KTM 790 Duke: The KTM 790 Duke represents a pivotal moment in the Austrian manufacturer’s street bike lineup. Nicknamed “The Scalpel” for its precision handling and razor-sharp response, this middleweight naked bike carved a unique position in the market between 2018 and 2020 before evolving into the 890 Duke.
With its distinctive twin-cylinder engine, aggressive styling, and sophisticated electronics package, the 790 Duke exemplified KTM’s “Ready to Race” philosophy in a street-focused package that remained accessible to a wide range of riders.
KTM 790 Duke Technical Specifications and Engineering
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 799cc LC8c parallel-twin |
| Power | 105 hp (78.5 kW) at 9,000 rpm |
| Torque | 87 Nm (64 lb-ft) at 8,000 rpm |
| Weight | 169 kg (373 lbs) dry |
| Frame | Steel tubular trellis |
| Suspension | WP 43mm USD fork (front), WP monoshock (rear) |
| Brakes | Dual 300mm discs w/ 4-piston calipers (front), Single 240mm disc (rear) |
| Wheelbase | 1,475 mm (58.1 inches) |
| Seat Height | 825 mm (32.5 inches) |
| Fuel Capacity | 14 liters (3.7 gallons) |
The 790 Duke’s beating heart is its 799cc LC8c (Liquid-Cooled 8-valve compact) parallel-twin engine, developed specifically for this model.
This compact powerplant features a 270-degree firing order that delivers a distinctive exhaust note reminiscent of a V-twin, while the counterbalancer helps mitigate vibrations without completely eliminating the character-defining feedback riders expect from a KTM.
Engineers positioned the engine as a stressed member of the chassis, contributing to the bike’s remarkably lightweight design.
The tubular steel trellis frame wraps tightly around the engine, creating a package that’s both visually striking and functionally compact. This configuration allowed KTM to achieve the 790 Duke’s impressively low dry weight of just 169 kg (373 lbs), making it one of the lightest motorcycles in its class.
Riding Experience
The 790 Duke’s handling characteristics deserve special attention. The combination of its lightweight chassis, steep 24-degree steering head angle, and relatively short 1,475mm wheelbase creates a motorcycle that responds instantly to rider inputs.
The nickname “Scalpel” proves entirely appropriate when navigating tight canyon roads or technical track sections, where the bike changes direction with minimal effort.
Despite its aggressive geometry, the 790 Duke maintains impressive stability at speed. KTM achieved this balance through careful mass centralization and chassis tuning.
The WP suspension components, while not fully adjustable on the standard model, provide a well-engineered compromise between sporty handling and reasonable comfort for street riding.
The engine’s power delivery character merits particular praise. While the 105 horsepower peak output doesn’t break records in the class, the way this power is delivered makes the 790 Duke feel more potent than numbers suggest.
The torque curve is exceptionally flat, providing strong acceleration from 3,000 rpm all the way to redline. This broad powerband makes the bike both accessible to less experienced riders and rewarding for veterans who appreciate its predictable, linear response.
Electronics and Technology
What truly distinguished the 790 Duke from competitors was its sophisticated electronics package, unprecedented at this price point when introduced:
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Ride-by-wire throttle with multiple riding modes (Sport, Street, Rain)
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Cornering ABS with Supermoto mode
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Adjustable traction control with lean-angle sensitivity
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Optional quickshifter for clutchless up and down shifts
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Full-color TFT display with intuitive interface
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Optional track mode with launch control and additional customization
The implementation of these features demonstrated KTM’s commitment to bringing premium technology to the middleweight segment.
The ride-by-wire system enables distinct throttle maps that noticeably alter the bike’s character between riding modes. In Rain mode, power is reduced and delivery is softened, while Sport mode provides immediate, direct response appropriate for aggressive riding.
The cornering ABS, powered by a 6-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), represented technology previously found only on flagship superbikes. This system allows for hard braking even while leaned over in corners, significantly enhancing safety without being intrusive during normal riding.
Design and Ergonomics
KTM’s distinctive design language reaches full expression in the 790 Duke.
The sharp, angular bodywork, minimal fairings, and exposed trellis frame create an aggressive, purpose-driven appearance that communicates the bike’s sporting intentions. The split LED headlight, a signature element across KTM’s street range, gives the 790 Duke an unmistakable face that’s recognizable day or night.
Ergonomically, the bike strikes a balance between committed and comfortable.
The riding position is sporty without being extreme – the footpegs are reasonably high but not uncomfortably so, while the handlebar position places the rider in a slight forward lean that enables both control during aggressive riding and reasonable comfort during longer journeys.
The seat height of 825mm (32.5 inches) is average for the class, allowing most riders to get at least one foot firmly on the ground. However, the narrow midsection where seat meets tank makes the bike feel lower than dimensions suggest, enhancing confidence during low-speed maneuvers.
Market Position and Legacy
When introduced, the 790 Duke occupied a carefully considered position in the market. Priced below premium offerings like the Triumph Street Triple RS but above budget options, it delivered exceptional value through its combination of performance, technology, and build quality.
The model successfully bridged the gap between KTM’s smaller single-cylinder Duke models and the more powerful 1290 Super Duke R, creating a comprehensive lineup that could appeal to riders at various stages of their motorcycling journey.
Though replaced by the 890 Duke in later years, the 790 Duke established important foundations for KTM’s street bike development.
It proved the viability of the LC8c engine platform, demonstrated market demand for sophisticated electronics in middleweight motorcycles, and reinforced KTM’s reputation for producing lightweight, agile machines with distinct character.
Real-World Considerations
Owners report excellent reliability from the 790 Duke, though early production models did experience occasional fueling issues that were largely resolved through ECU updates. Maintenance intervals are reasonable, with major service including valve checks required at 15,000 km (9,300 miles).
Fuel economy typically ranges between 4.5-5.5 liters/100km (43-52 mpg), depending on riding style, giving the bike a practical range of approximately 250-300 km (155-186 miles) from its 14-liter tank.
Common owner modifications include:
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Aftermarket exhaust systems to reduce weight and enhance sound
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Suspension upgrades, particularly for heavier riders or track use
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Comfort-enhancing accessories like windscreens and seat options
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Protection components including frame sliders and radiator guards
KTM 790 Duke Conclusion
The KTM 790 Duke represented a significant achievement in motorcycle engineering, delivering an exceptional balance of performance, technology, and value.
Its lightweight chassis, characterful engine, and advanced electronics created a package that could satisfy experienced riders while remaining accessible to those moving up from smaller machines.
Though its production run was relatively short before evolution into the 890 Duke, “The Scalpel” made a lasting impression on the middleweight naked bike segment, raising expectations for what riders could demand in this category.
Its influence continues to be felt not only in KTM’s lineup but across the industry, where competitors have responded with increasingly sophisticated offerings.
For riders seeking a motorcycle that combines everyday usability with genuine sporting capability and distinctive character, the 790 Duke remains a compelling choice on the used market – a testament to the enduring appeal of its fundamental design philosophy.