycle’s design, as it is the only naked motorcycle from KTM which comes with proper side body panels. The fuel tank’s high mounted design has been inspired from its supermoto range of motorcycles. However, it manages to look muscular, thanks to the wide and sharp-edged fuel tank extension.

The Y-shaped silver finished rear side body panel manages to hide the frame as well as the rear monoshock. The Duke 790 also gets a distinctive looking upswept and under seat single exhaust pipe, which looks like a modern incarnation of the one found in retro-styled scrambler motorcycles.

The rear profile of the Duke 790 is the most different looking in KTM’s entire range of naked bikes. As it is the only motorcycle in which the LED tail lamp is mounted on the rear fender. The Duke 790 also gets split seats with a well-cushioned pillion seat, however, the lack of proper grab rails and high seat height might make the pillion rider uncomfortable for longer rides.

The fully digital TFT instrument console as well as switchgear has been inspired from that of the smaller 390 Duke, with the former being the most futuristic looking unit in its category. The console shows fully digital readouts for speedometer, tachometer, odometer, trip meters, fuel gauge, temperature gauge, gear indicator, clock, selected ride mode and real-time multi-information data like average fuel consumption, average speed, distance to empty, etc.

Like all the KTM naked motorcycles, the Duke 790 also features a fantastic suspension setup sourced from WP. To this are included a pair of upside-down telescopic front forks and a monoshock with double sided alloy swingarm at the rear. However, unlike the other KTM naked motorcycles, it features a modest looking tubular frame in place of a more premium trellis one. However, it manages to weigh light, thus giving immense agility to the Duke 790. The motorcycle is equipped with dual disc brakes at the front and a single disc brake at the rear.

Ditching the single cylinder treatment for the middleweight category, the Duke 790 premiers KTM’s first ever twin cylinder engine in the segment. The all-new four stroke, parallel twin, liquid-cooled, fuel injected 799 cc LC8 engine pumps out a very usable 106 PS of power and 87 Nm of peak torque. The engine is coupled to a 6-speed gearbox and is accompanied by ride-by-wire technology, for ensuring increased refinement and decreased fuel consumption across the entire rev-range.

KTM has equipped the Duke 790 with prominent safety features which are gradually becoming a norm in the middleweight category. This list includes cornering ABS with supermoto mode, electronic stability control, motor slip regulation system, quick shifter, launch control, and traction control.

With the Duke 790, KTM has ensured that it is not behind other manufacturers in making the category of middleweight naked motorcycles the most looked-after segment. The Duke 790, with its 1290 Super Duke R inspired bodywork and features, positions itself as an advanced motorcycle over the machine it is touted to replace – the ageing Duke 690. The riding dynamics and performance, unlike the 1290 Super Duke R, is friendly yet thrilling enough to keep you on toes.