2017 EICMA: KTM 790 Duke Unveiled

Published November 7, 2017
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KTM has unveiled the production version of the 790 Duke exactly a year after the prototype set the world on fire

It’s pretty obvious that the 790 Duke is from the 1290 Duke family. It features the same sharp all-LED headlamp and minimal angular bodywork athat’s familiar to both the 1290 and even the 390 Duke. One distinguishing features include a new stainless steel high-mounted exhaust and a slightly stretched out wheelbase. There is a new chrome molybdenum tubular frame that uses the engine as a stressed member. The rear subframe is an all-aluminium unit, as is the die cast swingarm. Like the 1290 ‘Beast’, the 790 has also been given a nickname by KTM - ‘The Scalpel.’ KTM say this name was chosen for the precise handling and performance that the new Duke will deliver.

The new LC8c parallel-twin is an all-new configuration for KTM, which is known for its high-revving singles and v-twin engines. The main numbers are 105PS@9500rpm and 86Nm@8000rpm. For the more detailed aficionados the parallel-twin will feature a DOHC, eight valves with DLC or diamond-like carbon finger followers, twin balancer shafts and a semi dry sump with an oil cooler. A six speed transmission with a slipper clutch will transfer power to the rear wheels.

Suspension up front are 43mm WP open cartridge, separate function forks while a gas-assisted WP shock with 12-stage preload adjust takes care of the rear suspension. You can expect an ‘R’ version with higher spec, fully adjustable suspension later on. Twin 300mm front discs up front take care of stopping duties while there is a single disc at the rear of an unknown diameter. The latest Duke will also feature the latest in traction control management with lean-angle sensitive traction control, launch control and a quick shifter. The instrument cluster is similar to the TFT monitor on the 390 Duke but features a slightly more legible layout with large digital speedo readout and a larger digital tachometer.