KTM has taken covers off the 2018 Duke 790 at the ongoing EICMA 2017 in Italy.
All the eyeballs at this year’s EICMA, also known as the Milan Motorcycle Show, were glued to KTM as the Austrian manufacturer showcased the production-spec KTM Duke 790 along with a prototype of its adventure version for the first time. Having made its debut as a prototype last year, the production-spec version of the Duke 790 sits on a chromium molybdenum-steel alloy truss frame with a bolt-on aluminium sub-frame.
Besides hinting at a likely India launch in 2019, KTM CSO Hubert Trukenpolz also disclosed that production may be eventually carried out at Bajaj’s Chakan facility in India.
Sitting beneath the frame as a stressed member is an all-new LC8c parallel-twin engine which thrusts out 105 PS of power at 9000 RPM and 86 Nm of torque at 8000 RPM. This 799cc DOHC motor comes mated to a 6-speed transmission and gets a quick shifter.
The production version is very close to the prototype in appearance and flaunts typical KTM styling bits in the trademark orange colour. Dry weight of just 169 kgs offers “The Scalpel” a healthy power-to-weight ratio of 0.61 BHP-per-kg.
Suspended via 43 mm USD front forks and a gas-charged rear monoshock unit, the Duke 790 features 300 mm dual-discs and 240 mm single disc at the front and rear respectively. Suspension setup is sourced from WP Suspension while the braking hardware comes from Brembo. The street-fighter is equipped with Bosch cornering ABS, traction control, WP steering damper and multiple riding modes including a programmable ‘Track’ mode.
Slated to go on sale in other markets from 2018, India will receive the Duke 790 later as a CKD unit to be assembled at Bajaj Auto’s Chakan plant. In our market, the two-cylinder Katoom will take the fight to the likes of Triumph Street Triple and Kawasaki Z900.
Along with the Duke 790, KTM also uncovered a prototype of the 790 ADVENTURE R which is an adventure motorcycle based on the Duke 790. Powered by the same 799cc LC8c motor, the 790 ADVENTURE R gets a larger 19-inch front wheel, twin fuel tanks, long travel suspension and off-road tyres to justify its adventure tag.
Braking hardware and electronic aids are shared with the Duke 790 and the motorcycle is expected to enter the production line two years from now. However, KTM is silent on the possibilities of its launch in India. In global markets though, it will lock horns with the likes of the Honda Africa Twin and Triumph Tiger 800 series.
Duke 790
– Unveiled at EICMA 2017 along with 790 ADVENTURE R prototype
– To be produced at Bajaj’s Chakan plant, India launch expected in 2019
– Duke 790 gets all-new 105 PS parallel-twin motor
– Gets cornering ABS, traction control, riding modes, LED headlight, LCD display and much more
Source – Overdrive.in