Official: KTM’s 790 Duke has (finally) landed | EICMA 2017

The world’s fastest growing motorcycle company is at it again. After a booming year of new metal for 2017 including a three-pronged 1290 Super Adventure range, two 1090 Adventures and updates to the 1290 Super Duke R, Duke 125 and Duke 390, the Austrian’s have today introduced the 790 Duke.

After more than 12 months of teasing with an epic video and a prototype on show since last November, the new bike is finally seen in the flesh.

Nicknamed ‘The Scalpel’, KTM’s middle-weight naked streetfighter has the likes of Yamaha’s MT-09, Kawasaki’s Z900 and Ducati’s 821 Monster in its sights but aims to take the plaudits with its combination of lightweight chassis and brand new parallel-twin 799cc motor. The ‘LC8c’ as it’s known produces 102bhp @ 9,000rpm which is a significant boost over the 73bhp from the single-cylinder belonging to the 690 Duke and the new machine is expected to be far sportier with extreme lean angles on offer.

Familiar WP suspension comes in the shape of 43mm USD forks, a steering damper and an adjustable shock while the cornering ABS with ‘Supermoto’ mode is one we’re looking forward to trying. Four configurable riding modes, launch control plus quickshifter+ for up and down shifts.

An A2 licence option will also be available and the 790 Duke is offered in two colours (black or traditional orange) while 30 accessory parts allow for customisation. Two pre-defined set-ups are on offer, named RACE and STYLE.

TECHNICAL FACTS

• 2-cylinder, 4-stroke DOHC in-line engine, eight valves actuated via DLC-coated finger followers, electronic fuel injection, two balancer shafts, semi dry-sump lubrication with oil cooler

• 6 speed transmission and PASC™ slipper clutch

• Max. output: 77 kW (102 bhp) @ 9,000 rpm, max. torque: 86 Nm at 8,000 rpm

• Ultra lightweight chrome-molybdenum steel frame with aluminum rear subframe, die-cast aluminum open lattice swingarm

• 43 mm open-cartridge upside-down fork with split function by WP Suspension

• High quality WP Suspension gas-assisted shock absorber with progressive spring and preload adjuster

• 12-stage, adjustable, tapered aluminum handlebar, adjustable levers

• Highly sensitive WP Suspension steering damper

• Two 300 mm front brake discs with radial 4-piston calipers and radial front brake master cylinder

• KTM ride mode technology including customisable “Track” mode

• Cornering ABS including “Supermoto” mode

• Lean-angle sensitive motorcycle traction control (MTC) and motor slip regulation (MSR)

• Quickshifter+

• Launch control

• Multifunctional dashboard with full-color TFT display and illuminated menu switch

• LED lighting all around

• OEM Maxxis Supermaxx ST tires as standard

• Optional KTM MY RIDE