What a racer want from a new motorbike is not always the case necessary. I want a Mustang, but I drive an Accord. I want one KTM 990 Dukebut I’m happy to choose a KTM 790 Duke, which offers about 90% of what makes a 990 Duke great but at a 24% discount.
Priced at $9,499, the 790 Duke offers European design and high-tech features for just $500 more than the current version. Suzuki GSX-S8S and $1,200 less in comparison Aprilia Tuono 660.
Introduced in 2017 with the LC8c parallel-twin, the 790 Duke was replaced in KTM’s lineup by the 2021 890 Duke before being reintroduced in 2023. The 790 Duke retailed for $10,699 in 2017. 2020, but CFMoto’s production costs in China are lower. lower its MSRP.
The Duke’s seating position is suitable for most riders, with a high seat (32.5 inches) allowing just enough leg room for the footpegs placed a little further back. Short riders may prefer KTM’s accessory seat, which lowers the height to 31.7 inches. The saddle has ample front/rear space to accommodate taller riders.
The 4-inch color TFT display displays pertinent information, including riding modes (Rain, Street and Sport) and traction control settings. The electronic system also includes an IMU for sensitive TC and cornering ABS notifications.
Optional features include Quickshifter+ ($447) and Track mode ($378), which includes powerful engine mapping, customizable traction control settings (0 to 9), control start and ability to turn off wheel controls. Our test bike was equipped with the Technology Package, which includes a quickshifter, Track mode, and Adjustable Engine Slipper for $819. Buyers can also add cruise control and tire pressure monitoring.
The 790 Duke excels with an enviable smiles-per-mile ratio. It’s both easy to ride and thrilling, with 105 horsepower that will keep up with almost any other bike on public roads at street speeds. The 790 is down 148cc and has 16bhp more than its bigger brother, the 990 Duke, yet its power delivery is exciting and engaging.
The 799cc Parallel-Twin uses a 75-degree crankshaft angle and a 435-degree firing order to produce a sound similar to the V-Twin. It feels a bit rough but the dual counterweights help limit vibrations. The 790’s engine rumbles exactly as specified and pleases the ears with its jaunty exhaust-spewing noise during engine braking during deceleration.
Also lively is the chassis, handlebars with the agility of a bike much lighter than the 406 lb curb weight that KTM claims. It’s ready to charge with just a light push on the handlebars and reacts precisely. For context, recall that Chris Fillmore won the Middleweight class at the 2018 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb on a 790 Duke, finishing just 4 seconds behind the two Open class riders for third place overall.
Read all our KTM reviews here.
When building a bike that sells for under $10k, there needs to be some cost-cutting measures. Instead of Brembo monoblock brakes, the 790 Duke uses a pair of J.Juan two-piece brake calipers biting into the 300mm rotor. However, the calipers are radially mounted and apply force through a radial pump master cylinder, resulting in excellent response with excess power, even if they don’t have the stellar level of sophistication of a Stylemas set.
The 790’s suspension is a similar compromise on cost and performance. Manufactured by KTM subsidiary WP, it uses a 43mm upside-down fork with no adjustability, and the rear shock is only adjustable for rear preload. Both have progressive springs to withstand a variety of loads. They provided a smooth yet controlled ride under my light weight (150 lb), with plenty of front-rear loading still available.
EQUIPMENT
The engine is surprisingly strong for a pedestrian version of the KTM’s parallel twin, a companion willing to ride around town or loose on canyon roads. Its only weakness is an almost imperceptible surge with small throttle gaps at lower revs, which seems a bit unrefined for a premium side-by-side bike.
The 790 Duke’s slipper/assist clutch pulls easily and operates seamlessly, but the least polished aspect of the engine is the transmission, which feels imprecise compared to many transmissions. excellent available on the market. It’s not bad or troublesome, but it’s not always smooth.
Similarly, Duke’s quick-shift system does not operate as smoothly as other modern quick-shift systems like the one equipped with the car. Triumph’s Street Triple 765 (itself a worthy rival to this Duke, with 120 horsepower and a starting price of $10,595), so I prefer the smoother shifting afforded by the manual application.
But these are the only things worth choosing with the 790 Duke, otherwise it ticks all the boxes. It’s fun and friendly when setting off to run errands, relatively comfortable on the highway, and almost breathtaking when tackling twisting canyon roads.
Sure, I’d prefer sharper brakes and a fully adjustable suspension, but what we have here are leaps and bounds above adequate. It’s a highly functional combination of light weight and performance at a modest price.
Related: KTM 200 Duke, 390 Duke, 890 Duke and 1290 Super Duke R | Comparative review
One of my all-time favorite bikes is Suzuki’s SV650 (and I’m glad the SV is still in Suzuki’s current lineup 25 years later), but the KTM 790 Duke feels like a faster SV , more edgy, with an unmatched combination of usability, fun. and has European flavor value.
See more new bicycles at HorsemanMotorcycle buyers guide in 2024.
Technical specifications of KTM 790 Duke 2024
- Base price: $9,499
- Price tested: $10,318
- Guarantee: 2 years, 24,000 miles
- Website: KTM.com
ENGINE
- Type:Liquid cooled, horizontal parallel twin, DOHC w/ 4 valves per cylinder.
- Teleportation:799cc
- Bore x Stroke:88.0 x 65.7mm
- Horsepower: 105 horsepower @ 8,500 rpm (factory claim)
- Torque:64 lb-ft @ 8,000 rpm (factory claim)
- Compression ratio:12.7:1
- Fuel supply: EFI w/ throttle-by-wire, 46mm throttle body
- Transmission process: 6-speed wet clutch, cable actuated
- Final drive: Chain
CHASSIS
- Frame:Chrome-plated tubular steel trellis frame & aluminum subframe, aluminum swingarm
- Wheelbase: 58.1 inches.
- Rake/Trail:24.0 degrees/3.9 inches.
- Seat height: 32.5 inches.
- Suspension, front:WP Apex 43mm upside-down fork, non-adjustable, 5.5 inches of travel
- Back:WP Apex shock, adjustable. spring preload, 5.9 inches of travel
- Brakes, front:Twin 300mm discs with 4-piston radial brake calipers and cornering ABS
- Back: Single 240mm disc with 1-piston brake caliper and ABS when cornering
- Tires (F/R):120/70-17, 180/55-17 Maxxis Supermaxx ST
- Wet Weight:406 lbs
- Fuel capacity: 3.7 gallons.
