Leaving the 790 Duke just as a boasted design study was apparently not KTM’s intentions. In fact, the prototype showed how good the next naked biggy’s evolutionary design will be maximum handling fun and bodywork stripped to bare minimum.

KTM showcased the updated Duke range at the 2016 EICMA Show in Milan and along with it a savage prototype too. Its production version will come equipped with a new 800 cc parallel twin-cylinder engine that gets mounted on the steel frame chassis.


The 790 Duke naked concept previewed the forthcoming styling and purpose of the next generation middleweight category bikes powered by the new engine from KTM’s stable. The powertrain has been reported to feature technologies like custom rider modes and traction control. The compact LC8c parallel-twin unit is largely tipped to be shared with the upcoming Husqvarna bikes as well.

The production-spec 790 Duke is expected to be tuned for sharp handling with agility and going through corners at thrilling speeds. The final production body has been shaped already and it is sleek and edgy with a parted headlamp assembly.


The test riders’ seat position and the way he grabbed the handlebar showcase the stripped out design followed. According to the Austrian bike manufacturer, the 790 Duke will boast “unparalleled poise, telepathic levels of feedback and lightness that’s off the scale”. It fills the gap between 690 Duke and the flagship 1290 Duke and the production version is expected to debut next year before going up for sale in early parts of 2018.

No details of the engine have been revealed yet, but the new engine is likely to produce close to 85 PS. It will be manufactured at KTM’s Mattighofen facility in Austria initially. KTM could target the developed markets for the 790 Duke which will eventually spawn an Adventure version.

Source : MoreBikes