KTM 790 Duke

ENGINE & EXHAUST

At the dark core of the KTM 790 DUKE lurks a compact 799 cc parallel-twin powerplant, just waiting to tear up a mountain pass or a short circuit. Boasting exceptional efficiency with class-leading power and torque, this engine is a lightweight force to be reckoned with.

ENGINE - CLASS OF ITS OWN

Built for torque, this liquid cooled 8 valve, DOHC unit delivers peak torque at 8,000 rpm, almost immediately followed by a roaring horsepower finale. Meanwhile, an advanced ride-by-wire system guarantees great refinement as well as low fuel consumption and emission figures.

EXHAUST - THE PERFECT NOISE
A stainless-steel thing of beauty. The middle damper centralizes mass and allows for a relatively small muffler that plays a dramatic soundtrack. Hundreds of test bench runs and complex simulations ensured that this exhaust system contributes decisively to the tractable torque curve and excellent emission standards.

AIRFILTER - DEEP BREATH
The airbox sits snugly inside the subframe, with the air intake on the sides, allowing the bike to keep things cool while you gun it.

CHASSIS

A large dose of the KTM 790 DUKE’s agility comes from the deftness of its lightweight chassis. While it uses its compact parallel twin engine as a structural and dynamic pivot point for quick responsiveness – it is the tubular steel frame, innovative cast aluminum subframe and swing arm that conspire with performance-oriented wheels, brakes and WP suspension to unleash a ride unlike any DUKE before it.

FRAMEWORK - CORE STRENGTH

The incredible handling characteristics of the KTM 790 DUKE are founded on the dynamic, loadbearing design of the tubular chassis. Engineers had one goal in mind, and that was to keep the chassis as rigid and compact as possible for sharper turn-in and greater lean angles, allowing it to slice through the turns with extreme responsiveness.

WHEELS & SUSPENSION - POWER, MEET TARMAC

The KTM 790 DUKE is fitted with extremely lightweight, light-alloy wheels manufactured in a low-pressure die casting process. Not only do the lightweight wheels make the bike lighter overall, they also minimize the unsprung masses and moment of inertia, with a positive impact on the handling and ride dynamics.

SUSPENSION

The 43 mm open cartridge upside-down fork from WP Suspension provides you with a set-up that’s unseen in this segment. The fork uses split function technology, which means compression and rebound damping take place in separate fork legs, allowing for better tuning of the fork behavior. The fork springs are progressive, ensuring a smooth operation throughout the fork stroke; soft for the initial stroke and harder further down the stroke to prevent bottoming out.

BRAKES - PULLING OUT ALL THE STOPS

Maximum deceleration is ensured at the front wheel on the KTM 790 DUKE by the two radially mounted four-piston fixed calipers and two 300 mm discs. The spacing between hand brake lever and handlebar is adjustable so that the lever is within easy reach for every rider. The front brake receives effective support from the disc brake on the rear wheel, which features a single disc and a single piston floating caliper. All this stopping power is supported by KTM’s Cornering ABS.

ERGONOMICS & COMFORT

Designed to deliver confidence-inspiring control for a wide range of potential riders, the KTM 790 DUKE’s sleek body offers the ease-of-movement needed to effortlessly direct The Scalpel’s dynamic movements out on the ride, while still allowing fine adjustability for comfort – whatever your skill level.

HANDLEBAR - TAKE THE REINS

A tapered aluminum, 760 mm wide handlebar puts you in full control. It’s adjustable, with 4 positions on the triple clamp and can be rotated in three further positions for that perfect riding position.

FOOTPEGS - STAY PLANTED

Cast from aluminum, the foot pegs fitted to the KTM 790 DUKE cater to a comfortable riding position, while still creating maximum ground clearance allowing for impressive lean angles. Reverse (race) shifting is possible without any additional parts. Adjustable foot pegs are also available as a KTM PowerParts option for those who would like to go all out.

SEATS - TAKE YOUR SEAT

At 825 mm (32.5 in), both shorter and taller riders can enjoy the bike at full tilt, without losing sight of the daily usability. The seat cover is grippy but still allows the rider to move around the bike easily. It has been developed to work with textile and leather, in keeping with the wide range of riders and riding styles. The pillion seat cover uses the same material and combines sharp looks with passenger comfort. 805 mm (31.7 in) is possible with the lower KTM PowerParts seat.

BODYWORK & GRAPHICS

The hunkered-down aggressive stance of the KTM 790 DUKE is intimidating to all who cross its path. It clearly takes some of its design cues from the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R – most obvious being the unique headlight “face-mask”. Its distinctive sharp lines and compact 11/13 proportions are set off by signature KTM graphics, which leave no doubt as to its road-dominating intentions.

TFT DASHBOARD - INFORMATION STATION

A multicolor combination of relevant information, presented in an uncluttered way. As you rev the engine, the display bars change color, either spurring you on or warning you that the engine’s still cold. The display also automatically adapts its illumination to the ambient light and gets racy when “Track mode” is selected.

LED LIGHTS - LIGHTING THE WAY

Form and function are seamlessly integrated in the KTM 790 DUKE. Take the LED headlight for example, a highlight in this bike’s design. It combines optimal illumination of the near field with maximum light output. And the daytime running lights on both sides ensure that the motorcycle is perceived better and is more differentiated by other traffic users, thus offering massive safety benefits. The LED taillight is mounted on the license plate holder to make it easy to remove for trackday use or customization.

SOFTWARE & ELECTRONICS

The KTM 790 DUKE might carry some muscle and grit, but it also comes with some serious brainpower as standard. Delivery of the smile-inducing power is efficiently controlled by advanced electronics and next-generation rider aids. Even when you’re flirting with the limit, KTM’s combination of the most advanced software and electronics in the world of motorcycling allow you to easily select the level and degree of assistance needed to maximize your thrill factor out on any ride. All you have to do is focus on the road ahead – and hold on tight.

RIDER AIDS - ELECTRONIC MASTERCLASS

When you suddenly find the limit, it’s good to know you’ve got science on your side. The KTM 790 DUKE has been engineered to not only give you the best mechanical feedback, but also the best in electronic aids.