appears – and I’m sorry
to have to say this about a
KTM – bland. The orange
version is instantly
a KTM, but the black
version could be any old
thing at a glance. For me,
a bike as outrageous as
something with the Duke
badge on it needs to look
as horn as it goes, and the
790 simply doesn’t.
You can’t see a bike
when you’re riding it,
apart from vain glances
in shop windows, but
this bike stirs something
in you physically, and it
should do that visually as well. With the orange
version, trick exhaust, paint those wheels, add
different bars and grips and a seat cover, and
you’d be getting closer, I reckon.
There is a noticeable lack of branded parts on
this bike, so if you care about that kind of thing,
you will be disappointed. The front brake
calipers are KTM-branded, the KTM-owned
WP suspension is a staple, and the wheels are
standard items. This may lead people to believe
they are looking at something sub-standard.You are not. This bike is a
weapon. I don’t care what
brands are on a bike, as
long as they work. And that
they do.
The 790 Duke rides
beautifully, has all the fart
and angst you expect from a
KTM, handles astoundingly
well for a bike in this class
and fit and finish is good.
I’d like it to look as
lairy as it makes me ride,
but that’s what KTM
Powerparts can do. It isn’t
as cheap as the MT-09,
but it offers more in the
riding experience. I have
just ridden a MT-09SP and, while it has some
big brand-name parts on it, the KTM has more
character and is a worthy competitor.
KTM owners like myself will get on with
this bike immediately and will love it. I do.
And I hope new buyers will be swayed by it.
It’s a great introduction to how KTM builds
roadbikes and is animal-level fun to ride. The
engine and chassis are inspiring. If you ever
need motivation to ride, buy this puppy. It
won’t be idle in the garage.ENGINE
ConfigurationParallel twin
Cylinder headDOHC
Capacity799cc
Bore/stroke88 x 65.7mm
Compression ratioNot given
CoolingLiquid
FuelingEFI, with Bosch EMS
Power77kW @ 9000rpm
Torque87Nm @ 8000rpm
TRANSMISSION
TypeSix-speed
ClutchWet, slipper type
Final driveChain
CHASSIS
Frame materialChromium-
molybdenum-steel
Frame layoutTubular trellis
Rake66°
TrailNot given
SUSPENSION
WP
Front:43mm USD, adjustable
compression and rebound, 140mm
travel
Rear:Monoshock, adjustable
preload, 150mm travel
WHEELS/TYRES
WheelsAluminium alloy
Front: 17 x 3.50 Rear: 17 x 5.50
TyresDiablo Rosso II
Front: 120/70R17 (58W)
Rear: 180/55R17 (75W)
BRAKES
Brembo,ABSBosch9
Front:Twin, 300mm discs,
four-piston radial calipers
Rear:Single-piston caliper,
240mm disc
DIMENSIONS
Weight169kg (dry, claimed)
Seat height825mm
Max widthNot given
Max heightNot given
Wheelbase1475mm
Fuel capacity14L
PERFORMANCE
Fuel consumption5.2L/100km
Top speed220km/h (est)
CONTACT & SALE INFO
Tes tbikeKTM Australia
Contactwww.ktm.com/au
Colour optionsOrange/Black, Black
WarrantyTwo years, unlimited km
Price$15,495 (plus ORC)KTM 790 DukeM 79 0 D kspecs
50 amcn.com.au
The 790 Duke rides beautifully,
and handles astoundingly
well for a bike in this class
The 790 Duke fills the large gap
between the 690 Duke single and
1290 Super Duke V-twin in KTM’s
streetbike range→