The KTM 790 Duke is a twin-cylinder motorcycle that puts even the four-cylinder bikes in the segment to shame. It has an eye-capturing design and an outstanding performance. Nicknamed ‘The Scalpel’, the 790 Duke is quite similar to the 390 Duke when looked at from the front. However, once you step towards the side of the bike, you will notice that there is a lot of styling differences between the two bikes.
Like rest of the KTM models, the 790 Duke will also be manufactured in India and it would be competing with the Triumph Street Triple, Kawasaki Z900, Ducati Monster 821, and Suzuki GSX-S750. If you are in the market to buy one of the above bikes, you should hold your horses and wait for the 790 Duke. Here’s why you should wait for the KTM 790 Duke.
5 Reasons to Wait for the KTM 790 Duke
1) Design: The Scalpel’s naked looks are quite beastly and shout of performance. It looks like a predator waiting to pounce on its prey with its mean looks and sharp design language. The two colours which are available, black and orangish-red, make the bike all the wilder. There is an aggressive stance to the bike, and its intimidating looks dare everyone to cross its path.
2) Engine and Performance: The 790 Duke uses a liquid-cooled 2-cylinder 4-stroke parallel twin 799 cc engine that pushes out a maximum power of 105 hp and a peak torque of 87 Nm. It has a low fuel consumption and emission figures, combined with a better refinement because of its advanced ride-by-wire system. The engine comes mated to a 6-speed transmission and goes up to a top speed of 220 kmph.
- Displacement – 799 cc
- Power – 105 HP @ 9000 rpm
- Torque – 87 NM @ 8000 rpm
- Number of Cylinders – 2
- Number of Gears – 6
- Seat Height – 825 mm
- Ground Clearance – 186 mm
- Kerb/Wet Weight – 189 kg
- Fuel Tank Capacity – 14 litres
- Top Speed – 220 kmph (Approx.)
3) Electronics: The KTM 790 Duke is not all mechanical. It comes fitted with a wide range of electronic assists. There is a choice between four ride modes, namely the Sport for aggressive riding, Street for urban riding, Rain for slippery roads, and Track for the full beast to come out. In Track mode, the bike is able to use the full power output and Launch Control and has an increased throttle response and an ability to disengage the anti-wheelie function. The software and the electronics that are fitted into the Scalpel’s brain are quite advanced, ensuring that all you have to do is focus on the road and hold tight.
4) SuperMoto Mode: There is an additional SuperMoto mode that allows the rider to block the rear wheel, keeping the ABS focused on the front wheel. This is entirely focused on track use and must be used by professionals only.
5) Local Assembly in India: The Austrian manufacturer has partnered up with Bajaj Auto in India to assemble the 790 Duke and other bikes in the series. However, the bike has not yet been launched in India. When launched, the price will be quite competitive, like in the case of the 390 Duke. The 790 Duke is expected to be priced above INR 6 lakh (ex-showroom India), and the official launch is expected to happen in April 2019.