KTM has announced that its latest middleweight naked
motorcycle, the 2018 KTM 790 Duke has started arriving at KTM dealers in
Europe. In the UK market, the 2018 KTM 790 Duke costs GBP
8,499 (manufacturer’s base recommended retail price).
The Austrian bike maker
is also offering a range of specially developed KTM PowerParts and KTM
PowerWear. The brand has designed over 30 technical accessories specifically
for the KTM 790 Duke, allowing for better individualization. There are two suggested
pre-defined set-ups- Race and Style. Race setup combines components with the
focus on making the motorcycle even sharper. Style set-up enhances the bike’s
looks.
The 790 Duke made its global debut at the 2017 EICMA
show held in Milan, Italy. The motorcycle is available in two colours: Black
and Orange. The bike draws power from an all-new 799cc parallel twin motor
known as the LC8c. This DOHC engine with liquid cooling and fuel injection
pushes out 105 PS of power at 9,000 rpm; and 86 Nm of torque at 8,000 rpm. The
powerplant mates with a 6-speed transmission.
Rider aids include Quickshifter+; launch control;
three riding modes-Sport, Street and Rain; and an IMU (Inertial Measurement
Unit) with lean-sensitive traction control. There is also a customisable Track
mode; and a Supermoto mode for the ABS which disengages the rear wheel’s brake
only. There’s an optional KTM MY RIDE smartphone connectivity as well.
The 2018 KTM 790 Duke rides on adjustable 43 mm WP
Split Function front fork, and a gas-charged rear monoshock with adjustable
preload. Dual 300 mm front discs with radial callipers and a single 240 mm rear
disc handle the braking responsibility. The motorcycle locks horns with the
Triumph Street Triple RS and the Kawasaki Z900.
