The KTM 790 Duke gets 4 riding modes which are Rain, Street, Sport & Track.
After much anticipation and the tiring delay, KTM has finally launched the new Duke 790 in India at an ex-showroom price of Rs. 8,63,945/-.
Code-named the ‘Scalpel’, the new Duke 790 was first displayed at the 2018 EICMA in Milan. The bike looks spectacular from every angle. It takes its cues from its elder sibling, the KTM 1290 Super Duke R. It gets a gorgeous LED headlamp unit with daytime running LEDs. There are sharp cuts and creases thrown across its body, staying true to the original concept. It also gets a TFT infotainment system that is similar to the one on the Duke 390.
It is the first time that KTM is launching a motorcycle with displacement higher than 373cc in India, officially.
The Duke 790 boasts of a 799cc, LC8c twin-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that churns out 105 PS at 9000 RPM and 87 Nm of torque at 8000 RPM. Transmission duties are handled by a quickshifter+ system, which gets a cable-operated PASC slipper clutch and 6 gears.
The bike comes with a radially mounted 300 mm disc brake upfront and a 240 mm unit at the rear. It gets WP upside-down forks at the front, complemented by a WP mono-shock at the rear. The frame is a CrMo steel unit; using the engine as the stressed element, and is powder-coated. The bike has a tank capacity of 14 litres and has a dry weight of 169 kilos.
What’s exciting to know is that the bike comes with a host of software-based rider aid systems. It gets a traction control system with 4 modes: Sport, Street, Rain and a dedicated Track mode. The system, however, can be switched off. The track mode features a launch control function for quick starts, variable slip adjustment and increased throttle response.
The Duke 790 also gets MSR (Motor Slip Regulation). This ensures that there is no chance of accidentally locking up the rear wheel under downshifting and that you retain full traction, especially in low grip situations. Finally, the bike also gets a two-channel ABS system from Bosch. This includes a SuperMoto mode, meant for true enthusiasts and experienced riders, where one can lock up the rear wheel to push the bike side-ways.
The specs look quite promising and KTM is looking to target the middle-weight segment with their new offering. This segment is expected to grow considerably over the next few years, given the rising interest in performance-oriented, street bikes in the country.
The KTM Duke 790 competes with the MV Agusta Brutale 800, Ducati Monster 797, Triumph Street Triple, Kawasaki Z900 and the Suzuki GSX-S750.
KTM Duke 790 Price
– Launched at Rs. 8,63,945/- ex-showroom, India
– Motor slip regulation and power-assisted slipper clutch is offered as standard fitment
– Gets traction control and wheelie control along with cornering ABS
