When KTM developed its 799 cc parallel twin and launched it to the US market within the type of the 790 Duke, MD was there to check it. Like nearly each different journalist, MD was very excited by the efficiency, dealing with and character of this new middleweight twin bare bike. Certainly, the editor of bike.com instantly bought one for each commuting and monitor day use. I personally bought a 790 Journey, and modified it whereas publishing a number of articles describing the adjustments I made. I nonetheless personal that bike.
There have been loads of virtues within the authentic 790 Duke. The engine outperformed the whole lot within the middleweight class when it comes to horsepower and torque, and the supply of that energy was very pleasing. The metal body and swingarm, along with the inventory suspension, supplied glorious suggestions from the tires, giving the rider loads of confidence to push the bike arduous.
Regardless of being happy with the 2019 mannequin we examined, MD famous some shortcomings. The entrance brake, particularly, was a bit disappointing with respectable energy, however overly mushy preliminary chunk and really feel we described as “a bit spongy”. We preferred the non-adjustable fork, however bear in mind it being a bit harsh over small stutter bumps on the highway. We had been anxious to see if there have been any adjustments within the present mannequin that improved these options.
The 790 Duke disappeared from the US marketplace for a brief interval after the introduction of the 890 Duke and the 890 Duke R. The 790 Duke returned for the 2023 mannequin 12 months, and our take a look at unit was a 2024.
On the spec sheet, not a lot has modified from the unique 790 Duke. The bike continues to be 799cc with non-adjustable suspension (apart from rear spring preload). It does include a complicated IMU that permits for cornering traction management, as an example, and extra subtle ABS. It additionally has a inventory steering damper in place. All of those options had been on the unique mannequin.
With the IMU, even traction management is cornering delicate. A pleasant characteristic on this worth bracket.
Ergonomics are pretty customary for a “customary“ with an upright rider triangle and respectable legroom. The seat appears a bit extra comfy than we recall on the unique mannequin, however it’s troublesome to inform after so a few years.
What we will positively discern is a change within the entrance brake efficiency. With the identical 300 mm twin entrance discs squeezed by the identical four-piston radial mount calipers, there may be now much better preliminary chunk and really feel. We suspect KTM didn’t take kindly to the phrases “mushy“ and “spongy“ used to explain the unique 790 Duke entrance brake. We perceive the grasp cylinder is new, and we’re virtually sure that the brake pads are a brand new, extra aggressive compound. In any occasion, any points we had with the entrance brake within the preliminary mannequin are gone.
We additionally sensed a change within the entrance fork settings that improved compliance over small stutter bumps. Bravo.
With 5 years, or so, to dial in fueling and throttle response, it’s no shock that the returning 790 Duke allows you to open a closed throttle and persistently get easy, progressive energy. No jerkiness.
The bike comes inventory with three selectable trip modes, together with Rain, Avenue and Sport. Our take a look at unit had the non-compulsory Observe bundle with a separate Observe mode and a quickshifter.
The quickshifter labored properly in each instructions above second gear … seemingly higher than earlier KTM techniques on their parallel-twin fashions. The gear unfold supplied by the six-speed is properly matched to the engine traits, which supply good energy from as little as 3,000 rpm, a meaty mid-range and a stable pull up by way of redline. KTM claims greater than 100 horsepower on the crank, and it’s solely plausible when using the bike.
Dealing with recollects the unique 790 Duke, that’s, good stability coupled with a nimble, assured feeling within the corners. Having by no means sampled them earlier than, we had been pleasantly shocked by the Maxxis Supermaxx ST tires. Handing over with these was progressive and predictable, and so they supplied good suggestions and grip.
I actually loved testing the 790 Duke. I beloved the bike when it first arrived, as mirrored in my take a look at report for the 2019 mannequin. The few points we had with that bike appeared to be addressed by KTM. One different change is the worth. The brand new 790 Duke is definitely inexpensive.
The brand new 790 Duke carries an MSRP of $9,499, which is $1,000 cheaper than the 2019 mannequin. Maybe its nearest competitor is the Suzuki GSX-8S bare mannequin that retails for $9,209. We’ve not examined that Suzuki, but it surely has been properly obtained by the press. Notice that the KTM 790 Duke has extra horsepower, and options an IMU and a steering damper, each of that are lacking from the Suzuki.
Briefly, we expect the brand new KTM 790 Duke is a good worth. In case you are in search of a middleweight bare bike with a worth below $10,000, the brand new 790 Duke must be close to the highest of your listing.
Check out KTM’s web site for extra particulars and specs.
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