Motorcyclenews.com rode the pre-production prototype of the KTM 790 Duke, and according to the media site, the bike is equipped with advanced electronics like lean-sensitive traction control and cornering ABS.

The prototype KTM 790 Duke also features quickshifter, launch control, three riding modes-Sport, Street and Rain; and an IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit). The IMU measures the lean angle and controls the traction level accordingly. The prototype features a KTM 390 Duke-derived LED headlamp. The indicators and the tail light are LED as well. The exhaust is beneath the rear subframe, along the side, as opposed to the under-tail exhaust in the earlier prototype.


KTM says the compact 790 cc parallel twin engine produces over 100 bhp of power. The engine features a 270-degree crank for optimal refinement and power delivery. The redline stands at 9,500 rpm. Coming to the suspension bits, the motorcycle features WP inverted front fork and a rear monoshock. While the front fork doesn’t offer adjustability, the rear features preload adjustment. The front end comes with twin disc brake setup with radial callipers, and a single rear disc.

The TFT instrument cluster displays speed, revs, current riding mode, fuel level, temperature, coolant level. It also displays the time and trip reading. Other tell-tale lights flank the sides. The alloy wheels are shod with Maxxis tyres which the brand designed specifically for this motorcycle. The bike weighs 185 kg kerb.


The Austrian bike maker will launch the KTM 790 Duke in February 2018 in the European markets. It would rival with the new Triumph Street Triple range, Kawasaki Z900, and Yamaha MT-09 in the European market.